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Unsure where to begin or what to do with anything.

Ambs03New Contributor12 Oct 2026, 4:44 pm AEDT

Unsure where to begin or what to do with anything.

Hello, I am new to this space and new to writing/typing down my thoughts. I've dealt with anxiety and sleep problems since I was about 6. Now 22, I have been diagnosed with GAD, MDD, AuDHD, OCD, APD, and BPD. I get close with people and open up, then explain the complications that are in my brain, and don't get taken seriously, as many think I am trying to "collect these problems", when I certainly am not (and would like to give them away if I could). May of this year, I was in a small car accident, then in the span of a month moved out of my childhood home and mourned the passing of my grandmother. Since then, I now have the PTSD badge (though I tell myself it is not real ptsd). Since then, I have been on and off with work, and I feel like the past couple of years are catching up with me, and I am realising the massive mess that is me and my brain. I do not have any close friends or people to talk to regarding all of this. Apart from my psychologist and my partner, whom I am very grateful for, I am now starting to hold back things so as not to burden someone else. I do tell my dog everything, but he only pays attention if I am holding a treat. I have also been on many medications, and just when I think I am in a good place with them BOOM here are terrential night sweats that could fill up an olympic sized swimming pool. If you have managed to read this far then that makes me think that we should just go get a coffee and hang out. But also, any tips or anything on what to do would be much appreciated. I dont know if that's what these forums are for, but I am so lost at the moment, and so frozen and would like some assistance with anything.

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In response to: Unsure where to begin or what to do with anything.

RadderSenior Contributor12 Oct 2026, 6:33 pm AEDT

Re: Unsure where to begin or what to do with anything.

Hi @Ambs03

I am not a clinician, but as a peer I've heard of a lot of people getting different diagnoses from different clinicians, and they can accumulate over time. Diagnoses are subjective, not objective - there is no blood test or scan to "prove" any specific diagnosis - it's the professional opinion of the clinician. Some people find diagnoses supportive in that they explain some things, others find them a negative burden and feel like they are broken. Clinicians use diagnoses to treat according to their guidelines and experience.

At the end of the day, I see them as medical labels for symptoms of distress, and medications only mask the symptoms not address the root causes. Medications can even become part of the problem for some people and contribute to more symptoms, which some clinicians then "treat" with more medication.

Perhaps consider booking a medication review with a pharmacist for a second opinion.

The following link is about the growing realisation of the above issues by some clinicians and can help see this whole mental health picture from a different approach. It seems to be growing and gaining credibility, and many lived experience people would agree with its basic tenets, but it is still debated is psychiatric circles. It's auspiced by Adelaide University.

https://notbrokenproject.com.au

This ADHD resource on their site may be of particular interest: https://notbrokenproject.com.au/?sdm_process_download=1&download_id=1052

There is a lot more similar information out there, particularly in the field of "critical psychology/psychiatry".

Knowledge is power. You may like to consider learning about these developments so you can have a more informed discussion with your clinicians since it's beneficial to be empowered to make your own choices.

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