Hmm, where to start?
There have been many therapists, from youth and on wards that have helped me understand the psychological part of me. Two definitely in my teen years and a few in my adult years. One therapist who encouraged me in my 20's to get in patient therapy for Sexual Abuse PTSD. Then that helped me understand the symptoms and gain more control over them and my life. I definitely felt like a stronger individual.
I've had some great doctors over the years who treated me with respect and as if I had more then half a brain in my head. They prepared me for other doctors that didn't and helped me step away from those types. The electrophysiologist who had difficulty with my illness because of my varying symptoms who felt secure enough in his self to send me to a neurologist who studied the autonomic nervous system. That neurologist who understood the symptoms and things that had happened to me over the years, autonomic wise, and came up with a diagnosis in my late 30's, early 40's. He helped me treat what was worsening, yet he never forced anything on me and never treated me like a test subject. Unfortunately he moved to another city and I haven't met his replacement. A bit nervous about that, since the other neurologist put me on disability and said I could try to work after my kids are grown, but doing both could have sent me to an early grave. Simply because of the side effects. He helped me gain as much control as possible with my illness and let it's treatment be decided by me. He hated finding out the things other doctor's put me through. Besides him, I am surrounded by a terrific group of doctors who treat all my ailments with respect and understanding. And though they know I have some mental health issues they don't treat me as a basket case.
My husband who has to deal with all of the above, including when we didn't know what was happening with me. He is beyond supportive with both my medical and mental health issues. He has never tried to make me feel guilty. I guess he feels I could do enough of that on my own. He never makes excuses for the others that have caused me deep pain or told me that I have to "understand" or that there are worse off then myself. He treats me like a strong woman, but holds me when I need him to. He doesn't berate me for getting fat over the years, mainly due to my medical condition or think less of me. He doesn't expect sex(not that he doesn't want it), and I know his sex life isn't what he hoped for, but he never tries to make me feel worse for it. Or that I have to endure the mental and physical anguish that happens with it.
A nurse once told me I was very lucky to have such a husband. She said less husbands, or men, stick with women who have chronic conditions then the other way around. She was as impressed with him as I was.
I think, after typing all of this, it is having other's validate me and support me that has made all the difference in the world regarding how I heal.
