Scared of going for a diagnosis

I came to it from burnout and leaving my job. I needed answers as to why I was falling apart. I did need to get a job again after a break from work, so figuring myself out gave me the impetus to seek a diagnosis, though I had to go private as there isn't any other option in my area. If it wasn't for that I would have probably held back from doing it too, as it is very scary having to talk about yourself. I also didn't have anyone to talk to about it with (my husband knew I was having problems but didn't know what to do and had suggested a counsellor but I didn't feel able to even do that previously).

Diagnosis was hard as most of it I hadn't talked about with anyone or maybe mentioned once to my husband at some point, though some of it he knew first hand.

If you want to do it, find your personal reason and hold on to it, as you'll need it to reassure yourself while you are waiting or questioning yourself. I started writing things down to remind myself, as it's easy to start feeling like an imposter, even after diagnosed. Perhaps it's also good to write down what you want to get out of it, as you can feel a bit lost and confused after the assessment whatever the outcome.

I respect those who choose not to get assessed, as I think if you can accept it yourself you can start the healing process without the wait, though I did go for diagnosis in the end. 

One thing to add, if you aren't sure about the history stuff, make sure you find a provider who will accept what you have. Some are strict and want an informant, but will tell you what they do accept for it, like school reports, so you'll need to do your research as you don't want to sit on a waiting list and then find out.

Good luck either way, and just try be kind to yourself.

I came to it from burnout and leaving my job. I needed answers as to why I was falling apart. I did need to get a job again after a break from work, so figuring myself out gave me the impetus to seek a diagnosis, though I had to go private as there isn't any other option in my area. If it wasn't for that I would have probably held back from doing it too, as it is very scary having to talk about yourself. I also didn't have anyone to talk to about it with (my husband knew I was having problems but didn't know what to do and had suggested a counsellor but I didn't feel able to even do that previously).

Diagnosis was hard as most of it I hadn't talked about with anyone or maybe mentioned once to my husband at some point, though some of it he knew first hand.

If you want to do it, find your personal reason and hold on to it, as you'll need it to reassure yourself while you are waiting or questioning yourself. I started writing things down to remind myself, as it's easy to start feeling like an imposter, even after diagnosed. Perhaps it's also good to write down what you want to get out of it, as you can feel a bit lost and confused after the assessment whatever the outcome.

I respect those who choose not to get assessed, as I think if you can accept it yourself you can start the healing process without the wait, though I did go for diagnosis in the end. 

One thing to add, if you aren't sure about the history stuff, make sure you find a provider who will accept what you have. Some are strict and want an informant, but will tell you what they do accept for it, like school reports, so you'll need to do your research as you don't want to sit on a waiting list and then find out.

Good luck either way, and just try be kind to yourself.

Thanks lots of good advise and I keep reminding myself to be kind to myself.

The burnout I did have and was very lucky that my work supported me through it last year. It was the first time I've sruggled so much. I have always been push through type, but that just isn't working any more. The diagnosis I see as part of a puzzle to help with the healing process. Fingers crossed!