Diagnosis

Hi @Abby6_2025

Receiving a diagnosis can be a relief. To have answers for what you've experienced

Keep in mind that with the nature of psychiatry, until they can invent a blood test or similar-a diagnosis is only ever a working theory and subject to change. The next clinician might disagee. So don't attach yourself or your identity to the diagnosis

I did see your post on the other thread @Abby6_2025

How do you feel about your diagnosis?

It can be scary. It can be challenging but it can also be a relief to have an answer.

Now that you have the diagnosis they can start trying to medications to help with it and lessen the symptoms A really big bit is that it can take some time to find the right ones and the right combination. It’s been nearly 5 years for me and I think we still need a little juggle. But I do have other factors that have influenced my current episode.

Just keep trying to move forward. It’s really hard and really challenging but hopefully you will get there. It could be a rocky road in the meantime. I’m not trying to be negative, I’m trying to be realistic.

Hi @Captain24

I feel relieved now with a diagnosis it took 2 years as I was seeing public physciatrists and they jest kept putting it down to depression, and were not listening to me once again..

Then my family gp got me onto a private physciatrist she is good & bulk bills me as I live in a rural country town.

So Far she has taken me off some meds & increased others.

As you said it's a slow progress with medications for the correct dosage.

For me dosages are hard as I am petite and can only tolerate the lowest dosages at times.

To high then I have problems with fainting or vomitting.

Never thought this would happen being diagnosed with 4 mental illness.

But it is what it is

For now am seeing a private Victims services phycologist once a week which helps.

.Mood swings are the hardest for me to cope and deal with

@Abby6_2025 I'm sorry that you're going through a tough time. I'm glad you finally have some answers and a good psychiatrist. I've tried out quite a few bipolar meds; some can have bad side effects. It took a while, but once I found the right medication for me it really helped a lot. Just give it some time and keep your new psychiatrist updated on how you feel.

I find family stress is also a huge trigger for me. I hope you're able to have some time to yourself every day. Self-care is really important. The trouble with family stress is that it can be impossible to avoid, so often I find having a self-care routine helps, because that is something that is in my control.

Hi @Abby6_2025

Sorry it’s taken me so long to reply. I’ve got a few things going on, yes bipolar related!

It’s hard when no one listens. I had that with my GP for a long time. I needed an emergency appointment one day and couldn’t get into my GP and got an appointment with some random that I hadn’t even heard of. That appointment went for 45 minutes and she listened to every word I said. I did get put through community mental health and thought that they were helpful. That’s where I first got diagnosed. Since then I have had 3 private psychiatrists (different settings) agree with the diagnosis. All asked different questions and came back to the same conclusion.

Im glad you have a private one especially that bulk bills! I wish mine did, they are very expensive!!! I’m glad you are heard and listened too. It makes such a difference and you feel validated. I’m in a country town as well. Everything other than my GP is Telehealth!

The medication changes are really rough, you will go through at lot of mood changes, well I did, Thas my experience. Your size would make it really difficult. At least you know what to look for.

I know it’s hard to digest that you are really unwell and have these illnesses. I’ve been there, even recently when I was diagnosed with ADHD and autism. But the thing is, is that you are still who you were before the diagnosis. It has changed you as a person. It can actually make your life better as you work through them all with the right support and the right medication.

Im so glad you have a psychologist, I do t know where I’d be without mine. I even went and seen her in person yesterday. I was a 4 hour drive down and 4 1/2 hours back (peak hour traffic through the edge of the city)

Mood swings are hard especially when you recognise them and now know what they are and the reason behind them. I’m hoping it’s an easy ride for you to sort your medication and work through it all with your supports. I would love to see that for you.

Sending big hugs, I know how much of a relief it can be finally getting a bipolar diagnosis (especially knowing and feeling inside that it was something more than depression) but I found it a real mix of emotions, just remember there's no one way to feel. I'm also heavily triggered by my family and all the stress that never seems to end so can very much relate.. do you think seeing a psychologist would be beneficial for you? I hope you can get a medication regime that works for you in place soon! My experience with private psychiatrist's has been okayish.. like we say for nurses that need to sometimes "work on their bedside manner" I feel psychiatrist's really need to realise we're in fact a real human being sitting in front of them with a MOOD disorder and intense emotions, not one of their colleagues or a "case study case" so in saying this try not to let their sometimes insensitive comments discourage you from seeing them and ever pulling them up on insensitive comments and if needed remember you always have options to change your psychiatrist. (I hope I'm not coming across as a know it all, just trying to be helpful) I stayed with the wrong psychiatrist for too long that's all. Try to do 3 small, little things for yourself this weekend each day.. extra long shower or bath to relax, water your garden in the morning then sit outside, have a drink, listen to the birds. Do something creative or sit down and listen to a whole album of one of your favourite musicians, sleep if you need to. Go easy on yourself while you're not feeling the best at the moment 💜