[bleeding black]

I've started this thread in the hope that other people who have had positive experiences within the mental health system (inpatient, out patient, therapy etc) will share there experiences....

This is mine.
My name is Ashton and I was diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (along with some co-morbids) when I was 15.

Throughout the past 8 years I've had multiple admissions to psychiatric units beginning when I was 12 years old. I am now 20 and my illness has become much more managable with the help of my psychiatrist, nurses, past psychologist and the staff at psychiatric hospitals.

I have more understanding of my disorder, my behaviours and feelings through talk therapy, one on one with nurses and group therapists, CBT, DBT and group work.
I have learnt new skills and strategies to manage my disorder, mindfulness/grounding, healing art, therapeutic journaling and have become much more able to trust.
In the majority of my time in hospitals I have been supported, cared for, treated with compassion and respected.

The staff at the hospital I am associated with are amazing, never giving up on me in the 6 years I have been admitted in and out.
Without all these people, especially my psychiatrist and and a particular nurse I do not believe I would be here today.

I am thankful to them always, and knowing they are there if I need them is a huge support.
I haven't recovered, my journey has really only just started, I have a lot of work and healing still to do, but when i look back at how I was a few years ago I am amazed at how much I have improved..

I hope others will share their experiences here too, I look forward to reading them.
Take care everyone :)
ash and lostboys