Topic Tuesday // What use is a diagnosis? // 19 July, 7pm AEST

[Shimmer]

Thank you so much to everyone who participated in this community conversation tonight - it has been so fantastic to hear so many different perspectives on the upsides and downsides of diagnosis, as well as strategies to use diagnoses in a way that is helpful for you, without it becoming fused to your identity!

As a final note I'd like to encourage people to remember that regardless of what your diagnosis is, you can still take the lead in your own life and choose how you want to make it meaningful 

Thanks again everyone! 

[CherryBomb]

And that's a wrap.Thanks everyone who participated tonight.

Some fantastic posts to end on. Thanks you @Lisa_M for your wise words. I particularly liked, 'we the patients are people & not illnesses'

Also @Mazarita's advice, 'remember to recognise all the other different parts of us that make up our full self. And maybe not focus on the diagnosis too much, except in the way of trying to use it to help our lives better.'

Tonight's discussion was jam-packed with good conversation, and different opinions on whether a diagnosis is good or bad. To borrow the words used tonight, it's a double edged sword, and it can be empowering and disempowering.

At the end of day, remember, that you're so much more than your diagnosis. Be kind to yourself. 

[pip]

Hi Bimby 2. If knowing exactly what we're suffering with can help us understand why we act and feel as we do, then yes, it is beneficial to know. Even when those around us don't understand or appear to 'walk away' because of the old fashioned fear that they might 'catch' whatever we have. Knowing that we know more about the illness than these ignorant people do, I feel gives us the upper hand. I used to believe that because of the trauma and horror I suffered at home, I was somehow less of a person than those who appeared to 'have it all'. I now know that is so untrue. Because I have a better understanding of depression/trauma/anxiety and suicide, I can help people who are fellow sufferers more so than people who have no idea how to talk to sufferers. The more we know, the more we can be of service to others needing help. You know how isolated someone with mental health issues feels therefore who better to understand and possibly listen. Sometimes a good listener is all that's needed. Never underestimate your self worth as someone who has suffered.

[Bimby2]

Thank you Pip for your insightful comments on the upside of MI. Yes, to be able to understand others

in need of compassion who are struggling with MI issues is a gift and how can one help if they haven't been

down 'the road less travelled.'  I appreciate your affirmations and wish you life's best. Bimby2 

[1stepup61]

Hi @pip,
i am sorry i missed tonights forum.I agree with your post. i to came from a extreme trauma in my home growing up which has been a battle to overcome. Having a diagnosis has helped me finally accept and not avoid the fact i need to look after myself. I have recieved the best support from my Gps and counsellors, but i have had to be brave and find another doctor or leave a self help group, who were making me feel bad for having mental illness. But there are good doctors who want to help and i like the one i am with, I can talk to him ask questions and he will be honest with me. I would think if i didn't have a diagnoses from a psychiatrist, it would be difficult to get medication or help from the public health system. When i was away i ran out of medication and i was able to go to a country ER + be given a script because i carry that info with me. Also, i keep copies of tests + letters with test results, in case i have to see a locum, or oncall staff. So, as much as i would like to bury my head in the sand + avoid a diagnosis, its much better to have it for my better health care. Because sadly there is discrimination from rude and silly people, but there is great change out there which i see and have experienced. This blog is fantastic, friendly and caring. There is information to learn from and I have felt heard here and i try to listen and contibute to. Which brings me to your valuable point of having experience which can help others as well as ourselves. i have been thinking about this lately, because i think for me to stay on this scary planet, i want to learn, so my experiences will not be for nothing. I am scared to begin the next part of my journey in to recovery, but i have been lower than an earth worm + my drinking days which have been gone for many years, was a really scary time + not a good coping skill at all. So, here i go, i want to be well + like you said, helping others can be just listening. @1stepup61

[1stepup61]

Hi Bimby2, For some reason? The @ sign is not showing your name. Says the address not working? So, you are included in my reply to both posts. Bye,1stepup61

[Bimby2]

Thank you 1stepup61 for your article on how you are coping with life in general. I admire your courage an

fortitude and you are to be commended for same. Having a diaignosis helps one find what can be done to

help themselves, along too with their specialist's advice. May your week go well and appreciation for your comments - you are a brave person. Kindest regards. Bimby2

[Shelby]

Hi, I've been diagnosed with schitzerphrenia from the age of 14, but have only had 3 breakdowns of psychosis in my lifetime , im now 43, and medicated daily keeping me stable . But I feel as I don't suffer from schitzerphrenia daily with delusions and psychosis , the label or diagnosis of 'schitzerphrenia' isn't a perfect fit or it truely doesn't sit well with me.
I'd rather say i had 3 breakdowns due to stress.
People tend to look alarmed when I say i was diagnosed with schitzerphrenia , I don't want to be labeled or miss understood like this. Guess I decide what I tell people, be that employers, friends and collegues.

[Decadian]

Hi @Shelby

I haven't seen you before so I would like to welcome you to our website

People are often afraid of people with health problems like schizophrenia and psychosis - and I know I don't really know much about those disorders myself - it is something that need only be told to people who either understand or for whatever reason you have to tell

No one will judge you here - we all have emotional disorders of some kind - they are different and yes - we all have to battle at times with the different issues in our lives

Decadian

[Mazarita]

Hi @Shelby, another welcome to the forum. Have you raised the issue of re-evaluating your diagnosis with your doctor or psychiatrist? It does seem like a strong diagnosis on the basis of three breakdowns. Just a thought. Hope to see you around more. 🙂