topic Using Anon name for Psychiatrist Appnt.? in Treatments, health professionals and therapies

Using Anon name for Psychiatrist Appnt.?

af_mil — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 18:47:23 GMT

Hi,

I am under contractual orders not to disclose information that I am finding very difficult to seek help with.

It has affected my serious relationship and broken up a happy family due to Professional breach of conduct whereby my Private information was disclosed and used against me.

I have been lucky to have the support of a Federal Court Magistrate, but I cannot trust the Psychiatric/Psychology board using my name because my superiors also work in these fields and know of me, yes it is a Defence institution.

Is it possible to request or use an Annonomous name so that I can freely talk to a Psychiatrist for Personal help?

Thank you, this is a serious concern.

Using Anon name for Psychiatrist Appnt.?

geoff — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 19:20:42 GMT

hi Af.mil, it must be so awkward working under these conditions, but generally doctors and psych's should keep discussions private, however I do believe that your psych could reveil some details to the other psych's, it shouldn't be done.
Is it possible to go to another psych, but if this does happen then you may have to pay whereas if the defence force sends you to a psych then there's no payment, so please correct me if I'm wrong.
You could use an anonymous name if you were seeing a private psych and I don't seem why you can't do the same with a psych from the defence force, but every detail will have to be changed such as, birth date, address and anything they ask about siblings and parents, but what would happen if they catch you out, that maybe a gamble you are prepared to take, but I'm sure that you really need to talk to a psych without feeling as though you could be caught.
If it was me I would take that gamble, and I say this because I'm watching 'Hogans Heroes', sorry. Geoff.

Using Anon name for Psychiatrist Appnt.?

Guest_5218 — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 21:00:01 GMT

Morning af.mil,

Firstly I can relate, and sympathise, with your situation of being unable to disclose things to a psych or anybody else for that matter, due to work related restrictions. I was the victim of a sexual assault 20 years ago (totally unrelated to work) and I never reported it to the authorities. At the time I worked for a Federal Agency and was bound by a contractual agreement (amongst other things) to have no dealings with the law or be involved in any publicity of any sort. So for me, it was a matter of report to the police and lose my job, or dont report, pretend it never happened, and retain a job I enjoyed. Over the years I have regretted that decision many times and continue to suffer from ptsd. I have long since changed employment, but it is only in the past year that I have finally sought psychological help.

I think your situation is a little different, but along similar lines. If I had been able to do everything anonymously, then perhaps I would have been more inclined to report. But that wasnt possible.

I'm sorry to hear that this issue has caused the breakup of your relationship and strains amongst your family. You mention that the reason you wish to seek help from a psych is for personal reasons? So it is unrelated to your work.

I am not sure, but I believe in order to see a psychiatrist you would first need a referral from your GP. However it may be possible to get an appointment with a psychologist without a referral and by using an assumed name. Under those circumstances you would need to pay for it yourself, and with cash.

Certainly worth a try, because it does sound like you are in need of some professional assistance with whatever it is you are currently going through.

I wish you all the very best af.mil's, and sincerely hope that you are able to get the support you need.

I hope you continue to let us know how you are getting along. You will find that people here are very supportive and helpful, so it can be a good supplement to any psych sessions you (hopefully) are able to line up.

Sherie xx

Using Anon name for Psychiatrist Appnt.?

af_mil — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 19:26:03 GMT

Thank you Geoff and Sherie for your openness and caring response.

My personality is ENTP and as such I an very aware of my strengths and weaknesses.

My education is in Cognitive Science & Behavioural Psychology (hence the very people that have taught me have also at times supported a system that has turned against me).

I have/and believe with a very high regard of the goodness of humankind, life, and also the animal kingdom (in regards to behaviour).

My personal struggles have not been because of a lack of understanding, but rather the environment I have been involved in due to my skills and interests.

My family should be seen as an extension of myself, but rather it seems I was subjected to isolation because I directly have been a threat to the established powers (I can appreciate the safety of society to belong to uniformity and conformity).

I am trying to convey myself without disrespecting others actions, so essentially the power I have was not shown to me to be appreciated enough at a difficult time. This in turn made my strengths my weaknesses, and I would like to open up so that I can overcome the PTSD situations so that I do not allow myself to succumb to the breeding of a negative mindset.

I have been studied, been part of a study, been an influencer in a study, been a facilitator of a study, been a student of a study, and been an overseer of such study (it is not a great situation to feel so locked into oneself, but that has always been my skill and interests, and formal education).

I am sharing myself to connect with others because I value and have a very real need to be comforted by people, I am a people person.

The reality is "I" know "I" am great at helping others, but "I" have been held back to focus onto myself, knowing full well that "I" is nothing without "WE".

So, Geoff & Sherie and others it is comforting to feel part of WE.

I do value Professionals but those I work with, have studied with, and the board of which I am also involved in lack an emotional connection to actually care (contrary to the actions of their profession).

It is not a legal right for anyone to care, I am beyond that thinking, but when one's privacy is manipulated against oneself for the benefit of the limited Legal conformity of subjective academic studies to persay "Not rock the boat" then this is hard to live with when ones' strength is to "Rock the boat to find ways to improve the strength of the ship and benefit the passengers".

Using Anon name for Psychiatrist Appnt.?

af_mil — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 19:30:42 GMT

Psycho babble (remember those forums) have many great topics, as does Beyond Blue, and Cognitive Therapy is a great support, as well as Prescriptive medications when chemically unbalanced.

PTSD has been argued for and against, I personally don't want to allow myself to believe it although yes I do know I have all the requirements of such an assessment, it won't benefit me to put a marker on a situation against my will.

So I will find a way to discuss with a Professional my concerns, so that I can refocus my strengths and interests, and I am very much thankful of the community to which I will continue to improve upon.

I want to share a quick story, as I can't share my Personal situation (due to Contractual obligations and Federal Court regulations that I am bound by and will respect)...

This is a true story: Last week I had to bury two beautiful newborn calves that died from separate mothers, and I had to help both mothers through the traumatic experience. It got me down, because nature has control.
Then a surprise this week a cow I was about to sell because it was limping and old had given birth to a beautiful healthy calf.
This calf was hidden by its mother over the weekend so we didn't realise the mother even had a calf (cattle are protective).
What happened was this newborn calf came running out to me, jumping full of life, such a great thing to see.
So in essence last week I lost hope because I wasn't in control, but this week I am happy because I saw LIFE and it was this little calf that reminded me to live and be happy to enjoy all my senses of my surroundings.

Thanks, Mark

Using Anon name for Psychiatrist Appnt.?

Guest_5218 — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 22:33:37 GMT

Hi Mark, and thankyou for getting back to us with an update and bit more information.

Being an ENTP personality you would be a Visionary. You love a challenge and are inspired by problems others may see as impossible to solve. You'd be confident in your ability to think creatively and not think twice about the challenge of a new situation. You are adaptable, and like to do things differently. Your personality forces you to question established procedures, and leads you on a path of trying new methods.

I can see why your natural personality may have led to problems within your work situation. Not an area where they like anybody to question authority or buck the system with any new ideas. You have so many strengths and it is most unfortunate, for both yourself and your work situation, that these strengths have not been allowed to flourish.

I do respect your need to not discuss precise matters relating to your issues due to contractual restrictions. I left my previous workplace 14 years ago, but I am still bound by a pre-employment agreement I signed 29 years ago, and will be for life. Its hard sometimes.

I'm sorry that I am not able to help you Mark. You already know all the whys, wherefores, etc. All I can emphasise to you is that through these Forums you do become a part of what becomes quite a close-knit and very caring community. So my hope is that by becoming a part of this Community, you are able to feel that sense of WE, and to connect and be comforted by others. And at the same time, you also have such a lot that you can offer to others here. You may like to hang around and offer your own advice and insight to other threads on the Forums. You have the training, you have the knowledge, and you probably have the desire.

I love your story about the calf. How lovely. You must live on a farm then? I am a former farm girl also, although left it 6 years ago to move to a better climate for hubby. Still live on a few acres, so its still nice.

I hope you remain an active member of the Forums Mark, in whatever capacity you are comfortable with and have the time for.

I offer a welcoming hug to you Mark, if you are happy to accept it. And I wish you all the best.

Sherie xx

Using Anon name for Psychiatrist Appnt.?

af_mil — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 20:54:20 GMT

Thank you Sherie,

I have not allowed myself to express or accept others emotions, being so much a thinker my weakness of connecting with others feelings also turns against me when I need support.

You have given me the support I needed, and I realise you are a natural carer, one who instantly connects to a person's pain and makes it their own.

In a way it is a control mechanism that you expressed in trying to overcome our memories by being the nuturer and sympathiser, which may have been the very reason that we both have been hurt in the first place.

I have spent many years helping others, in mental institutions, cognitive therapy groups, even the Doctors/Nurses/Teachers and everyday people we intrtract with. It is just my instinct and incessive need to think of days to solve problems, even when not asked of me, but I can't for the life of me solve my own stubbornness to always be thinking.

Medication wise I have gone through practically everything, and one has helped the most, I know a couple Doctor's that will give me repeat prescriptions no questions asked because I can be trusted to monitor myself (these are my last resort that I may go on seasonally once every 3-4 years for 3 months. This helps any anxiety, or excessive thinking I get myself into when I am dwelling on extreme concepts such as Gravitational waves and Frequency modulations.

Helping others takes a toll on me, and for example I have dealt with many suicides, deaths, counselling families because I manage properties and I am able to disconnect, but it will come back on me sometimes many years later and I do not want to keep abusing my sympathetic feelings.

Then what do I turn to? When all i'm doing is blocking everything out and becoming more and more introverted...

I realise the imbalance, and having a strong philosophical justice mindset is even more of a pressure.

These struggles in our minds really makes you wish to be incognizant.

So I again I will thank you, and yes I will continue to help others, and I also know we must move on with our lives to strengthen and cherish life itself, stopping to ponder, then stopping the pondering...

Enjoy life's mysteries and ask for help from a Professional, do it anyway you can like Geoff said while watching Hogan's Heroes, because we are all human and we all understand what that we want to live in our world and not die in our minds :)

Using Anon name for Psychiatrist Appnt.?

Guest_5218 — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 05:04:59 GMT

Hi Mark,

I'm sorry you've spend so much of yourself over the years by helping everyone else around you. It must be really difficult dealing with so many very distressing issues over a long period of time. Of course it will take a toll on your resources, it must. You can only disconnect for so long.

Are you a natural introvert, or do you feel you're being pushed into an unnatural state by things going on around you? I am very strongly introverted and need time on my own to recharge the batteries so to speak. I am lucky that I do not suffer from loneliness, and am very comfortable with my own company. In fact its soo tiring being married to an extrovert!

What close family do you have Mark, if you dont mind me asking? You spoke about the breakup of a serious relationship, but I dont know if you have parents, siblings, children, close friends? I'm just concerned that you have someone to turn to when you need to.

Have you decided what to do about seeing a psych?

Yes I'm sure you probably will continue to help others, because its in your nature. And you're no doubt really good at it. I have found that in trying to help others through these Forums and actually talking to people (which I have never done in the real world) I am helping myself as well. Sometimes in offering advice to others, I realise that the same advise applies to myself as well. ( - : We probably all know what we should be doing in order to help ourselves, but just dont always do it.

For you though, because you've been helping others (to the detriment of yourself) for so long - perhaps you need a break in order to just concentrate on your needs for a change.

I hope you have a nice weekend Mark. I'll be thinking of you.

Kind thoughts,

Sherie xx

Using Anon name for Psychiatrist Appnt.?

af_mil — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 08:39:18 GMT

Hi Sherie,

My apologies but I will not share any personal information on forums.

I appreciate your concerns, and at the same time I feel that it is something that is allowing you to cope with your own situations.

I will be fine getting help, and am safe, and happy.

You mentioned you hadn't been in contact with people that may allow you get better help.

I can tecommond CBT which for someone of your character will allow you to express your caring & sympathies.

Also, I tend to be a bit direct which may come as an offense to most, but I do really feel (with the limited correspondence) that you are holding onto an emotional dependence with strangers, which can lead to people taking advantage of your emotions. I have seen this many times in relationships whereby the victim has in fact invited an abuse open themselves without recognizing their own dependence in wanting to feel accepted by the anyone. Please let me elaborate that no abuse is acceptable, and unfortunately trusting strangers with yoir emotions is not smart.

Thank you for your hug & comforting words, I would prefer to close this questionow as it has been answered.

I will get a GP referral from a different doctor (whom I don't regularly see) and I will see a Psychiatrist that helped me last time 15 years ago (or another at the same clinic). I know the Doctors I can't see (because I work, study, or answer to them) so I have to trust someone enough to do right by me, and it will only be a Professional Psychiatrist.

My regular doctor is a Military DAME Medical officer, and we get along very well (we just know not to introduce any concerns).

Anyway, let's conclude this babble... again I would recommend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with others in the room, not just relying on unknowns on forums.

Smile and enjoy life 🙂

Using Anon name for Psychiatrist Appnt.?

Guest_5218 — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 09:08:08 GMT

Thanks for the advice Mark. I understand what you are saying, and wish you all the very best.

Just as an aside - I have already done CBT, Exposure Therapy and EMDR. And I have not taken any offence to anything you have said or indicated. I have not found your approach to be too direct at all. So dont worry, okay?

I'm glad you have decided to get appropriate help and that you are safe. I hope that continues.

All the best to you.

Sherie xx

Using Anon name for Psychiatrist Appnt.?

af_mil — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 04:45:30 GMT

Thank you Sherie,

I feel like saying sorry for my introversion and I know it will help me to be a bit more expressive/emotive (my sister tells me this often, and we decided it's better to hug then to argue).

I may return to support others when I am in a better frame of mind.

It's great that you have done CBT, Exposure Therapy, & EMDR. I am supportive of people helping themselves.

I want you to know, and this is the truth, I did feel better to have read your initial response which allowed me to think clearly.

Let me know what you are finding is helpful in your situation? as I realise WE can be there for each other.

Thanks

Using Anon name for Psychiatrist Appnt.?

Guest_5218 — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 07:57:15 GMT

Hi Mark. I wasnt expecting to hear from you again. Especially after I got from you yesterday what I'd consider to be a bit of a 'dressing down'. So I'm a bit confused as to why you have responded today?

If it is to apologise for being an introvert - please dont! If it is because you thought your words to me yesterday were perhaps a little harsh - again, no apology necessary. I was a little hurt initially as I can be a little sensitive about such things, but I got over it and I'm fine.

Anyway you have answered my query of yesterday in that you do have family support - I'm really pleased that you have a caring sister. I'm also happy that my response to you has somehow allowed you to think clearly.

I'm sorry I could not have been more helpful to you af.mil. However, now that you have decided to see a psychiatrist you can trust I'm sure this will allow you to get back on track. I certainly hope so.

You have suggested I let you know what I have found helpful in my own situation. Well I cant do this on your thread, as the moderators like us to stay 'on topic'. And this thread is about you, not me. I'd be reluctant to anyway because your motivation in asking is a little unclear. Regardless, right now I think you need to concentrate on yourself for a change.

When I first came onto these Forums 5 months ago, it was at the suggestion of my psych. She thought it would be a good way for me to learn to 'open up' a bit. If you do have a genuine interest you can always read some of my Threads and reply to any of them. I have a couple in the Trauma and Chronic Illness Section, dating back to late November. The most recent though is "Coping with the Anniversary of a Traumatic Event". It is ongoing, but I warn you its long! ( - :

Anytime you wish to 'talk' please know that I am here and happy to converse. Otherwise, please come back when you feel in a better frame of mind. Get yourself right first.

I hope you are having a good weekend. Will you be doing the Anzac Day thing? My hubby is ex Military, so its a big thing to him.

Please take care.

Sherie

Using Anon name for Psychiatrist Appnt.?

af_mil — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 09:54:14 GMT

Hi Sherie, i'll reply to some of your posts.

I like to help people, so thanks for getting me back in track, I think you like to help people too 🙂