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

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.