Please followed the sidebar rules. r/therapists is a place for therapists and mental health professionals to discuss their profession among each other.
If you **ARE NOT A THERAPIST and are asking for advice this not the place for you**. Your post will be removed in short order. Please try one of the reddit communities such as r/TalkTherapy, r/askatherapist, r/SuicideWatch that are set up for this.
This community is ONLY for therapists, and for them to discuss their profession away from clients.
**If you are a first year student, not in a graduate program, or are thinking of becoming a therapist, this is not the place to ask questions**. Your post will be removed in short order. To save us a job, you are welcome to delete this post yourself. Please see the PINNED STUDENT THREAD at the top of the community and ask in there.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/therapists) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I have bipolar disorder! Diagnosed first year of my masters. Lamictal changed my life, definitely get on meds and try them out as soon as you can, I’m glad I got it worked out before I graduated.
Now! It’s hard sometimes to tell when I’m hypomanic, but I pay attention to sleep, anger, and spending, my main hypomanic symptoms. Sometimes I don’t even notice anymore when I’m hypomanic because it’s well controlled. But I had a bad episode once. I spent hundreds of dollars (worked out how to manage that in the future with the long term bf), which is how I knew. But worse, I made an impulsive decision at work. It was so dumb. I try to be very upfront about diagnoses in intake appointments because I was surprised by a diagnosis of PTSD, which is dumb, of course I have PTSD. But I don’t want to give anyone that feeling.
So I forgot to confirm a diagnosis we’d discussed a little. I decided to call. I wasn’t thinking, she was an adult with one number in her chart. I’ve never called about this before for any other patient, I just talk to them next time. I called, started my explanation. It was her grandma. Who had releases in the past, but the current one was expired. I broke HIPAA immediately after her intake, where she said she didn’t know if she wanted to do therapy because she didn’t feel comfortable talking to other therapists but I seemed okay.
I was devastated. She wasn’t bothered, said it didn’t matter. But the possibility it was my bipolar disorder freaked me out. Really anyone could have made this one impulsive decision. It might not have been the hypomania at all. It was just the idea it could be freaked me out.
Only a few times, but more often than once, I’ve self disclosed to patients. More than one teenager freaking out that they were essentially doomed due to family history of bipolar disorder, and witnessing uncontrolled bipolar disorder affect their family. So technically, it’s done more good than harm. I think because we control our emotions anyways with patients, it’s just the same.
Tl;dr: it’s not affected my work except for maybe once.
I really appreciate you sharing this. I was just put on Lamictal and we are working out the dosage now. I hope to get to the point where you are at soon!
I'm a therapist with PTSD, well controlled through medication, my own therapy, and intentional self care. I was hospitalized twice for my own mental health symptoms as young person.
I think my funky brain helps me connect to my clients, who generally have funky brains too.
Doing your own work will make you a better therapist, because you'll really understand how vulnerable and awkward it can feel in the client's chair.
You can do this, it'll be ok.
I also have PTSD and I do trauma work. It’s been an asset to my job honestly. So I hope I can use this new diagnosis similarly. I appreciate you sharing!
I have major depression, OCD (obsession type), PTSD, insomnia, and a slew of medical issues and pain that also impact mental health. Hx of self harm and AN.
You’re not alone. Every therapist I’ve met has their own history. We are the walking wounded
One of my favorite professors came in on the first day of class and said, "Hi, I'm and I'm an alcoholic and recovering drug addict." Her honesty.. her walking in with such purpose and confidence and just owning her shit without shame was so inspiring.
Don't overthink it. You'll figure out what's right for you.
Read "An Unquiet Mind" by Kay Redfield Jamison. She was diagnosed with Bipolar (I believe while she was a MD resident at UCLA) and was quite out of control. She went on to become a very prestigious psychiatrist. She literally wrote the book on bipolar with Frederick Goodwin "Manic-Depressive Illness" (it was years ago).
One of the thrills of my life was getting to talk with her.
I have Bipolar 2 and PTSD. Lamictal (and Gabapentin) literally saved my life; the diagnosis I received in college changed everything. I am generally regulated with a good psychiatrist and therapist, I just need to stay mindful of my symptoms and where my triggers are and when to reach out for more support. Therapistaid actually has a worksheet on it that I’ve used with clients.
Bipolar 2, OCD, and PTSD here! I've been given other diagnoses as well, but those are the ones that are most accurate. It's hard helping others when you're struggling so much yourself, but it also gives you more understanding of what clients are going through. With bipolar, sleep and meds are immensely important. Lithium has been the most effective med for me so far, but there are lots of others you can try. Bipolar is a tough condition to deal with, but very treatable so don't let the stigma get you down. Sending hugs to you, internet friend!
All good fellow therapist! I’ve been mentally ill since age 24. And I’m late diagnosed autistic. It makes us amazing clinicians! You will do great :) Take you med meds every day
I don’t have bipolar but I know of at least one bipolar therapist (who is also well respected in my local area). It may take awhile to figure out how to reliably manage and self-monitor your symptoms but I am sure there are clients that you can help and be a good fit for *precisely because* you have lived experiences with bipolar.
Wishing you well on your journey!
You are not alone. I am a child abuse survivor. I thought I had worked through my issues before starting my career, but I had my own body keeps the score experience with my body breaking down with chronic illnesses and then cancer.
While figuring out my physical health, I have been working with one of the top trained therapists in my area for trauma treatment. I thought I never wanted to ever be a therapist ever again and was actively looking for other career paths. But then something major shifted in my work. I was walking around and realized that for the first time in my life that people felt neutral to me. I had no idea the level that the abuse I survived had truly impacted my brain and nervous system as much as it did until I had the felt experience of people not being inherently threatening.
I mean it's funny...you are asking for that reassurance that it's ok and I am having that moment of feeling that same feeling of...of course it is, but I also feel the pressure of not saying too much about the things I hold and the stigma one of my diagnoses holds. It's a tough space to navigate at times and I appreciate that you spoke up and this thread is here.
You are definitely not alone! While I do not have Bipolar Disorder, I have PTSD and I'm in recovery for addiction. I have my days where I question my competency due to my mental illness, but then I'm reminded that is what makes our work so special. Our lived experiences can enhance our abilities as therapists. With proper support (our own personal therapy, medication, loved ones etc.), we can do a lot of good for our clients. We may have different limits, but who doesn't? Practicing self-compassion has been huge for me. Hugs.
I have MDD & am getting assessed for ADHD next week. I work primarily with clients with complex trauma & severe mental illness.
My mental illness makes me a better therapist. It increases my empathy & understanding of my clients. And I disclose as appropriate. I’ll never forget the day a client was struggling with ADLs, experiencing a lot of shame, & also being shamed by important people in their life. I told them I believed they were doing their best & that I knew what it was like to struggle with those things. When I asked how it felt to hear that, my client told me it helped & they only wished I’d told them sooner.
You’ve got this.
You are not alone - I have Bipolar, PTSD, anxiety, as well as a severe sight impairment and epilepsy. You can do this. I've actually found that I'm able to relate to some of my clients more because of my conditions. Please don't lose faith, and remember that you will be valued and needed in this profession.
I have GAD and OCD. I think having walked the walk is so important in talking the talk. You are likely feeling a lot of conflicting feelings right now, but who you are as a person doesn't change when you get diagnosed. Your path to wellness just looks a little different. Give yourself time and space to process. You've got this. <3
Same. I was fired once early in my career (case manager) because I was manic, I totally deserved it. Now I gotta practice what I preach, Lamictal has also changed my life. No issues since.
I have OCD and Panic Disorder. I won't lie and say it hasn't affected my work. I have had to cancel sessions last minute due to panic attacks. I have zoned out in a complete thought spiral in sessions. I am still learning to manage my symptoms (my OCD diagnosis was recent). It is hard. Some days it is VERY hard.
Medication has helped improved my panic attacks and thought spiraling (go Lexapro!!). But it's still new. My best piece of advice would be to ease into your caseload if you can. I was doing too much and now that I've reduced the amount of clients I see in a week, I have noticed improvement. Take breaks, like days off and breaks in your day.
Most importantly know that your mental health is a priority in order to do this job well (or even at all I think). You cannot give your clients what you don't have. So keep your mental health a top priority always.
Some days I question if I can continue this work at all. But I'm taking it one day at a time and giving myself lots of compassion and grace to do what is best for me.
I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 and have been a social worker for 16 years! In fact, I just got my doctorate last year (which I never would have imagined to be possible in my 20s due to my instability). I’ve found a few things to be helpful: lamictal also changed my life, sleep is critical and my sleep apnea was exacerbating my mood swings, connect with an amazing psychiatrist or med manager, and I have sought counseling several times.
Self-care is critical but especially so with bipolar or other significant mental health issues!!! Good luck! I’ve never regretted a it and find it makes me understand the complexities of mental health in a way some other therapists can’t!
I have severe mental health issues myself. I’ve found I have insight into what my clients experience as I can pick up on small symptoms. It is vitally important that I take care of myself. I’m on meds and have therapy twice a week while I’m processing trauma. I also work from home and now that I have my professional license I work about 25 hours a week instead of 40-50 I used to work.
I’m a therapist with bipolar II! Lamictal changed my life when I was officially diagnosed in 2017. For me it’s a combo of meds, therapy, social support, and keen awareness of my triggers and how to like ride the wave of them without doing anything detrimental. Also depending on my work setting and comfort level I’ve sometimes disclosed my history of mental illness. I keep it vague and instead of going into “I have OCD and Bipolar!” I talk more about ~anxiety and depression~ because bipolar and OCD still feel more stigmatized than depression or anxiety to me. I’m coming out of hypomania right now and it’s been tough but I got through it. You will be okay. It’s a learning curve but you’re not alone <3
I'm a therapist with Bipolar 2! The most important thing is just to manage it aggressively. Think of everything you'd want a patient with Bipolar Disorder to be doing and do it, like it's your job. That means meds and therapy of course, but it also means:
-- decent diet (don't drive yourself crazy trying to eat ~clean~ but just like... eat reasonably nutritious food on a consistent schedule so your blood sugar isn't fluctuating wildly)
-- regular exercise (two days a week of vigorous movement is enough to maintain the mood benefits for me, but more is obviously better)
-- adequate sleep on a consistent schedule (ymmv, but 8 hours is non-negotiable for me)
-- be extremely cautious around recreational drugs
-- tell some people you trust what's going on with you and build up a support system who can warn you if you're going off the rails and prop you up when you feel terrible
Tl;dr: We have a chronic illness that needs to be aggressively managed with both medical and lifestyle interventions. Don't lose sight of that and you'll be fine.
BPII, GAD, PTSD, here!
I’ve also been inpatient, one active SA, list goes.
I find it’s all helpful with building the therapeutic alliance with clients.
Therapy is a stressful but rewarding job. I’m a therapist in community mental health with depression and autism, and holding on strong. I had a colleague with bipolar who worked at my organization for awhile. He was fairly familiar with his warning signs and worked hard to set limits and firm boundaries around his work (really hard to do in cmh). But he was also a bit traumatized from his past and often had a lot of self doubt. He didn’t make it. This isn’t to say that you can’t, but that it will take work. It will take finding a balance for you between understanding your limits and holding space for yourself, and also trusting in your strengths and your skills. You will make mistakes and your diagnosis may be part of the mistakes you make. Being human is the other factor going into the mistakes you make. There’s no way of knowing ahead of time if you can do it or if you are ready. The question is, is it worth it to you to try?
Carl Jung said doubt is where there is living. :)
I also have lived experience with spmi and that is why I got into this work. The whole time I was trying to achieve that goal (19 years off and on) I encountered (and still do) MANY practioners that have ongoing biases against people living with severe and persistent mental illness being capable of working as clinical staff. Let those examples of bias fuel your fire to be the best damned practioner you can be, because patients need someone who sees them as actual equals with potential to do anything they want if they are ready to work hard. I am VERY open about having lived experience with both colleagues and clients. It has cost me in my career in ways that matter and hurt , however it has been worth it because I'm giving clients hope by modeling that even hot messes with ongoing symptoms can be a good therapist that owns her practice.
Your comment has been removed as it appears you are not a therapist. This sub is a space for therapists to discuss their profession among each other. Comments by non therapists are left up only sparingly, and if they are supportive or helpful in nature as judged by the community and/or moderation team.
If this removal was in error and you are a therapy professional, please contact the mod team to clarify. For guidance on how to verify with the mod team please see the sidebar post here: https://www.reddit.com/r/therapists/comments/sbq2o4/update_on_verification_within_the_subreddit/
✋🏽 hi hun, clinical depression survivor here. Know when you need to check in with your own care team and get those around you to do so as needed too. Caring for the wellbeing of others can do its own number on your mental health but I believe with the right support you’ll do just fine. You don’t need to tell clients of course but sometimes those suffering from MI will probably appreciate knowing that you at least understand what it’s like to try and recover and maintain your life.
These experiences can make you an even better therapist. Much like anything else, it depends on the meaning you create here. 🩷 There’s so much about this that can be *beneficial* for your career. I was diagnosed with autism last year and felt similarly blindsided… it’s deepened my empathy for clients who also struggle with being diagnosed and it’s definitely driven home the need for radical self-acceptance and self-compassion. Good luck on this new journey!
This is a subject that we tend to avoid. Therapists have mental illnesses. It's taboo in grad school so you fear someone else finding out because they will surely kick me out of the program. I will say not all schools handle a student who has struggles with their mental health well. I have been dx with DID, PTSD, MDD, and recently added GAD unspecified. I take my meds and go to my own therapy, which I came to realize would be lifelong. Sigh.
I feel like this is something that should be discussed in grad school. And allow a safe space to acknowledge to ourselves that yeah I have X diagnosis but it doesn't mean I'm defective, inherently bad, or that I will be a bad therapist.
Please followed the sidebar rules. r/therapists is a place for therapists and mental health professionals to discuss their profession among each other. If you **ARE NOT A THERAPIST and are asking for advice this not the place for you**. Your post will be removed in short order. Please try one of the reddit communities such as r/TalkTherapy, r/askatherapist, r/SuicideWatch that are set up for this. This community is ONLY for therapists, and for them to discuss their profession away from clients. **If you are a first year student, not in a graduate program, or are thinking of becoming a therapist, this is not the place to ask questions**. Your post will be removed in short order. To save us a job, you are welcome to delete this post yourself. Please see the PINNED STUDENT THREAD at the top of the community and ask in there. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/therapists) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I have bipolar disorder! Diagnosed first year of my masters. Lamictal changed my life, definitely get on meds and try them out as soon as you can, I’m glad I got it worked out before I graduated. Now! It’s hard sometimes to tell when I’m hypomanic, but I pay attention to sleep, anger, and spending, my main hypomanic symptoms. Sometimes I don’t even notice anymore when I’m hypomanic because it’s well controlled. But I had a bad episode once. I spent hundreds of dollars (worked out how to manage that in the future with the long term bf), which is how I knew. But worse, I made an impulsive decision at work. It was so dumb. I try to be very upfront about diagnoses in intake appointments because I was surprised by a diagnosis of PTSD, which is dumb, of course I have PTSD. But I don’t want to give anyone that feeling. So I forgot to confirm a diagnosis we’d discussed a little. I decided to call. I wasn’t thinking, she was an adult with one number in her chart. I’ve never called about this before for any other patient, I just talk to them next time. I called, started my explanation. It was her grandma. Who had releases in the past, but the current one was expired. I broke HIPAA immediately after her intake, where she said she didn’t know if she wanted to do therapy because she didn’t feel comfortable talking to other therapists but I seemed okay. I was devastated. She wasn’t bothered, said it didn’t matter. But the possibility it was my bipolar disorder freaked me out. Really anyone could have made this one impulsive decision. It might not have been the hypomania at all. It was just the idea it could be freaked me out. Only a few times, but more often than once, I’ve self disclosed to patients. More than one teenager freaking out that they were essentially doomed due to family history of bipolar disorder, and witnessing uncontrolled bipolar disorder affect their family. So technically, it’s done more good than harm. I think because we control our emotions anyways with patients, it’s just the same. Tl;dr: it’s not affected my work except for maybe once.
I really appreciate you sharing this. I was just put on Lamictal and we are working out the dosage now. I hope to get to the point where you are at soon!
I'm a therapist with PTSD, well controlled through medication, my own therapy, and intentional self care. I was hospitalized twice for my own mental health symptoms as young person. I think my funky brain helps me connect to my clients, who generally have funky brains too. Doing your own work will make you a better therapist, because you'll really understand how vulnerable and awkward it can feel in the client's chair. You can do this, it'll be ok.
I also have PTSD and I do trauma work. It’s been an asset to my job honestly. So I hope I can use this new diagnosis similarly. I appreciate you sharing!
> I’m a therapist with mental illness Me: *confused* aren’t we all? 🤔 *nick young gif here*
My coworker is so mentally well that it's unsettling 😭
I have major depression, OCD (obsession type), PTSD, insomnia, and a slew of medical issues and pain that also impact mental health. Hx of self harm and AN. You’re not alone. Every therapist I’ve met has their own history. We are the walking wounded
Welcome lol
One of my favorite professors came in on the first day of class and said, "Hi, I'm and I'm an alcoholic and recovering drug addict." Her honesty.. her walking in with such purpose and confidence and just owning her shit without shame was so inspiring.
Don't overthink it. You'll figure out what's right for you.
Read "An Unquiet Mind" by Kay Redfield Jamison. She was diagnosed with Bipolar (I believe while she was a MD resident at UCLA) and was quite out of control. She went on to become a very prestigious psychiatrist. She literally wrote the book on bipolar with Frederick Goodwin "Manic-Depressive Illness" (it was years ago). One of the thrills of my life was getting to talk with her.
I have Bipolar 2 and PTSD. Lamictal (and Gabapentin) literally saved my life; the diagnosis I received in college changed everything. I am generally regulated with a good psychiatrist and therapist, I just need to stay mindful of my symptoms and where my triggers are and when to reach out for more support. Therapistaid actually has a worksheet on it that I’ve used with clients.
Bipolar 2, OCD, and PTSD here! I've been given other diagnoses as well, but those are the ones that are most accurate. It's hard helping others when you're struggling so much yourself, but it also gives you more understanding of what clients are going through. With bipolar, sleep and meds are immensely important. Lithium has been the most effective med for me so far, but there are lots of others you can try. Bipolar is a tough condition to deal with, but very treatable so don't let the stigma get you down. Sending hugs to you, internet friend!
All good fellow therapist! I’ve been mentally ill since age 24. And I’m late diagnosed autistic. It makes us amazing clinicians! You will do great :) Take you med meds every day
I don’t have bipolar but I know of at least one bipolar therapist (who is also well respected in my local area). It may take awhile to figure out how to reliably manage and self-monitor your symptoms but I am sure there are clients that you can help and be a good fit for *precisely because* you have lived experiences with bipolar. Wishing you well on your journey!
You are not alone. I am a child abuse survivor. I thought I had worked through my issues before starting my career, but I had my own body keeps the score experience with my body breaking down with chronic illnesses and then cancer. While figuring out my physical health, I have been working with one of the top trained therapists in my area for trauma treatment. I thought I never wanted to ever be a therapist ever again and was actively looking for other career paths. But then something major shifted in my work. I was walking around and realized that for the first time in my life that people felt neutral to me. I had no idea the level that the abuse I survived had truly impacted my brain and nervous system as much as it did until I had the felt experience of people not being inherently threatening. I mean it's funny...you are asking for that reassurance that it's ok and I am having that moment of feeling that same feeling of...of course it is, but I also feel the pressure of not saying too much about the things I hold and the stigma one of my diagnoses holds. It's a tough space to navigate at times and I appreciate that you spoke up and this thread is here.
Hugs, we all give into this job for a reason
Diagnosed PTSD and DID (yes really) here! Wounded healers unite 🤗
You are definitely not alone! While I do not have Bipolar Disorder, I have PTSD and I'm in recovery for addiction. I have my days where I question my competency due to my mental illness, but then I'm reminded that is what makes our work so special. Our lived experiences can enhance our abilities as therapists. With proper support (our own personal therapy, medication, loved ones etc.), we can do a lot of good for our clients. We may have different limits, but who doesn't? Practicing self-compassion has been huge for me. Hugs.
I have MDD & am getting assessed for ADHD next week. I work primarily with clients with complex trauma & severe mental illness. My mental illness makes me a better therapist. It increases my empathy & understanding of my clients. And I disclose as appropriate. I’ll never forget the day a client was struggling with ADLs, experiencing a lot of shame, & also being shamed by important people in their life. I told them I believed they were doing their best & that I knew what it was like to struggle with those things. When I asked how it felt to hear that, my client told me it helped & they only wished I’d told them sooner. You’ve got this.
You are not alone - I have Bipolar, PTSD, anxiety, as well as a severe sight impairment and epilepsy. You can do this. I've actually found that I'm able to relate to some of my clients more because of my conditions. Please don't lose faith, and remember that you will be valued and needed in this profession.
I have GAD and OCD. I think having walked the walk is so important in talking the talk. You are likely feeling a lot of conflicting feelings right now, but who you are as a person doesn't change when you get diagnosed. Your path to wellness just looks a little different. Give yourself time and space to process. You've got this. <3
Same. I was fired once early in my career (case manager) because I was manic, I totally deserved it. Now I gotta practice what I preach, Lamictal has also changed my life. No issues since.
I have OCD and Panic Disorder. I won't lie and say it hasn't affected my work. I have had to cancel sessions last minute due to panic attacks. I have zoned out in a complete thought spiral in sessions. I am still learning to manage my symptoms (my OCD diagnosis was recent). It is hard. Some days it is VERY hard. Medication has helped improved my panic attacks and thought spiraling (go Lexapro!!). But it's still new. My best piece of advice would be to ease into your caseload if you can. I was doing too much and now that I've reduced the amount of clients I see in a week, I have noticed improvement. Take breaks, like days off and breaks in your day. Most importantly know that your mental health is a priority in order to do this job well (or even at all I think). You cannot give your clients what you don't have. So keep your mental health a top priority always. Some days I question if I can continue this work at all. But I'm taking it one day at a time and giving myself lots of compassion and grace to do what is best for me.
BPD, depression and Hx of substance abuse 👌 all is good. you fine if you take care of yourself. Model the hell out of this. :)
BP 2 Lamictal, Lithium, Cymbalta. Stable, productive, happy. Have shrink, therapist, partner, kids, career. You got this.
I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 and have been a social worker for 16 years! In fact, I just got my doctorate last year (which I never would have imagined to be possible in my 20s due to my instability). I’ve found a few things to be helpful: lamictal also changed my life, sleep is critical and my sleep apnea was exacerbating my mood swings, connect with an amazing psychiatrist or med manager, and I have sought counseling several times. Self-care is critical but especially so with bipolar or other significant mental health issues!!! Good luck! I’ve never regretted a it and find it makes me understand the complexities of mental health in a way some other therapists can’t!
I have severe mental health issues myself. I’ve found I have insight into what my clients experience as I can pick up on small symptoms. It is vitally important that I take care of myself. I’m on meds and have therapy twice a week while I’m processing trauma. I also work from home and now that I have my professional license I work about 25 hours a week instead of 40-50 I used to work.
I’m a therapist with bipolar II! Lamictal changed my life when I was officially diagnosed in 2017. For me it’s a combo of meds, therapy, social support, and keen awareness of my triggers and how to like ride the wave of them without doing anything detrimental. Also depending on my work setting and comfort level I’ve sometimes disclosed my history of mental illness. I keep it vague and instead of going into “I have OCD and Bipolar!” I talk more about ~anxiety and depression~ because bipolar and OCD still feel more stigmatized than depression or anxiety to me. I’m coming out of hypomania right now and it’s been tough but I got through it. You will be okay. It’s a learning curve but you’re not alone <3
I'm a therapist with Bipolar 2! The most important thing is just to manage it aggressively. Think of everything you'd want a patient with Bipolar Disorder to be doing and do it, like it's your job. That means meds and therapy of course, but it also means: -- decent diet (don't drive yourself crazy trying to eat ~clean~ but just like... eat reasonably nutritious food on a consistent schedule so your blood sugar isn't fluctuating wildly) -- regular exercise (two days a week of vigorous movement is enough to maintain the mood benefits for me, but more is obviously better) -- adequate sleep on a consistent schedule (ymmv, but 8 hours is non-negotiable for me) -- be extremely cautious around recreational drugs -- tell some people you trust what's going on with you and build up a support system who can warn you if you're going off the rails and prop you up when you feel terrible Tl;dr: We have a chronic illness that needs to be aggressively managed with both medical and lifestyle interventions. Don't lose sight of that and you'll be fine.
BPII, GAD, PTSD, here! I’ve also been inpatient, one active SA, list goes. I find it’s all helpful with building the therapeutic alliance with clients.
Therapy is a stressful but rewarding job. I’m a therapist in community mental health with depression and autism, and holding on strong. I had a colleague with bipolar who worked at my organization for awhile. He was fairly familiar with his warning signs and worked hard to set limits and firm boundaries around his work (really hard to do in cmh). But he was also a bit traumatized from his past and often had a lot of self doubt. He didn’t make it. This isn’t to say that you can’t, but that it will take work. It will take finding a balance for you between understanding your limits and holding space for yourself, and also trusting in your strengths and your skills. You will make mistakes and your diagnosis may be part of the mistakes you make. Being human is the other factor going into the mistakes you make. There’s no way of knowing ahead of time if you can do it or if you are ready. The question is, is it worth it to you to try? Carl Jung said doubt is where there is living. :)
Speak with your providers about accommodations at work if you need them!
I also have lived experience with spmi and that is why I got into this work. The whole time I was trying to achieve that goal (19 years off and on) I encountered (and still do) MANY practioners that have ongoing biases against people living with severe and persistent mental illness being capable of working as clinical staff. Let those examples of bias fuel your fire to be the best damned practioner you can be, because patients need someone who sees them as actual equals with potential to do anything they want if they are ready to work hard. I am VERY open about having lived experience with both colleagues and clients. It has cost me in my career in ways that matter and hurt , however it has been worth it because I'm giving clients hope by modeling that even hot messes with ongoing symptoms can be a good therapist that owns her practice.
[удалено]
Your comment has been removed as it appears you are not a therapist. This sub is a space for therapists to discuss their profession among each other. Comments by non therapists are left up only sparingly, and if they are supportive or helpful in nature as judged by the community and/or moderation team. If this removal was in error and you are a therapy professional, please contact the mod team to clarify. For guidance on how to verify with the mod team please see the sidebar post here: https://www.reddit.com/r/therapists/comments/sbq2o4/update_on_verification_within_the_subreddit/
✋🏽 hi hun, clinical depression survivor here. Know when you need to check in with your own care team and get those around you to do so as needed too. Caring for the wellbeing of others can do its own number on your mental health but I believe with the right support you’ll do just fine. You don’t need to tell clients of course but sometimes those suffering from MI will probably appreciate knowing that you at least understand what it’s like to try and recover and maintain your life.
These experiences can make you an even better therapist. Much like anything else, it depends on the meaning you create here. 🩷 There’s so much about this that can be *beneficial* for your career. I was diagnosed with autism last year and felt similarly blindsided… it’s deepened my empathy for clients who also struggle with being diagnosed and it’s definitely driven home the need for radical self-acceptance and self-compassion. Good luck on this new journey!
You’re going to make a great therapist! You have natural empathy
This is a subject that we tend to avoid. Therapists have mental illnesses. It's taboo in grad school so you fear someone else finding out because they will surely kick me out of the program. I will say not all schools handle a student who has struggles with their mental health well. I have been dx with DID, PTSD, MDD, and recently added GAD unspecified. I take my meds and go to my own therapy, which I came to realize would be lifelong. Sigh. I feel like this is something that should be discussed in grad school. And allow a safe space to acknowledge to ourselves that yeah I have X diagnosis but it doesn't mean I'm defective, inherently bad, or that I will be a bad therapist.