It's over. Feel like giving up.

Guest_223 · ‎11-03-2017

Hi, in the short time I've been on this forum, This is the last time I will be posting on here, I'm at the point where I feel like reaching out does nothing for me. I've done nothing but reach out over the last 18 months which is the most I've ever done in my life. To be honest rather than be helpful to me it has created more traumatising events in my life and I feel I need to avoid society. I'm never contacting a helpline again, not talking to the local mental health team, I'm going to full on avoid society, keep all my thoughts and feelings to myself, no matter what they are or how serious they are, and even when I don't feel safe like at the moment I won't be making the mistake of telling anyone of any plans or terrible thoughts.

Guest_223 · ‎17-03-2017

Thank you for your kind words. I hope your doing okay.

Guest_223 · ‎17-03-2017

I see a new psychiatrist in a few days. I'm not feeling very confident about the appointment at all. I don't know what to expect.

Croix · ‎17-03-2017

Dear MissMara~

Ok, I can only tell you what I did when during an initial meeting with a private psychiatrist. - it worked, though YMMV. This follows a highly unsatisfactory interview when a doctor said 'nobody does that' - which displayed a singularly unhelpful and unrealistic attitude.

I prepared firstly by writing down my current symptoms (including thoughts) and a timeline of the past.

I included a list of those that were or had been treating me together with current and past medications (as far as I could remember)

I gave time for this to be read and questions asked. This was in conjunction with the material my GP had forwarded.

I then asked about the proposed course of treatment, time line, overall goals, session goals, effects. Similarly for medications.

Any similarity with past treatments, their efficacy was mentioned, with some unfavorable comments.

I'm not pretending it was an easy process. It took up all of the first consultation, relied heavily on written material as I did not think myself capable of giving a complete and coherent account of matters (see below).

I came away with the feeling I'd left a lot unmentioned and that the pshrink probably thought I was taking over his job. On later reflection I was satisfied the major points had been covered. I was highly uncomfortable and somewhat emotional during the consultation and was very grateful for assistance to get home afterwards.

It turned out ok.

The point was I was - and many here may disagree - a 'consumer', with a consumer's rights. My previous interactions with the medical professional were that they all were completely in charge, and I was passively cooperating.

I blush to admit it but I cheated and took my wife with me.

While I'm not saying this mode is for everyone, and you may well do similar already, I do believe in -as far as possible -taking charge of one's treatments and lifestyle.

Good luck with your appointment.

Croix

Croix · ‎17-03-2017

P.S. Sorry, on reading my message I realize I did not mention emphasizing those things that I'd found particularly difficult or upsetting in previous interactions, with a discussion on how to handle those.
-C

Guest_223 · ‎20-03-2017

Well that psychiatrist appointment was the strangest one I've been too. I can't figure out what it was all about, I didn't understand anything, I didn't understand what he was trying to do. I didn't understand half the things he was saying. This doesn't make sense. Now I've seen a few psychiatrists through hospitals and the community and this one was nothing like any psychiatrist that I've seen before. So now I'm more confused than clear about anything. I really don't think I will be seeing this one again. It's a shame really I've run out of options, there's basically no one else I can see. I've lost all hope. I feel lost. Completely lost.

Sophie_M · ‎20-03-2017

Hi missmara88, below is a link to a thread from a member who had a similar experience with a psychiatrist recently. Our resident GP and counsellor, Dr Kim, weighed in with another perspective that you might find helpful:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/treatments-health-professionals-and-therapies/first-psychiatrist-appointment#ql6S1XHzvGGEbv8AAOnT_A

Please let us know what you think.

Doolhof · ‎20-03-2017

Hi Missmara,

Recently I started seeing a new psychologist. I mentioned to her the things I had and had not found helpful with previous counselling. She asked me if I would be honest and up front with her and tell her when I did not understand what she was saying or explaining.

During the last session, she offered a theory that I felt did not sit right with the way I think and act. So I stated that did not seem right to me and asked what other suggestions she had to explain my situation. Through an open discussion we were able to work out my issue.

At times I do not know why I think, act and behave the way I do, so trying to expect a psychologist to work it all out for me in one session or more, I realise is not helpful.

Instead of giving up on this psychologist, can you take someone in with you so you have the confidence to explain how confusing you found the first session to be. Or write down how you are feeling and hand that to the psychologist.

At times it does feel very frustrating when you are trying to find help. Don't give up, there is hope still. Communicate with the psych and explain what it is you need help with and how that might be possible.

All the best, cheers from Dools

Guest_223 · ‎23-03-2017

Thanks for the reply, i have both a new psychiatrist and a new psychologist. Ive been thinking that maybe the psychiatrist was strange in a good way and that I may need to see him more than once. He didn't upset me it's more that he confused me and I didn't understand. I just couldn't seem to think properly during that appointment so i didn't think to say what do you mean by that. My first appointment with a new psychologist is next week. I've been told I should be doing fortnightly with the psychologist but the problem with that is it's just too expensive which is from what I understand a lot of people out there are having trouble with. I can't see the community mental health team anymore so free psychology through the public system is a not an option.

Doolhof · ‎23-03-2017

Hi Missmara,

I don't understand the mental health system at times. Is it possible for you to ask your Dr. for a Mental Health Care Plan or is this something you have used in the past?

Unfortunately getting help can be expensive which is a real shame when it is so necessary.

Your Dr. the psychologist and the psychiatrist may be able to recommend web sites you can connect with to gain further insight into your issues.

Occasionally I have thought of taking a note book into my psych appointments so I can write down key points. I wish I had done that at one counsellor appointment as she was brilliant dealing with one of my issues.

Hopefully you will comfortable enough to ask questions next time.

Hope you are doing okay.

Cheers for now from Dools

Guest_223 · ‎31-03-2017

I'm back from almost a week in hospital. I could feel things building up to the point where another hospital admission was needed. I agree I think the mental health system is confusing. I have a mental health plan that has just recently been done. I saw my new psychologist this week and felt comfortable the first appointment so I think I'm going to keep seeing her and see how things go. It wasn't as expensive as I thought it was going to be after Medicare rebate. She was very organised and had already booked a list of appointments for me.