Can you self-diagnose mental illness accurately?

Ask Kati Anything

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton talks about whether or not we can know so much about mental illnesses that we start acting like we have one. She will explore whether or not we can make up our mental illnesses or fake symptoms. Then she will discuss how our past therapeutic experiences affect our current ones, why our depression can get worse in the summer, and the difference between shame, guilt and embarrassment. Finally, she digs into what we can do if we find ourselves being a difficult patient, and what inner child work can really look like.

AUDIENCE QUESTIONS

1. As a kid, I read all the mental health books at the library and as an adult, all the websites/research papers I can find to try to understand what is 'wrong' with me. I never really sought professional help until a few years ago after a longer than usual depressive episode. My question is this, is it possible that I may have read so much into it that by the time I had my assessment with the psychiatrist... 01:17

2. Can past therapeutic experiences have an effect on current therapy? A few years ago My college referred me for counseling (at college) after I disclosed something to them (I completely freaked out after hearing that someone from my past was possibly at the campus, I told my... 11:05

3. You mentioned in a few podcasts that depressive symptoms tend to get worse in the summer, I would like to hear your thoughts about what is the reason for it. In my experience it's a mix of sensitivity to the sunlight and heat, dissonance between my internal feelings and outside world and social pressure to be active and happy. 16:51

4. Hi Kati, can you discuss the difference between shame, guilt, & embarrassment? I had a traumatic childhood, and I do know & believe things weren't my fault. I don't have shame in the sense of the belief that something is/was wrong with me, however, the idea of someone knowing about my history makes me feel ashamed or embarrassed. I'd love to hear your thoughts... 21:53

5. Hi Kati, I've been in treatment for multiple diagnoses since I was 14 and now I'm 28. These days I'm totally disabled and cannot work or go to school; trust me, I tried, many times over and with all the accommodations. After 8 or 9 years of therapy I was labeled resistant, severe, complex, and later when I did some DBT, willful. I've tried many methods, therapists, medications, and even TMS. I'm not trying to be like this. There are feelings... 26:31

6. Hi Kati, you talk about inner child work a lot on your show. I can't say I always understand it, but recently I have been wondering if rather than giving support to your inner child can it be therapeutic in the opposite direction? Can I receive love, kindness and support from my inner child to help me find love, healing and respect for myself? Some of the last times I remember being happy and at peace were as a toddler and I wonder if toddler me can help adult me to find that emotional space again where I can feel safe and held. Thank you for all of the care you show us all... 33:42

PUBLISHED BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY ONLINE THERAPY While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati (enjoy 10% off your first month) SOCIALYouTube https://www.youtube.com/katimorton

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