Topic Tuesday // What use is a diagnosis? // 19 July, 7pm AEST

[mani]

Hi There,

I just want to say a big thank you to Sane for creating this space. In my 9-5 work, I have to wear a mask but here, with like minded people I can share the part of myself, that I mostly have to hide due to stigma.

It's been a windy road to acceptance of my diagnosis. Once I accepted it, a weight was lifted off me. What helped with the acceptance was seeing that there are many parts to myself. My diagnosis is not all of me. It helps me to also put my diagnosis in to it's cultural context. In some parts of the world, those who experience mental health conditions are revered in society (labelled healers). Phil Borges work in this space is amazing (see CRAZYWISE). I also think that for the majority of my life, my mind has been healthy, so why judge myself on the minority of the time that it hasn't been? I have friends too with mental health conditions so that helps normalize it all. But, I don't share my diagnosis outside of family. It would affect my career and the way that my friends would perceive me. If there was no stigma, I would.

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@CherryBomb wrote:

Hi Everyone and welcome this month's Topic Tuesday,

Tonight, @Shimmer and I, and anyone else who wants to join will be talking about what use a diagnosis is.

A shout to those that RSVPd - @Samiam @kyliej @Former-Member @BlueBay @Former-Member @Former-Member @mrkotter @Former-Member @Shaz51 @Mazarita @1stepup61 and thanks to @jb for your post, which highlights some of the struggles with having a diagnosis. 

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[AussieGirl]

[Mazarita]

@Shimmer, yes, it certainly has improved my life. But, like @Former-Member, things are not necessarily all rosy. I still do go up and down, just not as extremely as before. I still experience anxious and depressive times. But, as with many physical illnesses that have no cure, the symptomatic relief from the better medications has been very significant. So, whilst not being unrealistic about the benefit of apt diagnosis and medications, I am grateful for them.

[CherryBomb]

Some fabulous comments on how the terminology of mental illness could/should/should not change. Thanks @BlueBay @AussieGirl and @mrkotter !

It seems like yes, language can help to an extent in that it can help to not pathologise as much. Though as @mrkotter points out, labels still come back to the same meaning.

From what the three of you have written, it seems that education plays a role - language offers some explanation as it can shape perception (e.g., injury implies that wounds can heal), and teaching people about what a diagnosis actually means might help them understand more. 

What are others thoughts? How can we de-stigmatise diagnoses? 

[Shimmer]

@Former-Member it sounds like finding a clinician who really listened to your main concerns was key in coming to the correct diagnosis. I'm really glad to hear that treatment is helping you now 

Thanks for your inspiring message about hanging in there and finding a way to make the system helpful for you, while maintaining faith in yourself!

[AussieGirl]

I don't mean that the word injury implies healing. I mean that the word disorder is harsh and implies there is something wrong with the person. It is an injury. Depression often happens due to chemical imbalances, schizophrenia may be due to drug ingestion etc. PTSD happens due to an assault. An injury. It is not a mental illness as such.

[Shaz51]

Hi @Shimmer and @CherryBomb

it certainly has improved my  Husband`s  life. But,  things are not necessarily all rosy. he  still has  ups and downs, just not as extremely as before.

The Medication has made a huge difference , My husband said he wished he had been given them years ago

I have seen a big differencei in my husband  as well but now there is other things that are coming up that were not there before

but now he is having side affects from the meds

[Samiam]

I agree that borderline personality disorder should be changed to a different diagnosis.  It is not a name that is understandable and carries a lot of stigma and can create fear in the indivual who is diagnosed who is already experiencing emotional trauma and intensity.  I agree that the term personality disorder in general should be changed.  Having a personality that is disordered feels so damaging and confusing.  Our personality is part of our identity, our meaning, how others see us and relate to us.  For us to feel well and move through to recovery and mental wellness another name must be found.  The damage and stigma can add to the distress in being labelled in this way.

[CherryBomb]

Thanks @AussieGirl interesting to see how language can mean different things for different people. Language is powerful. I like how you have explained it, and I agree with you -  'disorder' is harsh and can make the individual a problem - it sounds like something is wrong with them. The more we can use langauge in a way that does not make people the problem, the better.

[jb]

Good thinking to be more discerning- some people are closed and unevolved- more- some are open and evolved- more- some know all the colours- some only know the primaries- but, most people, don't want to look at ,and see dark- like family law- mental health- refugees- jail- anywhere tyrants and real sadness and abuse is- too dark for them- gotta stay safe- sometimes /days they probably can- biorhythms--standard- ultimately though- any "turn key" facility- or venue- is hard to look at -or offer an opinion- emote about- to most average people- mainly in a general sense--sounds like your working it out though- maturing- seeing it simple- uncomplicated- the bits and pieces of understanding whole pictures- and good- fuller- easier- expression-all that stuff-good stuff- you seem nice- just keep being you mate- your good. if your ever feeling not- get good-attitude, be good- do good- and stay good and you have to be. Nah I know at times nothing is ever as simple as that- but it doesn't hurt - and it does help - and that's real - real's good.. 🙂