Posted by Emily Elizabeth on August 10, 2008, at 15:51:17
In reply to Re: Thank you all » twinleaf, posted by llurpsienoodle on August 10, 2008, at 9:47:49
Hey, I just wanted to say that I can relate to what you say about being "in the biz" and struggling with mental health issues. I am finishing up my PhD in clinical psych (just have to get through internship) and suffered a nasty treatment resistent depression throughout my program. I am (knock on wood) in remission now. The faculty in my program treated my depression like I was making it up or something. When I was too impaired to work on my dissertation they nearly kicked me out of the program. They were awful to me. Not only unethical but also illegal (hello, Americans with Disabilities act!) On top of this, my major professor who was a good man who believed in me, didn't believe in using medication to treat mental illness at ALL (including psychosis!) So, being a walking pharmacy, I always felt funny around him. So, I say all this by way of saying that I too have struggled with my illness and professional identity. My program made me feel like I was defective for having this problem. Thankfully,
I have had good T's who have helped repair that wound.Honestly, my biggest fear is that I'm going to have a client talking about their depression and I'll start to cry b/c I can remember feeling so awful. It hasn't happened yet, but I have felt a little choked up when people are describing their experiences with depression and saying no one understands. I wish I could say to them that I understand! I've been there! It is an intense experience.
Sorry this is so rambling, but I just wanted to reach out to you and say that I can relate. It's exciting to have another psychologist around here! :)
Best,
EE
poster:Emily Elizabeth
thread:845094
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20080810/msgs/845394.html