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david1981Casual Contributor
I have been misdiagnosed with a mental illness for over 10 years and I have had 3 admissions to John Cade ward. I have been on a community treatment order for over 10 years. Don’t know what to do can someone help and give me advice
In response to: Misdiagnosed with a mental illness
RadderSenior Contributor
Hi @david1981, that sounds like a very tough position to be in. It's wise that you have joined this forum, I'm sure there will be others here in a similar situation.
Have you asked for second opinions and medication reviews?
You may also like to ask for a referral to the Safe Haven for non-medical peer support. They may be able to guide you further. https://www.thermh.org.au/services/mental-health/mental-health-services/safe-haven
You can also try SANE's RecoveryClub https://www.sane.org/recovery-club
In response to: Misdiagnosed with a mental illness
AppleblossomSenior Contributor
HELLO @david1981
As @Radder said, there are others in the same boat. Sadly.
It sounds as if you are on a Community mental health team. Have you tried the private psychiatrist approach. It may take a while to build trust and understanding, but they may provide better support, more tailored to your needs, that allow for stabilisation, gradual titration and better medication management.
Take care
apple
In response to: Misdiagnosed with a mental illness
david1981Casual Contributor
I saw two independent psychiatrists, but both seem to think I have a mental illness
In response to: Misdiagnosed with a mental illness
DownMoreThanUpSenior Contributor
@david1981
David i hear you, it can be that your definition of mental illness is not the same as theirs. It sure was like that with me at the time. i agree medications can be the pit, years of trying them did little but contain me rock bottom in my life as well.
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It were bad years. Have you suffered any trauma in your life that could be related to your diagnoses more than a mental illness does? It sure has been like this in my life. But for me trauma and mental illness can so easily walk hand in hand, though at first i did not think so either.
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However not as i thought about mental illness when i had rejected that tag, i still do when it comes to that, but where it was true without me having an understanding of this at the time.
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So not saying you are mentally ill, or are not so, but please do give yourself the freedom to explore the diagnoses of two independent psychiatrist. i do know for myself, from the four or five psychs i have know longer term, only 1 stood out as anywhere near the truth of my condition! And was useful to me. The others only saw what their text book told them to see.
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i do agree such is painful. Specially when they force orders on you. i have had done plenty of times as well. Good behaviour is the only way to get free from them. Which means cooperation and compliance unfortunately. For even the complaining system that was set up for the mentally ill, my hat day, was literally a bureaucratic run around. So frustrating!
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So be strong and stand your ground my friend. But also be open and honest to yourself. i had to die my 'rebellion' in the end and was forced to take stock of my mental health condition. Glad about that now.
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So by all means explore mental illness, it is a fast field. Over here you will see quick enough where or where not you 'fit' in the labels if any. Maybe useful stuff will come your way if you do tho.
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@Appleblossom @Radder @MissGremlin @heartathome @Shaz51
Good song on the subject.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ySyWW88wbg&list=RD0ySyWW88wbg&start_radio=1
In response to: Misdiagnosed with a mental illness
david1981Casual Contributor
I had no trauma. I’ve already been to 2 independent psychiatrists who follow the text book like you said.But it’s not viable to see psychiatrists after psychiatrists because I will be wasting my money. Every single one of them is unethical.
In response to: Misdiagnosed with a mental illness
RadderSenior Contributor
Hi @david1981, you might like to try VMIAC's Advocacy service https://www.vmiac.org.au/advocacy/
In response to: Misdiagnosed with a mental illness
david1981Casual Contributor
Hi Radder thank you for your concern. I tried Vmiac. Before there were useless and unhelpful. I’m in a hopeless situation that can’t be rectified because no cares. I have spoken to a lot of organizations and people over the 10 years. I’m just hitting my head against a brick wall every time. Have a great day and take care
In response to: Misdiagnosed with a mental illness
RadderSenior Contributor
Hi @david1981,
I'm so sorry you have repeatedly experienced such frustration with the mental health system.
I'm hopeful that you find that lived experience peers do care - people who have been through the same thing - so you don't feel as alone. Reaching out to this forum is a great start. https://findingnorthnetwork.com.au is another peer network. There are also peer groups for specific conditions.
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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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