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Mixed feelings-might be getting another diagnosis (ED)

creative_writerSenior Contributor12 Sept 2025, 4:22 pm AEST

Mixed feelings-might be getting another diagnosis (ED)

I have multiple mental illnesses including Bipolar 2, cptsd, OCD, social anxiety. I’m also neurodivergent, ADHD and ASD. I already have tons of labels and a lot going on. I’m getting assessed for an ED on Monday during my psych appointment, I reckon I meet criteria so I am anticipating another diagnosis. I know it explains my how I’ve been feeling but it’s another label, I hate feeling so broken and feeling like I’m complicated. I know my disordered eating habits are adversely affecting my mental and physical health, I’ve just been in denial for so long and would also get defensive when people commented on my eating habits or asked about them.

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In response to: Mixed feelings-might be getting another diagnosis (ED)

creative_writerSenior Contributor08 Feb 2026, 7:00 pm AEDT

Re: Mixed feelings-might be getting another diagnosis (ED)

@AlwaysMyself chronic pain is rough. It’s so common among those of us with MH. Physical pain makes MH worse and vice versa. It feels like an endless cycle.

Tomorrow is meant to be better. It’s a relief because I’m going to be out tomorrow.

What are you painting?

In response to: Re: Mixed feelings-might be getting another diagnosis (ED)

AlwaysMyselfSenior Contributor08 Feb 2026, 7:42 pm AEDT

Re: Mixed feelings-might be getting another diagnosis (ED)

Currently, a paint-by-numbers of a deer whose antlers morph into a tree branches. @creative_writer

In response to: Re: Mixed feelings-might be getting another diagnosis (ED)

creative_writerSenior Contributor08 Feb 2026, 8:27 pm AEDT

Re: Mixed feelings-might be getting another diagnosis (ED)

@AlwaysMyself I hope it turns out amazing. Painting can be so soothing.

I’m restless tonight. Maybe it’s the physical pain, my stomach has been acting up. Migraine is relatively mild right now, still have a bit of a heavy head. Changes in sleep and heat can affect my migraines. Once I’m settled in new sleep patterns it’ll hopefully get easier. I need to get used to waking up earlier if I’m going to study. You can’t always avoid morning classes. I’m also more productive in the mornings.

Maybe I’ve just had a lot going on too with MH. But I feel like everyday stresses feel more stressful. Change is stressful. I thought better to study than be unemployed. I graduated from social work in 2024 and remained employed last year. Can’t say I was ready for work because I had a lot going on with my MH. Working in the field full time would have been a challenge. Graduate jobs tend to be 5 days a week 9-5. There aren’t many part time options. I would’ve probably burnt out if I did get accepted for a job. My health became my priority. My MH also affected my ability to write job applications and the competition for grad jobs is insane. I went as far as reaching out to uni for support, I was advised to subscribe to job websites. I think the timing wasn’t right for me and I accepted that. I’m not bitter about being unemployed, I needed a break.

In response to: Re: Mixed feelings-might be getting another diagnosis (ED)

AlwaysMyselfSenior Contributor08 Feb 2026, 9:32 pm AEDT

Re: Mixed feelings-might be getting another diagnosis (ED)

*insert support button* @creative_writer

There are so many avenues to getting a foot into the industry after studying; graduate programs are just one avenue. 😊 there will be many other paths and opportunities - and as you say, hopefully ones that are not fulltime which may be too much to take on.

Is there a specific type/focus of social work you're most passionate about?

(E.g. youth, adults, geriatrics, child protections, MH, etc etc)

In response to: Re: Mixed feelings-might be getting another diagnosis (ED)

creative_writerSenior Contributor08 Feb 2026, 9:51 pm AEDT

Re: Mixed feelings-might be getting another diagnosis (ED)

@AlwaysMyself my support button has been moody lately too. Sometimes it works and other times it throws a tantrum 😂.

I want to go into MH, that’s why I was looking into getting some MH based study done in the meantime.

It is true grad programs are one avenue. I do feel like most jobs look for full time, but there are part time options. I once came across someone in my field who offered to help me find work but it was in the criminal justice system. I didn’t go ahead with it because I didn’t feel like the area of practice was suitable for me. I’ve had to draw lines to protect my own MH.

In response to: Re: Mixed feelings-might be getting another diagnosis (ED)

AlwaysMyselfSenior Contributor08 Feb 2026, 10:16 pm AEDT

Re: Mixed feelings-might be getting another diagnosis (ED)

Its very good to know what is the right type of work and what might be too much or triggering with MH work. 😊 you are wise @creative_writer .

I have volunteered with a youth mentoring program in schools for the past few years (not specifically MH, but adjacent - because it focuses on supporting youth who are either known to be or more likely to be at risk of MH, education or social disadvantage). Through that i've also talked to some of the school's social workers. They seem to love their jobs, even though it can be challenging sometimes because of the limited resources and can only do so much if the youth dont want to involve their parents for accessing supports. The students are really fond of them too, and i see each year with new students how much the support of the SW's mean to them. Sometimes they dont have supportive family to talk to about things, and its their own safe person.

In response to: Re: Mixed feelings-might be getting another diagnosis (ED)

creative_writerSenior Contributor09 Feb 2026, 8:35 pm AEDT

Re: Mixed feelings-might be getting another diagnosis (ED)

@AlwaysMyself we once had a forensic client come in when I was on placement. He shouldn’t have been in the service. Neither my supervisor nor I felt safe. He had a history of perpetuating physical and sexually assault. When he put his hand forward for a handshake. I did not shake it. He was too triggering for me. I can’t work with perpetrators, I have too much trauma. My supervisor could tell I shut down. I feel like he also triggered her childhood trauma. My supervisor knew I had my own MH and was ND. She had a lot of experience in MH, her partner was also ND. It was good she didn’t ask too many questions. I preferred separating my private life from work life. I know you can’t always separate them, and I have a long way to go on self regulation.

I’ve become okay with drawing boundaries. I can use my skills in other settings. I’m more drawn to MH. I’m open to working with people across the lifespan, but I do have interest in youth, CALD communities and ND folks.

In response to: Re: Mixed feelings-might be getting another diagnosis (ED)

creative_writerSenior Contributor10 Feb 2026, 6:17 pm AEDT

Re: Mixed feelings-might be getting another diagnosis (ED)

@AlwaysMyself I managed to talk to my psych about the bad SH episode I had weeks back. I have updated my safety plan since and the urges haven’t been as strong so I can resist. My pdoc didn’t tell her about it. The main thing is I’m safe now. I’m trying to manage emotions other ways instead of SHing. I don’t need to SH in order to resist SI.

I hope you’re doing okay💖

In response to: Mixed feelings-might be getting another diagnosis (ED)

JynxModerator10 Feb 2026, 7:55 pm AEDT

Re: Mixed feelings-might be getting another diagnosis (ED)

@creative_writer

@creative_writer wrote:
@Jynx I’m not closing the option of CASA at this moment in time, options are open. I’m just exploring all the possible options. Im just giving myself time, rushing stresses me out.

Maybe I’m already super stressed. The idea of further studies has left me feeling overwhelmed on top of everything else I’ve been coping with. I think having nothing to do is not helping my situation, but the idea of having something to do is stressing me out. I don’t know, it’s so weird. I don’t think it would hurt to get more mental health based study in.

I did update my safety plan recently, it has my early warning signs. Might be worth emailing that across, I could email it across to my current psych too. I updated the plan after my last psych appointment, I see her again on Tuesday.

I need to forgive myself for not being able to handle my meltdowns today. I’ve been on edge.

I hope today has been kind towards you 💖

That whole 'doing nothing and doing something both being stressful' is such a difficult place to be, I'm sorry to hear it hun. Have you been able to explore this with your supports?

Glad to hear you've updated your safety plan! Definitely always worth emailing it to your team.

Hope you've been able to give yourself some grace with the meltdowns. I think sometimes it can be a way of releasing a lot of pent up stress hey.

Glad you've been able to chat to your psych about the SH stuff too, it's good to know you are building up those coping strats 😊💜

Hope your evening is unfolding okay!

In response to: Re: Mixed feelings-might be getting another diagnosis (ED)

creative_writerSenior Contributor10 Feb 2026, 8:25 pm AEDT

Re: Mixed feelings-might be getting another diagnosis (ED)

@Jynx yes I spoke to my psych about the course option. I need to pace myself and work along my body clock.

I was thinking of emailing my safety plan across. I updated it with one of the peer support workers at SANE. I already had a safety plan from before, but I made some tweaks. I have the app version and can easily update whenever I feel the need. It also more easily accessible now, I don’t need to shift through emails.

It’s pretty normal for people to mistake ND meltdowns as tantrums. I completely lose control and find it hard to contain myself.

It’s been a bit easier lately. The low mood is still present and I still get lots of intrusive thoughts. The thoughts are more around trauma than SI. It is uncomfortable, but I can’t always escape from my body.

I did find a psych who might be a good fit, it’s about just getting that extra information to see if she is a good personality fit. She does EDs, complex trauma and is Neuro-affirming.

I hope you’ve had a kind day 💖

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