Would a Sane Man...

[Nax]

I will share as much as I can, Intake starts next week.

So far my understanding is that the clinic I have gotten in touch with is more of a hub then a centre. It gets the individual in touch with the needed help, and the helpers with the people who need them. I go for an examination first to see what the situation is (mostly to weed out those who are just addicts, or faking, or something else is really wrong) then from there I go to a GP which gives me something called a "mental action plan" which is basically just a voucher from the government entitling me to 6 free consultations with a psych (also arranged by the clinic). However I may just be misunderstanding and wont know for certain till next week.

I will however explain the details as they come, it will be good for others and a nice way to keep a diary of sorts for myself.

I think that in many cases hardcore psychiatric imprisonment (ie mental hospitals) can make the situation so much worse for people bordering on serious problems. If I had an episode and was thrown in a room with a guard for x days, I think it w ould probably tip me over the edge. I can understand in some cases its just safer, but in alot of cases it would be good to see people in centers with less prison feel, and rather just a retreat with observation and psych help.

[soundofmusic]

I know this may sound a little crazy; but as a medical person myself, I treat medical professionals, such as psychiatrists, the same way I would a friend. I evaluate them while they're evaluating me. I begin with the light problems and see if they are competent to deal with those before I give them the "motherload".
Most of the medical professionals I have met have "their own history". If you walk into a clinic and see a psychiatrist who just lost a child to suicide last year; saying, "I sometimes feel like just ending it all" may be enough to get you into a rubber room.

[Gladys]

...I treat medical professionals, such as psychiatrists, the same way I would a friend.

Sounds like sage advice to me.

Moreover I would continue to treat medical professionals, and their advice, as one would the advice of a friend - with the same respect, caution and deep scepticism - to the end. Perhaps the best question to ponder: "How evidence-based is this advice?"

[soundofmusic]

Sounds like sage advice to me.

Moreover I would continue to treat medical professionals, and their advice, as one would the advice of a friend - with the same respect, caution and deep scepticism - to the end. Perhaps the best question to ponder: "How evidence-based is this advice?"

Thank you, Gladys. And you're quite right, a diploma and a white coat doesn't give the person a crystal ball into your mind. It also doesn't hurt to look up your symptoms on the internet and get an idea of what treatments are being used and their side effects.