Hello! I guess this is a journey.

HuntingThompson · ‎11-03-2020

Hi,

Long time reader, first time poster.

Yesterday, after a lifetime of struggling and the last five years of totally spiralling - I’ve been given an initial diagnosis of CPTSD, Bi Polar type II and possible BPD.

I have been medicated for the past 5 years for depression and anxiety, and now the docs are going to introduce anti-psychotic meds and mood stabilisers.

I’m feeling a bit lost, as although I have a comprehensive and documented history - the psychiatrist spent 35 minutes with me and left me with initial diagnosis and a loose plan for new meds.

I have been unemployed since the end of 2018, and my mental state is debilitating. I don’t have much hope for the future as part of my general outlook - but I’m feeling even more confused as to “where to from here?” regarding all the new labels and conditions.

I’m working with a GP, psychologist so I’m lucky in that regard.

Does anyone have an advice on what to do immediately after initial diagnosis/re-diagnosis?

Thanks,

Dorothy1 · ‎11-03-2020

Dear HuntingThompson,

Firstly, welcome to these forums and thank you for posting and sharing your story with us.

It must be really difficult and unsettling to receive diagnoses especially if maybe you were not expecting them. I guess you might need some time to process and accept them.It is always hard with labels to separate them from the persons we are. What I am trying to say is that they do not define who you are!

Are you working with a GP and a Psychologist? Have you been given information on what these diagnoses entail, what the psychological treatments are, etc... . Knowing things like that might help. Talking with people who have also been diagnosed with the same issues and who are receiving treatment would help too as you could exchange on successes etc..

Having a new diagnosis can be unsettling but at least it explains your struggles even if only partly. It gives hope for treatments and help. So it can also be positive.

Hope it helps. All the best.

Dot

Ggrand · ‎11-03-2020

Hello HuntingThomas..

Welcome to the forums..

I was diagnosed a few years back with depression and anxiety..put on ads even though they helped a little at times with my mh...I was still struggling big time..

I was re- diagnosed a couple of years ago..with CPTSD, Bi-Polar with melancholy and anxiety...My meds were changed and added mood stabilisers as well...With the medication I’m feeling it easier to handle my up n down moods...

The diagnosis..to me was a relief..because finally I can be having the correct meds and I felt hopeful for my future..

Accepting the diagnosis was hard..until I realised I’m still me..The same person I have always been before the new diagnosis... I won’t be defined by my diagnosis..it’s a part of me, that I have now accepted..

Im so pleased that your working together with your GP and psychologist...it helps to have understanding professionals caring for you...and helping you...

Talk anytime you feel to talk here...there’s so many kind and caring people here in this lovely community that wants to help you through this journey...

Kind thoughts...

Grandy..

mocha delight · ‎12-03-2020

First welcome hunting Thompson and second can I ask what is cptsd? And I know what it’s like to be unemployed to and I have been since I did a certificate 3 in hospitality quite a few years ago. Good luck with the new meds. I’ve not been diagnosed yet but I’m I think i definitely have depression & anxiety but going to chat to my gp about it this Friday. Which she admitted a few years ago she thought I was a little bit depressed but I’m anxious about bringing it up as I don’t know if she’ll take me seriously or no.

Dorothy1 · ‎12-03-2020

Dear mocha delight,

i think that you are doing the right thing by going to your GP to talk about your suspected anxiety and depression! From what you have written, the GP you are going to see is your regular GP, I mean the one you have seen for quite some time? And she has told you that she had suspected you might be suffering from depression? So I believe that she will definitely take your concerns very seriously! In addition, she might ask you to take a special test which assesses whether you are truly suffering from anxiety and depression. It is a very easy test very much like those that you can take in certain magazines. If you are not comfortable with any thing that she asks you to do or say, then I would suggest you to just let her know. She might provide you with a health care plan which will enable you to have a really good rebate on Psychology sessions.

All the best

Dot

mocha delight · ‎12-03-2020

Hi Dorothy1 thanks for your reply yes she’s been my gp for at least 10 years minimum and yes she said she thought I was slightly depressed a couple of years ago. She also had me do a phycologists quiz while I was been tested for coeliac disease (have been diagnosed with that at the end of June last year) and the score from that was near the end of the high end. But she thought it was only from the stress of the testing but that was before I joined here and before I had that dream about self harming then waking up full on crying with a strong urge to do so.

Dorothy1 · ‎12-03-2020

mocha delight, Your GP will make you do the test again as from memory, it asks questions relating to the past 7 days. You should definitely tell her what you have just written, she will have to take you seriously.

In the meantime, you know that you can call the helpline if you feel the need to talk to someone 1300 22 4636. You seem to be going through a lot, and know that you do not have to be diagnosed with depression or anxiety to receive help.

Dot