I went to my psyciatrist today and he told me I was unique/different in the fact that my mental illness was brought on by my head injury. I am physically feeling better. Working with my neck reheb to try and reduce my headaches. Now that I'm not so focused on dealing with the daily pains I realized my impulsivity is quite the problem and probably will be for a long long time.

This being said, I am now experimenting with medications. Start med, track progress, side effects, not tolerating etc etc. so wean off, restart and do this all over again.

We are hoping that in finding a medication that works for me will allow me to get to work someday. I'm hopeful.

Getting onto my year mark and trying not to let it get me down. It's been the toughest year ever.

So I'm getting used to the stigma of dealing with mental health issues. The stigma being, "your crazy". I've heard this alot in the years of my work in the health care profession from top doctors.

I have to apply for SSDI. I have been holding off hoping I wont need it. I guess I have to accept and do what I need to do.

I am glad you are feeling better! I hope that you find what works for you, as far as meds go!

I understand about the "you're crazy" stigma, believe me. But at least you can look back and say that you made it through the toughest year ever and can move forward, as it sounds like you are doing that already!!!

Good luck!

Hey Crystal,
I'm sure a lot of us have experienced the "I'm crazy" thoughts at one point or another in our recovery process. I know I have and I think a big part of it is my lack of "filter" since the injury.

Prior to the injury, I was patient, level headed and always concerend about others feelings. I still am to a degree, but it is now much harder for me to control what i say... either due to pain or medication or just TBI....but it makes me feel as if I've "lost it".

Hope you find the right med combo that works for you....I have been doing the same to headache meds.

It's very sad that in this supposedly "enlightened" time there is still such a stigma surrounding mental illness. The fact that this stigma still persists even among doctors is shameful.

Just like brain injuries, mental illness is alienating and isolating. This can be one of the most difficult aspects of either condition, in my opinion.

Have you found any support groups or online forums for other folks that suffer from your mental health condition? I know you said your psychiatrist said your case is unique, but it sounds like he was referring to the way it came about rather than the symptoms themselves.

Anyway, it sounds like you're doing a really good job of dealing with the stigma. As you probably realize, people who are that ignorant and insensitive are not worth dealing with or getting upset over, though I realize that that's easier said than done. I hope you are able to find the right meds and continue to recover!