To think I’m screwed?

[MushroomsandRaspberries]

I have ADHD but am not on medication because my mental health support wants to manage it with behavioural stuff.

Since I had my toddler I have been in stress mode. It is getting worse. No familial support and I work for myself part time. DC goes to nursery 15 hours to help with this but by the time I’ve walked the dog, done some housework and worked I have no time to relax. I’m constantly exhausted, I am always stressed. I’m on sertraline for depression and have had counselling but this hasn’t been effective so they’re referring me for intense counselling. I cannot relax. I’ve tried meditation, yoga, mindfulness, grateful journaling, Headspace app - nothing works. I take a multivitamin and get outside daily.

Im constantly grinding me teeth and clean hung my jaw. Im no longer hungry in the morning which is a sign of cortisol issues. I crave sugar constantly and I cannot sleep no matter what. My hormones are disrupted and it’s causing me issues. I look terrible.

I don’t know how to change this? I’ve begged my GP but they just recommend all the stuff I’ve done like journaling and mindfulness but it’s not working. I’m frightened about my heart, I get dizzy spells and fluttering. I’m frightened I’m going to get Alzheimer’s or die young due to the pressure this is putting on me. But what can I do? How can I change it? I follows a woman on Instagram who says she can help but you have to pay for that help and I can’t afford it.

My doctor said she would sign me off but from what? My child? My own business? How can I protect my physical and mental health here?

Thank you.

Many trusts are not starting adult on adhd meds due to the national shortage. Same with adult diagnosis being on hold in many trusts.
People who are currently on meds can't get them so there isn't a point in new prescribing if people can't actually get the medication.

Dh found cbt useful. As well as recognising triggers and structing his day. He has to exercise to manage his symptoms. He also take fish oils called equazen. He didn't want to start medication late in life so tries to manage the symptoms and recognise when he feels burn out

Sending you lots of love OP! Just a suggestion - if your local leisure centre has a creche, you could drop off your DC there and have a hour or so in the pool and sauna...

Thank you. I didn’t know this existed! I am going to look into it!

So a psychiatrist? They should have discussed starting treatment at that point - why did that not happen? or was it just a suggestion by a nurse that you might have ADHD, rather than a formal diagnosis?

(assuming it wasn't in the last few months with meds shortages)

No, proper diagnosis but has been in the last few months. Im being a little bit shady with my responses as I’m panicking about being recognised.

Ok, so you said in your first post 'I have ADHD' - when you presumably meant 'I think I might have ADHD'?

So I'd talk to your MH team to see if they can sort out an assessment, or if you need a new referral to a different team.

good luck!

No, I have had an assessment and have a proper diagnosis. But have been referred back to mental health team. X

Fuck that referral back to the mh team, you need meds!

By a psychiatrist or a mental health worker?

So if you've had a proper diagnosis this must have been from a psychiatrist, so what was the reason for not prescribing at that point of diagnosis?

I don’t know, I never asked. I have just been told that medication isn’t really given out for adults and behavioural therapy should be used instead.

So you need to ask for the clinic letter in which the diagnosis was communicated to your GP,see if it was properly made and then go from there.

Okay great, thank you, I will do this. X

@BiscuitsandPuffin How is the GP fobbing her off? I’m curious.
You state (correctly) that GPs can’t initiate ADHD meds, but then go on to say that the GP wants to watch OP ruin her life. Can you tell me the evidence for that? Do you know this particular GP? OP states she has a confirmed diagnosis of ADHD, so this will have been made by a psychiatrist. That psychiatrist is the one to prescribe ADHD meds, if appropriate.

So please, explain what the GP is doing wrong?