Introduction
Life is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. For me, this journey began with a misdiagnosis at the age of 19. I was told I had psychosis, a diagnosis that would shape the next 27 years of my life.
The Misdiagnosis
Despite an extreme history of trauma and daily alcohol consumption, state and county mental health professionals diagnosed me with atypical psychosis. This diagnosis, while it provided some answers, neglected key aspects of my experiences and symptoms.
The Struggle
Living with a misdiagnosis is like trying to navigate through a storm without a compass. I spent years trying to overcome a psychotic disorder, maybe schizophrenia, maybe bipolar with psychosis depending on the doctor, seeking help from various sources and even working in the mental health field myself.
Self-Discovery and Healing
In my quest for healing, I became a certified yoga and meditation instructor. These practices provided a sense of calm and stability amidst the chaos. However, the turning point came when I discovered ketamine-informed and trauma-informed therapy.
The Power of Accurate Diagnosis
These therapies have been instrumental in my healing process. First looking at trauma and then my extreme insomnia the primary psychotic label was dropped, allowing me to focus on processing trauma and working on sleep hygiene. They have allowed me to process my trauma with ketamine and therapy and understand the role of alcoholism in my experiences. With this newfound understanding, I am finally on a path towards true healing.
Conclusion
My journey has been a nightmare of public mental health, poverty and broken relationships. That first misdiagnosis has been the defining feature of my adult life. It’s a reminder that we must advocate for ourselves, seek second opinions, and explore all avenues of treatment. Diving into ketamine therapy has been nothing short of miraculous. If you are suffering PTSD, Anxiety Depression, or Addiction I highly recommend looking into it, after all, everyone deserves a chance at true healing.