How do I prove to a therapist that I need help?
I'm Autistic, I experience anxiety and low-mood - in general I'm well adjusted and have no serious mental health issues, but being Autistic I have no friends for support and my anxiety is becoming a problem. I struggle to identify moods so it makes managing this difficult, thus I'm trying to access therapy via NHS.
I think as I'm Autistic and they don't have anyone with autism training, also because I'm pretty well adjusted, they keep booting me out of the mental health care system. I'm finding it annoying because in the past they've failed me too - as well as struggling with severe autism throughout my life, in my teens I was victim of sexual and physical abuse as well as self-harmed, in my twenties I had a mental health episode, I always seem to fall through the gaps in mental health care and left to cope on my own...I shouldn't have to.
They keep asking me to come in for initial evaluations, I think I've had about five of these now and more often than not they've been useless - the last appointment however was wonderful, I made a connection and felt comfortable with the therapist I saw (as an Autistic person making connections with someone is a one in a million thing so this was a big deal). My next appointment is with another therapist I've seen before, last time I saw him I was kicked out of the mental health system - he felt as I wasn't keen on CBT that they couldn't help me.
I kind of feel like I have to 'prove' myself as suffering anxiety and low moods to get the help I need, but then obviously I don't want to fake mental illness - so how do I 'prove' to them that I'm worthy of help?
I'm sorry you're having so much trouble with therapists. I had a similar experience once when I was dealing with ADHD and needing help with it, and the therapist was apparently suspicious that I really didn't have ADHD all because I've never gotten a speeding ticket before, because apparently a lot of people with ADHD have trouble driving? It was outrageous. I was so angry because I felt he wasn't taking me seriously from that point on. You have your good therapists and your bad ones.
It seems like there should be places where they would better match you up with therapists that are trained at dealing with autism, though. But if they felt that they couldn't help directly with you due to autism, they should have at least been able to help you with other issues you described, such as low self-esteem and anxiety. I mean CBT isn't the ONLY therapy method out there. :(
I don't think you're doing anything wrong. After all it seems like you're telling them exactly what you need or are feeling. They are paid to listen to you, offer suggestions and resources and help and to determine root problems. If they're not doing that, then it's not your fault, it's theirs.
I'm glad you at least had one good experience, though! :) Any chance you can go back and see that same therapist again? I do hope you manage to find one that can give you the best help! <3
What has worked best for me is describing the feelings of anxiety such as telling them it feels like experiencing the moment just before a car crash. As much details as you can about what you are feeling.
I felt the same as though i had to prove it. Now i write a list of what im feeling and just hand it to them. I find it difficult to explain vocally. It works for me. Also you could try contacting the autistic society to see if they can help.