Ask Anything Monday!

I agree my @PeppiPatty

All that I can do is to endorse what "500bluebirds" has already written. Namely, document everything about one's condition wherever possible; do one's own research (not to be a disagreeable horse-trader, but more to avoid being a doormat); and ask questions.

A competent, decent health care professional is most unlikely to object to being asked questions. A professional who objects to being asked questions per se is probably not competent and decent. It's worth recalling that ultimately psychiatrists etc are humans, not gods, and with a full complement of truly human flaws, like everybody else.

Hi there ..

Overwhelmed with the incredible responses for my question - Q1. ALL of the advice has been helpful.

Thanks @Drac0 .. The only difference with the second Psychiatrist was reporting that the anti depressants were making me feel worse, not better. So then he asked very different questions. But yes, perhaps I also wasnt presenting in the same way with the first Dr.

Hi @Happy_Valley

Thanks for opening up about this. The question is posted anonymously so it's good to hear our replies are being helpful. I'm glad you didn't suffer as long as me before getting a new diagnosis, if it's a correct one.

I'm Bipolar I so guess it was much easier for myself and others to see (on the rare occasions I let them) that my highs were way too high. But living alone I was able to mask it quiet well. There was no-one to see the 3 or 4 days of no sleep with everything going at 1000 miles an hour. The number of problems with the world I solved in those times.... *SIGH*

While I finally got the diagnosis I knew I needed I also got a few surprises too. Anxiety (ok, expected that one), SAD, PTSD & OCD. Getting all the right information to the right person made a HUGE difference. The OCD call was the big shocker, I never dreamed I was doing anything that would suggest that! I guess that it shows that things can be hard to judge when you're on the inside of it, like you thinking your highs were 'normal'.

It's a little sad that your plans that seemed so close have been put on hold while things change. But if the new diagnosis is correct it could well be worth the delay. I hope it goes well & you continue to visit & let us know how you're travelling.

Take care & stay safe.

HI @drac0 interesting to hear of your full diagnosis

Yes I planned to remain completely anonymous but the advice here was just too invaluable not to comment, I dont have anyone to really discuss this with

Absolutely...if its the correct diagnosis any delay is worthwhile 🙂

Thanks again

Hello again @Happy_Valley

I for one are glad you have joined in the conversation. It's great to hear how things affect those we are discussing. Hopefully you will hang around and get involved in other conversations.

Terrible to hear you feel you don't really have anyone to discuss this all with, but sadly a lot of people have the same problem. While it may not be the best place for it, these forums are a great place to discuss things that you feel you don't have an outlet for.

Hang around, ask questions, give & receive ideas or thoughts. Even if you just want to get something off your chest. The community here is great.

Take care, stay safe, be vocal.