Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi, I am new to this. I hope this is okay to post. I am 30 years old. I was misdiagnosed for a decade in the mental health system and was finally correctly diagnosed with autism at the age of 27, exactly 10 years after entering the mental health system. I have unfortunately spent over 7 of those years as an inpatient. It has been an incredibly traumatic time for me. I am finally out of hospital after the biggest battle of my life. As soon as I was diagnosed my mental health has been the best it has ever been as finally everything makes sense. I am so grateful I finally know why I am the way I am. However due to so many years stuck in the system and stuck in hospital, it has meant that I have never been in employment before. I really wish to be able to work but I am aware that it is going to be very challenging to get a job with my lack of experience. I have done several level 2 courses this year and have done some volunteering also. I am also plan on doing more volunteering soon. I feel like honesty is the best policy for myself - I find it difficult to say anything but the truth if I were ever questioned why I do not have much on my CV for the past 10 years. I feel like when applying for jobs in the future I just want to be honest about my situation and what happened and hope that someone gives me a chance. But I am also aware that some employers may not be keen.
I was wondering if anyone else has gone through something similar and how they deal with it? How do you tell someone you spent a decade being misdiagnosed, stuck in hospital, and now desperate to get on with my life and hope they do not judge you for being failed by the system. I feel incredibly alone in what I have gone through even though I know sadly my story is not unheard of. Thank you for reading this
Your story reads a great deal like mine. You are articulate and caring. You are a self starter and unafraid of a challenge. You do have a great deal of experience in your personal history.
It may not be a job your needing...
If you have disability now or a small income and have a stable enough place to live, you could use the time and space to write your story for the world to hear if you are inclined. Yours is a very valuable voice and your experiences important for others to understand.
Good Hunting!
Hi, thank you SO much for your kind words. I really appreciate it! It’s funny you say that as I was just talking today to my sister about starting a blog to document what I have been through. Anyone who has ever known me always has said I could write a book one day with everything I have endured! I would love to use what I have gone through to help other people not get into the situation I was in and I have always loved writing. I was thinking of buying a laptop this weekend to start writing. Thank you for the encouragement and giving me a sign that perhaps this is where I could start! I am so sorry to hear that you too have been in a similar situation. It is so terrible that so many of us have been missed. Wishing you all the best in your future.