March 07, 2005

Observations

I went in to see a Pyschiatrist today, and learned that my symptoms do not fit the signs of full blown PTSD. So the final diagnosis was Depression, not otherwise specified, and Anxiety, not otherwise specified. Aka, they couldn't label me with anything specific. So this got me to thinking. How often do we try to label people? How often to we attempt to identify someone with a label? I know all my life people have been trying to fit me in their little boxes, and been unsuccesful. But we all do it. I am guilty of it I am sure, even if I am not conciously aware of it. Just food for thought.

6 comments:

Barb said...

Ah, yes - the desire to put everything and everybody into some kind of category or box. It couldn't be that we are all individuals, after all, could it :-(

Hi Sgt Lizzie - I was reading about the upcoming Army Times piece on the Blackfive site, and had to wander over to say Hi! I hope that once the quest for some kind of NAME for what ails you is past, the docs will start concentrating on ways to actually help you!

You've been through so much - I want to thank you for your service - It is MUCH appreciated :-)

DementedPhotographer said...

I trust Psychs about as far as I can throw them. The whole field operates on the premise that there is some "norm" against which everyone can be prepared.

"normal" is a myth.

And YOU are doing well for all that you've been through.

-G

JUST A MOM said...

Just stay out of the box girl. It is more fun that way. Once you let them figure you out, they won't leave you alone! Hang in there and just give yourself TIME!

Rosemary Welch said...

I demand answers! What size is the damn box? I've seen small ones, big ones, long ones, skinny ones, fat ones, tall ones, short ones, etc. What size do they want us in??? :)

Seriously though, they wanted to "help" me when I was younger. All I did was run away from home. That's a disease? Hehehe.

You hang in there. You have my site. My e-mail is on my profile. I'm usually awake. I'm here for you. My God, you were there for me. It's the least I can do.

Anonymous said...

Sgtlizzie
Two of the major symptoms of PTSD are depression & anxiety (PTSD is listed in the DSM as an Anxiety disorder). I have been diagnosed as 70% PTSD disabled (Vietnam) since 2000. Is this psychiatrist in the military or is he/she contracted to it? Further, I strongly suspect the military/ government has a strong motive for keeping the estimates low--ridiculously low, imo. I seen some that say "maybe 12% of returning soldiers" in the MSM--shock, shock--more like a majority, in the opinion of most vets I know, and that's a conservative estimate. It's a BS game to say "you don't quite fit the DSM, despite getting blown up in a war."
I'm angry at the way you're being pushed aside because I care, Sgt. If you want to say more by PM,(I assume you're monitored) please feel free.
Welcome home, Sister.

Anonymous said...

Sgtlizzie
Two of the major symptoms of PTSD are depression & anxiety (PTSD is listed in the DSM as an Anxiety disorder). I have been diagnosed as 70% PTSD disabled (Vietnam) since 2000. Is this psychiatrist in the military or is he/she contracted to it? Further, I strongly suspect the military/ government has a strong motive for keeping the estimates low--ridiculously low, imo. I seen some that say "maybe 12% of returning soldiers" in the MSM--shock, shock--more like a majority, in the opinion of most vets I know, and that's a conservative estimate. It's a BS game to say "you don't quite fit the DSM, despite getting blown up in a war."
I'm angry at the way you're being pushed aside because I care, Sgt. If you want to say more by PM,(I assume you're monitored) please feel free.
Welcome home, Sister.