Hi, my name is Abb_Jones18. I think I might have ADHD, and have a psychiatrist appointment coming up — Scope | Disability forum
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Hi, my name is Abb_Jones18. I think I might have ADHD, and have a psychiatrist appointment coming up

Abb_Jones18
Abb_Jones18 Community member Posts: 2 Listener
Hi, I’m 18 and currently going through the process of getting tested for ADHD. I’ve had the symptoms my whole life without realising, I’ve always struggled to concentrate in school and found myself rushing last minute with my deadlines, which has worked for in the past when I had structure but since lockdown I haven’t been able to physically produce any work no matter how hard I try. 

Forcing myself to do work can be quite overwhelming sometimes because it usually provokes unwanted thoughts that can be distressing, it brings out my inner critic about myself and then I’ll just avoid the work all together. Trying to articulate my thoughts into words is challenging for me as well so writing this isn’t too easy because I will ramble for days so I’m trying to keep it as short as possible (sorry in advance). Other symptoms I have are constant fidgeting, poor short term memory, zoning out, poor sleep, and other symptoms that I won’t get into. But now that I’m getting older and starting to be more independent these have started to disrupt my life more than they used to and I can’t manage it on my own anymore. It’s affecting my grades, relationships and mental health. 

I’ve got a deadline Monday for my college project that I’ve only done 2 pages of, usually if I’ve procrastinated I’ll have the drive in me eventually to get some work done but this hasn’t happened this time and I’m worried because I don’t know what to do. It frustrates me because I know I’m capable for getting for than a pass but because the projects are usually 2-4 months long it’s hard for me to keep interested for that long, this usually results in me getting a lower grade because the middle of my sketch book tends to go off on a tangent and not make much sense or even correlate with my original plan.

I’ve got an appointment to see a psychiatrist in April, I’ve heard of peoples bad experiences with some psychiatrist that didn’t take them seriously so they suffered with their symptoms for even longer and then got a diagnosis later by a different psychiatrist. I already feel like I’m not taken seriously by the people around me anyway so I’m worried that when I see the psychiatrist I won’t be taken seriously and turned away with no help. I’m not familiar with the diagnosis process and I’m not sure what to expect or how long it will take.

Thank you to anyone who took the time to read this or respond, it really means a lot. I haven’t got anyone around me who has ADHD that I can talk to and relate to about stuff so just even having a chat about this with anyone and know I’m not alone will be amazing <3

Comments

  • Ami2301
    Ami2301 Community member Posts: 7,942 Disability Gamechanger
    Hi @Abb_Jones18 and welcome to the community :)

    I'm really sorry to hear what you are experiencing, unfortunately i don't have any experience with ADHD but i'm sure a few community members do and hopefully they will be in touch soon.

    Feel free to ramble as much as you want, some of us may not know what to say but we will be here for you :)
    Disability Gamechanger - 2019
  • Abb_Jones18
    Abb_Jones18 Community member Posts: 2 Listener
    @Ami2301
    Sorry for the late reply I don't often like talking about my feelings or experiences so I'm trying to get my confidence up by talking on here, I feel a bit rude not replying :(
    But I have recently taken a step back from ADHD research and looked into Autism as well which was something I was a bit weary about researching into just because there's such a lot to wrap your head around I didn't want to stress myself out.  I'm still a bit unsure about Autism I've only recently started research because I know ADHD and ASD can have similar symptoms. It makes me worried that when I go for my appointment I won't be taken seriously, so I've just started making a word document with all my symptoms and experiences so I won't miss anything.
    Thank you for replying though it means a lot :)<3
  • Tori_Scope
    Tori_Scope Scope Posts: 12,488 Disability Gamechanger
    edited March 2021
    Belated warm welcome to the community from me @Abb_Jones18!

    I'm sure Ami2301 didn't think you were being rude, so there's no need to worry :) You can reply to posts and comments whenever you feel comfortable doing so. 

    There can indeed be some crossover in the symptoms of ADHD and ASD, and many people with one will also have the other. 

    I'm really glad you've made an appointment to see a psychiatrist, as I know that can be a daunting first step. Of course some people will have negative experiences of not being taken seriously, but it's important to remember that plenty of people have positive experiences too. 

    Were you referred to the psychiatrist by your GP? Or have you organised it yourself? Are they a specialist in ADHD or ASD?

    I know it's easier said than done, but try not to get too bogged down in what your eventual diagnosis may or may not be. It's perfectly understandable you'd want to be doing your research now, and that's fine, but the most important thing is to be completely honest in the appointment and be open about the challenges you've been facing. 

    I think writing down your experiences and symptoms into a document is a really great idea. It'll help you to ensure you've covered everything you want to, and keep your thoughts a little more ordered.

    Just so you know: I've moved your post into our category for discussions relating to neurological conditions, and renamed it slightly, so that other members can find it more easily. 
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  • Ami2301
    Ami2301 Community member Posts: 7,942 Disability Gamechanger
    I don't think you are being rude at all @Abb_Jones18 :) As Tori said, you can reply whenever you feel comfortable to, or even not at all :) I really hope your appointment goes well  <3
    Disability Gamechanger - 2019

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