[bradt93]

Do any of you think a mix of seeing both your therapist and P-Doc helps more or just seeing one of them? When I was see both of them, it helped them. I left my therapist, because I thought I was "better." Does our mind like to play tricks on u thinking we are "better"? Even if we feel "better" isn't it always good to keep seeing both of them?

Hi Brad. It's hard for me to say what is best for others. We have different circumstances. I will say that I believe seeing both a psychiatrist and therapist is crucial for me, and likely always will be.

I sometimes wonder why people are quick to totally quit therapy when they feel "better". Isn't it likely that the therapy is part of the reason? If so, why not just reduce its frequency for a while, but not cut ties? That might make it easier to increase frequency again, if needed. Occasional "check-ins" are good, I think. If later down the line you truly think you are ready, then reduce more or eliminate.

Quitting a psychiatrist usually means quitting medications. Bad news for most people with bipolar disorder! Or for those whose psychiatrists support them going off meds, an occasional check-in is also wise. Medications can help make us feel better. Stopping them can have disastrous results. If not immediately, then somewhere down the road. Most people need to see a psychiatrist at least enough for prescription renewals. That need not be that often.

[*Beth*]

For me, my pdoc and my therapist's roles are quite different. At this time anyway, I find that seeing both is the best way for me to remain stable and feel pretty good.


In general, it seems to me that the stronger our mental health support network is, the better. So pdoc, therapist, IRL group, online group (like PC)...I think all are beneficial for those of us with mental illness.

[bpcyclist]

I badly need both, but can afford only one. So, I go to the prescriber.

[bradt93]

Good news, I saw my p-doc today and everything went well. She said her appointments are going to be on video call, because of the corona virus. So we won't be meeting at her office? Have any of you all done this yet with your p-docs or do some of you still go to your p-docs physical office?

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by bradt93

Good news, I saw my p-doc today and everything went well. She said her appointments are going to be on video call, because of the corona virus. So we won't be meeting at her office? Have any of you all done this yet with your p-docs or do some of you still go to your p-docs physical office?

Yeah, I had one video one. It was okay.

[Fuzzybear]

I am happy you have had a video call.

Originally Posted by bradt93

Good news, I saw my p-doc today and everything went well. She said her appointments are going to be on video call, because of the corona virus. So we won't be meeting at her office? Have any of you all done this yet with your p-docs or do some of you still go to your p-docs physical office?

Yes, this is super-common now. I've had one appointment with each so far, with second ones coming later this month. It is different, but ok. Still, I'll be glad to get back to face to face.

[bradt93]

I've been using the app "Zoom", I'm sure most of you have heard of that for my college classes now. My psychiatrist uses an app though called "doxy me"

[bradt93]

Actually, my first appointment was through just a telephone call, because I hadn't seen her since last September. She told me she was going to email me the app before our next appointment September, so this should be pretty interesting for the first time. I hate showing my face though lol and that's going to be something. I'm just shy like that.