Is there any real benefit to getting mentally diagnosed? - eviltoast

Title, basically. I know I have issues, but I couldn’t say if it’s depression, ADD, or just general problems. Is the only reason to have a diagnosis so you know what to work on, or are there other benefits such as easier access to therapy?

My question is meant specifically for Canada, but feel free to chip in from other countries. :)

  • thrawn@lemmy.world
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    9 months ago

    I think so. I have mild ADHD apparently. It makes sense and explains why I have so much difficulty doing things sometimes.

    So now I know. I got meds for it but don’t take them (as others will say, how messed up is it that the cure to ADHD is a pill to take regularly?). The meds help tremendously when I do take them, and revert me back to what I’m used to when I don’t.

    At worst, it’s just how I’ve lived my life before but knowing it’s not exactly my fault I feel so bad doing certain things. It’s still my problem to do them, as it was before, but knowing helps a little. And at best I have medication that helps. All upsides!

    Also if you think it’s depression, I’d recommend a CBT book like Feeling Good. Self treatment is effective. I am not depressed but have still benefited from recognizing when my thoughts are irrational and redirecting them to more realistic, less unhappiness-inducing ones. Could be good practice until you get a therapist, and per the research, can be about as effective as having one (likely for low level depression, I am not an expert)