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New diagnosis

missrachCasual Contributor18 Apr 2018, 4:04 am AEST

New diagnosis

Hi all

I’m new here and just need some advice or even just a kind word.
I’m 26 and have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder and generalised anxiety disorder since I was 20. Something about this never sat quite right with me - my moods have always fluctuated so fast and unpredictably, and I always felt like I was diagnosed without proper investigation.

As a health professional myself, I’m pretty in tune with what’s happening in my mind. And for the past two weeks, it’s become clear I’ve been having what could be described as a hypomanic episode. I haven’t slept properly, I can’t eat, my thoughts are racing. I’ve done some stupid risky things without thinking of the consequences, which isn’t like me.
I’m scared. I’ve been to the doctors twice, begging for a psychiatrist referral. I’ve been told my symptoms, based on current symptoms and past history, are most likely an indication of type 2 bipolar disorder. But I’m having trouble getting an appointment with a mental health professional.

Does anyone here have any advice for me? I’m struggling to come to terms with this.

Cheers

7 replies

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In response to: New diagnosis

marchhareSenior Contributor18 Apr 2018, 4:13 am AEST

Re: New diagnosis

Hi missrach, It is Marchhare here, I am one of the forum moderators. Firstly welcome to the SANE forums. I am sorry to hear about your problems about getting an appointment. That must be very frustrating for you as you go through this intense period. I am sure you will get good advice and support from your fellow forum members.

In response to: New diagnosis

BunniekinsSenior Contributor18 Apr 2018, 5:47 am AEST

Re: New diagnosis

@missrach Hi missrach welcome to the forums. I am sorry that you are going through this. I have bipolar1 and schizoaffective disorder. I know how hard it can be to get a psychiatrist appointment as so many have their books closed ... don't give up reading about your current symptoms I believe you should definately be seeing one in my humble opinion.

Can you go back to your doctor and explain your symptoms, explain the urgency. In saying all this it took me about 2 years to be propertly diagnosed, on the right mediation and seeing a psychiatrist. The good news is that you are aware of your symptoms and can take proactive steps now.

I don't think I have been of much help except that I a hearing your frustration.gp

In response to: Re: New diagnosis

MazaritaSenior Contributor18 Apr 2018, 10:46 am AEST

Re: New diagnosis

Hi @missrach,

When I have been looking to see a psychiatrist (or a new one), I've taken matters into my own hands by seeking one out myself and then going to the GP and asking for a referral to them. How I've done this is by searching Google in my local area, making a shortlist of names, then ringing around to see who might be available and what their 'gap' fee is compared to the Medicare rebate. Some can turn out very expensive, so I try to find a psychiatrist who will 'bulk bill', leaving no out-of-pocket expenses for me. This has worked well for me especially with my current psychiatrist who I've been seeing monthly for about three years now. I am diagnosed bipolar 1 after spending about 18 years being treated for anxiety and depression alone.

Hope this helps. Either way, wishing you the best in your ongoing journey towards better mental health.

In response to: New diagnosis

frogSenior Contributor18 Apr 2018, 8:23 pm AEST

Re: New diagnosis

Hi @missrach it sounds like things are really difficult for you right now. I have been in a similar situation, and it is frightening. Is there someone who you can trust, and turn to for support? Even if they don't fully understand, having someone who knows what's normal for you, and what's not, is good. At times I had trouble trusting my own judgement.

I was initially diagnosed with the same as you - major depression and generalised anxiety. I was 15, and my recent specialists have said if I was at that point today, it would have been picked up as bipolar. 30 years later, after a stint in hospital, I was diagnosed with bipolar 1. Although it was devastating at the time, it's enabled me to make sense of my life and move forward.

It's so frustrating trying to get in to a psychiatrist. There is a shortage in my area, and most have closed their books. Having said that, the one I currently see does make exceptions. Maybe a phone call from another Dr, rather than just a letter, could make a difference. Some GPs are really good on mental illness, and some are hopeless, to put it bluntly. Hopefully your Dr falls into the former category, but if not make it your mission to find one who is.

Are you aware of the Better Access to Mental Health Care program? Under this you can get some medicare funded psychology sessions each year - 6 initially, and then 4 more after review.

Also, there's usually a Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (CATT) service in most areas. If you feel like things are really slipping, look them up and call them. In my area it can take a long time for them to come, because they are stretched, but they really know what they're doing.

As you work in health care, I may just be telling you things you already know. Just want to cover some of that because when I was really unwell I didn't have any idea how the system worked.

I am very fortunate to have both a good Psychiatrist and Psychologist, though it has been hit and miss throughout my life. It's good that you're so self aware. I've found the forum really helpful, and I hope you do too. All the best with seeking help where you are. Persevere; it's worth it.

In response to: New diagnosis

missrachCasual Contributor18 Apr 2018, 8:35 pm AEST

Re: New diagnosis

I’m just getting so frustrated at the system. I’ve called around to several psychiatrists already to get an idea of the fees and services, but there’s a two month wait list for most of them. I have actually taken a list of psychiatrists I’ve been interested in seeing before, but the GPS have refused to write recommendation for anyone they don’t have a professional relationship with. I’m angry too; the one I’ve been calling for a referral for the last 48 hours have basically told me they won’t be able to see me, and they literally said to me “the doctor is really busy actually, so this is a really incovenient time”. It’s totally unprofessional, uncaring and rude. I know what you mean about GPs who aren’t the best at mental illness support, too! It’s so hit and miss.

I am aware of the CATT team, but thank you so much for your advice. I’m not unwell enough to warrant calling an emergency service, but what about in two weeks? What if I still can’t get in to see anyone then?

I feel stupid too because I feel relatively okay today compared to the last two weeks. I know it’s the nature of my illness, but I feel like if they looked at me now they’d think I was making it up.

Urghhh. I hate the unpredictability if my mind.

In response to: New diagnosis

missrachCasual Contributor18 Apr 2018, 8:39 pm AEST

Re: New diagnosis

@frog
I’ve never heard of the better access to mental health care program before, but I will be researching it tonight: thank you so much for your words of wisdom.

@Mazarita
I think I’m going to have to take setters into my own hands as you suggested. Hopefully they’ll book me in before I have a referral.

@Bunniekins
You are helping so much by just listening, really: thank you so much, I really appreciate it

In response to: New diagnosis

LemonjuiceSenior Contributor20 Apr 2018, 10:17 pm AEST

Re: New diagnosis

@missrach I'm going to suggest a way of slightly cheating the system. When you are able, call the secretaries of the psychiatrists and ask them which gp's they mostly take clients from. Then make an appointment with two or three of those gp's. When you see them, tell them that you're not coping at all and you believe that if you go into one of your episodes, you may be a danger to yourself, that it's urgent...basically, act it up a little but not so much you end up in a psych ward. Then say you have a local friend which suggested Dr X could you get a referral to them. One of two things will happen. The gp will call the shrink there and then and get you an appointment as an emergency client, or the gp will give you the referral and leave it to you to call them. Do that, and when the secretary tells you that the next appointment is a couple of months away, take it. Make another gp appointment a couple of days later, tell the gp you have made an appointment but it's two months away and you're getting worse fast, can they call on you're behalf to see if there is anything the secretary can do, including putting you on a cancelled appointment list.

What can I say, years of sick family members teaches you how to play the system.

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