Support while waiting for a diagnosis
Hello all! I'm in my late 20's and finally seeking an ADHD diagnosis. I have my first appointment in a month and honestly I'm terrified. I spent my whole life thinking I don't have adhd only for my symptoms to get worse after graduating college last year. Just wonder if anyone else feel like horrible dread and anxiety leading up to their appointments? I'm so worried I'll forget to mention something or that I'm crazy for doing this because I don't have adhd.
I was tested when I was little but my result were pretty much inconclusive. They wanted me to get treated for depression then get reevaluated for adhd, which my parents never did. I've been working with a really great therapist for my anxiety and depression throughout my 20's so I feel like I'm in a much better place now. However, I still have issues that are making my work life difficult that line up with adhd, and reflecting back, were pervasive while I was in school. I may have just been able to "handle it better" with the structure of school, but now with a full time job, it feels unmanageable.
Just hoping I'm not alone in this as I'm so scared what the results will be. I fell like if I do get diagnosis it may give some relief and more targeted therapy. If I don't have adhd though I'm terrified of what that might mean and how I'll go about working through my symptoms. Any advice or similar stories are appreciated!
@KaleighSkys
Hi Kaleigh, I can understand why you would be feeling anxious about your upcoming appointment. It is scary to enter into unknown territory so to be fearful is a natural reaction. I have never been tested professionally myself so I can't tell you from any lived experience what to expect. Perhaps another member who has been through the process can share their story with you.
I am glad that you have a good therapist that you have been working with for a while to help you get a handle on your anxiety and depression. I have read that ADHD and anxiety share quite a few symptoms so maybe its just extra anxiety that has been exacerbated by your job. At any rate I hope that this diagnosis helps bring the clarity you are looking for and that your doctor helps strategize some solutions to make your life more manageable. Rooting for you! Take care and let us know how it goes if you feel like sharing that with us. All the best 😊
I can relate! My ADHD symptoms weren't too apparent until life got harder. I didn't know what was wrong with me until about 3 years ago, when I was 27. Your appointment, whether you get diagnosed with ADHD or not, is a step closer to making your life more manageable.
Hey thanks it really helps to know someone was in a similar situation. Also I'm 27 right now and seeking a diagnosis what a coincidence lol I know I'm taking the right steps to better myself regardless of the outcome, just nobody talks about how difficult these steps are.
