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Yet another diagnosis

utopiaSenior Contributor

Yet another diagnosis

Aaarrrggghhh!!!!
Just got my latest Psych Assessment from WorkCover. Their latest report, from yet another Psychiatrist, states that he believes I have Bipolar II Disorder. He believes I had a 'manic' episode years ago. And that the depression that 'reoccurs' is due to this Bipolar.
He has recommended that I go on mood stabilisers.
What The!!!
He saw me for an hour. During which we discussed my workplace injury, my treatment since then, my recovery, and my family life and childhood.
Why then, has he come up with another diagnosis? None of the other Workcover Psychiatrists I have seen over the past 2 & 1/2 years have ever mentioned Bipolar.
My own private Psychiatrist has never mentioned it. Nor my treating GP or psychologist.
I was so happy that I was finally getting a semblance of life back. That my PTSD was treated successfully. That I'd only had two panic attacks in 2016. That my depression was gone. My anxiety was minor and I was coping. And that I'd found a temporary job.
Then, last week, my depression has started to suck me towards the vortex. I'm struggling and have so much negative self talk going on in my head.
I fear that I'm always going to have these relapses. And that all the effort that I have put in - won't prevent me getting sick again.
And now. Some stranger says that I'm Bipolar!!!
Why?
I'm feeling sorry for myself. The 'why me' - that I normally manage to avoid saying.
I just want to never be sick again. I just want to have 'normal' moods. I don't want to have to keep struggling.
It's not bloody fair!!!

9 replies

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In response to: Yet another diagnosis

AppleblossomSenior Contributor

Re: Yet another diagnosis

Ooohh @utopia that is frustraing and horrible.

Experts can come up with many diagnoses.

He is not completely "objective" as he is employed by a body that wants to reduce liability. I know you know that, but its hard not to let it get you down. Just keep taking your next best step and trust in all you have to offer.

Yet it might have real consequences. I hope it works out for you.

In response to: Yet another diagnosis

Phoenix_RisingSenior Contributor

Re: Yet another diagnosis

@utopia That totally sucks. It makes me so angry when mental health professionals throw around diagnoses after a single session. The reality is, you could see 10 different mental health professionals and get 10 different diagnoses. I hope your regular treatment team will be able to provide you with support around this. They certainly know you better than someone that has spent an hour with you!

In response to: Re: Yet another diagnosis

Unknown userMember

Re: Yet another diagnosis

that does sound frustrating. I think i remember you saying that your psychologist has said tht they dont think you are bipolar? Trust in the person who you think knows the whole you better i think. I've had to do the same, Have had several psych assessments/reports done and depending on who's using them they get spun in all sorts of directions.

Alsso wondering if you can challenge the report and get it done again by someone different if it's likely to affect things badly for you?

Hugs, here with you

lj

In response to: Yet another diagnosis

utopiaSenior Contributor

Re: Yet another diagnosis

WorkCover will send me for another Psych review in 3 to 4 months - with a different Psychiatrist - as they always do.
My psychologist suggested I get in touch with my Psychiatrist - who I haven't seen for months and months - & forward him a copy of this review and see what he thinks about going on Mood Stabalizer. Which is what the report recommends.
I'll think about it another day.

In response to: Yet another diagnosis

Unknown userMember

Re: Yet another diagnosis

Hi @utopia. I'm so sorry. It was kind of one of your worst fears from that assessment. But it doesn't define you and I think @Former-Member is right in I'm wondering if you can challenge it. I also think it's about reducing their liability as well. It looks much better on your ex employers record that you have Bipolar rather than PTSD from the workplace.
Please take care of you first. You know you can get past it. You've done it before and been an inspiration on here for us. I know you can get past this and feel well again. Sending hugs 💜🤗

In response to: Yet another diagnosis

BlueBaySenior Contributor

Re: Yet another diagnosis

Hi @utopia
That sucks big time. Like the others have said can u challenge the outcome. I'm sorry you are feeling so down filled with negative thoughts and words in your head.
Wish I could take it all away from you @utopia. You deserve better. You will get through this I know you can do it.
Take it easy tonight my friend. Thinking of you. Xxxooo

In response to: Yet another diagnosis

oceangirlSenior Contributor

Re: Yet another diagnosis

@utopia ☺
I don't think that specialist knows you you too well and plus they try to put people in a box even if he/she was your normal psych.

It makes me angry too because noone can make a diagnosis in one hour. It really does shits me and many people here too.

Do what you can to challenge this and see if you can get an independent report perhaps from the clinic you where admitted to last year.

I'm just in visiting my mum atm. I have to leave soon
What are you doing?

In response to: Yet another diagnosis

oceangirlSenior Contributor

Re: Yet another diagnosis

Thinking of you @utopia ❤💙💚💛💜

In response to: Re: Yet another diagnosis

MazaritaSenior Contributor

Re: Yet another diagnosis

Hi @utopia, thinking of you here too.

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