Adult diagnosis on a uni student budget

@AuntJobiska Thanks so much for your detailed tips! I am mostly aware of them but I always love the reminder since I can forget such things in this current mental state. I agree with the self-diagnosis crap, but based off the traits I recognise in myself after analysing my life (childhood before 12 yrs old included, since I'm pretty sure that's a requirement for ADHD diagnosis), I've been trying to find as many holistic ways to manage my symptoms. It helps that I have quite a medical background behind me (complete and incomplete degrees with transferable knowledge). I also have access through my university to research evidence-based literature to critically analyse what I recognise within myself, and what can be helpful to self-manage. Looks like I'll have to find an experienced psychiatrist who's willing to bulk bill or heavily subsidise so they can accurately get the full picture of whatever my full mental health diagnosis is. I'm a little skeptical about some of the current diagnostic tools since they don't always capture the relevant context, which less experienced practitioners might miss.

I totally hear you @Weeb and why you feel you need a diagnosis. I wish I had a simple answer, but I don't.

I'm guessing you don't have private health that can cover it?

@tymeNo, I don't have private health. But I might check out the public hospital and ask if there's a free option. I mean, my brother got diagnosed for free, but that's because he was admitted into the mental ward. So I'll give it a try. Called a few of the cheaper referrals today, but they don't do complex diagnoses.

@unabashedframeWell, I just consulted Grok, and it said the [location removed by moderator] Hospital is free if I follow a certain process, so I'll ask them. And thanks for the link! I mean, it's more than ADHD with sensory issues. That's more a primary diagnosis, where I believe mental conditions all start attention/focus-based (often with sensory issues), then everything else is just further than that (doctors and nurses I've said that to so far said they believe so too). So also trying for ASD (thinking I'm probably aspergers), OCD, maybe bipolar, and complex PTSD. My brother got diagnosed for free, but that's because he got put into the mental ward.

Awwww @Weeb , that's so so hard @Weeb . I feel so bad that people's access to support is dependent on finances; or whether you situation is bad enough so that you are admitted.

I got my diagnoses all from hospitals. But I was in such a terrible terrible way. So I've never even had to consider what it's like to not be able to get support because you are not 'sick' enough or you don't have enough money.

I really hope you get some answers soon!

Also, just a quick note that I've edited your previous post to remove the name of the hospital as it may be identifying for you.

@tymeThanks for removing that! I think I'm getting by rather well, all things considered, with academic staff being understanding and allowing extensions, even sending me comprehensive emails of feedback for assessments, of what to do regarding enrollment, and some resources of possible, cheaper pathways than what my GPs have given me. I think I'll have to ask a GP to provide me with a mental health care plan and see a bulk-billed psychiatrist through the public or hospital system.

I'm so so glad that academic staff are supporting you @Weeb . I remember that even years back, I had a RAP for my studies which was a Reasonable Adjustments Plan. I was supported by student advisors, unit co-ordinators and I didn't have to provide medical certificates each time I needed additional time for my studies.

I look forward to hearing how you go with your MH care plan.

We look forward to hearing how things go for you @Weeb 🙂

Besides studying, are there other things you like to do?