My Support Forums - View Single Post

BipolaRNurse · Feb 06, 2013, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaxen

Thank you all for your input. I realize that I should see a psychiatrist, and I've known it for some time. I have an unreasonable thought process when it comes to dealing with my own problems. I've always wanted to shoulder everything myself and find solutions on my own because I view someone that asks for help as a weakness, even though that's not true.

I don't like the path my life has been on, but taking that first step towards the right path is like climbing a mountain. I often overthink instead of just doing something, so I'm not sure how to prepare myself for a psychiatrist. I have a lot of trouble opening myself up to a vulnerable state (I avoid it at all costs). How did you guys deal with having to do this? Was it difficult for you?

The very first time I saw my pdoc was hard for me too, because I have a lot of the same issues you do with that vulnerability thing, not to mention asking for help. In fact, I hadn't asked for it; I only went because my primary care doctor basically ordered me to go. And I was petrified---I used to be a very private person and couldn't imagine exposing my dark side to the eyes of a stranger.

Luckily, my pdoc was a stranger for all of about 30 seconds. He put me at ease immediately and I knew I was in good hands. It was still hard to talk about my bad thoughts and the awful things I've said and done to family and friends over the years; but a good pdoc doesn't judge and won't think you're a terrible person if you 'fess up to being evil once in awhile.

So, choosing the right doctor or psych nurse practitioner is key to building a successful treatment plan that you'll stick with. You HAVE to be able to trust this person implicitly; after all, it really is your life in their hands.

Best of luck to you.