Undiagnosed Hello All

[Still survivin]

Hi all, I'm new here, won't go into details about why my brain likes to torture me as it's a long long story. I guess the main reason I'm here is because I've been seeing a lot of info relating to C/PTSD & for the first time I actually believe I'm not alone in feeling this way. I've spent years knowing that something isn't right but never really matching the symptoms for any diagnosis until recently. I'm approaching 40 & have been looking for answers since I was 16. I find GPs, counsellors & even psychiatrists simply do not understand, I often leave appointments feeling like I've spent the time speaking a foreign language (during 1 outburst I actually asked if I was speaking Klingon!), I feel like there is zero support or understanding. 1 SHO report literally had incorrect information dotted all the way through, confirming that these people really do not listen. I've been at my wits end for a long time & cannot see a way out. I do not believe that what I have is treatable but am hoping someone somewhere can point me in the right direction. This is my last ditch attempt at getting the help I need, I just don't have the energy to keep fighting

 

[Deleted member 1860]

If you have PTSD, (and even if you don't), you are still very treatable! There is no cure for PTSD, but we can indeed heal with the right kind of treatment.

I'm not in the UK so I'll refrain from any sort of treatment advice. There are lots of UK peeps here who can help you more in that regard.

Welcome!

 

[Chava]

Have you been to a therapist who specializes in trauma yet? IF you have ptsd or cptsd, they would likely understand some of what you experience. Not sure what kinds of professionals you have seen or if you've done any of the formal assessments (DSM, MMPI). A therapist or counselor who is a social worker primarily focused on regular stressors and anxiety, for example, might not be as helpful as a therapist who specializes in diagnosing and treating trauma issues. If you relate to the symptoms of cptsd and also have a history of trauma, seeking out a trauma specialist would probably be a helpful move.

We can't tell you if you have ptsd or cptsd, so you might continue to be frustrated until you find a professional diagnosis and appropriate help. Some things are hard to perfectly cure, but I believe most of this is treatable...like you can improve the quality of your life. But for many of us, it takes finding the right help and support. I understand the frustration.

Have these professionals you have seen diagnosed you with anything? Did you disagree? Did they do thorough intakes and did you see any of them for a while? I am very resistant to trusting new professionals. I researched and found a trauma therapist who used forms of treatment that made sense for my symptoms....and it made it much easier to trust her through the beginning when I am usually afraid I won't be understood or heard.

Don't give up.

 

[Deleted member 20280]

Welcome @Still survivin I am in the UK.

I would seek a GP appointment and ask to be referred to a psychiatrist within your local NHS Mental Health team for a proper Diagnosis.

:hug:s and Kind regards

Laurie

 

[intothelight]

@Still survivin Welcome to the forum!

Take some time and read the various threads and posts and I believe you will find there are many options out there for managing symptoms. It is a good idea to see a trauma therapist and get an appropriate diagnosis. Knowing what is wrong can be the first step in making it better.

 

[moonbeam]

Hello also in the UK.

I recommend asking your GP for a mental health referral. Depending on where you live they may recommend IAPT. While they are sort of okay for helping with waiting times and stuff they don't do assessments for diagnosis. Its primarily CBT or counseling for 8-12 session so you'll want to ask for a full referral to the team.

They should schedule you an interview with a psych consultant who can discuss it with you further. They will require discussions about difficult stuff and afterwards should tell you of any diagnosis and treatment plans (regardless of diagnosis or not).

You should also get a letter. If any of the information is inaccurate then respond immediately to correct them and if necessary request a new assessment. I had this issue with my first assessment plus I shut down and stopped talking partway through and had to be reassessed by a different consultant as the first one and I didn't mesh at all (He was a macho man and I don't respond well to that).

Keep in mind as well that complex or c-PTSD is not a recognised diagnosis in the UK. So it is likely if a diagnosis is made that they will discuss it as PTSD or may say its more BPD or something else.

The most important thing really is that it is treatable so symptoms are more manageable and that support is out there.

If you have any more questions, etc feel free to message me as well.

:hug: if you accept them.

 

[Still survivin]

Thanks all for the advice. I eventually got a referral to Psychiatrist at local mental health centre. The 1st appointment was with the SHO REPORT(answers to Psychiatrist at) & her report was nothing like what was discussed, she even invented a 4 yr old brother that I apparently have a good relationship with (my brother is 48 & is the reason for a large portion of my problems). When I do see my psychiatrist -every 3-4 -months he puts all of my problems down to my marijuana use. I accept that prolonged use can have adverse effects but also it cannot be attributed to behaviours I was showing as a child, he appears completely unable or unwilling to see my point me& my frustration levels are through the roof. I'm going to take advice from above, check out a few threads & hopefully find the best way forward. Thank you all for the welcome, kind words & advice

 

[Friday]

Welcome.

Treatable, yes. Manageable, yes. Cureable, no.

Sometimes even pros need a nudge. 'I believe I'm self medicating, and suspect PTSD from (childhood abuse, or whatever), although it may be something else. Can you do a comprehensive eval on me?"

 

[Shadowofdoubt]

HI and Welcome, still survivin :). I can relate to much of of what you say, through the years I have struggled with depression and was also diagnosed with ADD. I had a bad childhood and knew a lot of my personality and behavior stems from that, but more recently I have learned of PTSD, and the term C-PTSD. I purchased a book, calls From Surviving to Thriving, about childhood trauma and it's effects on a person. This has helped me to much better understand myslef and what I am currently dealing with. I am 46 and going through what must be worse than a mid-life crisis. I am once again in counseling and will be seeing a Psychiatrist for diagnosis, treatment of my symptoms. I am hopeful that as I learn and gain understanding, and possibly do some more grieving, that my symptoms will lighten and I will be able to partake in life once again. I hope the best for you.

 

[moonbeam]

her report was nothing like what was discussed, she even invented a 4 yr old brother that I apparently have a good relationship with (my brother is 48 & is the reason for a large portion of my problems).

Ah I once had one invent that I see my father 3-4 times a year. I think I have seen 3 times in the last decade. That was the same guy I didn't mesh well with, that was there words in the end after my shut down and later complaint against his behaviour, though I did get and still have a better psychiatric consultant. I only see her every 4-6 months because she is primarily a prescribe meds review treatment type psych not a speak to about issues type.

I think FridayJones is right (seriously need to learn how to tag people). You could try that as well as look around the forum for helpful advice. Additionally have you tried talking to a mental health charity about counseling services? Most of them don't do diagnoses but will offer a talking therapy which could still be really beneficial.

 

[Still survivin]

@moonbeam Thanks for that, I've not been here long & have had some good advice. I keep meaning to go to my local MIND for some advice but it's in town & I hate going into town lol. I will definitely call in one day this week