I wish I could figure out if I have it. I asked my doctor how to get diagnosed, he said I’d need to talk to a psychiatrist. I got a referral and tried to setup and appointment but they said I couldn’t be tested since I have no history of it. They instead want to put me on antidepressants but I’ve gone through enough of them to know that ain’t what my issue is.

Mental health care in this country is a fucking joke.

[–] SeveralAnts@lemmy.world 4 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Hey dude. That whole experience with the psychiatrist sounds wrong. Of course you have history. And that in no way qualifies or disqualifies you from getting a diagnosis. In saying that, I agree with db0 in that a diagnosis won't necessarily help. You can absolutely look up strategies and routines, tips ect on how to improve your experiences and try applying the ones you like and see how it goes. Psychiatrists might diagnose you and then want to put you on medication because that is their job and how they get paid. The cognitive behavior change work is usually done with a psychologist, in groups and in your own time. There's some great worksheets available online if you look around.

[–] 4grams@awful.systems 3 points 6 months ago

well, I've got other stuff going on, depression and a brain injury last year that I'm still working through. on top of that, as a kid in the 80's I was tested for ADD but at the time they were more looking at the inattentive behaviours. however, I'm pretty sure I'm the other side of that coin and ADHD didn't become a thing (at least mainstream) 'til several years later.

anyway thanks, I really appreciate the advice.

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