
I’m currently working on my next book, Making Sense of Psychiatric Diagnosis. In it I’m peeling apart the diagnostic criteria for multiple different diagnoses to give a clearer, more reader-friendly picture of what each illness actually looks like.
Since the DSM criteria can never fully capture what it’s like to experience a given illness, I was looking for your help to add first-hand narratives of what it’s like living with the various kinds of illnesses.
Update:
I received some amazing contributions, and the book is now a reality. As such, I’m no longer looking for contributions, but a huge thank you to everyone who’s expressed interest!
Making Sense of Psychiatric Diagnosis is now available on Amazon!
I have ocd (pure o) rumination and googling and seeking reassurance. I think I also have health anxiety. I have major depression. Panic attacks. Suicidal ideation. PTSD. You name it. I’ve got it. I hate my life right now and don’t see any good right now.
>
I hope things start to get better soon. xo
Things have been like this for so long, I have lost hope. I am desperate. I keep going to therapy. I called so many therapists yesterday that I know that have treated me one way or another. I have an apt in about two hours, then I will see my psychiatrist tomorrow night. And my regular therapist. I am a mess. I just wish my mom was around. I feel so alone. Lots to think about.
❤️
Hoping and praying u get well soon dear.All the best.
I know how it feels, battling all that and then some somtimes I wonder why I still around. Still it’s not a good place to be
I understand how you feel. Just please hang in there. It’s darkest before the dawn. Don’t lose hope. ❤️
Such a good idea! Good luck with your book & congratulations on your second ebook! <3
Thanks!
I will put on my to-do list for you
👍
I’d be interested in writing about autism or OCD, but I’m not sure whether I’m the ideal person; my autism is not officially diagnosed and my OCD was centred on Jewish ritual observance in a way that may be difficult for readers to connect with, particularly with such a small word-count. Interesting project, though, good luck with it.
If you’d like to do it anyway I’d be happy to have you.
Love this! Sent you an email 😊
I just responded 🙂
I’d be happy to participate and will email you to make sure I have the criteria down. Thanks! 🙂
Fabulous!
Such a good idea to get personal, first hand insights included and it’s lovely you’ve reached out to your blogging family first ♥
I have experience with a few of these, I’d be happy to contribute something perhaps on bulimia or GAD. Sounds like a few others here are also keen to write something, but I’ll drop you an email soon anyway 🙂
xx
That’s great! I’ll mark you down for bulimia 🙂
I would be happy to write something about social anxiety, if that would be a help?
Thanks for the offer! Right now I’m giving priority to bloggers I know really well, but I may end up opening it up later on.
wonderful invitation
to trained professionals 🙂
Schizophrenia!! Schizophrenia!! Oh boy!!
Awesome!
Email me if you want an AN survivor story. But it won’t be very helpful at 500 words. paula.light@gmail.com
I would love to be a contributor but never been officially diagnosed with either social anxiety disorder or trichotillomania. Either way, best of luck to you for your book as you put it together.
Thanks!
A very good idea! Best of luck with the book.
Thanks!
I could write a bit on my son’s ADD diagnosis as to what we went through trying to get him diagnosed, the medicine rollercoaster, and what has happened in the aftermath. He was actually diagnosed with ADD, clinical depression, and oppositional defiant disorder. If that would be any help.
Thanks for the offer, but I’m looking for first person experience of having the illness.
Gotcha, no problem
A totally solid post Ashley 🙂
Thanks!
Reblogged this on A Guy Called Bloke and K9 Doodlepip! and commented:
Check out Ashley’s post and see if you can award/offer her any help/assistance.
Actually do you mind taking this down – I’m only looking for bloggers I already know.
My husband has bipolar disorder, type 2, without schizotypal tendencies……I can add some information on living with a person with this diagnosis. I have to admit, i get extremely disgusted with the medication company’s adverts on television about bipolar…they seem to think all bi’s have extremely manic episodes …they don’t understand at all the variations of mania involved.
I would be happy to be your PTSD contributor. 😊
Thanks so much!
just saw your response to another about first person commentary. just ignore me then
🙂
I would be honoured to do something for anorexia nervosa if you wanted. Let me know 🙂
– Nyxie
https://www.nyxiesnook.com/post-5-quotes-that-inspire-you/
That would’ve been so awesome but somebody else has already stepped up to do it. Thanks so much though! xo
Extracted and trashed, my appology Ashley 🙂
Thanks!
email sent 🙂
Just responded 🙂
I can do either bipolar 2, PTSD, ADD, or social anxiety. I’m not sure what’s taken. The ADD was recently diagnosed & I never realized I had it but in hindsight, it makes sense. Lol.
ADD is the only one of those that isn’t taken, so ADD it is!
Sounds awesome! When do you want it done? Giving me a specific date helps me make sure I don’t procrastinate. Lol. Whats you e-mail?
I just emailed you 🙂
Also, I just purchased your book! It should be here soon. I’ve been broken otherwise I would have bought it ages ago! I’m excited!
Awesome!
I’ll be interested Ashley, although they haven’t diagnosed which type of bipolar I’ve got, I’m pretty sure it’s cyclothymia. I’ll email you 👍
Great news that book two is in the pipeline, good luck 🙂
Thanks!
What a great idea. You’ll be hearing from me via email today. 😊
Great!
Yay, Beckie! We gonna be book authors!
That sounds wonderful! sign me up. LOL!
I’m down! 🙋🏾♀️
I’d be happy to be the contributor for body dysmorphia and/or GAD!
I would love to contribute to your new book! Sounds amazing 💕 I have generalized anxiety disorder.
Wonderful! I just emailed you. ❤️
I’m interested in contributing for schizoaffective disorder (depression & schizophrenia). I, too, shall e-mail you. Within the next week if that’s okay?
That’s great! When you email me I’ll let you know the details. Due date wouldn’t be until July.
Alrighty.
I imagine also having someone with bipolar disorder as the “affective” side of schizoaffetive disorder would be ideal? Just thought I’d mention it because you said you’re updating the list of needed contributors often
I’ve found people to write about bipolar I and II, so for schizoaffective disorder the depressive type will work just fine.
Can’t wait to give this book a read!
I’ve nominated you for a blogger award over on my blog. 🙂 xx
https://girlvsworld.home.blog/2019/07/01/auto-draft/
Thank you! ❤️
I wish I could reblog this once again, but it’s not allowing me to. So, sorry.
It’s all good. Thanks!
I don’t know if you have need for someone with alexithymia, but if you do I can email you!
I don’t, but thanks so much for offering!
If you can’t find someone for adjustment disorder, I can take that one too. I touched on it in my GAD chapter but can hone in for the adj dx. Just let me know 🙂
Do you think that was a valid diagnosis given the anxiety disorder? I think if I include an adjustment disorder narrative it would probably be clearest if it was a stand-alone diagnosis.
It was an incorrect diagnosis, but my interpretation could be interesting since I was a therapist going to therapy. It’s up to you
If you ever need a Biploar I mixed episodes, rapid cycling (ultradian as mine can cycle daily on bad days), throw in a side order of OCD and adult ADHD viewpoint, let me know. I even have a couple of cool (as in sad) stories that I can give you although those might be better if not attributed to me directly. My BP has been med resistant until Lamictal although it still has its days.
I’m glad the Lamictal has helped at least somewhat.
Do you still need help with borderline personality disorder I have recently been diagnosed with that on top of four others
Yes! Email me at mentalhealthathome [at] gmail [dot] come and I’ll give you the details. 🙂
Your welcome
I’m new at this so don’t know if I’m doing this right lol just started my blog
Wish I would of seen this sooner! Seems like an awesome opportunity!
😊
Glad to help, sure I can be of help
Hello there. Thanks for writing this. I am just new here in WordPress (2 weeks actually), and I also wrote about my mental health (or lack thereof). Here it is: https://kloydecaday.wordpress.com/2019/07/27/anxiety-attack-on-a-sacred-time/
Good job for supporting the mental health advocacy through writing. I appreciate it if we follow each other and keep on blogging. Thank you!
Not sure if I am too late! I suffer from both MDD and GAD, and I am also a clinical psychologist in trainee. If you still need any input, please do let me know! (I am very new here!)
Thanks so much for the offer, but I’ve already got everything finalized for the book. 🙂
Then I can’t wait to read it!
😊
I have Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Anxiety, and PTSD. I’ve been on many many psychiatric drugs and none of them work. I have tried to commit suicide once. I did and had to be brought back.
My life is a train wreck.
Medication doesn’t help and therapists the ones I have seen have been a joke.
I’d love a real life but I guess that’s impossible.
I’m sorry it’s been so hard.
Would love to contribute, are you still taking guest contributions?
I’ve already got people lined up for all of the diagnoses, but thanks for your interest!
Dam it! I missed this one. I can’t work due to brachial plexus injury (right arm doesn’t work) & severe head injury in 2013, which leaves me going through a wave of emotions – One day I will be on top of the world… next I’m at rock bottom barely able to function. I would have been an awesome case study! I suffer depression at times as well as severe anxiety. Since 2014, health & fitness has become a big part of my life, I had a baby in 2017, married 2018, another kid 2019. I would love to interact if you get a chance! aquoonline.com or https://www.facebook.com/aquoonline/ 🙂 have a lovely day! Xx
Wow, that’s a lot going on!
Yeah, it’s been a full on 6 years!
I can’t wait to read it!!
😊
Hi, I’m happy to help you out if you still need it. I’m new on here buty I’ve been blogging about my diagnosis, treatments and the problems for a while.
Thanks so much for the offer, but the book’s in the final editing stages so I’m no longer taking submissions. 🙂
Ok no probs, good luck with it 😎🤘
I’m a mental patient and I blog about my coping ways to help others. Also, I try to spread mental health awareness. Just an ordinary girl trying to make a change. Do visit my blog. Pasting the link below.
https://thejustacceptit.wordpress.com/
I would like to write about tuberous sclerosis complex or graymass defect but still have little information ever researched only my experience as a person living with it.
Thanks for your interest, but sorry, the book is just about ready to be published so I’m not taking any more contributions.
I don’t have a mental illness but I blogged about how the quarter life crisis is actually real. And how the amount of pressure I felt when I reached 25 to get my shit together nearly sent me to depression. I think there needs to be more awareness that even the “mentally healthy” (I use this term loosely) can start to deteriorate if they don’t recognise it soon.
Very good point.
i would love to write a piece for you, i suffer with depression and on a daily basis i actually think about committing suicide. Everyone tells me i shouldn’t feel this way and that there is so much to live for. For some reason i don’t see it. If you want someone to be open and transparent about how they feel daily then i’m up for it
Thanks so much for your interest, but the book is already finished and in the final stages before publication.
ahhh shame. hope it does well for you
Thanks!
Good initiative.. Ride on Ashley… 👍👍👍
Thanks!
I have a blog about my mental health. I just started and I haven’t completely been commited to it yet. I have severe bipolar 1. Have had a pychosis 3 times and have been struggling with finding the right medication for 9 years. I’ve been trying to post blogs about day to day struggles and what’s in my head. I plan to post a blog about my last pychosis soon.
I thought Donald Trump was out to kill me and that Russia was going to drop a nuclear bomb on my house. Interesting story… I was in a pychosis for 5 months.
Sounds like a tough experience.
It is… It really is but I am really trying to put in effort to win this battle. It’s about getting to know your ‘other side’ and being aware. Knowing that every chemical that you put in your body effects your balance. I will win this battle against bipolar. I know my blog is like an online journal but it could really give an outsider insight on what goes on it my head. That is if someone is interested.
It would be great if you could do a guest post for my emerging blogger series. Have a look and let me know if you’re interested; https://mentalhealthathome.org/blog-index/emerging-blogger-series/
I am interested. Will do as soon as I can.
Cool! Whenever you’re ready email me and I’ll give you the details.
This is so brilliant ❤❤
😊
❤
I’m a mental health blogger and a doctor
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Good luck … Hey can you please checkout my blog and share this with your audiance…i am doun hardwork to help people
Hello, I just started my mental health blog today. It’s called (ableminded.org) I would love to connect?
I wrote mine today, more on teenage mental health
https://liveitthebest.wordpress.com/2019/09/12/i-want-to-be-a-part-of-my-childs-life/
Just can say 1 word, GREAT Ashleyeia
😊Thanks!
Holllla me!!
I’ve just started a blog myself about living with Depression and Anxiety. https://adepressedmillennial.com/ It’s a work in progress!
Cool!
I’ve started my blog today, and I write about mental health. Please do check it out and I’d love to be a part.
Hi, would love for you to check out my blog and let me know what you think ☺️