Feeling Invalidated?

thatrabbit · ‎19-02-2019

Hello,

I've decided to join these forums today and share my experience after having my first appointment with a clinical psychologist and discussing the possibility that I may have Bipolar disorder, and trying to express my issues with this illness.

I had seeked her out, specifically, because she was the only psychologist that listed having 'experience with Bipolar patients', along with vague text about being able to make 'assessments' and 'diagnosis' for clients. So, I believed, this was the best place to start my mental health journey with, what I now believe, is Bipolar disorder. For reference, I'm 18 and have been feeling definite symptoms since 11/12, and this runs in my family.

I did not go into this appointment with any prior expectations, but I came out feeling invalidated. Straight away, she noticed I had ticked the 'Bipolar' box, and we talked about what I was feeling. Her tone, and the way she approached what I said / diverted the topics, made me feel like she wasn't acknowledging my problems. I felt like this because, after everything I had said to her, she mentioned that 'this doesn't sound severe / drastic enough for Bipolar' - specifically referring to my elevated state, which she mentioned: 'this is how normal people feel'. She never talked about mental illness, or even Bipolar in general. She latched onto, and told me, that: 'people feel how you're feeling because they eat crap food, take medications, and don't exercise'. She also went on to say that: 'it would just be best, if people didn't have Bipolar in the first place'.

How is this supposed to help me at all? I acknowledge, like any person would, that a healthy diet, good exercise, good routines and (generally) a lack of UNNEEDED medications benefits everyone. But I really did not like how she went about this. What about the people who have this chronic illness? What about those suffering from something like, Schizophrenia? Are you going to tell them to get off their medications, eat a healthy diet, and go on? I found this pretty insulting, not just for myself, but for those that are actually suffering with these things. I felt like, ultimately, she didn't 'believe' in these mental health issues, and that everything can be fixed with a healthy lifestyle.

I hope these feelings of mine are justified. I came out of this initial appointment feeling as though my last 8yrs of dealing with my inner turmoil was nothing.

quirkywords · ‎20-02-2019

that rabbit,

Welcome to the forum. This is a friendly community full of kind, supportive people.

I can understand how you felt invalidated by your first experience with the the psychologist and sad that you felt your past 8 years of struggling was nothing. it is a big step to go and see someone and we all need someone who will listen to us.

I was diagnosed with bipolar over 40 years ago, and I hoped there was more understanding now. As we know diet and exercise help but you were hoping for some help and clarification.

Sometimes it can take a while to find the right health professional who can help us.

Bipolar can be hard to diagnose so a person with experience in this field is needed.

I am wondering have you considered going to a psychiatrist because they have a medical background and are experienced in diagnosing and treating bipolar.

Have you spoken to your GP about your concerns , because your GP can refer you to Black Dog Institute if you are in NSW as they specialise in mood disorders .

Thank you so much for letting us know about your experience and I hope by writing it down it has helped you .

please feel free to post here as much as you need to.

Quirky

Jackson85 · ‎20-02-2019

Hi thatrabbit,

It sucks that you had such an experience at a time where you were trying to get help and clarity. As Quirky said, it can take some time to find the right psychologist, as it can other things, but please don't take their disinterested or dismissive opinion as discouragement for finding your solution! So much of the benefit of seeing a psychologist has to do with the relationship, and if the relationship isn't a good fit (which it sounds it may not be), then in terms of non-medicinal therapy, it can be hard to make real progress.

Perhaps you could try to find another clinical psychologist, maybe one that has good reviews for kindness and openness, rather than one with extra experience in treating clients with Bipolar Disorder.

I'm glad you posted on here, because we can't let these things get in the way of us finding our own happiness!

Jackson85

thatrabbit · ‎20-02-2019

Thank you to both that answered above, the advice is very helpful, and it's good to know my feelings don't seem to be completely unjustified (as I thought they may be, after that appointment).

I originally approached my GP for a Medicare Rebate form and referral to this clinical psychologist I found. I'm planning to go back to my GP as soon as possible, voice my concerns about this, and suggest that I get a referral to a psychiatrist instead. Unlike psychologists, I have no idea which one I should be leaning towards, so I will leave it up to my GP to decide on this one. I really do believe that I need a psychiatrist instead of a psychologist, at least to give me that sense of relief if they believe I do / don't have whatever it is I'm struggling with. I know many people dislike labels, but for me, I feel like it will be invaluable to getting treatment I need.

Another question - if anyone knows - if I've received the 10 sessions for Medicare Rebate, will a psychiatrist's appointment also be covered under this scheme? Or will I most likely have to pay out of my own pocket?

Thank you so much to both responders, I truly believe these forums are a great place for everyone to voice their own concerns and start discussions on mental health in a very safe and healthy environment. Things like this are invaluable for those suffering.

romantic_thi3f · ‎20-02-2019

Hi thatrabbit,

I can see that you've already gotten some wonderful support here, and hopefully your GP can be more helpful in linking you to the right person.

A MHCP (Mental Health Care Plan) which you have for your psychologist only entitles you to see psychologists, and not psychiatrists. That said though, there are psychiatrists that do bulk bill.

Here is a database of psychiatrists (not all) https://www.yourhealthinmind.org/find-a-psychiatrist or you could try a google search or your GP directly.