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Topic Tuesday // What use is a diagnosis? // 19 July, 7pm AEST

NikNikSenior Contributor05 July 2016, 4:28 pm AEST

Topic Tuesday // What use is a diagnosis? // 19 July, 7pm AEST

People can experience a range of emotions when receiving a diagnosis of a mental illness. This month we would like to have a community conversation facilitated by @Shimmer and @CherryBomb about your experiences of diagnosis.

We want to hear your thoughts on the benefits and challenges of receiving a diagnosis, how you can connect with or disclose to others, how it may affect your identity and any advice you might give to someone receiving a diagnosis.

Join us on Tuesday 19th July at 7pm AEST to be part of the conversation!

Five things you can do now:

1) Become a member of the Forums to participate in Topic Tuesday

2) Hit the 'Like' button below to receive an email notification on the night

3) Read more about this topic

4) Can't make the session? Leave your question below to be answered during Topic Tuesday

5) Watch Mick's story about his diagnosis and his understanding of his signs and symptoms

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIRnn_8dXKM

99 replies

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In response to: Topic Tuesday // What use is a diagnosis? // 19 July, 7pm AEST

AussieGirlContributor19 July 2016, 8:22 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // What use is a diagnosis? // 19 July, 7pm AEST

In response to: Topic Tuesday // What use is a diagnosis? // 19 July, 7pm AEST

MazaritaSenior Contributor19 July 2016, 8:25 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // What use is a diagnosis? // 19 July, 7pm AEST

@Shimmer, yes, it certainly has improved my life. But, like @Former-Member, things are not necessarily all rosy. I still do go up and down, just not as extremely as before. I still experience anxious and depressive times. But, as with many physical illnesses that have no cure, the symptomatic relief from the better medications has been very significant. So, whilst not being unrealistic about the benefit of apt diagnosis and medications, I am grateful for them.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // What use is a diagnosis? // 19 July, 7pm AEST

CherryBombSenior Contributor19 July 2016, 8:25 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // What use is a diagnosis? // 19 July, 7pm AEST

Some fabulous comments on how the terminology of mental illness could/should/should not change. Thanks @BlueBay @AussieGirl and @mrkotter !

It seems like yes, language can help to an extent in that it can help to not pathologise as much. Though as @mrkotter points out, labels still come back to the same meaning.

From what the three of you have written, it seems that education plays a role - language offers some explanation as it can shape perception (e.g., injury implies that wounds can heal), and teaching people about what a diagnosis actually means might help them understand more.

What are others thoughts? How can we de-stigmatise diagnoses?

In response to: Topic Tuesday // What use is a diagnosis? // 19 July, 7pm AEST

ShimmerSenior Contributor19 July 2016, 8:26 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // What use is a diagnosis? // 19 July, 7pm AEST

@Former-Member it sounds like finding a clinician who really listened to your main concerns was key in coming to the correct diagnosis. I'm really glad to hear that treatment is helping you now

Thanks for your inspiring message about hanging in there and finding a way to make the system helpful for you, while maintaining faith in yourself!

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // What use is a diagnosis? // 19 July, 7pm AEST

AussieGirlContributor19 July 2016, 8:29 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // What use is a diagnosis? // 19 July, 7pm AEST

I don't mean that the word injury implies healing. I mean that the word disorder is harsh and implies there is something wrong with the person. It is an injury. Depression often happens due to chemical imbalances, schizophrenia may be due to drug ingestion etc. PTSD happens due to an assault. An injury. It is not a mental illness as such.

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // What use is a diagnosis? // 19 July, 7pm AEST

Shaz51Senior Contributor19 July 2016, 8:31 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // What use is a diagnosis? // 19 July, 7pm AEST

Hi @Shimmer and @CherryBomb

it certainly has improved my Husband`s life. But, things are not necessarily all rosy. he still has ups and downs, just not as extremely as before.

The Medication has made a huge difference , My husband said he wished he had been given them years ago

I have seen a big differencei in my husband as well but now there is other things that are coming up that were not there before

but now he is having side affects from the meds

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // What use is a diagnosis? // 19 July, 7pm AEST

SamiamCasual Contributor19 July 2016, 8:32 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // What use is a diagnosis? // 19 July, 7pm AEST

I agree that borderline personality disorder should be changed to a different diagnosis. It is not a name that is understandable and carries a lot of stigma and can create fear in the indivual who is diagnosed who is already experiencing emotional trauma and intensity. I agree that the term personality disorder in general should be changed. Having a personality that is disordered feels so damaging and confusing. Our personality is part of our identity, our meaning, how others see us and relate to us. For us to feel well and move through to recovery and mental wellness another name must be found. The damage and stigma can add to the distress in being labelled in this way.

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // What use is a diagnosis? // 19 July, 7pm AEST

CherryBombSenior Contributor19 July 2016, 8:34 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // What use is a diagnosis? // 19 July, 7pm AEST

Thanks @AussieGirl interesting to see how language can mean different things for different people. Language is powerful. I like how you have explained it, and I agree with you - 'disorder' is harsh and can make the individual a problem - it sounds like something is wrong with them. The more we can use langauge in a way that does not make people the problem, the better.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // What use is a diagnosis? // 19 July, 7pm AEST

jbCasual Contributor19 July 2016, 8:35 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // What use is a diagnosis? // 19 July, 7pm AEST

Good thinking to be more discerning- some people are closed and unevolved- more- some are open and evolved- more- some know all the colours- some only know the primaries- but, most people, don't want to look at ,and see dark- like family law- mental health- refugees- jail- anywhere tyrants and real sadness and abuse is- too dark for them- gotta stay safe- sometimes /days they probably can- biorhythms--standard- ultimately though- any "turn key" facility- or venue- is hard to look at -or offer an opinion- emote about- to most average people- mainly in a general sense--sounds like your working it out though- maturing- seeing it simple- uncomplicated- the bits and pieces of understanding whole pictures- and good- fuller- easier- expression-all that stuff-good stuff- you seem nice- just keep being you mate- your good. if your ever feeling not- get good-attitude, be good- do good- and stay good and you have to be. Nah I know at times nothing is ever as simple as that- but it doesn't hurt - and it does help - and that's real - real's good.. 🙂

In response to: Topic Tuesday // What use is a diagnosis? // 19 July, 7pm AEST

greenspaceSenior Contributor19 July 2016, 8:36 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // What use is a diagnosis? // 19 July, 7pm AEST

Yes, I think there's a lot of prejudice around the diagnosis of BPD.
I've read that recently some clinicians are using Complex PTSD or Complex Trauma Response instead, which hopefully will encourage people (health professionals, friends, family) to be more understanding and less judgemental than the name Borderline Personality Disorder does.

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