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SiennaContributor
I first sought mental health assistance 15 years ago and I still don't have a diagnosis. I have had depression and anxiety as my "partners in life" since I could remember, did a DBT course (through a private hospital program- took at year and and a half) and been on half the MIMS. I'm feeling frustrated that I still don't know what is going on.
In response to: Searching for a diagnosis
MazaritaSenior Contributor
Hi Sienna, welcome to the forum. 
I was treated for 18 years for depression and anxiety but since 2008 have been treated for bipolar. I believe it has made a positive difference to have the new diagnosis because of the different meds I've been prescribed that have been more helpful than what came before. My treatment path has mostly been via doctors and psychiatrists. I have also done a little CBT, lots of meditation and regulated breathing, more recently an increase in exercise. All of these things have helped but I still struggle with day to day life. Are you currently receiving treatment of any kind on a regular basis?
In response to: Re: Searching for a diagnosis
AppleblossomSenior Contributor
Welcome @Sienna
I dont think I have been properly diagnosed yet either.
I looked into a private DBT course and have thought of doing it. Did you find it worth while?
Sorry if it sounds silly, but what does "MIMS" mean?
In response to: Re: Searching for a diagnosis
SiennaContributor
The MIMS stands for "Monthly Index of Medical Specialities"; it's a prescribing guide where all the pharmaceutical products are listed by group. It lists the reasons for prescribing and the side effects of each particular drug. (I've been on quite a few different meds). At the moment I'm taking medication, not doing psychotherapy due to cost factors. (The medication is expensive and I can't afford both). About the DBT group, I found it really helpful. I found that focusing on coping with negative emotions was more helpful for me than other methods of psychotherapy. The private hospital program that I entered took me about a year and a half; because I repeated the program again after I had an inpatient stay 3 years ago. I find it helpful to revise the material on occasion; if I'm having a rough day. I'm reading about compassion focused therapy at the moment, I find that I'm very hard on myself which I know is counter-productive but doesn't make me stop doing it.
In response to: Re: Searching for a diagnosis
AppleblossomSenior Contributor
I agree that we need to keep on working on ourselves and a compassion to self and other seems the best way to live life.
I am currently doing the Mindspot course which brings me up to date on CBT.
I would have to drive across town and pay more for DBT. I may sign up for some of the online approaches to it .. I read a fair bit about it and it seems I have been doing lots of the things for decades anyway .. we need what help we can get.
Thanks for telling me about MIMS I will keep an eye out.
cheers
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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.
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