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Something’s not right

Not receiving the right treatment

Not receiving the right treatment

*note, I am not looking for any advice on specific treatments of any kind, I'm just in a difficult situation when it comes to receiving the right treatment and hoping to vent a bit (so i can get some sleep) and perhaps receive some advice if anyone has any for my situation, or just kind words (or even just knowing I had someone to share this with, however anonymous)

Hello everyone,
I'll try to keep it brief because it's actually a long and complex story, but basically a year ago (or even 2 now) I was diagnosed with ADHD (predominantly inattentive) which helped bring a lot of my struggles in life into focus. I wasn't initially convinced, but the diagnosis has since been confirmed 3 times so it's hard not to be at that point - I also received an ASD diagnosis half a year ago (but that's a whole other issue)
Initially, for multiple reasons I won't get into, I didn't want to try first line medical treatments but after trying multiple others it turns out that that is what worked best for me. All of a sudden it was like I could keep up with everyone else at work and be at the same level, and I could keep a clean home and pursue hobbies without getting bored halfway through. I started feeling actually confident in myself and like I could pursue the bigger goals I always had. I was really in the best place I had ever been, my depression was not gone we were still trying to treat that, but I was almost content with life, until I lost my job due to workplace abuse leading to severe burnout.
I had a serious relapse in depression and anxiety, and some of the side effects treatment for ADHD started doing more harm than good so I ceased it.
Somewhere in all of this, I got accepted into a university for veterinary studies - which has been my dream, and I wasn't feeling good when I accepted, but I let myself be convinced not to defer (which would not have guaranteed me a place next year) and figured the best way to help myself was to continue doing things important to me.
The problem is I've had to move halfway across the country. I had fired my previous psychiatrist (for good reason), and was in line to start seeing someone new but now had to cancel that because I was out of state and couldn't afford the expense to see them, nor could I see them in person (which was a requirement of the first session). No one in the new state is able to prescribe me the medicine I was on, and all psychiatrists need to do their own assessment first.
I managed to get in to see a psychiatrist with the university, not for ADHD but just to treat my depression which I felt was more important at the time and then ADHD would come later. I'm realising now, that nothing will improve for me if I'm not receiving that treatment - I'm already doing poorly, on my way to fail, and there will be no second chances.
The problem: I am only able to get in to see this psychiatrist every 4 months or so, and they're not convinced I have ADHD (or ASD), because and I quote 'I would've known the moment you walked in the door.' I seem to have very bad luck with psychiatrist, this one wrote up a narrative about what they learned of me in my first session and a good portion (1/4 maybe) of it was not what I had stated or words they put in my mouth. At one point they implied I had left a particular mental health service because I didn't get the medication I wanted (which is a misrepresentation of what I said happened and what actually happened).
I don't really know how to get the help I need - a new psychiatrist would just be another 6 month wait with a pricetag I can't afford, and I'm really struggling with depression and anxiety right now so i need some consistent care.
I do have the documents to apply to the NDIS for ASD, but having the psychiatrist say that I don't have it because I don't look like I do has really knocked my confidence and taken away the relief that that diagnosis had given me - leaving only the stress. I haven't even been able to bring myself to read the full report. I've asked my psychologist to go through it with me next session and maybe that's the best next step I've got. An OT might help a lot, and just understanding myself better.
i don't know what to do with myself if this degree falls through though, but I'll try to power through this year at least and come to a decision then.

Sorry for the ramble, but I just need this train of thought out of my head. Thanks for reading through it though, I appreciate someone ''listening''

2 replies

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In response to: Not receiving the right treatment

Re: Not receiving the right treatment

Hi @Campbarry

Never apologise for your rambles, we all need to get things out of our head at times. If this helps then that is great.

I'm sorry you have had so much trouble with finding a psychiatrist that can cater to your needs. The wait to find a good one is way too long and I agree that they are very expensive. I really do hope that you find someone that can help.

Do you see your psychologist often?

Listening with open ears

In response to: Re: Not receiving the right treatment

Re: Not receiving the right treatment

Thank you, I really did just need to rant, it hasn't actually solved any of my problems but I do feel much better.
To answer your question - I see my psychologist pretty regularly, every fortnight, sometimes weekly, when things are rough and every month when not - I can't really afford it, but I made the choice a while ago that if there was anything I needed to dip into my savings for it was this.
Only thing is currently they're on holiday for 5 weeks, so it's a while before my next session where I can discuss this stuff with them, but I am also seeing a counsellor at the university so I'm not without support completely.
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