So frustrated I could go pop!

Anonymous
Anonymous

Hello,

I'm sorry but I feel a need to rant.

I am 42 and have spent the last 25 years receiving treatment from our not so wonderful mental health system. I recently requested an autism screening and have been diagnosed HFA/Aspergers. My son was diagnosed about five years ago, he's 14 now. My problem is that now I've got this diagnosis my GP, psychologist, etc tell me I'm now going to be fine. Keep taking my medication and I can get on with my life problem free. I can and maybe will - eventually - but do they think this diagnosis is some magical spell? That it can somehow evaporate 42 years of mental health problems like they never existed, just because now I know why they existed? I came away from my GP yesterday feeling like I would have got more understanding from talking to a brick wall.

Rant over! Can antone else relate to this? 

Parents
  • Hi Susie163,

    I got a recent Asperger diagnosis and it doesn't in itself change anything. It just offers understanding. comorbid conditions such as depression don't just disappear but the diagnosis might eventually lead to an understanding of the cause. For me it is practical measures that I find most helpful. People telling me to be not so 'hard on myself' or that 'give yourself a break' doesn't really work as society as a whole doesn't see things like that....bills to pay for example....

    My own personal view and experience regarding medication 9anti-depression) is that it has a place but does not actually fix anything. If someone had a bus wheel parked on their foot and was down about the pain I am certain that anti-depressants are not the answer to the problem.

    Are there ant support groups in your area? could you push to see a Psychologist or therapist (experienced with Asperegrs) in the light of your new diagnosis?

    Also does the HFA/Aspergers diagnosis make sense to you? Can you see any benefits from knowing. As you are probably aware there are lots of Aspergers resources out there that may help you move forwards without the help of NHS. Self-advocacy plays a part too. Know your condition, know your rights.

Reply
  • Hi Susie163,

    I got a recent Asperger diagnosis and it doesn't in itself change anything. It just offers understanding. comorbid conditions such as depression don't just disappear but the diagnosis might eventually lead to an understanding of the cause. For me it is practical measures that I find most helpful. People telling me to be not so 'hard on myself' or that 'give yourself a break' doesn't really work as society as a whole doesn't see things like that....bills to pay for example....

    My own personal view and experience regarding medication 9anti-depression) is that it has a place but does not actually fix anything. If someone had a bus wheel parked on their foot and was down about the pain I am certain that anti-depressants are not the answer to the problem.

    Are there ant support groups in your area? could you push to see a Psychologist or therapist (experienced with Asperegrs) in the light of your new diagnosis?

    Also does the HFA/Aspergers diagnosis make sense to you? Can you see any benefits from knowing. As you are probably aware there are lots of Aspergers resources out there that may help you move forwards without the help of NHS. Self-advocacy plays a part too. Know your condition, know your rights.

Children
No Data