Well said, Annie. I've known a few people with withdrawal who have tried therapy and when I ask them about how it feels to be in therapy when they aren't sure there therapist believes them they said "we don't talk about withdrawal" we just work on the issues. I don't know how that can be done. As you say it's a fundamental rejection of your experience. I tried therapy early on and the therapist was so checked out and hinted over and over again that he was on meds. He didn't believe me and would say things like "I worry about hypochondria." The psychiatrist who did the most damage (reckless polypharmacy) said "you've really become a poster child for this, haven't you?" When I said something he didn't want to hear he just walked to the door, opened it and said "have a nice summer." I saw a nurse practitioner who sort of listened and gave me a little bit of hope but then tried to avoid me and got inexplicably angry at one point. Next was the physcian's assistant who upon hearing my story tried to keep things light with jokes and then earnestly asked me if I wanted a new generation antipsychotic. Almost an identical experience minus the jokes from a student health center physician. Then came my current internist who is the most open and respectable of the bunch but beyond extensive testing, there was nothing else she could really do. And when it comes right down to it I don't think she really wants to talk about my iatrogenic issues. Either that or we both just realize how pointless it is. But it's kind of weird going in there for common health issues and her never asking me how I am doing neurologically. At a certain point it just became to much for me tell my story and not be believed. I am not suggesting this for others but I've basically stopped seeing any sort of traditional health care professionals and I've found it empowering. I care more about myself than to endure that sort of masochism. I should say that doctors do some things very well and I am sure one day I will need their services one day but I am living the most healthy life I can with the hope that I won't have to.
I think psychotherapy could be extraordinarily helpful if the issue was out in the open and there was awareness, specific education, and training. Sheila's suggestion to find a therapist with specific experience working with chronically illness is good. At least there would be understanding of the loss and daily struggles that come with chronic illness but again I would need someone who believes me or at least who was willing to really learn about the issue.
