Looking for advice

Hi @P12 and welcome to the forums. I am sorry to hear things are so difficult for you right now.

I understand cognitive behaviour theory uses a combination of cognitive and relaxation techniques to improve mood disorders. Apparently an appropriate balance of the two will reduce distress. How can I learn to relax better? I find I must use cognitive skills continually simply to survive in the society in which I don't fit. When I try relaxation techniques I feel more distress because I only feel that they aren't working because society is averse to me trying to relax and have fun, and therefore I must use even more cognitive skills to survive. Am I doing something wrong?

Hi and welcome to the forums @P12 👋

I havm't had personal experience with Cognitive Behaviour Therapy but I do know it has helped many forum friends, and non-form family and friends.

1. Is clinical treatment supposed to be only a short term? Most accounts I've read say patients who visit a psychologist of counsellor will recover after between 6 and 30 sessions or after up to 18 months. However, those to whom I've spoken say my condition is uncurable and will remain throughout my life. I really feel the same now as I did when I began clinical treatment. Is clinical treatment suitable for me and if not which part of society may be able to help?

2. Is it normal for people to be criticised in a work environment? Certainly it makes me feel terrible and to feel better I go somewhere safer and cry. Is this normal? I thought there were rules against unwelcome actions and for inclusion and diversity. Some people say I am free to choose a different employer, but as far as I have determined there is no employer who will pay me a basic salary to pursue my interests and who will respect me for who I am.

hello @P12

they are very good questions my friend

I will tag a few members @Faith-and-Hope , @eth , @outlander , @TideisTurning , @Judi9877 , @Smc , @Appleblossom , @Mazarita

@P12 wrote ;

1. Is clinical treatment supposed to be only a short term? Most accounts I've read say patients who visit a psychologist of counsellor will recover after between 6 and 30 sessions or after up to 18 months. However, those to whom I've spoken say my condition is uncurable and will remain throughout my life. I really feel the same now as I did when I began clinical treatment. Is clinical treatment suitable for me and if not which part of society may be able to help?

2. Is it normal for people to be criticised in a work environment? Certainly it makes me feel terrible and to feel better I go somewhere safer and cry. Is this normal? I thought there were rules against unwelcome actions and for inclusion and diversity. Some people say I am free to choose a different employer, but as far as I have determined there is no employer who will pay me a basic salary to pursue my interests and who will respect me for who I am.

Thanks for the tag @Shaz51 😊 @P12, it sounds like you've been through a lot of hard things. Struggling with all of that is understandable. Before getting into your questions, I think it's really important to note that everyone has different experiences, and what works will be different for different people. It is about finding what works for you.

In regard to your first question, I'd encourage you to have a look and see if there's anything you might like to try. Others here may be able to share experiences of what has worked for them to give you a few ideas to start off with.

As for your secod question, I feel like sadly, critical workplaces can be a very common experience, even though there are laws. I feel like it'd be not only normal but also important to release the emotion from all of that by having a good cry in a place that's safe. I'm so sorry to hear of your horrible experiences. I'm sure there will be something out there, somewhere. You might be interested in the Online Peer Group Chat coming up on Thursday from 7-8:30pm (AEST). I'll tag you in the thread for more information 😊

Hi @P12, as @Shaz51 said, these are good questions.

I wonder if the psych clinicians you saw gave you a diagnosis. It has helped me to be diagnosed for more effective treatments, though there are some downsides to getting a label like that too. Overall though I have found my bipolar diagnosis more helpful than harmful though over the three decades I have been receiving treatment and different kinds of support.

Even though my mental health struggles have not gone away, they are generally far less severe. it is without doubt in my mind that treatment and support from doctors, psychologists, other mental health professionals and the peer support here on the forum, have significantly raised my quality of life.

I really like and agree with what @TideisTurning said about each individual being different when it comes to the forms of help that will work best for each of us. Different forms of help in combination have been best for me. Living with bipolar has involved learning and exploration of different methods of assistance. It's also been for me about finding a measure of acceptance about my life and who I am in general.

You asked about other forms of support besides clinicians. One of the most effective forms of assistance for me has been in the area of psychosocial support. Mostly so far that has been a support worker who has helped me become more engaged in the wider world, helped me rebuild lost confidence and helped me to generally improve the quality of my life.

Workplaces have been very difficult for me too over my life, with some periods of happier employment, mostly because the employers themselves were good people, and my fellow workers mostly the same. I am retired on a disability pension now, that pension being one of the best things that ever happened to me in my life.

Well wishes to you.

@Mazarita

I'm unsure whether I have a diagnosis. One psychologist said they believe I have a form of Asberger's Syndrome, but I never received any paperwork or other notification. They then said there is no proven treatment for my condition, which made me feel sad because it means I will never change. I'm also unsure they are interested in helping me because I think they feel it is too much effort and futile. I've tried the suggestions recommended by the psychologist and other counsellors, but I don't feel any different to before I began seeking support.

What is a psychosocial worker and what is a peer support worker? Are they the same thing and where may I find more information about them?

@TideisTurning

Here is what I have tried.

Two GPs

Mental health treatment plan

One clinical psychologist

Four counsellors

Three online courses

SANE forum

Two support groups

Cognitive and behaviour therapy

Acceptance and commitment therapy

Journal articles

Books

Common interest groups

Volunteering

Doing nothing

Hello @P12

Firstly I am struck by your aptience and persistence, seeing your opening post was from 2 years ago.

ALLyou say seems very reasonable to me, but I self identify as Aspergerish. I looked around and found a proper diagnosis coulod be made be paying out $900 and know people who are pleased and satisfied they did this. For me, I dont have spare cash for that at this stage, but maybe one day ...

Workplaces vary a lot. I have been in a range of them. Yes there are laws against bullying. .A good workplace makes a huge difference, and many workplaces actively try to manage the workplace cultures ....When it is possible try and find a better job ... not always possible I know, but look out for options .... @MDT has recently written a lot about his excperiences ...

Do not worry so much about what is or is not normal. Most human reactions vary according to circumstances.

Most of all take Care of yourself.

Apple

You have done all the right things about approaching professional help.