I was devastated! I didn't know where to turn for help. But with the true help of God, I eventually got into the care of a psychiatrist who had real ethics and gradually earned my trust.
I write this partly because I mentioned this experience in another Forum post, and partly because I was looking at some of the articles in this site, and one of the items under a list of misunderstandings about bipolar disorder was the idea that the disorder is caused by demons, and if you were a better Christian, or prayed harder, or served God better, you wouldn't have those awful feelings and strange thoughts. As the article said, this is wrong! I have since learned that bipolar disorder is caused by problems with the various chemicals in the brain, and can be treated with the right medications and good therapy. However, I have never fully been able to get over the awful experience with this counselor. That is how badly it harmed me. During a time when I had some psychotic symptoms, I saw demons all around. The counselor's words came back to me, and I felt the guilt and dirtiness of being told that I was possessed.
That's all. Thanks for letting me share this experience ... and I hope maybe it will help someone.
Love,
Wonder
Read more:
- It's All In Your Head - Hurtful things people say, and the truth behind the misconceptions.
- Mythunderstandings - Myths and misunderstandings and mental illness.
- Choosing a Therapist - Net links to help you make this all-important choice.
