I stood my ground with my psychiatrist and now I'm finally being taken seriously

[incrediblytired]

I've always had trouble explaining my mental health to people, including my doctors and psychs, and as a result I've spent the past several years having symptoms brushed off. Everybody was quick to tell me it was "just depression" (which is a serious illness on its own, there’s no “just” about it) even though I knew it was deeper than that.

Guess who's finally being treated for probable bipolar type 2??? It took me so many years to get here, and it's still early days, but the relief of finally being HEARD and treated in a way that is more beneficial than harmful is a bigger relief than I can explain.

[Peppermintbach]

Hi incrediblytired,

I can definitely see why you would feel so relieved that you’re finally being taken seriously. I think feeling heard is so important as it’s both empowering and validating...I admire your persistence and determination to seek the right diagnosis and treatment. I think you’re very resilient...

It must have been quite a long road to get to this point though. I would think there must have been many disheartening and frustrating moments when you didn’t feel heard. That would have been awful...

It’s lovely to talk to you online. I hope you feel comfortable enough to share your thoughts and worries any time here as that can can cathartic. No pressure though of course...only when and if you feel like sharing, we are here for you.

Kind and caring thoughts.

Pepper

[White_Rose]

Hello Incrediblytired

Welcome to the forum and many congratulations for on your stamina. Did you think it may be bipolar II? If so I think you very brave. It's much easier to back away from these illnesses even though we know getting the proper treatment can be life affirming.

I can imagine how relieved you are. Being heard, having someone make the effort to listen and put aside their own prejudices, is wonderful. The very first time I saw a psychologist I could not get over how he simply listened to me. No indication of his thoughts, just all his attention. This had never happened to me before and I found it amazing. As Pepper said, it is both empowering and validating. Wonderful.

Come and chat again and perhaps put your knowledge to use by chatting to others.

Mary

[SomewhatDamaged]

Hi incrediblytired

how did you get them to listen? My dad has bipolar & borderline personaility disorder plus severe anxiety/depression & PTSD. I have severe anxiety/depression & PTSD (ironically thx to my dad) and the only help i get is meds that stop working after 3-4yrs & "therapists" that love to make me go through the pain but give me no way to actually deal with it. Once again I'm being given new meds & the usual "see how you feel". This started when i was 13...I'm now 43. My dad got the help he needed about 10yrs ago because he tried suicide & ended up in maximum security prison. I don't see a light at the end of my tunnel...