Avatar Posted by DrewBoo 97 days ago (Question)
This is in reference to a previous post that I posted (http://answers.psychcentral.com/Depression/this-is-too-much-for-me-to-cope-with-/)


I have been extremely nervous this past week after I learned that this psychiatrist has been fired or quit from the county mental health dept because of his relationship with me. I have this real anxiety about being retaliated against by him. I know he had a temper. I've been looking behind me, keeping the blinds drawn, worrying about a possible hit-men,and other exaggerated worries. My G.A.D. is been stuck in overdrive. I was even hospitalized in a mental health ward last week for a few days. What should I do now?


Answers

Written by Edahn 97 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Hi Drew,

Good to hear back from you. You described your fears as "exaggerated worries." It is really, really good that you can identify the difference between a healthy, rational fear and an exaggerated, unreasonable fear. I would therefore say that the hardest part is already done. The only thing left is to find little coping mechanisms to help your body calm down. When you see an exaggerated fear pop up, just remember that it's not a real threat and take a few slow, patient breaths to help center you. You might still be a little nervous and agitated, but that's okay. It'll chill after a while.

Keep practicing this until a little time passes and things calm down a bit. Do you think you can do that?

Written by bellacutie 97 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Did you report this doctor for being involved with you or do they know about your relationship? If you didn't then you wouldn't have reason to think there's a hit man out there - right? If he was fired or quit, he probably has some problems himself.

The best thing for you to do is forget about him - I'm sure he wants to lay low right now anyway. Do what Edahn suggested and do some slow deep breathing exercises. Are you happy the relationship is over and who ended it? Take care and don't worry - I bet he's more scared than you! I hope you feel better and find a more ethical psychiatrist.

Written by DrewBoo 97 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

I told my g.p. about it and she reported him. Also the doctors that saw me at the mental health hospital are reporting him. My attorney is supposed to call me tomorrow. He ended the relationship.

Written by bellacutie 96 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

You did the correct thing in telling the right people. He would have continued to do this to other vulnerable patients. It common for some patients to become sexually attracted to their doctor, but it's the doctors job to be in control amd not get involved. Believe me he's more scared than you. You may be called to give a statement to a disciplinary panel and I urge you to do this to protect other patients. This doctor needs help himself. Please don't let this discourage you from continuing to get help. You're very brave and I hope you feel better soon.

Written by DrewBoo 96 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

The attorney, who was researching my case, called today and told me that he, "didn't want to get involved in my case." I feel like I just got punched in the stomach. I am being overwhelmed by terrible emotional distress. I believe the key to relief is closure, and the only way to get it is by means of legal action. I am bad shape.

Written by Edahn 96 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

You can still try bringing it to the attention of a medical disciplinary board. If it doesn't work out, I think time will heal your anxiety.

Written by bellacutie 96 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Edahn is 100% correct that you can launch a complaint to the disciplinary board - they have to investigate any complaint that's registered by a patient. Please don't be offended Edahn because I know you're connected some how to lawyers - but some lawyers shy away from taking cases against doctors - some are leary about taking cases against doctors. The only time they get involved in if it's a police matter where charges have been filed or malpractice where there's been injury. Since your relationship was consensual it would be difficult prove legally. Perhaps you could try another lawyer, if not file the complaint with the board. It would be painfull for you to go through a long legal case that would take years anyway. You can get closure by doing this and other ways, not just the legal route.

Written by Edahn 96 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

LOL, I AM a lawyer! I can try to give you a little insight into the matter, though. A lawyer might not take the case if he thought there weren't enough damages or if it would be too hard to prove. I wouldn't say that professionals protect each other. Malpractice suits against doctors are actually very common forms of litigation. If the matter turned criminal an attorney MIGHT be more eager to accept the case because it means there was enough evidence for the DA to accept it. In other words, it's a good case.

You can still take the case to a disciplinary board. Like bella said, if it doesn't work out, whatever. There are other ways to get closure. Winning a legal suit doesn't mean that you're right, and losing a legal suit doesn't mean that you're wrong. It just means that you were or weren't able to make laws conform to your situation.

One thing you might want to consider is whether you're doing this to hurt him back. It would make sense since you were in a relationship and he took advantage of your vulnerability, it seems. If this is not about revenge but about protecting others, then bringing the situation up with the disciplinary board should be enough to protect other people's right. If this is about revenge, well, I think the best form of revenge is overcoming the person and rebuilding your life into something fantastic.

Written by DrewBoo 95 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

I don't understand. He comes into my life, makes my medical condition, that he treated before, much worse than it was before he came into my life and that is not malpractice? If I committed suicide, would he not be liable? Why does the law place little value on mental illness? I definitely want to protect any patient that me might get involved with like he did with me. In addition to reporting him to the board, he should be liable for damages to me because my mental health has been severely damaged by him. I am not a "sue happy" person.

Written by bellacutie 95 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

I really don't think money will make you feel better in this case. If you were to pursue this legally, it would end up being very painful for you emotionally as well as embarassing - if you had to talk about it in court. It would be gruelling and probably drag on for years and worsen your mental state. If you report him to the disciplinary board it wouldn't be a long drawn out process and at least you would have the satisfaction of knowing he didn't get away with it. It would also be expensive to hire a lawyer and what if you lose - you would devastated further. Best of luck.

Written by Edahn 95 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

I understand your frustration, truly. I sincerely wish you the best of luck.

Written by bellacutie 95 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

^^^^^

Sorry - I didn't know you're a lawyer Edahn - I thought just your Dad was. I hope you didn't take the comment I made personal and thanks for the clarification. You're just one multi-talented guy - aren't you! :)

Written by Clyde 83 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

I do think bringing it up with the board will help a lot.

Best,

Clyde


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