Mental Health

[GrownHealth]

Currently in a decent sized flap/panic/manic about my ASD & ADHD assessments

I've spent the last 2 days filling in what feels like a gazillion forms and questionnaires

I'm now waiting a call back to arrange the actual assessments. As much as I want it all to happen immediately, the whole process is agonising - I managed to dodge an in-person one, but still have to use the anxiety lamp (webcam)

Thankful for medical cannabis as always in management of symptoms

Sort of brings my worries into perspective ,hope you O.K. dude and you've got most of it done and can unwind as much as one can in these circumstances ,and at least your making progress by doing this on your road to understanding ,looks like the MC is helping you cope with this and keeping things rolling and in perspective.
Good luck.

 

[Sunshine]

I just want to acknowledge how much strength it takes to get through this... Filling out those endless forms and waiting for the next step is no small feat, especially when you’re managing both ASD and ADHD symptoms on top of it all, like, seriously. Well done It’s completely valid to feel like you’re in a bit of a flap right now - this process can feel so heavy and drawn out.

You’ve done an incredible job getting through the forms, and even dodging the in-person assessment is a big win! Using the webcam might still feel daunting, but you’re showing so much courage by moving forward despite the anxiety. That’s huge, even though you might not see it that way right now

It’s also brilliant to hear that MC is helping you manage your symptoms it’s so important to have something that gives you relief and helps you feel more grounded through all of this.

Be kind to yourself and remember, every step forward, no matter how small it feels, is progress. And this is definitely a huge step forward! Can I ask (both for myself and to promote your own thoughts on it...) how do you relax / distract yourself from things you don't want / need to think about right now?

 

[Lank72]

Appointments booked for second week of Jan. I've just finished uploading the last of the documents, so hopefully can now try and relax between now and then as I've done all I can...

Can I ask (both for myself and to promote your own thoughts on it...) how do you relax / distract yourself from things you don't want / need to think about right now?

Getting high and playing computer games. Escapism at it's finest, like my whole conciousness can leave my body and enter a different world for a while. Especially now that I've bought some noise-cancelling headphoes (seriously, this seems like such a small thing, but I would have gotten these way sooner if I'd known I was autisitic before now, sooooo gooooooood for so many situations)

Computer games get a lot of shit, but they are such a great stim/escapism/comfort tool

 

[Sunshine]

Appointments booked for second week of Jan. I've just finished uploading the last of the documents, so hopefully can now try and relax between now and then as I've done all I can...




Getting high and playing computer games. Escapism at it's finest, like my whole conciousness can leave my body and enter a different world for a while. Especially now that I've bought some noise-cancelling headphoes (seriously, this seems like such a small thing, but I would have gotten these way sooner if I'd known I was autisitic before now, sooooo gooooooood for so many situations)

Computer games get a lot of shit, but they are such a great stim/escapism/comfort tool

Many relates Fella is more PC, though we do get a couple hours most evenings sharing split screen on Xbox

Definitely appreciate the escapism! It's like manipulating my hyperfocus into something that occupies my brain so well, that I don't get the chance to think about the stuff that's bothering me usually feel lots better after, too. Guess that'll be the dopamine

I got us both some Loop ear thingys earlier in the year. Not quite noise cancelling, but definitely give me my own little bubble when needed.... AND I haven't managed to loose the yet, so I obviously like them

We have a little dog, so walks and games with him out on the cricket green are really helpful for getting my mind into a different set.. Takes alot more to get myself out there, and isn't as immediate as gaming, but there's definitely something about nature that offers me a reset

 

[Sunshine]

Appointments booked for second week of Jan. I've just finished uploading the last of the documents, so hopefully can now try and relax between now and then as I've done all I can...

That is a mega achievement, you deserve to relax now, for sure!!

 

[GrownHealth]

 

[GrownHealth]

 

[LunaDracarys]

I just want to acknowledge how much strength it takes to get through this... Filling out those endless forms and waiting for the next step is no small feat, especially when you’re managing both ASD and ADHD symptoms on top of it all, like, seriously. Well done It’s completely valid to feel like you’re in a bit of a flap right now - this process can feel so heavy and drawn out.

You’ve done an incredible job getting through the forms, and even dodging the in-person assessment is a big win! Using the webcam might still feel daunting, but you’re showing so much courage by moving forward despite the anxiety. That’s huge, even though you might not see it that way right now

It’s also brilliant to hear that MC is helping you manage your symptoms it’s so important to have something that gives you relief and helps you feel more grounded through all of this.

Be kind to yourself and remember, every step forward, no matter how small it feels, is progress. And this is definitely a huge step forward! Can I ask (both for myself and to promote your own thoughts on it...) how do you relax / distract yourself from things you don't want / need to think about right now?

Oh my my my I am amazed of your ability and power even with your struggles somehow you overcome the challenges difficulties and beyond well done and I am on the same path as you and I dislike webcams really hard when I sit through the session causing so much stress anxiety depression etc but I’ve to do otherwise mental health people say I am not contributing so well done and keep going this place you will find care understanding love support and beyond

 

[Lank72]

It's a shame BlackSheepVegan left the forum as I'd have liked to say an additional thanks for their help on my journey to this point...

Wanted to come back here and confirm that my full neurodivergence assessment was completed and I got a dual diagnosis for autism and combined type ADHD

Hopefully this thread may help someone else who reads it - it's a lot to take in in mid 30's that I'm disabled, and always have been, but I feel now I can get some closure, and will hopefully get the support and understanding to lead a less difficult and more fulfilling life.

ADHD also counts as one of the conditions treated with medical cannabis, so rather than just 'mental health' I'm now down to root causes

Thanks to everyone here who talked with me about it, and frankly for just believing me before getting diagnosed on the basis that I'd know my own life experience the best - most of my life people have been telling me the opposite because I seem intelligent, or can apparently manage so well with certain things

I guess everyone here has probably faced being told by someone else that 'it can't hurt that much' or 'have you tried a more positive attitude' etc, instead of just being believed, so maybe find it easier to accept what others say their struggles are, but it doesn't make it any less valuable

 

[GrownHealth]

Glad your finding understanding and can adjust to your strengths and I can Imagine this has been an enlightening but scary journey and one I haven't probably faced up to myself in all truth but I have always used cannabis in my adult life so maybe just maybe this has kept symptoms from running amok with me.

I think your brave dude in not only going through this but relaying your journey to others will help others and hopefully helps you at the same time and agreed @BlackSheepVegan helped you understand a lot as you went through this and I can Imagine your relief just relating to the information passed on to you.

As for believing ,I feel I can relate to some of the things you've spoke about so It wasn't a believe or don't thing with me in the slightest and maybe a lot more are in the same boat to differing degrees.

As for your last statement with the be more positive, it can't hurt that much , there is nothing more insulting , insensitive to someone who declares they are suffering in my personal experience to treat them this way and solves nothing only increases frustration .

Hope your on the up now you've got some understanding and can now tailor your life accordingly.