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The Dr Phil Show Contacted Me!

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Myanxietyhasanxiety

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First off, I am already prepared that I am going to hear strong opinions on either side. Some people like Dr. PHIL and some people don't. I am open to the opinions, but please be considerate. I did not write to the Dr Phil show for publicity. It came from a deep place of need and hurting.

Dr phil producers contacted me after writing in. At this point, I have made through final selection. The producer spoke to a few friends, family, I filled out a million papers, videos, and they did a through investigation and fact-checked my story. After all of that, I waiting to hear back. The producer felt I was not a good fit for the current story but they were very interested in the near future. At this point, on just waiting for a call. I'm still in control & and can back out anytime.

Let me start with, about 6 months back, I went on a Dr Phil show binge watch. I set my DVR to record, and let it pile up. Until one day, I press start. Episode after episode. I had watched the Dr Phil show before, and never had any real opinions about it, but heard things. I figured, eh, won't hurt. Life already sucks anyway. What's he going do- piss me off more? My life was already out of control, very bad state. Weeks at a time bed-ridden, scared to even bathe as the water was triggering me. Leaving the room, nope. I could set the scene, but I think people relate. It was just out of control.

So after I pressed play, So many things happened to me during the binge watching. This time. I felt something: I felt inspired. I felt hope. Words DR phil said moved me to the the point, I stated to take action again in my life. Small, tiny, steps but it was movement. For the first time in what seemed like forever. Weeks later, after NOW getting out of bed daily for hours at a time, I hopped out of bed, got on the computer, and poured my heart out to DR phil show. Never expecting to hear back. Then I got the call.

Back to my point. I could go on about WHY I did it. But watching the show with a critical eye, I saw Dr Phil in a different light. I saw that show (yes, while still Hollywood, and YES I understand he no longer is a practicing MD.) Dr Phil didn't just carelessly put people on the show to provocate and hurt people. All guests were treated with compassion, a follow up program, and after care.

Grated, I could argue the other side too, but I saw Dr Phil- while sometimes came off sarcastic, arrogant, and loud, was NOT that way with people who were willing to take ownership. & many other examples. But basically, he was extremely compassionate. Caring and helpful. People had their "Ah-hah" moments either before, or after the show. He didn't TREAT them professionally. He made a CARE plan based off his panel of experts, your personal medical documents, and the hours of interviews. The don't show all the work that goes in BEFORE or after a show.

Anyways, my question is: I get the controversy of airing your dirty laundry on a public forum is not ideal. I get that. I truly dont want that. I am a VERY private person. It would be humulating, humbling & scary. Im still not sure I can do this. But if, and thats a BIG what if? Because their are no guarnatees. What if HE could help? No, not on the show, as a result of the show.. as he says their are no 8 Minute cures & The real work starts after the show. But what if after being on the show he points you to VETTED and prominent Drs in the field, staff, resources, that can potentially HELP you? If so, would you do it?

I don't want to be on TV. I really don't. But I do want help. And I am open. And please don't say the Veteran Affairs.( not happening- been there done that)

My grandmother said to me after I cried about it & my fear of embarrassing the family, shaming myself, airing my dirty laundry. She said "Honey, your not going to embarrass me, and I know that goes for the entire family. If you go there, and by being there, sharing your story, your truth, the struggle and hardship, and that helps ONE person. Only one person gets help because of your bravery, I beleive it's worth it"

Again, I haven't made any final decisions. I can still back out any minute. I just wanted to hear from my peers. What would you do??????

This IS A VERY BIG DECISION
 
It was actually a Dr. Phil show that helped me to realize that I was not far off of the Romanian babies and their attachment issues. It was then that I started to deal with attachment stuff.... this is before I realized I had PTSD and before I knew my background.

I have mixed feelings about this guy, for sure, but if your gut says that he can help you.... then do it. There is nothing worse than wishing for 'what might have been'.

Good luck to you my friend. :hug::hug::hug:
 
Thank you @shimmerz. Thank for for sharing that. I know what you mean when you say "mixed feelings". Sometimes I feel that way too. Overall, it's been a good feeling. And then there is a show, here or there, where I feel like he may have been way off base. But then I think, benefit of the doubt. What if they know something I don't?" I don't know... I will make sure to "listen & trust my gut" and if there are any RED flags, BOLT.

I don't want to be re-traumatized. That's would he counter-productive. My psychiatrist seemed to think it could be good opportunity but he gave me some warning signs to look out for.

Man.... who would of thought they wrote back... didn't honestly beleve I would ever be making this decision.
 
I am a VERY private person. It would be humulating, humbling & scary. Im still not sure I can do this. But if, and thats a BIG what if? Because their are no guarnatees. What if HE could help?

I don't want to be on TV. I really don't. But I do want help.

Very exciting and scary at the same time!! Whoa!

I think most people who would benefit from a big move like this are really also ready to share their story with others, or feel that as part of their healing. I will never do that and it would mean very little to me...I'm very private as well. It sounds more like you really felt a good connection to things he was saying. I totally understand wanting help, and wanting to follow some potential connection with him and whatever follow-up program might be offered. I'd research that part very carefully, because it sounds like that's what you are looking for...where and how long would you receive follow-up help? Do you imagine it worth the potential sacrifice of making your own private struggle very, very public?

Sorry if I missed parts of your story elsewhere, but can you not afford therapy in your area? Have you worked with a trauma therapist before? There are thousands of compassionate and knowledgeable therapists who we don't know and don't feel connection to vicariously through t.v. It takes time sometimes to find a good connection though.

I'd weigh everything out carefully. In no way would I be comfortable sharing my story so publicly and then heading out of my house (I already have problems isolating). Not sure if that would be the case for you or not...but think of the impact of being on the show, not just the possibility of some follow-up help. Also, I don't know what other routes you have tried for help but I do hear that you are probably not feeling like you have a lot of options. I think very good to post this and take time with a decision like this, so you can figure out what is best for you.
 
I decided I'm not going to do it.

Just sharing my story here has been too much and I haven't even shared that much! And you guys don't know who I am or any details about me. Nope! Glad I tried this first.

Don't think it would be in my best interest . I need to look into other options.

I have heathcare, and I am a 100% service connection veteran. So I have options. It's just finding the right resource, person that works.
 
I think you made the right decision. Television is television - it's the farthest thing from reality there is. And while the show can be very successful at their messaging, the reality is that they are creating entertainment, and are beholden to produce numbers and results. I don't think you can count on getting good follow-up from any docu-style tv crew, but you can count on losing your privacy for at least a year.

I'm not saying that the guy is evil, more just that his industry has very few scruples. I really believe you are better off doing your own searching for the right therapeutic supports.
 
I don't think he did it to be offensive, but I remember the specific thing that made me lose all respect I had for "Dr" Phil.

He did a show on PTSD. In which he (or producers. However his show is organised). Where the guests chosen were just, well. Shitty people.

The title of this episode was also changed post airing, so not to be as offensive for syndication as reruns.

The episode was renamed "Hero's in pain", from the original title of "From Hero's to Monsters".

This a link to an article regarding this episode. I tried to find the most even handed one I could. Though it is still quite scathing.
https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&sour...aAHdUvjDPVxwPCssQ&sig2=7CCTUHsSauHLl_UVTRldXw

By no means am I saying that you shouldn't do this if you feel like you should. Just be careful, this guy is not above using negative stigma for the sake of ratings and money.
 
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