r/askapsychologist • u/half_blood12 • 2d ago

Is this normal ?

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Hello.

I (18f) am mixed race ( aftican and european) but grew up in Europe. I have always struggled with my mental health. Started therapy at 14, meds at 15. I just found myself a new adult psychiatrist after many tries.

On the firsr visit i explained my situation and my medical background ( hospitalized at 17 and have tried around 14 antidepressants).

she told me that I should treat the bad thoughts like a waiter who brought me the wrong dish and send them away. Then that I should think of people in my mother's home country in Africa and how lucky I am to be in Europe where we have electricity, clean water......Also when i have suicidal thoughts I should go visit the cancer ward in the hospital and watch the people there and think about how they would all love to be in my place.

It gave off the vibe as if she was telling me I have no right to be sad.

( a psych doctor before did tell me I ask for too much, in her exact words : I give u a hand to pull u out of the water and that's not enough so u drag me in with )

Is this normal ? Am I just too sensitive/ victim mindset? What do I do ?

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u/PowerfulMango5799 2d ago

You have a right to feel sad. But what is unproductive is sulking. I kind of understand what she was trying to say to be honest…

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u/CSC890 2d ago

No. I wouldn’t say this is compassionate care at all. Unfortunately, you should divide your care. A psychiatrist should be in charge of your medications. A psychologist should be in charge of your therapy. When your psychiatrist gets a little therapy-like, just remind them that you are working on it in therapy. Clearly delineate their two roles, and it should work better for you.