Does Therapy make depression worse for anyone else?

[RdubaU]

As my Peyronies Disease has become progressively worse over the past 4 months, each day has been worse then the last. The obsessive thoughts are all-consuming and I don't really remember what feeling happy is like. What I'm really upset with currently is that speaking with my therapist (who in most sessions is fantastic) makes me more depressed than anything else. listening to someone try to combat the Peyronies-caused-depression by challenging me to focus on reasons to live despite not having a functional cock only highlights how bleak a dickless life is. Having someone challenge my Peyronies-caused-anxiety by suggesting that it may not turn out so bad makes me angry because it comes from a place that is ignorant of the research that points to Peyronies Disease being in nearly all cases; progressive, incurable, and untreatable.
also increasing my antidepressant dosage does nothing. this feels so deep, so primally f'~c<+d up, so beyond the tools of psychology and psychiatry. I am at a complete loss and I haven't even completely lost the ability to have sex yet. I don't know how I can cope once this disease takes sex away from me permanently. How are you all coping? I don't think I'm strong enough. I don't know whether to be inspired or skeptical of the men on here who imply that they are happy with their lives. how do you do it?

[Mikel7]

First of all you stated 3 things that peyronies is progressive, incurable and untreatable. Yes it can be progressive for most men. Second there is no cure for it. Third you are incorrect on as there are several different treatments for it. You can use traction and VED therapy. A lot of men have had success with restored length/girth with these two forms of traction.

I understand as just about every man here does, that this disease wrecks us emotionally with the thougths of desperation and hopelessness. We think we will never have sex again and our penis is worthless. We define ourselves with our dicks so to speak. You are right now in a state of worrying and anxiety which all of us have experienced.  

Now you just need to get your game plan in order and realize that you will get through this. Stay with your therapist and educate yourself with traction and VED. You are still in the acute stage and this wont last forever. It does help if you develop some sort of plan now and stick with it. Educate yourself on the tools that are here in this forum and use them! You do need to be gentle now with any sexual activity as this can worsen things. Most importantly is to get a grip on your worrying and set your mind into thinking that this is a marathon and not a sprint. You will not get through this in a month or so - it takes time and dedication.

[MunichPatient]

Hi RdubaU,

my therapist (BT) did diagnose and then treat my obsessive anxiety like OCD with Exposure Prevention Therapy.

Instead of focusing on the positive outcome I have to Imagine the worst case scenario like a mind cinema and work through the difficult emotions. This then makes the emotional pain stronger short term, but had a long term improvement for me.

Maybe you could ask your therapist what other techniques (like ERP) are available to help cope with your situation.

On the positive side: Dr Trost stated that Hourglass deformities often improve over time. In my case I can confirm this. So after ca. 3-4 years into the disease I am seeing some improvements in the shape. It is not reverted entirely, but left me with a OK look and length.

Kind regards
T

[RdubaU]

Thanks for sharing. And I actually saw some improvements in my size and hourglass (not the same but I can live with it) and with those improvements the specific peyronies rooted depression has vanished. I have felt happy. I go to therapy and it feels effective. I truly believe my life is worth living again

But, there is the fear of it returning. I never found anything that made me feel a moment of mental relief the entirety of my bad symptoms so your advice is much welcomed. I'll look into ERP if things get dark again