GAD Diagnosis

[Natalie22]

Hi. 

A lot has been going on since I posted last. I have been seeing a psychologist who pushed to include my GP in the plan and goals. I did reluctantly give permission. 

I was 'encouraged' to agree to get an assessment with a psychiatrist which would be helpful.

I said yes and I have to say that the assessment was tough and she came up with the diagnosis of GAD. 

I know it gives my psychologist more of a basis for treatment, also my GP. 

Couple of years ago I was told that I had functional neurological disorder but this has been ruled out now with both neuro and psychiatrist. 

I have to say that I am relieved and happy about that. 

I am struggling a bit at the moment as I have moved into a new position at work and I am finding it a bit overwhelming but it will settle in time.

But overall I am glad that things are over with assessment etc and psychologist will back off a bit. 

Not  fan of having a diagnosis as I have never been a fan of labels, but what do you do. 

[Ggrand]

Hello Dear Natatie22,

My psychologist, psychiatrist and Dr have all joined forces years ago to help me with my mental health, 3 professionals working together is, in my opinion better then one….I think it’s good they are all their to help you, the best they can…

Labels, yes I have a few, Depression,Anxiety, PTSD, melancholy….they can be helpful for us, ie: on our medical records, when we need to visit other specialists for the first time, they can be helpful for them, in the way the specialist talk to us and treat us…. For me that’s okay, because I need the extra gentleness they seem to generate with professionals/specialists….

In saying all that….I don’t let my “labels” define me….because I’m not a fan either….I live the best I can,  on each day I’m given on this beautiful world….Do my friends need to know my labels* No, not unless I want them to…

Starting a new position would be a bit overwhelming and a struggle, I like your attitude that in time it will settle as I’m sure you will settle into it and do a wonderful job…Please remember that with any new position, that when you move into it, it’s going to be hard to learn all the aspects of that position and to always ask questions if you’re not sure…because if you don’t ask, how are you going to learn….

My kindest thoughts dear Natalie, 

Grandy..

[therising]

Hi Natalie

I'm glad you're feeling a sense of progress in some way. I get where you're coming from when it comes to not being a fan of labels. As I said to my 18yo son just this morning, 'While it doesn't hurt to have a clinical diagnosis (because it can be handy under certain circumstances), looking at who we are from a natural perspective can help add a whole other dimension to work with'.

My son has a diagnosis of level 1 autism (formerly known as Asperger's), received just last year. I could give you a long list of all the boxes he ticks when it comes to autism and I can also tell you who he naturally is in the way of ability and why he struggles so much based on certain abilities. For example, while he has the ability to feel sound more easily than most, too much of certain kinds of sounds becomes a little too stressful for his nervous system. He's learning how to manage sound and his nervous system. He's learned wearing inconspicuous ear plugs at large social events helps minimise background sound. And while his memory is said to be at a savant level, he can't recall a single thing he struggles to focus on. He's a major daydreamer and can't get out of his head at times in order to focus on anything that doesn't fascinate him, truly fascinate him. Year 12 last year was a massive struggle for him. He and I joke about how he's far from 'normal' based on the fact that he's downright amazing. He has such incredible abilities to the point where some of them just blow my mind. For example, there are times where, if I can't see the way forward for myself, I ask him what he sees for me and he will share with me the vision that comes to mind. He's a natural seer and guide for people. Anyhow, enough about my child. Just referring to him as an example of someone who has a clinical diagnosis and natural abilities.

So, Generalised Anxiety Disorder and/or natural feeler/HSP (Highly Sensitive Person)? For someone who can feel just about everything, to say life's a challenge is an understatement. To feel a shortage of time, to feel new challenges, to feel inner dialogue, a lack of confidence or trust in yourself, too much caffeine, an overload of responsibility, other people's words and opinions...where does it stop? Then next level becomes about feeling what people think of you and feeling other people's emotions (especially their stress) and the list goes on. With a HSP you could ask the general question 'How are you feeling today?' and the answer could be 'Through my nervous system'. For a HSP, emotional detachment becomes a much needed skill (aka time out from feeling).

I think the reason why a clinical diagnosis and a natural perspective can be handy at times is because both offer tips and skills when it comes to self understanding and management. So instead of one basket of tips and skills to work with, you've got 2 different types of baskets to choose from.