Candi from Atlanta

Hello everyone, and thanks for letting me join. I am currently working in the mental health field on the Psychiatric unit of a community hospital. I have Borderline Personality Disorder, Major Depression w/ Psychotic features, and Generalized Anxiety with Panic D/O. I think I would say I'm in recovery as the tragic days are now behind me. They sneak up on me, but I 'cure' myself by isolating myself. As long as I keep to myself, people can't hurt me. My Depressiom begs to differ. I guess that's what brings me here. A community of individuals who I don't have fear being judged or stigmatized because of my mental illness. Also reading many of these forums helps me as a counselor to better understand and help my patients.

Hi Candi, welcome to the forums.

I hope you enjoy your stay,
how is your current career working out for ya?

Hey Thanks for the Welcome.

Working in this field definitely has its challenges for me. I feel I have a unique empathy with the individual's I see, but a lot of times I am anxious that I don't belong in my role, like I should be the patient and it's only a matter of time before I'm "found out".

Hello iCandi and a belated welcome to the forums from me also.

iCandi wrote:a lot of times I am anxious that I don't belong in my role

I think a lot of people probably feel this about their jobs. Maybe not for the exact same reason as you, but they feel it, just the same. I'd say that if they haven't been telling you about something you are doing wrong, you can rest at ease. The fact that you have the job means that they (your employers) think you should have the job and really, when it comes down to it, it's their opinion that matters. I reckon there would be a lot of jobless people if we all assessed our own ability and whether we should be there or not...

Welcome to the forum! I'm new too, but I had to reply. I'm also from the Atlanta area. I'm interested in being a counselor myself, but need to fix what's wrong first so I can help others.

I think I may have BPD, but I know for sure I have major depression. I have a big fear of people hurting me too.. so I try to avoid others, but I can't. Reason being, is I can't stand being alone.. so I usually wind up in a relationship that ends fairly soon because of trust issues. It would be nice to have a friend in the local area, PM me if you'd like to get to know each other.