Getting diagnosed
I've had GAD and depression for around 6 years now but my partner is beginning to suspect that there is more to it.
His sister has Bipolar and he thinks that I exhibit a lot of the same behaviours.
I've spoken to my care co-ordinator about it but she didn't seem too interested. I'm meant to be seeing a psychiatrist 'at some point' and I'm desperate to be taken seriously one way or the other.
What was your experience of getting diagnosed?
You've been in the system for 6 years without a diagnosis? Your care co-ordinator isn't too interested? Let me guess, could it be that you're in the UK and this is the NHS we're talking about?
One way to be taken seriously might be to go back to your GP and try to get them to support you in getting a psychiatric assessment sooner than "at some point".
Another way might be to consider making formal complaints against the professionals and organizations involved in your care, and to let them know you're doing this, and why. You might be able to get support for this from an advocacy service in your area.
Another way might be to choose a psychiatrist (maybe your partner's sister's psychiatrist) and simply make an appointment. You'd have to be prepared to pay, and if it is the NHS we're talking about they won't reimburse you unless you take them to court.
I know all of these approaches are very challenging for someone with chronic anxiety and depression. I hope you've found you can get support from listeners here at 7 Cups. If you'd like to chat with me about your situation, feel free to send me a message.
@SmellBaby
@RarelyCharlie
Yeah I'm in the UK and it is the NHS I'm talking about.
I've only had a care co-ordinator for around 3 months. My GP is usually supportive but keeps just pushing me for more CBT!
I have read online that childbirth can 'trigger' bipolar and I had a baby 19 months ago. I definitely feel my issues have got worse since having her.
We can't afford to pay privately for me to see a psychiatrist but I am seeing my support worker tomorrow so I'll see if she can help push my psychiatrist appointment forward.
Thank you for your advice x
I once came across a support worker who was very, very good at making the system do the right thing. I hope yours is like that and gets things moving for you.
@SmellBaby
This is my first time using this app...or any form of help for that matter. I'm unsure if I am bipolar but my friends and I think I am...I also might have some form of ocd? I really have no idea. I've never told anyone how I feel except for my few friends. Mental health isn't covered in our insurance...so I've never been to a therapist.
I don't know what I should do.
@GoatsAndPizza Hey there. I am sorry you are struggling with potential mental health issues. I am not sure what part of the world you live in, but can you find out if your community has any publicly sponsored free or discounted mental health care? Here in the US, there are some privately funded associations that provided assistance in similar cases to yours. Some are religiously based, and some are not. I personally have used a faith-funded group that helped me apply for federal support for health care, but also in the meantime got me set up with a therapist and a psych nurse whom I did not have to play to see. I have been using them for a year almost, and they are great. None of the therapy or suggestions are religiously biased, and no reciprocation is expected.
Do you have a counsellor or someone you trust that could help you find any possible resources for help? Even in a pinch, a federal or local agency may be able to provide referrals, or a local clinic/hospital.
Good luck finding some stability and peace of mind for yourself.
