Have you heard of Santa Barbara's Roger Thompsen? Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Services Agency (ADMHSA) cut the supports and services of three hundred consumers (leaving some homeless) and he got everyone together and formed Consumers Advocacy Coalition. He called Town Meetings and is changing the way our govenment works; you don't need no stinkin' badge. What you want, (it seems to me), is to be helpful and counsel people. You don't have become a psychiatrist to do that---you'd have to go through med school and then specialize in psychiatry---years and years of academia. Best wishes to you, Chuggs---focus on your friendships; your diploma won't keep you warm at night or accompany you to the movies. Being a good friend is "something of merit;" it helps both you and the friend, so there you should be happy. "Evil weight of depression; allure of mania tantalizes to the point of danger"---you're a writer, Chuggs; start posting!

I couldn't have said it better myself! You
hang in there Chuggs and keep fighting!

Good goal, I half share it myself except I dont want to do all the hard science associated with medical school so I may just end up teaching and/or practicing clinical psych.

Hope you are good at chemistry, calculus, biology, and physics.

So are you in college? When I was in college I had to register with the Disabled Student Services Office because I couldn't handle the full schedule and needed a little special consideration. All it took was a letter from my doc stating I needed assistance at school. He didn't even have to tell them my dx. They also offered counseling and support there, and I couldn't not have stayed in school as long as I did without them.

My college was known for it's disabled student services, especially for the blind. I hope yours is good in that area too and you can find some support. It is ok to need help. You would be surprised at some of the considerations you can get like first choice in classes, half-time schedule counting as full-time for financial aid reasons, and extra time for assignments and tests.

Please look into this. This will help you on your road to success.

Also, have you considered volunteer work to help you feel like you are giving back? Maybe even volunteering at the DSS (disabled student services)?

Alice

@1 ..well if you are going for psychiatry you will need that badge as you will be prescribing.

You can do ther things, psychotherapy etc but again they need training..as does counselling.

But if your heart is set on psychiatry go for it. Remember Kay Jaimson was BP and a psychiatrist (but she may have been an academic rather than practicing).

Good luck, remain stradfast and all that :)

You will I have no doubt one day hold a degree in psych. Use your pain as a motivating force.

Good to hear from you Chuggs, glad your back, I wish you all the best in your fight thur school.

Maybe giving yourself, committing yourself to someone IS that something of merit you are waiting for? Just an idea.
Very happy to see you back...missed you bunches!
Hugs, Bobbi

thanks for the responses people. As for becoming an MD first, I have no objections to that. It gives me a chance to help people in a way I never imagnined.

Yes, all for it

sometimes flexibility too....life doesn't always conform to our desires...being resilient, adaptable - able to weather the big blows- are key (read it in a fortune cookie etc) x

Instead of forcing yourself to grin and bear it why not practice acceptance and be easier on yourself and those around you

Nice to see you again.