just diagnosed and work in mental health field
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June 2, 2009 - 9:10 pm
I don't know what to do. It is getting harder and harder to fake my low points when i can barely get out of bed and I'm suppose to be helping people with same problem. I really want out of the field.
I don't know what to do. It is getting harder and harder to fake my low points when i can barely get out of bed and I'm suppose to be helping people with same problem. I really want out of the field.
June 3, 2009 - 7:04 am
Total Posts: 18
Joined: 05-28-2009
Joined: 05-28-2009
I'm sure that does feel hard to have to relate to someone when you feel so carpy. I'm struggling with the job thing myself having trouble getting out of bed everyday and "pretending" that everything is OK.
I don't know if this helps...I'm not sure what you do in the health care field, if is it like a therapist or a psycharist. From someone who see's both, I think it would be great to sit in an office and see someone who completely understands how I feel. I know they "understand", but how completely can they are if they do not struggle with it themselves?
You actually have an advantage. You are a professional that can really relate to how your patients struggle. You are there with them.
Do you have the option to play with your schedule at all. Like if you do see patients, when you know you are headed to a "down cycle" can you do half days or 3 or 4 out of 5 days and have a day to catch up.
I'm not sure if this helped or not.... it was kind of hard to give suggestions when I was not sure what you what you did.
I don't know if this helps...I'm not sure what you do in the health care field, if is it like a therapist or a psycharist. From someone who see's both, I think it would be great to sit in an office and see someone who completely understands how I feel. I know they "understand", but how completely can they are if they do not struggle with it themselves?
You actually have an advantage. You are a professional that can really relate to how your patients struggle. You are there with them.
Do you have the option to play with your schedule at all. Like if you do see patients, when you know you are headed to a "down cycle" can you do half days or 3 or 4 out of 5 days and have a day to catch up.
I'm not sure if this helped or not.... it was kind of hard to give suggestions when I was not sure what you what you did.
I'm sure that does feel hard to have to relate to someone when you feel so carpy. I'm struggling with the job thing myself having trouble getting out of bed everyday and "pretending" that everything is OK.
I don't know if this helps...I'm not sure what you do in the health care field, if is it like a therapist or a psycharist. From someone who see's both, I think it would be great to sit in an office and see someone who completely understands how I feel. I know they "understand", but how completely can they are if they do not struggle with it themselves?
You actually have an advantage. You are a professional that can really relate to how your patients struggle. You are there with them.
Do you have the option to play with your schedule at all. Like if you do see patients, when you know you are headed to a "down cycle" can you do half days or 3 or 4 out of 5 days and have a day to catch up.
I'm not sure if this helped or not.... it was kind of hard to give suggestions when I was not sure what you what you did.
I don't know if this helps...I'm not sure what you do in the health care field, if is it like a therapist or a psycharist. From someone who see's both, I think it would be great to sit in an office and see someone who completely understands how I feel. I know they "understand", but how completely can they are if they do not struggle with it themselves?
You actually have an advantage. You are a professional that can really relate to how your patients struggle. You are there with them.
Do you have the option to play with your schedule at all. Like if you do see patients, when you know you are headed to a "down cycle" can you do half days or 3 or 4 out of 5 days and have a day to catch up.
I'm not sure if this helped or not.... it was kind of hard to give suggestions when I was not sure what you what you did.
June 3, 2009 - 9:29 am
Total Posts: 52
Joined: 03-31-2009
Joined: 03-31-2009
I can tell you, you aren't alone in the mental health field. I think a lot of us are drawn to the field because of our own struggles.
I'm working on my master's degree to become a therapist, and everyday I hear stories from classmates about their own mental health issues. I struggled and felt exactly the same way when I was first diagnosed. But I have moved on to realize that many of my peers in my program struggle with the same thing (there is atleast one other woman who is bipolar).
I actually sometimes find myself amused by it. I love telling the story about my diagnostics class where I was supposed to act like I had schizophreniform disorder and my professor wanted to diagnose me as bipolar (thanks to my usual pressured speech that I couldn't control for the role play). I've also embarrassed classmates in role plays when I decided to play the bipolar client (really, not much of a stretch there) and they want me to "act" manic. Seriously...no need to act here, especially at the time when I was actively manic.
I'm working on my master's degree to become a therapist, and everyday I hear stories from classmates about their own mental health issues. I struggled and felt exactly the same way when I was first diagnosed. But I have moved on to realize that many of my peers in my program struggle with the same thing (there is atleast one other woman who is bipolar).
I actually sometimes find myself amused by it. I love telling the story about my diagnostics class where I was supposed to act like I had schizophreniform disorder and my professor wanted to diagnose me as bipolar (thanks to my usual pressured speech that I couldn't control for the role play). I've also embarrassed classmates in role plays when I decided to play the bipolar client (really, not much of a stretch there) and they want me to "act" manic. Seriously...no need to act here, especially at the time when I was actively manic.
Medications for June 2009
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I can tell you, you aren't alone in the mental health field. I think a lot of us are drawn to the field because of our own struggles.
I'm working on my master's degree to become a therapist, and everyday I hear stories from classmates about their own mental health issues. I struggled and felt exactly the same way when I was first diagnosed. But I have moved on to realize that many of my peers in my program struggle with the same thing (there is atleast one other woman who is bipolar).
I actually sometimes find myself amused by it. I love telling the story about my diagnostics class where I was supposed to act like I had schizophreniform disorder and my professor wanted to diagnose me as bipolar (thanks to my usual pressured speech that I couldn't control for the role play). I've also embarrassed classmates in role plays when I decided to play the bipolar client (really, not much of a stretch there) and they want me to "act" manic. Seriously...no need to act here, especially at the time when I was actively manic.
I'm working on my master's degree to become a therapist, and everyday I hear stories from classmates about their own mental health issues. I struggled and felt exactly the same way when I was first diagnosed. But I have moved on to realize that many of my peers in my program struggle with the same thing (there is atleast one other woman who is bipolar).
I actually sometimes find myself amused by it. I love telling the story about my diagnostics class where I was supposed to act like I had schizophreniform disorder and my professor wanted to diagnose me as bipolar (thanks to my usual pressured speech that I couldn't control for the role play). I've also embarrassed classmates in role plays when I decided to play the bipolar client (really, not much of a stretch there) and they want me to "act" manic. Seriously...no need to act here, especially at the time when I was actively manic.
Medications for June 2009
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June 5, 2009 - 6:39 am
Total Posts: 133
Joined: 10-30-2007
Joined: 10-30-2007
Cotton... hang in there. Many of us in the mental health profession find ourselves needing the services of our own profession. I am a mental health professional with a whole string of initials past my name. It does not make me immune to a disordered brain.... any more than a medical doctor would be immune to diabetes.
This depression will pass. You know this. So, all you have to do is hang in there until this episode is over. In the meanwhile, I do hope that you are seeking treatment for your disorder. I managed to find a Pdoc and Therapist that I did not have a professional relationship with in order to engage the help that I needed.
My staff know that "something" is wrong. They know when I am depressed. I don't hide the depression from them. It is easier for me to allow them to think that I have major depression than to say anything else. So, I have NOT told them that I have bipolar disorder. I believe, at this point, it would be inappropriate. I don't want them to worry about whether or not I'm going to run away with the agency's credit card during a hypomanic episode... or some such thing. I don't want them to "watch" me for symptoms.
Mental health professionals are people too. We have AT LEAST the same percentage of mental health diagnoses as the general population. The unfortunate thing is that we tend to be the most judgemental toward each other. We don't give ourselves or other professionals a break. I don't talk about my bipolar disorder due to the stigma associated with it... even among mental health professionals. One day, maybe that will change.
Until then, we still MUST get help and get appropriate treatment. It is the only ethical thing to do. And if you are depressed... there's no reason to "fake" it. Major Depression is the most accepted, least stigmatized mental health disorder around. People tend to excuse and understand depression. You would probably get a lot of support. My staff is very supportive when I am depressed. They don't know exactly what is going on, but I don't hide my mood from them.
I wish you the best. Hang in there. The field needs people who truly, deeply, and personally understand the suffering of mental illness. Some day, we'll be able to openly talk about it, and we'll be able to share our victories over this dread disease!
Be well,
Jules
This depression will pass. You know this. So, all you have to do is hang in there until this episode is over. In the meanwhile, I do hope that you are seeking treatment for your disorder. I managed to find a Pdoc and Therapist that I did not have a professional relationship with in order to engage the help that I needed.
My staff know that "something" is wrong. They know when I am depressed. I don't hide the depression from them. It is easier for me to allow them to think that I have major depression than to say anything else. So, I have NOT told them that I have bipolar disorder. I believe, at this point, it would be inappropriate. I don't want them to worry about whether or not I'm going to run away with the agency's credit card during a hypomanic episode... or some such thing. I don't want them to "watch" me for symptoms.
Mental health professionals are people too. We have AT LEAST the same percentage of mental health diagnoses as the general population. The unfortunate thing is that we tend to be the most judgemental toward each other. We don't give ourselves or other professionals a break. I don't talk about my bipolar disorder due to the stigma associated with it... even among mental health professionals. One day, maybe that will change.
Until then, we still MUST get help and get appropriate treatment. It is the only ethical thing to do. And if you are depressed... there's no reason to "fake" it. Major Depression is the most accepted, least stigmatized mental health disorder around. People tend to excuse and understand depression. You would probably get a lot of support. My staff is very supportive when I am depressed. They don't know exactly what is going on, but I don't hide my mood from them.
I wish you the best. Hang in there. The field needs people who truly, deeply, and personally understand the suffering of mental illness. Some day, we'll be able to openly talk about it, and we'll be able to share our victories over this dread disease!
Be well,
Jules
Cotton... hang in there. Many of us in the mental health profession find ourselves needing the services of our own profession. I am a mental health professional with a whole string of initials past my name. It does not make me immune to a disordered brain.... any more than a medical doctor would be immune to diabetes.
This depression will pass. You know this. So, all you have to do is hang in there until this episode is over. In the meanwhile, I do hope that you are seeking treatment for your disorder. I managed to find a Pdoc and Therapist that I did not have a professional relationship with in order to engage the help that I needed.
My staff know that "something" is wrong. They know when I am depressed. I don't hide the depression from them. It is easier for me to allow them to think that I have major depression than to say anything else. So, I have NOT told them that I have bipolar disorder. I believe, at this point, it would be inappropriate. I don't want them to worry about whether or not I'm going to run away with the agency's credit card during a hypomanic episode... or some such thing. I don't want them to "watch" me for symptoms.
Mental health professionals are people too. We have AT LEAST the same percentage of mental health diagnoses as the general population. The unfortunate thing is that we tend to be the most judgemental toward each other. We don't give ourselves or other professionals a break. I don't talk about my bipolar disorder due to the stigma associated with it... even among mental health professionals. One day, maybe that will change.
Until then, we still MUST get help and get appropriate treatment. It is the only ethical thing to do. And if you are depressed... there's no reason to "fake" it. Major Depression is the most accepted, least stigmatized mental health disorder around. People tend to excuse and understand depression. You would probably get a lot of support. My staff is very supportive when I am depressed. They don't know exactly what is going on, but I don't hide my mood from them.
I wish you the best. Hang in there. The field needs people who truly, deeply, and personally understand the suffering of mental illness. Some day, we'll be able to openly talk about it, and we'll be able to share our victories over this dread disease!
Be well,
Jules
This depression will pass. You know this. So, all you have to do is hang in there until this episode is over. In the meanwhile, I do hope that you are seeking treatment for your disorder. I managed to find a Pdoc and Therapist that I did not have a professional relationship with in order to engage the help that I needed.
My staff know that "something" is wrong. They know when I am depressed. I don't hide the depression from them. It is easier for me to allow them to think that I have major depression than to say anything else. So, I have NOT told them that I have bipolar disorder. I believe, at this point, it would be inappropriate. I don't want them to worry about whether or not I'm going to run away with the agency's credit card during a hypomanic episode... or some such thing. I don't want them to "watch" me for symptoms.
Mental health professionals are people too. We have AT LEAST the same percentage of mental health diagnoses as the general population. The unfortunate thing is that we tend to be the most judgemental toward each other. We don't give ourselves or other professionals a break. I don't talk about my bipolar disorder due to the stigma associated with it... even among mental health professionals. One day, maybe that will change.
Until then, we still MUST get help and get appropriate treatment. It is the only ethical thing to do. And if you are depressed... there's no reason to "fake" it. Major Depression is the most accepted, least stigmatized mental health disorder around. People tend to excuse and understand depression. You would probably get a lot of support. My staff is very supportive when I am depressed. They don't know exactly what is going on, but I don't hide my mood from them.
I wish you the best. Hang in there. The field needs people who truly, deeply, and personally understand the suffering of mental illness. Some day, we'll be able to openly talk about it, and we'll be able to share our victories over this dread disease!
Be well,
Jules
June 6, 2009 - 10:04 pm
Total Posts: 3
Joined: 05-24-2009
Joined: 05-24-2009
I also work in the mental health field. It can get scary when I'm manic and three people in my office could commit me and one of the is my boss. I just try to get to sleep as soon as possible and not be too late for work. Kepp trying to find what works and don't let your pdoc jerk you around. If they give you something that doesn't work for you, there are others. Find it so you can be rested, focused and work better. You are not alone, me and my pdoc are trying to find mine. Hope it's not a zoo tranq
Had to stop taking Ambien CR due to not dropping me fast enough, gonna try straight Ambien. I can only pray this try wooks.
Don't let it get the best of you, you just haven't found your nitch.
Had to stop taking Ambien CR due to not dropping me fast enough, gonna try straight Ambien. I can only pray this try wooks.
Don't let it get the best of you, you just haven't found your nitch.
Medications for June 2009
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"Well-behaved women rarely make history." - Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
I also work in the mental health field. It can get scary when I'm manic and three people in my office could commit me and one of the is my boss. I just try to get to sleep as soon as possible and not be too late for work. Kepp trying to find what works and don't let your pdoc jerk you around. If they give you something that doesn't work for you, there are others. Find it so you can be rested, focused and work better. You are not alone, me and my pdoc are trying to find mine. Hope it's not a zoo tranq
Had to stop taking Ambien CR due to not dropping me fast enough, gonna try straight Ambien. I can only pray this try wooks.
Don't let it get the best of you, you just haven't found your nitch.
Had to stop taking Ambien CR due to not dropping me fast enough, gonna try straight Ambien. I can only pray this try wooks.
Don't let it get the best of you, you just haven't found your nitch.
Medications for June 2009
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"Well-behaved women rarely make history." - Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
June 8, 2009 - 7:45 pm
Total Posts: 1
Joined: 06-08-2009
Joined: 06-08-2009
I am currently in college and my major is psychology, I am working towards a carrer as a psychologist in a rehab clinic but I am not sure if the profession is for me either and at the same time I feel like I would be able to do a lot of good out there with helping others and able to relate.
I heard some stupid snide comment from a family member of mine that I am wasting my time in this major and science is the way to go (whatever).
Hang in there, I know the lows are really hard and nothing can seem to get you out of them when they drag you down. But one thing that I have found that helps mellow them out a little bit naturally, is I go for a walk or clean when I am dealing with a mixed mood.
And as long I stay on top of my vitamins and sleep at least 7 hours that helps out a lot. ( I was diagnosed 10 years ago and have been trying to live life off medication for about 3 years now. )
I heard some stupid snide comment from a family member of mine that I am wasting my time in this major and science is the way to go (whatever).
Hang in there, I know the lows are really hard and nothing can seem to get you out of them when they drag you down. But one thing that I have found that helps mellow them out a little bit naturally, is I go for a walk or clean when I am dealing with a mixed mood.
And as long I stay on top of my vitamins and sleep at least 7 hours that helps out a lot. ( I was diagnosed 10 years ago and have been trying to live life off medication for about 3 years now. )
I am currently in college and my major is psychology, I am working towards a carrer as a psychologist in a rehab clinic but I am not sure if the profession is for me either and at the same time I feel like I would be able to do a lot of good out there with helping others and able to relate.
I heard some stupid snide comment from a family member of mine that I am wasting my time in this major and science is the way to go (whatever).
Hang in there, I know the lows are really hard and nothing can seem to get you out of them when they drag you down. But one thing that I have found that helps mellow them out a little bit naturally, is I go for a walk or clean when I am dealing with a mixed mood.
And as long I stay on top of my vitamins and sleep at least 7 hours that helps out a lot. ( I was diagnosed 10 years ago and have been trying to live life off medication for about 3 years now. )
I heard some stupid snide comment from a family member of mine that I am wasting my time in this major and science is the way to go (whatever).
Hang in there, I know the lows are really hard and nothing can seem to get you out of them when they drag you down. But one thing that I have found that helps mellow them out a little bit naturally, is I go for a walk or clean when I am dealing with a mixed mood.
And as long I stay on top of my vitamins and sleep at least 7 hours that helps out a lot. ( I was diagnosed 10 years ago and have been trying to live life off medication for about 3 years now. )
Joined: 05-05-2024