conversion disorder

Hi max1,

Welcome to the forums! Off the top of my head I can't recall if members have mentioned that they have conversion disorder. @NikNik , have you come across any?

It sounds like it can be pretty isolating experience not having many people to relate to. I know that you mentioned that even psychs find it hard. Have you asked if they know any support groups? One option could be to get in contact with GROW, they run support groups for people affected by MH and may be able to point in you in the right direction.

Another thing to consider is that although some people may not be going through exactly the same illness as you, there are many people who can relate to feeling unwell, and many members on this forum who are willing to listen, learn and empathise with your experiences.

@Alessandra1992 @kristin @kato @Loopy @kenny66 @PeppiPatty @BatGuano as consumers, can you offer any advice to our new member max1?

CB

Hi Max

I don't know anyone with conversion disorder although it was mentioned at a MH rehabilitation clinic I was attending as one of the group of lesser known disorders.

There are specialist websites that discuss this disorder in detail and one, particularly, that has quite a number of people diagnosed with it discussing their experiences.

You have probably accessed these sites already.

From what I understand, conversion disorder is difficult to diagnose and treat.

It took a long time for me to be diagnosed and treated but once I got on to a good regime of medication and psychotherapy, and I understood my MI things improved dramatically. Talking with others about how I was effected was also critical.

However I think that there are other MH disorders that would have similar challenges day to day and some of the strategies to deal with these might be useful for you to discuss here with others.

Were you diagnosed just recently?

Kenny

Hi Max1

Living in a regional area is a big issue for medical services. I live out of town with a 50km round trip just to see my psych, which I have to take by bus because I cant drive.

I think regional areas suffer from a severe lack of medical expertise generally. Locally its pretty terrible, especially the GPs. I found one good psych who is very switched on but there is very little choice.

I usually cart myself off to the public hospital first up which I like a lot. The visiting specialists I have found pretty good, and at least you are is a safe place. After a couple of visits they know your symptoms and treatment regime.

I am not sure if you are close to a PH but that's where I would go if you are feeling low. Otherwise there are a number of on line support services like lifeline which I have used when stranded without help.

It looks like there is a lot of ignorance about your disorder. Likewise up here I don't think anyone has even heard of Schizoaffective, so I take a print out with me on it along with a list of medications to give to the GP, the hospital and the chemist.

You might think about having a descriptive document about your disorder with you to give to any medico or the hospital who may not know about it, what medications you are on and your symptoms.

I don't think people who love you think that any of us is a burden. There are challenges, but everyone has challenges MI or not.

I made friends locally with some fine understanding people, mostly MI themselves but they can be uplifting to speak to. This can be very helpful.

Do you have any mental health organisation/s in your town? There are a couple of organisations, like the mens shed for guys, who help deal with depression arising from a mental illness in an enclosed environment.

If you are completely isolated I would access on line support and engage with this forum which at least can give you an avenue to be listened to and be supported. This is what works for me.

Do you have a referring GP or specialist you like and trust? If so he should be able to get on to the hospital on your behalf to ensure you are treated appropriatly next time if you present at E and A.

Also I found after a couple of visits to the E and A at the public hospital, they had all my details on their data base with my disorder symptoms and medications.

Kenny

max1, cannot help you with your question, but if you vist the mayo clinic site it is very informative. I have downloaded a bit about it and it is a terribe affliction and my sympathy goes out to you, I actually feel helpless. I had never heard of it.

Kind regards

loopy.