Poppin' that therapy cherry

[feldman]

Two years into this pandemic, many things have been coming to a head, and so I called in a professional and found a therapist. She does not talk very much, but it seems she doesn't have to? I feel like I'm tackling a hoarder house, only it's in my own skull.

I've been trying to be as honest and genuine as possible, taking off as many filters as I can identify, not curbing my language or metaphors, and taking the time to put shit into words.

Three sessions in, yesterday, she floated the idea of getting me tested for ADHD. I'm thinking of going ahead, maybe there are more tools out there I can use? But yeah, kinda out of left field in a way that, upon examination, maybe shouldn't be so surprising that something is zigging when it's expected to zag.

Comments

[rydra_wong]

I'm thinking of going ahead, maybe there are more tools out there I can use?

Here to vouch that getting any undiagnosed neurodivergencies diagnosed can be life-changing. Gives you access to a whole new framework for understanding how your brain works and all the tools and hacks invented by the other people with that neurodivergence (and the occasional helpful professional).

And if you don't have ADHD, that's also useful intel (might mean you need to look elsewehere for things which might be causing ADHD-like problems -- for example, there are a range of things that can lead to problems with executive function).

[feldman]

This is what I'm hearing from most folks I've asked, so I've scheduled the assessment for June.

I've shamelessly stolen ND tools and hacks for years, as my executive function is sludge for about 1/3 of the year from the seasonal depression, and my work habits have always been a source of pain.

What's very disturbing is all the stuff outside of winters, going back into early childhood, that also resonates with what I've been reading about Inattentive Type ADHD, plus some sensory issues in the mix.

If there's an easier mode to play this game on, I'm here for it, I'm exhausted.

[rydra_wong]

Also, I should say: having an official diagnosis is extremely handy, but if you go through the whole formal assessment process and at the end of it they say NOPE NO ADHD but you've done the reading and it all resonates and you think they're wrong -- trust yourself.

My experiences in the autism field have led me to conclude that self-diagnosis is often pretty damn reliable. Especially when it comes to adults who've been masking and compensating for decades, and especially when it comes to people who are female or AFAB, who tend to be underdiagnosed.

I've shamelessly stolen ND tools and hacks for years

Not stealing! If your brain benefits from them then you're as entitled to them as anyone else, whether you fit into a specific diagnostic category or not. This is not a "cultural appropriation" thing!