New location, new therapist, new dx??? Vent

[Forevryoung]

So I moved to Pennsylvania to begin my 2 year masters program in speech language pathology. This has been a huge change and I am hating every second of it.

I have bipolar disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. That is known, documented and treated. I have had a few OCD tendencies at times but have never been diagnosed or medicated. It's been assumed that the behavior is due to the bipolar disorder.

Till now.

New therapist today (session 2) says "sounds like OCD. Have you ever been diagnosed? Maybe I should talk to your psychiatrist... Maybe meds would help?" and I nearly lost it. I do NOT want another label, I do not want another drug in my system (with side effects). I want to be off meds (not happening), I want to be just another student here without these serious issues to deal with (tough cookies).

I'm going to talk to my old therapist and my family/friends and see what they say. Grrrrrr

 

[shoegirl1020]

That's the one bad thing about switching providers; everyone has a different approach. If you don't feel like you need meds then don't let this dr pressure you into meds.

Are you close enough or visit home enough that your prior dr can continue your care?

Best of luck-I know that switching dr's and finding a good match is very tough.

 

[1stluvispooh]

I know moving to a new place, a new school, a new city, a new state, and new docs is hard. It is hard on anyone but if you have extra issues to deal with it's all that much harder. The only thing I can say is go with your gut. The times I haven't I have been sorry. If this means finding a new therapist then that is what you have to do to keep your self healthy. Good luck!

 

[SueM in MN]

Lots of hugs.
I think talking to your old therapist is a good idea. Sounds like you were comfortable with the old therapist.
I hate moving because it means getting all new doctors for DD and for myself. One of the hardest things is trying to find people who you feel comfortable and feel like you know what you are doing. If you feel like you might be able to get comfortable with the new therapost, given a little time, I guess I'd tell him or her that they were moving too fast.

For the "hating every second" part, I hope you don't mind a suggestion. I'd make a list of positives and negatives. And then, categorize the negatives into things you can do something about and ones you don't have control over. Having everything in black and white might help you to cope with having your world totally changed.

 

[Forevryoung]

Things are slowly getting better as my brain calms down and realizes I can accomplish the work and do well in the program.

Everyone is right, after two sessions with a therapist, he does not yet know me and my needs. I need to give him a chance just like I gave those before him a chance (I've had 3 great therapists in the past 6 years). And I need to have more patience before jumping onto whatever he says.

I have a whole cheering squad of people supporting me through grad school. They keep telling me that I can do it so I must be able to do it

Sue, thanks for your suggestion. I put some statements up in my apartment to remind me that either I live with it or I change it. It just takes me awhile to adjust.

 

[SueM in MN]

Things are slowly getting better as my brain calms down and realizes I can accomplish the work and do well in the program.

Everyone is right, after two sessions with a therapist, he does not yet know me and my needs. I need to give him a chance just like I gave those before him a chance (I've had 3 great therapists in the past 6 years). And I need to have more patience before jumping onto whatever he says.

I have a whole cheering squad of people supporting me through grad school. They keep telling me that I can do it so I must be able to do it

Sue, thanks for your suggestion. I put some statements up in my apartment to remind me that either I live with it or I change it. It just takes me awhile to adjust.