I’m curious, why is it so important for some people to get a diagnosis? Does it unlock access to medication or treatment that they want? Or is it just the knowing?
I’m fairly certain I’m Autistic, and I’ve had two unrelated doctors (not qualified to make the assessment) accidentally assume that I knew and had already been diagnosed, but I’ve never had a formal diagnosis. I’m not really too fussed about getting one, because it wouldn’t really change the way I live my life. But that’s just me, maybe it’s more important for other people
In the case of ADHD at least, it comes with a lifetime of being told that you’re not trying hard enough, that you could do so much more if you just applied yourself, that it’s your fault that you’re distracted etc. And after a lifetime of internalising those sorts of comments, many folk find relief in knowing that actually, there’s a reason for all of it, and it’s not just that they’re lazy.
The diagnosis did give me some vindication, but I wish so dearly that I was diagnosed and treated a long time ago.
It sounds so dumb and fake when I say it, but I now have the ability to actually do what I know I need to do.
It is not perfect, and there are some side effects, but if I had this ability 30 years ago, I would have avoided so many problems.
That being said, they don’t let you take Adderall in the Navy and I loved so much about my time there.
But to give you context. I am 50 years old now. I am a pretty smart guy. It still took me 9 years to finish my EE degree. I landed a fantastic job at an engineering firm but was flailing, trying to make my deliverables. I was almost fired.
Then I was diagnosed, got meds, and suddenly I can actually work through the day without issues. I still struggle here and there, but it is nothing like it was before. I am doing well at my job now and don’t have nearly as much negative stress in my life.
The main drawback I have is the increased heart rate and BP. Its not great at my age. Not dangerous, but not great. So I don’t take it on the weekends and sometimes not during the week either.
I’m curious, why is it so important for some people to get a diagnosis? Does it unlock access to medication or treatment that they want? Or is it just the knowing?
I’m fairly certain I’m Autistic, and I’ve had two unrelated doctors (not qualified to make the assessment) accidentally assume that I knew and had already been diagnosed, but I’ve never had a formal diagnosis. I’m not really too fussed about getting one, because it wouldn’t really change the way I live my life. But that’s just me, maybe it’s more important for other people
In the case of ADHD at least, it comes with a lifetime of being told that you’re not trying hard enough, that you could do so much more if you just applied yourself, that it’s your fault that you’re distracted etc. And after a lifetime of internalising those sorts of comments, many folk find relief in knowing that actually, there’s a reason for all of it, and it’s not just that they’re lazy.
It felt that way for me, and you start to live with a lot less stress after that.
For me or was definitely about the medication.
The diagnosis did give me some vindication, but I wish so dearly that I was diagnosed and treated a long time ago.
It sounds so dumb and fake when I say it, but I now have the ability to actually do what I know I need to do.
It is not perfect, and there are some side effects, but if I had this ability 30 years ago, I would have avoided so many problems.
That being said, they don’t let you take Adderall in the Navy and I loved so much about my time there.
But to give you context. I am 50 years old now. I am a pretty smart guy. It still took me 9 years to finish my EE degree. I landed a fantastic job at an engineering firm but was flailing, trying to make my deliverables. I was almost fired.
Then I was diagnosed, got meds, and suddenly I can actually work through the day without issues. I still struggle here and there, but it is nothing like it was before. I am doing well at my job now and don’t have nearly as much negative stress in my life.
The main drawback I have is the increased heart rate and BP. Its not great at my age. Not dangerous, but not great. So I don’t take it on the weekends and sometimes not during the week either.