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KurojiCasual Contributor
Does anyone also feel like doubting themselves if they have mental illnesses? I've had psychologist telling me I have depression and ptsd, but I'm still trialing antidepressants after a year and taking sleep meds for ptsd. After all, I still doubt if I even have mental illness despite the symptoms.
In response to: Still doubting do I have mental illnesses
JynxModerator
OMG @Kuroji all the time!! I think 'imposter syndrome' is suuuper common when it comes to mental health stuff. Even after getting one of my diagnoses (ADHD) and finding the medication helpful, it still took me about a year or so to fully accept it!!
Our brains take time to process info, and when it also means having to come to acceptance with the fact that we are unwell/struggling/have some kind of disorder, it can be extra heavy.
It's okay to take your time and definitely good to come chat to others who can share in your experience!! I have also found it super helpful to talk to others with the same diagnosis as me (or read forums and reddit threads lol) to see if our experiences are similar!
In response to: Still doubting do I have mental illnesses
AlwaysMyselfSenior Contributor
@Kuroji is it OK for me to ask why you doubt it 'despite the symptoms'?
Im wondering (just spitballing ideas - could be 100% not in your case - and that is totally fine to say!) if part of the 'doubting' could be a difficulty coming to terms / accepting "having a mental illness" because of underlying beliefs or stereotypes about what "mental illness" is and means about a person?
If that resonates at all, happy to explore that further with you if that helps.
It took me a LONG time to be OK to let others know I had severe depression. I hid it so well (and often still do), but I chose to let people know when it would help me relate to their experiences and know they're not alone. Now I can even tell close friends because they care and want to support me - and amazingly my friends dont see me as any different a person other than "wow, I had no idea that is what you live with coping with, you are amazing for being able to still function as you do - how can I help?"
In response to: Still doubting do I have mental illnesses
Lapis_AnteaterPeer Guide
Hey @Kuroji
Definitely. I find it really hard to remember that I have mental illness especially when everything is going well. It’s a lot easier to believe when things have fallen apart. I think it helps to remember that my psychiatrist is a professional and she has come to her conclusion after evaluating all the evidence. I trust her decision making and know she wouldn’t diagnose me with something for no reason. Still not an easy thing to accept.
In response to: Still doubting do I have mental illnesses
Dk5Senior Contributor
@Kuroji i was diagnosed with a condition in 2018. The first year it's unknown how my condition was managed. My treatimg team are now telling me to take medication. I have been medicated since that date. My family think I don't suffer from this condition its difficult
In response to: Re: Still doubting do I have mental illnesses
Dk5Senior Contributor
In response to: Re: Still doubting do I have mental illnesses
JynxModerator
Thanks @Dk5!! PS I edited your post just to fix the tag so that @Kuroji would be notified.
@AlwaysMyself I think you also raise a really good point. When I told my mum about my mental health stuff she was super resistant/a bit upset, and said "I don't like thinking of my baby having a condition!"
Took some time to gently explain to her that nothing about me was different, I just had more understanding of myself and a pathway for treatment. To get to THAT point where I could explain things to her, I had to take time to come to terms with it for myself. Internalised stigma is very real, and also no one's fault.
Funnily enough, as my internalised stigma melted away, my capacity for wonderful connections grew, because I was no longer 'scared off' if someone disclosed to me that they have a mental health diagnosis.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
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