Posted by Elizabeth on May 3, 2002, at 0:16:20
In reply to important, posted by borderliner21 on April 25, 2002, at 13:51:51
A lot of the time, when we're in these abnormal mental states (depression, mania, panic, psychosis, dissociation, etc.), it's hard for us to think clearly. The symptoms can get in the way of our ability to be realistic, even if we're not psychotic. For example, depressed people are often ready to believe the worst about themselves, the future, etc. A person who is having a panic attack will probably believe that s/he is dying, or that some other terrible thing is happening. A paranoid person may believe that other people are watching, following, or trying to harm him/her. A hypochondriacal person can become convinced easily that s/he has one or more diseases before even going to the doctor about it. (Some of these symptoms can show up in various disorders, BTW.)
But sometimes when you're having an active episode of a mental illness, you have to make important decisions (at least, about treatment). In situations like this, you really need to focus on the known facts and keep in mind that just because you *believe* something, that doesn't mean it's true. Have you been diagnosed with any of the diseases that you mentioned? If not, then don't jump to conclusions -- often a depressed person will know she's depressed, but schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder (what you call "multiple personalities") are a lot more complicated and subtle. My impression is that your main symptoms are fear and paranoia.
May I ask why you are afraid of seeing a psychiatrist? Would you be more comfortable with a counselor, psychologist, social worker, or other mental health professional? You do need to see someone. You may or may not end up needing medication, but if you do, this will mean you'll need to see a psychiatrist.
I was wondering a few more things about what you said in your post:
> I have been abused all my life by my parents without even knowing it because of a brain deficit.
What do you mean by "brain deficit?" How and when did you recognize the abuse?
> My mom was abused as a child an it really damaged her mind and my dad has multiple personality disorder and I have it too. I just figured this out and it really scares me because I don't know what to do, if I should move with a relitive or something.
How did you figure this out? Also, I really don't know enough about your situation to be able to judge whether you should stay where you are or move in with a relative. A bit of background about the situation might help. Why do you think that it might be better to move?
> People in my town will aboid eye contact with me and race their cars past me to frighten me.
What evidence do you have for this? I think maybe you're jumping to conclusions here.
I hope I can help you. Be well.
-elizabeth
poster:Elizabeth
thread:104117
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020425/msgs/104889.html