Introducing Me

MagglesUK

Hi

Im from Wales. Got diagnosed as an adult several years ago with ADHD. Had to go privately for the diagnosis as my GP initially refused to refer me but once I saw a counsellor who specialised in ADHD and she assessed me she wrote to my GP who then put me on the waitlist of FIVE YEARS.

Having struggled quite badly my entire life and having no idea why I wanted a faster resolution because my mental health had been on a severe decline and it's something I had struggled with since my teens. 

Anyway went private got diagnosed, had meds and GP agreed to go on shared care once titration completed. The only issue I have now is I have NO money so can't afford the appt to end titration or even my meds at this point.

This isn't really relevant probably but it my experience. Sorry if I'm rambling.

So after being ill for several years and my previous employer letting me go because my mental health made it impossible to leave the house never mind work. I saw a job which I think sounded like it suited me as it was all working from home and not face to face. I had the job and let my employer know that I had ADHD.

Some adjustments were made for me which definitely helped but the job was full time and despite my needing to work full time for the pay I wasn't coping. I applied for flexible working hours and asked to drop my days to three and my only other request was that my days off all be together and  it split up. The difference between his made to my mental health was amazing. 

I still struggle with things, I'm not someone who ever goes out socialising or to work do's. I still struggle with anxiety depression and I'm a very emotional person because of the ADHD. Not in a hot headed way more in that one minute I can be ok and the next just crying because something had happened.

I don't learn in the same way and nobody is my biggest critic than myself and this is even though I understand myself s lot better now. I still fight to be kind to myself. 

Anyway although I know why I am me now and it's helped I don't understand how nobody realised I should have been getting help sooner because my ADHD is pretty severe. You can't turn back the clock and I always try to look forward and not back.

That's me
x

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @MagglesUK

Welcome to the community! Thank you for sharing your story with us.

I'm so sorry to hear you had to struggle for a diagnosis, but glad you have one now. I'm also glad your employer listened and you have had support with your job

Do you still have ongoing support for those down days?

I hope the community can be a source of fun and support for you Come join us in the Coffee Lounge. It's where we play games, have general debates and get to know each other. 

MagglesUK

Hi Hannah

I have to admit I am having problems with work at the moment there are adjustments in place and they have a lot of things available for mental health etc.

Sometimes I do feel as if it's all talk especially when it comes to what's going on at the moment. I can't decide if they don't understand how much impact it can have on mental health or if they actually just don't care but follow procedure to cover their own backs but still dig their heels in.

To me when someone ends up crying because of stress or proposed required changes that's something that they need to review and realise actually this really is going to have a detrimental effect. 

x

Cher_Alumni

Hi @MagglesUK

Thank you for sharing with us your story. You've been on a long journey to get your diagnosis, well done for persevering. I wonder if you could speak with your GP about not being able to afford the titration, and ask if they could take over shared care sooner than planned to avoid abruptly stopping the medication?

And, I'm sorry work isn't the best right now. What would most help you manage this? Do you feel able to speak with your manager, or is there a union rep that you could possibly confide in?

I really hope things pick up soon for you. Take care and remember, we're here should you need us.