So I finally saw a psychiatrist

[deviousxen]

I saw some guy who looked like Jeff Foxworthy. What really is getting me down is the fact that he doesn't seem to want to even do ANYTHING about gender issues until the "unstable mood" is taken care of. I mean I kind of understand wanting to take care of that, but it wasn't really number 1 on my list. It feels like my voice is deepening again, and I REALLY don't want that. I mean, at least don't make me wait months to get anything done about one of the main causes of my bad depression.

I'm seriously considering  pharmacy instead of waiting another six months cause I've already been discussing my issues with a therapist. At least to block any more male characteristics right now. Good news is that he doesn't think I'm bipolar. That is good cause my dad is and its like a genetic thing. I think its 50 percent.

Of course he hasn't talked to my therapist yet, and hopefully this will change something... But who knows...

I hate dealing with doctors who all think they're right when they separate their practice completely from others. Egomaniacs should have their own psychiatric drug.

...

[seldom]

Why did you see a psychiatrist for gender issues?  Seriously.  The very fact your therapist recommended a psychiatrist before HRT is also problematic. 

Most gender and sexual orientation specialist in the US are either Licensed Clinical Social Workers or psychologists.  I would avoid a psychiatrist, try to track down a good LCSW with experience with trans patients.  They are patient directed, and they can write the hormone letter. 

Seeing a psychiatrist was a mistake, the results were very predictable. 

I see no issue with people doing DIY when there are gatekeeper issues. 

[Enigma]

I saw some guy who looked like Jeff Foxworthy. What really is getting me down is the fact that he doesn't seem to want to even do ANYTHING about gender issues until the "unstable mood" is taken care of. I mean I kind of understand wanting to take care of that, but it wasn't really number 1 on my list.

He has to address it first, to rule out that its the cause of your GID.  Once its eliminated, its a different ball game.

[DeValInDisguise]

I saw some guy who looked like Jeff Foxworthy. What really is getting me down is the fact that he doesn't seem to want to even do ANYTHING about gender issues until the "unstable mood" is taken care of. I mean I kind of understand wanting to take care of that, but it wasn't really number 1 on my list.

He has to address it first, to rule out that its the cause of your GID.  Once its eliminated, its a different ball game.

He might also feel that the "unstable mood" is the most acute and could cause problems in dealing with GID.  My therapist spend our first several sessions dealing with my depression due to marital problems that were only slightly related to my GID.  I got that under control and we've started dealing with the more important issues.

Val

[deviousxen]

Well...I AM pretty depressed and usually suffer from a sort of disconnection, but... Well, its all connected. All the problems are interwoven. I do understand him wanting to deal with the mood issues first, because he needs a base to work from. I agree, I'm just frustrated and sick of waiting. I'm just afraid of this guy taking forever to even let me halt any more male development, cause I think my Dad kind of went through another growth spurt before he matured completely, and I don't want that to work out badly....

Why did you see a psychiatrist for gender issues?  Seriously.  The very fact your therapist recommended a psychiatrist before HRT is also problematic. 

Most gender and sexual orientation specialist in the US are either Licensed Clinical Social Workers or psychologists.  I would avoid a psychiatrist, try to track down a good LCSW with experience with trans patients.  They are patient directed, and they can write the hormone letter. 

Seeing a psychiatrist was a mistake, the results were very predictable. 

I see no issue with people doing DIY when there are gatekeeper issues. 

I was unaware that therapists had the ability to prescribe etc. I've talked to him about referring me to an endo, but we ran out of time. I don't think he knew fully about my true problems at the time anyway. Its not like the shrink can stop that if what you said is true. The therapist doesn't specialize in it either, but he has a very open mind. Its a good check/balance for me I believe.

From what I gather, DIY can be useful for the primary reason of getting over their time wasting and then doing it under their care. Its not like they can stop you if you aren't technically "hurting yourself" or other people. So they still have to remain confidential.


What other advice can I get from you guy/girls?

[Berliegh]

If you went to a psychiatrist in the U.K the one you saw is typical of what they are like over here. They will look for a million excuses not to treat you. When I read it I thought it was a psychiatrist in the U.K because it was so close to what they would say. I was very surprised when I realised that you are in the U.S......

[Tohl]

Hi. I went private in the end having witnessed horror stories of Charing X in W. London. After 18 months I thought I would see if I could fast-track my way thru' the NHS. I saw two psychos and was completely astounded by their weirdness. And they say we need therapy?? One filled his fountain pen with a syringe and the other had a silver meringue on his head. No way Jose! I had already found the surgeon I wanted and my private man sorted me out a meeting.we met twice and the rest is mystory. I was lucky in some ways but had prepared my way for a good while and had support. I hope you posters here find your way to what you need. Love and strength to you.

[annajasmine]

Here is a link to bunch of therapist that treat transgender persons.



A List of Therapists Experienced in the Treatment of Transgender Persons
http://www.drbecky.com/therapists.html

Hope this helps,
Anna

[tekla]

In the United States, only a medical doctor can prescribe for the most part.  So a psychiatrist (who is a medical doctor) can, and therapist, or psychologist even with a Ph.D. can not.

[deviousxen]

Okay. That makes more sense to me. So my mistake was accepting one that said, "I'm open minded" versus the one who specializes in it.


Not that I don't wanna drop my therapist. At least this guy LISTENS and understands me. My shrink however... The who who can prescribe, I most likely will...

He's talking about my unstable mood needing treatment first, and I don't seen an instability. I see a constant without variables now. Constant CRAP with glimmers of hope. I had some glimmers, and then a best friend of mine died after New Years. I'm ALWAYS depressed. I mean, yes... I have yet to have a bipolar episode yet, but I've already agreed to let my mom put me in a hospital if I really am bipolar. I've agreed to sign a contract in blood even to validate her authority. Ahhh....

The guys thinking lithium and then an antidepressant and possibly ADHD medication. Its annoying as hell cause that would take months to conclusively see any good points. Gender things are at the bottom of his list, which is unfortunate considering its one of my biggest issues and the "mood instability" would take quite a while to fix.


... I mean. I honestly don't think I'm a classic bipolar. I hope not. Its entirely possible, its just that with the amount of caffeine I've consumed, which almost equals speeds stimulating qualities, I doubt I can EVER get an episode.

As for gender. Even if I was persuaded to not go through with treatment right away, at least I'd be able to check in with the right people. 

Thanks for the list. I'm gonna check it out. I wish there was someone who took Connecticare cause we're not that rich...

[Sarah]

Wowie.

Yeah.
I understand why many people DIY.
Especially given the obstacles.

Sara

[tekla]

Anything worth doing, is worth doing yourself.  Some people seek and need the validation of other people, or 'society's choice' or whatever.  Others do not.

[deviousxen]

Interesting.