I (29F) have never felt ‘normal’. Ever since childhood I’ve had a crushing sense that I’m not like other people, that I process the world differently.
As an adult I was diagnosed with ADHD and responded well to Lisdexafetamine until…. I went manic. Following which I was diagnosed and treated for Bipolar. I’ve responded well to that medication, but something still doesn’t feel right.
I recently found out that I was flagged as exhibiting signs of autism in primary school, but I fell through the cracks because I was functional enough to not be worth the time or resources…
My biggest issues are with significant change and ambiguity. That triggers me in a really extreme way, and I’m currently trying to battle my way out of a huge black hole.
My sister (recently diagnosed with Autism) thinks I should get an assessment. My daughter is currently going through an assessment now.
***My question to you is, how has your diagnosis helped you?***
I don’t want a diagnosis for diagnoses sake. I’m terrified that this is what my life will always be… periods of stability followed by breakdowns triggered by… change and ambiguity… two things that no one can ever escape.
I’m sorry this is such a long post. I just feel in crisis and totally alone. I’ve got an amazing husband who is my cheerleader and health advocate, and an incredible career, with colleagues who are incredibly supportive too. I’m just very overwhelmed.