Hi I'm new

[Thetealharp]

Hi Everyone,

I'm undiagnosed but have struggled with my mental health for over a decade, almost a decade and a half. So yeah, struggling to get the right support due to my disabilities.

Ge

[kenster1]

hi and a warm welcome to you and sorry to hear of your struggles.i know its a difficult time but to get an actual diagnoses gives you something to work with it could be the start of understanding your issues and moving forward in life.its good to talk it goes a long way in helping us.

[Thetealharp in reply to kenster1]

Hi, I've tried to get a diagnosis and an currently in the process of changing mental health professional but because of the pandemic it's taking forever.

[kenster1 in reply to Thetealharp]

a good old phone conversation or skype call maybe your only way of getting a diagnosis for now but you should still phone your regular doctor and ask about face to face appointments as it may vary depending on where you live.

[Thetealharp in reply to kenster1]

Mental health people and medical people freak out when they find out in Autistic and partially mental health people seem to fixate on that even when there are clearly other issues (which they recognised) but couldn't treat me. I have been sectioned and they didn't help me because every mainstreem stuff for both mental and physical health makes me worse. So just trying to get specialist support.

[Hidden in reply to Thetealharp]

Hi there!

You say that mental professionals freak out when they learn you're autistic? I'm so sorry to hear that!! Why can't people see that we are all people first and not a label??? (Rhetorical question). I don't have autism, but I used to teach those with autism. It was fascinating to get to know each of my kiddos as an individual -- an individual who just so happened to have autism.

As you are probably well aware, there has been a big shift in education towards including everyone in the mainstream classrooms, which is awesome and the way it should be! This might sound ignorant, but, if school systems learned how to be all-inclusive, why can't the community learn that as well? After all, school is there to prepare us for the outside world.

I no longer teach, but I have to wonder how my kids are doing now? They were included in my school as much as their disability allowed them to be; I wonder if they're getting that inclusion now? I hope so! They were awesome kids and I'm glad I got to know them!

[Thetealharp in reply to Hidden]

Hi,

I normally say I'm autistic because I wouldn't be me otherwise, but I normally say I'm a Disabled person (I have a tone of other disabilities), but that shouldn't change the wait of my voice, I should still be treated with respect. I also tend to confuse people because I have a high IQ but also a high support need.

I don't have a ever positive view of the education system, it has been hell for me. I think the policies might have changes but the attitudes haven't and for true equity and inclusion to occur the attitudes of society in general needs to change. Ableism need to be recognised and called out.

I would say that a lot about the education system needs to change and that stuff like universal design needs to be a priority not an afterthought.

Everyone's needs just need to be meet, it's that simple. I get its not easy but it should be important.

Ge

[Lovingdean in reply to Thetealharp]

Having a good advocate might help, if such a person who understands you us available. I only say this because i have this role with my son who is very complex.

[Thetealharp in reply to Lovingdean]

I currently have a number of people who get me well and advocate for me , it's just then getting people that can meet my needs. I should have about 4 big meetings with everyone quarterly but covid has messed up my EHCP review. I have got a lot better at advocating for myself but I seem to get to the point where I can't anymore and the normal stuff that would be put in place can't happen. I know there are lots of different people chasing atuff. so yeah. I do a lot of prep for those meetings and have high up people in them, like commissioners. Ge

[Hidden]

Have you discussed your Depression with your Doctor. If you are disabled sometimes you will need to address your depression as it will be reacting to your mood and what is going on with disability.

I have had a Reactive Depression for many years now all linked to pain and my disability.

What are your needs and expectations so you can control your negative feelings and begin to accept what and who you are. What are your disabilities, How can I help

BOB

[Thetealharp in reply to Hidden]

Hi, I saw a clinical psychologist for two years but everything they tired made me worse, I was also sectioned on a psych ward for five months but also made me worse. They recognised there was something else going on but where just confused by me, as per usual. I have 6 monthly psych meetings to keep me out of hospital.

I fully embrace being disabled. And am involved in the disability rights. I have autism and am a part time wheelchair users. I have stuff under investigation. I have neuropathic pain and hyper joint mobility syndrome.

I hate my mental health struggles and hate that I'm still waiting for a specialist psych person.

I'm just really complex

Ge

[Hidden in reply to Thetealharp]

I understand how you must feel. I am the same diagnosed with Reactive Depression. In my case I had a course of treatment with a Mental Health Physio that helped me know end. They also arranged several courses with Pain Management.

When I was younger I was on Health Think Tanks with Mental Health and sometimes had to inspect Wards etc. I had to stop when My Short term memory became bad however I still attend Practice meetings at the GP surgery

BOB

[Thetealharp in reply to Hidden]

Cool

[Hidden]

I don't know how you do it, I take meds and still struggle some days

[Thetealharp in reply to Hidden]

Honestly in not sure either

[NadiaB]

Hiii! I hope you find the support you need here.

[Thetealharp in reply to NadiaB]

Thanks

[HopeforJustice]

Hello, this is a great judgment free zone to express your fears. May I ask why haven't you sought professional therapy? I'm curious only because there are millions of people on this site who suffer from depression but unable to seek treatment due to lack of healthcare if living in the United States or shame and stigma for those living in other countries who actually have universal healthcare systems.

How do you feel right now?

Hope

[Thetealharp in reply to HopeforJustice]

Hi, I have sought and got professional therapy with multiple providers and am waiting for a specialist to see if they can help me as main stream clinical psychology just made me worse (multiple people) and couldn't understand me. I live with a universal healthcare and have funding for a independent specialist but the pandemic has messed the speed in which it was happening up. I have been in the system for 3 years, and have other non psych focused support for all my other stuff.

Honestly I don't know how I feel.

I'm complex and professional normally struggle with me in all field s

Ge

[Glitterpink07]

I have suffered for about a decade as well and while I was diagnosed at 19 I still have found no relief and as of recently has been worst, I hope you can find the right support and know your not alone.

[Thetealharp in reply to Glitterpink07]

Thanks

[Poodie]

Hi Thetealharp.

Welcome to this site. I know it must be so frustrating for it to be taking so long. In the meantime, I think you will find people on here who can be helpful and supportive.

Keep posting and best of luck.