Sufferer Correctly Diagnosed W/ptsd - At Last!

[StillWaters]

I have been in the mental health system for years and originally was diagnosed as having Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorder and OCD. I was then diagnosed as having a type of Autism, mostly, I think, because when I was a baby (per my mom) I never cried, but rocked in my crib and banged my head. The way I see this today, it was either Autism - or neglect.

Today I have been told by my then-psychiatrist that I have "outgrown" the Bipolar Disorder and he sent me to another psychiatrist for a 2nd opinion and he concurred. What the heck? Was I ever actually Bipolar? It seems to me that often psychiatrists diagnose people based on their training and their views.

But finally I was in a hospital where the counselor had a doctorate in Trauma Recovery and I was finally diagnosed as having PTSD due to abuse in childhood and beyond.

I really think this is the right diagnosis since in many ways I am starting to get better, such as much less anxiety - I think because I was finally listened to, heard and believed.

However, in many ways things are worse because now I am having to deal with very painful memories and feelings.

I am a survivor, but I want to go beyond merely surviving. I now have a counselor and am doing EMDR. And hopefully, someday I will feel better and live better.

 

[JustBe]

Welcome to the forum StillWaters. I agree it's a relief to finally be heard and validated on any level.

 

[KP the nut]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Welcome...!

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Hi and welcome to the forum. I am glad you are doing such good work on yourself in therapy. I believe that you will go far in your own healing process. Since joining with the forums, my own healing has speeded up. I hope it helps and supports you as it has me. There are alot of wonderful people here who have been there who understand how it feels. It is nice to meet you.

 

[intothelight]

Welcome to the PTSD Forum! :)

 

[Springer80]

I was then diagnosed as having a type of Autism, mostly, I think, because when I was a baby (per my mom) I never cried, but rocked in my crib and banged my head.

Today I have been told by my then-psychiatrist that I have "outgrown" the Bipolar Disorder Was I ever actually Bipolar?

I was finally diagnosed as having PTSD ...I really think this is the right diagnosis since in many ways I am starting to get better, such as much less anxiety - I think because I was finally listened to, heard and believed.

However, in many ways things are worse because now I am having to deal with very painful memories and feelings.

I am a survivor, but I want to go beyond merely surviving.

Hi, A warm welcome to the forum. It sounds like you need it :) Just wanted to say regarding the above....

I've read some stuff about early neglect, including pre-natal (I can send it on if you want). It opened my eyes to my early behavior and other peoples misinterpretation of it. It helped me alot. Also a book called The Drama of Being a Child by Alice Miller is good.

I went through a time when my behavior looked bi-polar because my automatic nervous system was affected by the ptsd from overproducing adrenaline. I felt pumped and wired, elated then exhausted, its called bi-phasic response and it can happen without a person being bi-polar.

Also I think you know it in 'your bones' when you hear a diagnoses that fits. I'm so glad you finally feel you are beginning to feel received. As long as that continues you are on the right path. I know what you mean about getting better requiring going through some unpleasant stuff. PTSD is very paradoxical like that.You'll have a great sense of irony by the end of this. ;)

Finally, I am getting to the beginnings no longer being a survivor but just me. In a way I will always be one but it will take a back seat soon and hopefully just sit quietly and contentedly for the rest of the journey like a granny thats had a nip of rum!

Welcome to the forum. :)

 

[anthony]

Welcome to PTSD Forum.