If you have been following my story, you will know how lonely it is after you have been diagnosed. I am BI-polar one to clarify.
I was treated at 18 for a psychotic episode. The doctor cannot diagnose you after one episode, because it may have been a stress induced breakdown. I was what they called a genuine case which meant that I would respond to treatment, get better and move along with life . Unlike many others I met who have just gone down and down.
I remember one session with the psych and I explained why I did not think art therapy could help, as I did not want to be amongst others problems in a group setting when I had my own to deal with. And she said I see, you want to be in amongst the well. To me she sounded a bit sceptical as if people who had been through what I had experienced are never fully part of normality again. I had doubts myself all ready now they were confirmed. I had a mountain to climb and I knew it