I Don't Believe My Mental Health Diagnosis

Okay, so I have been on both ends of the spectrum and roles here. I have been that therapist who has had clients who do not believe in the diagnosis that was given to him or her. As a therapist, this led me to a lot of frustration, trying to get a client to see what I had seen and the diagnostic criteria that I used to come up with such an assessment. Needless to say, we had an open and honest dialogue about why I had diagnosed a client with the disorder and many clients eventually came to terms with a diagnosis even though the diagnosis included medication and many clients are sadly non-medication compliant. 

Let me put it out there, I do not think that my diagnosis is the end all, be all. If you want a second opinion then by all means, please seek the advice of another mental health professional. What I ask you not to do is outright deny any possibility that what we have spoken about in session is ridiculous or a lie. When I sit with a client during diagnosis time, we discuss the reasons for the diagnosis, I ask what they think about the diagnosis. I have had clients tell me straight out that they think their diagnosis is something more and when we delve deeper into their stories, I end up agreeing with them and changing a diagnosis. This also means that I ultimately change their treatment plan, exercises and likely what theory that I plan on using to treat a client. 
 
When I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress disorder I had a very difficult time being able to even say "out loud" that I had post-traumatic stress disorder. This reason, for me,  came about because of a traumatic car accident in which there was the high potential for me to be loose all four of my children in one fell swoop. I felt ashamed that I had the diagnosis, but that was because I did not feel like I deserved it. Now, I know better and most certainly where my diagnoses with a badge of honor. Post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety are the most prevalent mental health issues that I deal with on a daily basis, using my cognitive exercises and medication.
 
Again, what I am telling you here is to not take whatever diagnosis that you can get and run with it; it is vital that you talk it over with your mental health professional. This is another time that I stand on my soap box and remind you that you have to advocate for yourself and your mental health. Listen to your mind and your body, it will tell you that something is not quite right, but do remember that those you seek out in mental health professions have education that they paid for in order to help you. 

See how you can work with your therapist or clinician in order to find the best outcome for you. You have to be the catalysis for change, otherwise, we are just in the room to hold down the chair and practice on our penmanship and note taking.

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