Lived Experience Forum

[Sapphire2]

Hello everyone,

This is about getting started with the first diagnosis of Mental Illness. To begin with life changing experiences and tips. Bare in mind each experience is different. So these are the tips:

1-When you are first diagnosed see the doctor twice a week. To discuss symptoms, new medications and adverse reactions towards the medication, issues with psychosis or other things etc. That way if you're doctor needs to let the psychiatrist know that is a good thing and each case is different because with some people there are adverse effects. No bodies the same.

2- See a psychiatrist if needed when seeing a psychiatrist you need to keep a list of all your behaviours. If you do this will help get you onto the right medication. Remember each case is.different so you need your psychiatrist and doctor work together.

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3-This is the psychologist one if you make the choice to see a psychologist instead they're just as good. Also have a list of your behaviours for your psychologist also. They look into the behaviours and work alongside with your doctor as well.

4--Get to know your Mental Health websites like:

-The Black Dog Institute (depression, bipolar etc)

-Butterfly Foundation (eating disorders)

-Sane Australia (complex mental health)

There are many others charities and government organisations. These ones have online support groups 

So look after yourselves and with specialists and therapists if you find it's not working change and do whatever is best for you..

[Snowie]

Hi @Sapphire2 

Great post and great tips.

I could of really done with tips like this when I was first diagnosed with my mental illness.

I found that it was certainly something people avoided talking about and even avoided me. I don't think they knew how to approach me.

I am so glad that I found my supporting team early in my diagnosis. Even though my psych and gp have changed, I am still thankful for the support I got at the start.

I think it was really important to know mental health websites and to know others with MH issues. It is so much easier to relate to others when they know what you are going through.

Once again, great post and great tips. I'm sure others will be able to benefit from your post 😁😁