Girl, each of us could probably be a therapist! I know more about bipolar disorder than my psychiatrist and therapist put together, both medically and therapeutically.
And that's not a bad thing!
Discussion Topic
feeling a little TOO experienced
Posted on 06/27/08, 03:23 am
Tonight I am having the odd feeling I know too much about BP, especially as it pertains to me. Guess I am just feeling tired after a long week. And maybe ate too many Oreos today.
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Reply #1 06/27/08 7:55am
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Reply #2 06/27/08 9:16am
Me too!! Already a nurse, now an experienced psychiatrist, psychologist and therapist, 15 years of life not University experience was all that I required....really like when the shrink asks me "what do I think I should do?" Love the independence, knowledge and just really only need his back up regarding the proper dose to increase or decrease etc...don't need much else....oh ya, just documentation by him only for LTD to continue, no biggie...ha, ha...have a great weekend everybody, thank god it is Friday!! Finally, I forget how much looking forward to Fridays felt, now that I am back in the "real work world" counting days down is the routine, sad but true...take care, best of health and happiness to every single one of you! Suexxxx -
Reply #3 06/27/08 7:09pm
I have a question then...know anyone who takes propranolol? -
Reply #4 06/28/08 1:10am
I am going back to school in September to become a therapist. I think that the people who have to deal with it everyday are the best ones to help other people through it. -
Reply #5 06/28/08 8:28am
Sue, I have the same type of relationship with my pdoc. I have always worked with my pdoc as a partner; not someone I just listen to and do exactly what they tell me to do. But I am a research queen. Sounds like you are the same way, and had the added bonus of having a medical background of being a nurse.
Personally, I find it fascinating. I probably wouldn't study it as much from a medical perspective if I didn't. -
Reply #6 06/28/08 10:55pm
i personally feel that many of us bp's could be pdoc's or therapists because of personal experience with mental illnesses i am actually planning to go to college to be a mental health counselor after i graduate from high school -
Reply #7 06/28/08 11:03pm
I would think it would a little hard to deal with being doctor on being BP and trying to help someone else who is. Because although you know more about it and know the expierences, what do you do when you have your own problems and crash or break down or something like that. I couldnt be responsible for giving someone bad advice because I was having my own problems and was in the wrong frame of mind. Plus, that would be a little strange for the person because my mood swings are all over the place and it might seem like a different person everytime they saw me. Maybe other people could do that and help out but I wouldnt be able too. -
Reply #8 06/30/08 11:20pm
I have been working with NAMI for years as a presenter and peer mentor, and thought for quite a while I would pursue becoming a MHP. I recently realized that is never going to happen. While my outreach, advocacy and peer-to-peer work is incredibly rewarding, it is also very very intense. Just a few weeks ago I had a young woman attend my presentation at a local inpatient unit who had shot herself in the mouth during a dissociative episode. While I know our presence made a difference, my encounter with her still haunts me. These inpatient presentations made me realize my personal experiences do not allow me the distance and objectivity needed to effectively work with anyone in a therapeutic relationship on a long-term basis. Maybe that will change, maybe it wont. Whatever the case, I finally know I am doing things which allow me to continue to make a difference without losing my way. -
Reply #9 06/30/08 11:53pm
WE CAN DO THIS!!! I am doing it....what else can I say, just ask me, I do know...take care everyone, it is very, very Happy Canada Day for us tomorrow...thank God "we" are Canadians...thanks to our American friends and you will get your day too...but, tomorrow, it is ours!! Let's all be oh so grateful we do live in the greatest country in the whole wide world and I also love and appreciate/respect that I/We live in the best province in Canada, ALBERTA...Alberta rules, rocks, makes our lifes full and happy...I just wish the rest of the country/ies could be as prosperous as our, share the wealth?!...oh well, it is our turn, everybody gets their chance.
Take care all, best of health and all that goes with it...I apologize for not filling my end of this group, have been too busy for my own good with a new job...waiting...to decide...to re-retire! ha, ha...
Sue xxx -
Reply #10 07/02/08 4:03pm
I have done so much reading and educating my self about this illness that I often find myself over analyzing everything. I do agree that those who have bipolar would often be better therapists.
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I need individuals with a positive outlook on bipolar, ones that are living with it and dealing with it just fine, taking their meds, not questioning every medication, or its side effects etc. This is a place to vent, a place for the mostly balanced bipolars...would appreciate all of your input, have a great weekend, let's try making a good go of this group...
