Feelings after diagnosis

I got diagnosed yesterday at 57, today I feel very anxious and vulnerable.

Was wondering how other people felt after a late diagnosis.

Parents
  • I’m only in my 20s but I got diagnosed a few months ago and I have had such a mix of emotions. Like relieved to know what was different about me but upset because I was and still am different and also worried about how I’d cope in the future, especially when I can’t slow down my racing mind and distressing thoughts/past events. I often wonder if I got extra support in schools would I have been more successful, or would I have got bullied even more so than usual? 

    I hope you feel better soon and feel free to post as much as needed here as we are very welcoming and supportive!

Reply
  • I’m only in my 20s but I got diagnosed a few months ago and I have had such a mix of emotions. Like relieved to know what was different about me but upset because I was and still am different and also worried about how I’d cope in the future, especially when I can’t slow down my racing mind and distressing thoughts/past events. I often wonder if I got extra support in schools would I have been more successful, or would I have got bullied even more so than usual? 

    I hope you feel better soon and feel free to post as much as needed here as we are very welcoming and supportive!

Children
  • I've been thinking about my life too, would things have been better had I been diagnosed earlier, I guess maybe in some ways. As someone outwardly high functioning growing up around adults who seemed to think that intelligence was the magic wand that solved all issues. I have a deep suspicion that if there was anything about me that would prompt a diagnosis I would have still  been told that being bright I would be fine. A childhood diagnosis would have been helpful for later life, but I'm not sure if it would have been as wonderful as I imagine.

    I totally get the racing mind, and letting go of the past can be a nightmare, my brain ambushing me with memories!