MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP: my psychiatrist retired after 38 years of practice

[steve2470]

To all non-regular posters, please read the rules of this sub-forum before you post. Unkind comments are not appreciated here. Thanks.

I've seen my psychiatrist for 19 years. I've only known my older brother and my son's mother longer (my parents are deceased). It's true that I would gripe about her at times, but she was an excellent psychiatrist who has helped me be rock-solid stable on my meds. I saw her for the last time 2 days ago. I was sad but had a hard time discerning why. It's a loss. A sort of funny loss, but a loss all the same. My longest professional relationship had ended, and my 3rd longest with a female (only my mother and son's mother are longer).

My therapist suggested I write her a letter, so I did. It's been mailed. I said good-bye and said thanks and best wishes, to sum it up. When I was with her, I was not able to say that.

She referred me to two psychiatrists locally, so I have an appointment coming up. It's with a very popular male psychiatrist who my therapist raves about. A change, to be sure, and hopefully a positive one. It will be fine, I am confident.

You lurking psychiatrists out there, we patients do value you. You are important to us. Especially after 19 years. Thank you for all the good work you do.

By the way, if you are anti-psychiatrists or anti-medication, that's fine but I'm not going to debate or discuss those issues. Thanks.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. ANY change can be scary, my dear Steve...esp. when it happens with someone you value and trust.

And also esp. after so many years talking to her, listening and absorbing what she has to say.

I think you will be fine. You will find someone new to go forward with and there will be adjustments........and you'll get through those and there will be adaptations for both you and your new therapist.

Thanks for letting all of us know what's happening.

[steve2470]

3. Thank you Peggy, you are a true jewel in the world

God bless you and keep you. I know I will be fine, and I'm eager to meet my new doctor

[Bayard]

2. Could be a change for the better

I'm sure there will be pangs at losing an old friend (has to be by now), but look forward to new perspective.

Best wishes.

[steve2470]

4. thank you

[nadine_mn]

5. I'm sorry...what a huge loss for you

I adore my therapist, I have been seeing him for about 5 yrs (maybe 2x a month on average) but our current insurance doesn't cover mental health visits, so I've only seen him 2x this year. It is like a huge hole in my life...I have not had many positive male relationships (other than my husband and my grandpa).

I truly hope you find another therapist that you can connect with..good luck to you.

[steve2470]

6. thanks

Fortunately, my psychiatrist was not my main therapist. She was excellent with medications and diagnosis, not so much with "bedside manner" which was my gripe about her. To be fair to her, she is from New Zealand and I had mistaken her for British. She's a very nice lady but very much an introvert.

My main therapist, also female, is wonderful. I am truly blessed. Thank you again!