[birdcrazy]

So, my tdoc is going to work with my pdoc about rearranging my labels again. But I have a bad habit of thinking the labels define everything about me. Maybe the new labels are right, maybe they are wrong, I dunno. But how do I kick the habit of thinking the labels are all I am?

[Ygrec23]

Originally Posted by birdcrazy

So, my tdoc is going to work with my pdoc about rearranging my labels again. But I have a bad habit of thinking the labels define everything about me. Maybe the new labels are right, maybe they are wrong, I dunno. But how do I kick the habit of thinking the labels are all I am?

Dear Birdcrazy,

The longer they've been pasting labels on you, the tougher it is to escape, but the fact that they change the labels with some frequency is proof that they cannot define who "you" are. There's no label in the world that could "define" or "describe" the real you. You can picture a real, heavy safe, with walls six inches thick, a door and a combination lock. Stick the labels in there, close the heavy door and roll the combination lock. Don't open the safe again until right before you see your P or T. Afterwards, put them back. This kind of stuff has worked for me for years. It sounds hokey, but one can wilfully forget things and then retrieve them as needed.

Take care.

[Perna]

I would make my own definition of what the labels mean? I'd add in all the good stuff, be a Creative, Schizoaffective, Hard-working, Bipolar-type with a great sense of humor, Avoidant of game-playing abusive smucks.

[perpetuallysad]

I don't do well with labels either. In fact, my pdoc and I both know this, so if he can, he avoids giving me a label to obsess about. It wasn't until last Oct. when I finally tried (so far unsuccessfully) to apply for disability ins that he finally told me what he has me diagnosed as having. I don't necessarily define myself by my labels, but I end up reading and reading and reading about them. If your pdoc does change your labels, is this something you have to know? Maybe you could ask him to not share that, and try just being "label-less" for a little while? Good luck.

[Michah]

Hey BC,

Sometimes I think that obsessing about labels, is just the minds way of trying to understand itself. If we can apply our attention to the "science" of diagnostics and give it a name, a home, a reason for action and behaviour, then we can better know ourselves.

Personally, I don't think there is anything wrong with being strong in conviction. We may not understand the DSM(psychiatric diagnostic manual) but it does not stop us from trying to be on a level playing field with our therapists. The more we know and empower ourselves with, the better time we have of being able to stand up for ourselves.

However, we have therapists for a reason. IMO, they are there to provide perspective and counter arguments. If you do not agree with the "label" you have every right to question it and be provided with logical and rational reasons for the label.

It comes down to trust, hon. Do you trust these people with your life, your mental health? It is very hard to believe someone if you don't trust that they have your best interets at heart. I wonder if you would feel less obsessed with labels, if you felt that ALL possibilities were being explored. If there is a trust issue, bring it up in your next session.

You know a bit of my history BC. I would hate to think that one other person on this planet could go through what I did. I only wish SOMEONE had helped me to understand my right to push for better answers and better mental health outcomes many years ago. It may not have taken 36 years to reach the RIGHT dx and the right treatment.

Take good care babe. Obsession is never good for your spirit or your mind, but conviction is. The only way to reach a good therapuetic outcome is to be listened to, for your thoughts and feelings to be validated and to have alternative hypotheses to be tested properly.

Big hugs

Michah

The Surgeon General explains the significance of a diagnosis here: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/librar...ter2/sec2.html

I have had I would guess about ten different diagnosis. I stopped paying attention to them since the topics in therapy did not change and the medications remained devoted to altering my brain to rid me of depression and anxiety.

I too disliked some of the diagnoses. Adult Adjustment Reaction was one. I told my psychologist it should be Child Adjustment Reaction. After all, the problem was described as being unable to function well as an adult.

Now, when a see a mental health professional I ask if there is a scientific explanation for those times when the placebo effect fails.

Sorry for rambling.

[Rhiannonsmoon]

Dear Birdy,

I have a way of trying to erase or at least ease the labels. It is slowly working for me. It is just a suggestion.

I don't even know whether you use the terms "my depression" "my anxiety" etc. I used to but I hit a point where my mind said "Stop it" I asked "stop what?" my mind replied "Stop owning the label" I asked "How do I do that? My mind said "Call it "The" depression, the anxiety, the panic attacks, the avoidance". I thought mind was rather smart to point these things out to me. So I now (even though I may forget sometimes), write and think "The" instead of "My"...

If you don't want to try this, I do hope you find something else that works for you,



Rhia

[birdcrazy]

Yeah, they are reworking my labels, but my meds will not change nor the therapy, so I guess it doesn't matter.