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Feeling Lost

Ka1986

Hello,

I hope this is the right place for this post, but I’m looking for some advice. I’m feeling really lost right now, and no matter how much I try to push through, I just can’t seem to focus.

I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression for a long time, and I’m currently going through a particularly difficult period with my mental health. I am also dyslexic.

Last week, I had an appointment with the mental health practitioner at my doctor’s. During our conversation, she suggested that I might be neurodivergent—possibly autistic and ADHD. She mentioned that these conditions are often overlooked in women and that there’s still a lot being learned.

She gave me some resources to look through and said I could come back if I wanted to pursue an assessment. While she was kind and supportive, I feel a bit overwhelmed—like I’ve been handed a lot of information to process when I’m already struggling. Now, I’m not sure what my next steps should be.

If anyone has been through something similar or has any advice, I’d really appreciate it.

Many thanks 

K

Parents
  • Ka1986 said:
    If anyone has been through something similar or has any advice, I’d really appreciate it

    There is lots of information here and elsewhere, and I haven’t any further advice other than to keep in mind that the autistic spectrum is diverse, and each person is like no other. I am in my 60s and I can tell you a bit about my journey which has some similarities to yours. 

    I have struggled with enduring depression and anxiety since childhood, with multiple interventions from mental health services over the years. Last September, I began attending sessions of CBT at my GP’s practice.The therapist said I may have some autistic traits so they directed me to online screening tests. My emotions were rather unsettled - thoughts went from “I couldn’t possibly be autistic” to “definitely I am”. I repeated the screening tests several times over the next few weeks as I couldn’t decide whether I “slightly agreed” or “slightly disagreed” with some of the questions.

    I didn’t know what to do for a few weeks, but eventually spoke to my GP who referred me for a NHS diagnosis. The waiting list was over four years long. The therapist (at the GPs surgery) and I discussed potentially seeking a private assessment and how I might feel if I received a diagnosis or not. In due course, it became clear that I wouldn’t ever be able to settle myself without seeking a diagnosis. I decided that the potential feelings (of despair at having paid for an assessment, plus disappointment) that might overwhelm me if I didn’t receive a diagnosis, would be worth enduring for what I thought would be a limited time. The potential benefits of a diagnosis would be worth the risk, for long term gain. 

    I finally received my diagnosis last December. It was such a massive relief. The severe lack of self esteem is a work in progress, but it is improving. 

    Please allow yourself space and time. Very best wishes.

Reply
  • Ka1986 said:
    If anyone has been through something similar or has any advice, I’d really appreciate it

    There is lots of information here and elsewhere, and I haven’t any further advice other than to keep in mind that the autistic spectrum is diverse, and each person is like no other. I am in my 60s and I can tell you a bit about my journey which has some similarities to yours. 

    I have struggled with enduring depression and anxiety since childhood, with multiple interventions from mental health services over the years. Last September, I began attending sessions of CBT at my GP’s practice.The therapist said I may have some autistic traits so they directed me to online screening tests. My emotions were rather unsettled - thoughts went from “I couldn’t possibly be autistic” to “definitely I am”. I repeated the screening tests several times over the next few weeks as I couldn’t decide whether I “slightly agreed” or “slightly disagreed” with some of the questions.

    I didn’t know what to do for a few weeks, but eventually spoke to my GP who referred me for a NHS diagnosis. The waiting list was over four years long. The therapist (at the GPs surgery) and I discussed potentially seeking a private assessment and how I might feel if I received a diagnosis or not. In due course, it became clear that I wouldn’t ever be able to settle myself without seeking a diagnosis. I decided that the potential feelings (of despair at having paid for an assessment, plus disappointment) that might overwhelm me if I didn’t receive a diagnosis, would be worth enduring for what I thought would be a limited time. The potential benefits of a diagnosis would be worth the risk, for long term gain. 

    I finally received my diagnosis last December. It was such a massive relief. The severe lack of self esteem is a work in progress, but it is improving. 

    Please allow yourself space and time. Very best wishes.

Children
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