Anxiety & paranoia or something else?

[LonelyInAus]

I have suffered from anxiety and depression for years and probably since I was a teenager. I'm not from Australia but have lived here for many years now, and have feel isolated and alone. I don't feel connected - even when growing up I had this sense that no one understood me, that I wasn't 'part of the gang', that I wasn't well liked, and that I never seemed to really be a part of anything. 

I can't go home anymore because of circumstances here, so that's not an option, but even if I did although I would feel more connected, I would still have these feelings.

Over the last few years I have started to wonder if perhaps there's another underlying issue that is causing my anxiety and depression - like ADHD? Or something else?

How to I broach the subject with my GP without sounding like I am self-diagnosing or suffering from hypochondria, or whatever?

[Mark Z.]

Hi LonelyInAus,

I'm so sorry for your challenge. 

If I may ask, when you say you can't go home because of circumstances here, what is it in particular?

Maybe you're right that there's another underlying issue, but we don't do self-diagnising as we are not professionals, there is a big chance that our guess is wrong. When you talk to your GP, don't worry to much, just tell him/her what you're experiencing, you're feeling, as well as your concern. You can mention ADHD, hypochondria or paranoia, but leave the judgement to your GP or psychologist, cooperate with them and trust them.

Hope everything will be better.

Mark

[JED1980]

Hey there

Have you tried connecting with cultural groups or social groups where you live? 

If you feel you can't go home, then maybe these types of groups could make you feel a bit closer to home? 

As for talking to your GP, be honest. Tell them how you feel. Let them diagnose you.

All the best

Jx