Does a diagnosis really help?

@PeppiPatty yes I see what you're saying... If you don't enjoy it and truly get something out of it you would stop after a short amount of time I think. My mother did it for fifteen years - I think she really got something out of it too.

So glad you started this thread @DefiantPanda it has generated a very fruitful discussion. Made me think that maybe my anti dep arent right for me ... and encouraging me to get properly diagnosed and therefore properly supported. Still trying to persuade a GP to refer me without downright having a tantie in the clinic and demanding a psychiatrist.

My last nice lady doctor didnt last too long (8months) .. got the flick again .. I am seeing her replacement next week .. this forum has been stable ... and carried me through doctor instability .. no fault of my own.

and mods ... stability in online communities is essential .. hope you continue to get funding ...

Apple

Hi @Appleblossom, thanks.

It's a shame that your doctor won't just refer you to a psychiatrist. It's in the GP's best interest to make sure you have a proper diagnosis and proper meds after all... Good luck with the replacement one, hope it works out.

Ditto on your sentiments regarding the forum.

Hi

I was misdiagnosed when I was about 30 as being mild manic depressive. So they decided the best thing for me to do was go on anti-depressants. So I did as I was told. All this did was make me non reactionary to anything. Over the years I was given different medications to cope with anxiety and my manic behaviour. All did zippo except make me boring. So, i just happened by a Homepath in Melbourne. He tested me for levels of various minerals n stuff in my body. Low and behold NO ZINC at all. This he said that this would explain my manic behaviour. SO he said that as I had spent many years being 'all over the shop' it might assist me to go and see a cousellor that i liked and trusted. SO began my hunt for someone who 'got me'. I found a fabulous Counsellor. Between her and ZINC - i was not a bi-polar at all. I couldn't store zinc so my moods fluctuated wildly. We found the cause of my 'problems' and I have been fabulous ever since. So before a Doctor starts screaming 'bi-polar' at you - have your zinc levels tested then find a fabulous counsellor to help you sort through your 'issues'. Good luck!

I agree with you, there are many cases like yours. But doctors are not always trained to understand the cause of the problem. They just medicate the symptoms. Medicating the symptoms does not get to the source of the problem. ANd it is very important to understand the source as your case shows.

I see my GP regularly. Unfortunately we are limited for GPs where I live and his approach to mental health and comedy fail on somewhat of an epic scale.

Symptoms can be hard to identify if they are things which have been part of your life for a long time and when they are identifed its like a light bulb going off and the relief that its part of something which can be treated is immeasurable. Everyone has a journey with ups and downs. For me the best part has been able to self identify when I'm not at my best, I then do things that make me happy and I no longer apologize for being exactly who I am. This might sound arrogant, but the truth is I am polite and considerate and if I don't put myself first at times then I'm no good to anyone. People will either accept you for who you are or they won't. If they don't then they aren't worthy of your friendship and their opinion of you isn't actually any of your business just as your opinion of them is none of their business. It took me a long time to realise who was important and who wasn't. I have two real friends and I'm ok with that. Professionals will tell you that that mentality is considered shutting yourself away, but the reality is we are here to serve our purpose even if we don't know what that is. All I know is that my purpose isn't to enable those who treat me poorly.

I hope by being part of this forum I can help others to understand what took me years to learn 🙂

@HarleyQuinn84 "Those who matter don't mind and those who mind don't matter". I totally agree with what you said.

I believe there is a sense of closure to some degree when anyone dealing with mental troubles, finally gets a definite diagnosis. Part of developing a solution that works, is knowing first what exactly the problem is. Psychology like all medicines is called a "practice" because its not perfect. It may take numerous doctors before you finally get a accurate diagnosis. The problem I struggled with for a long time, is what i like to call the "normalcy police". I'm undoubtedly different than others, everyone is unique in their own way, but why is my uniqueness singled out and determined to be in need of medical intervention? I felt that they were often trying to bring into the fold instead of accepting my differences. When I finally got diagnosed with a illness, I could start doing research about what it is and how to manage it. I also found more people like myself whom I could relate to. That was hugely important. I think getting a diagnosis is important and helpful. Rememeber, these doctors took an oath to "do no harm". Their intentions are good.

Hi @Former-Member 💗

Thank you for your warm words.

If you have just surfaced from some sort of "episode", kudos to you that you are reaching out, and thinking about how to put things back in order.

First things first, you need to be able to eat something ... do you have a friend or support person you can call ? It sounds like you can use someone to walk through this day with you.

Focus on the basics of making contact with someone, and making meals happen in your day. Everything else can wait for a little while.

If it helps, just straighten or tidy something little, somewhere as you go.

That is what I have done when everything has gone out of place, like picking up a used cup and putting it at the sink. Nothing else, just that little bit. Then a while later I might hang up a tea-towel, or put a bunch of papers into a pile instead of spread everywhere.

Take care @Former-Member. We are here for you. You are not alone 🌸

Think about who you can call to come and see you.

❤️