My ADHD diagnosis journey using Psychiatry-UK

Diagnosed with ADHD combined type at 26. My experience using Psychiatry-UK.
You can follow me on Instagram @she_has_adhd 🤍
Please be aware this is my personal experience, this video contains my thoughts and feeling before and after my diagnosis. I talk about depression, anxiety, and general mental health, this video also contains my experience of sensory overload.
Thank you for watching, you're welcome to share if you feel like this video could help someone you know.
Best, Siân x

[@SianKatie]

Thanks for watching, I hope you found this video useful! Thank you to everyone who has commented so far, I've been blown away by the responses and sense of community spirit. Please take a moment to read everyone's comments as I've personally found them extrememly insightful and hopefully you will too. Find me on Instagram @she_has_adhd 🤍

[@acrophis]

Hello Sian. Would you still recommend Psychiatry UK or would you advise to just bite the bullet and pay a premium to get seen to straight away? Also my GP has been next to useless and simply added me to the NHS waiting list. Can I bypass my GP by going private or do they still need to be involved? Thanks for the useful video.

[@SianKatie]

@@acrophis Hey, so I would recommend tracking down all of your local services and getting recommendations for private clinics in your area. Then getting some quotes for the initial assessment. Double check that the clinic that assess you will be recognised by your GP and local CCG before booking anything. Your local CCG are going to be the ones who have the final say on whether they accept your diagnosis and are happy to pay for your medication so if you feel like the NHS waiting list is too long, make sure you get your GP to write to them first with the name of the private clinic asking whether they would be willing to accept a shared care agreement through Right To Choose if you pay for a private assessment. Even though local GPs are generally useless when it comes to ADHD you want to keep them involved at every step so that they can't deny your ADHD and not offer any support in the future. If you do it this way you can get an assessment earlier by going private but you may have to start paying for medication if you choose to try it and your CCG haven't agreed to fund your care yet. I've personally found that I've had to do so much work myself though by starting therapy, learning about my brain and implementing habits and systems that work for me alongside trying medication. So if you've got time on your hands, there's a lot you can do whilst you're waiting for an official diagnosis. Hope this helps!

[@acrophis]

@@SianKatie Thank you very much for this. I will be referencing it as I go through the process.

[@sillysokka1130]

Thank you so much for the video. What really resonates with me and I don’t see often in the other ADHD update vids, is explaining the effect on your mind you get, when you finally realize you might have it. The way you described, how your behaviors in the house got worse when you started to really suspect you might have it, is exactly how I have been in the last 2/3 months since I had suspicions and I keep putting of the private appointment. (Keep thinking ‘what if?’) Seeing all the vids and they way they describe our daily struggles, problems symptoms, etc is at first relieving but then starts to become anxiety and almost welcomes the behaviors that you have naturally tried to control/hide, for so long to get by in the adult world! For me personally, I have been a full time athlete in judo for 8 years until lockdown. And training in sport full time is one of the few jobs which actually kind of suits an ADHD attitude and mindset, which has meant I have gone even longer through my life under the radar. Now that I am no longer training as much and more into teaching coaching in the real world, I’m once again finding every single day hard. Really hard down to the simplest things. But back to the point. Thank you so much again for the video and the process. I feel trapped and didn’t really know what way to go around getting a diagnostic. As I called my GP and the NHS waiting list for ADHD was 18 months, and like you said some private places charge £750 plus. I’ll go through the psychiatry route also as several other people recommended them, and I thank you for the help!

[@SianKatie]

Hey, thanks for your lovely message! It means a lot to me. I agree, I missed the part where anyone mentioned the fact I’d see all of my symptoms exposed and that they’d be exasperated during the process of looking for answers. I also agree, I kept putting it off, I didn’t want a label and I didn’t want to become one of the herd with “struggles” I still feel this strongly and I’m hoping to get to a point where I don’t take meds and I don’t even mention I have it because I’m still dealing with the stigma of other labels. Sorry to hear it’s been tougher for you recently but just know that after the low will always be another peak and yours may not be that far away. It can only be a good thing to understand your mind even better. Definitely consider private if it’s an option but at the same time if your GP can you refer you and it’s not too much of a hassle there is no rush for a diagnosis but you can start the self help work prior to your diagnosis. All the best 🤍

[@davidhill2774]

You are incredibly brave doing this, Katie! I'm sure this will help many people, and I wish you luck with the rest of your journey!

[@SianKatie]

Thank you, David, that’s extremely kind of you to say and your message is very well timed!! I appreciate you reaching out and I hope you have a wonderful day ☺️

[@timothy7805]

I’ve got my assessment in about 3 hours, so I’m focusing on other peoples videos to try and get an idea of what to expect. Thanks for this video, its really helpful

[@SianKatie]

Aw, thanks for letting me know! Hope it went well and you got everything you wanted out of your assessment. You’re very welcome, glad you found it useful in some way 😌

[@rosshardy5359]

Sian this video is incredible you've word for word described what I'm going through and it's so good to hear someone account for everything I've been experiencing Thanks so much for this, it's important content and you did so well relaying it honestly

[@SianKatie]

Wow thank you so much. I feel so bad in this exact moment about my ADHD because I’m struggling with work, college, relationships. I feel like my whole life feels like too much and I resent my adhd making it such a struggle so reading this right now feels surreal and the praise is so welcomed. Thank you so much for letting me know that you feel the same and this helped you feel less alone because I know feeling alone is overwhelming and yeah, I feel you. 🥹

[@hatthehat]

Love this! I’ve got my assessment in April! I’m 30 and atm going through everything you did 😩 thanks for this video it’s helped me feel less alone! X congrats on your diagnosis x

[@SianKatie]

Hello lovely, thank you so much for the kind comment. You’re definitely not alone, but it’s very isolating especially because it’s all in your head.. you’ve done the right thing booking an assessment, keep working towards April and know that you’ve done the right thing. 🤍

[@dalishvoid]

i literally just got diagnosed with adhd moments ago by psychiatry uk. watching this video beforehand really helped calm my nerves around the whole thing. hope you are well

[@SianKatie]

Hey, congratulations on your diagnosis! I wish you all the best on your journey. Thank you so much for sharing this moment with me. 🫶🏻

[@clarewilliams9943]

I've got my follow up assessment with Psychiatry-UK tomorrow. I had my first appointment yesterday but the psychiatrist needed more information from my family members. Because I didn't find out on the day I was overwhelmed by emotions and cried all day long. I think it's because I'd built myself up so much and then my informant report from my husband didn't really match what I was saying and experiencing and I felt dismissed almost and that I was a fraud and making everything up. Which is silly, I know I'm not making it up, why would I? If I could sit down and concentrate I would, but I have to tell myself a million times a day to focus. Every day. I've found this video really helpful and you sound exactly like me, inside my head. I hope things are going well for you and that the meds are working. I just hope I diagnosed tomorrow because of its not adhd I feel like I can't be helped and I'll feel like this forever 😔

[@SianKatie]

Hey Clare, I hope you’re doing well, thank you for sharing this with me. I really feel for you, it’s not comfortable being in limbo. Even though deep down you know it resonates I know it’s important to feel like it’s validated by a professional. I can empathise with your informant report, my long term boyfriend filled mine out too and I felt like he was contradicting a lot of what I was saying but since my diagnosis and going through medications he’s really learned a lot about my ADHD and I’m sure your husband will too, it takes time for them to understand and it’s delayed until we fully understand it too. I’m glad you my experience resonated with you, you’re definitely not alone in how you feel. Good luck for tomorrow! Only good things will come out of it no matter how hard it feels in the moment. 💜

[@clarewilliams9943]

@@SianKatie thank you so much for your kind words, I read them before my assessment and as I'd suspected I have combined type ADHD. Phew! Getting this diagnosis will help me with work and life in general as now I can finally start figuring out ways I can help myself and know I'm not making my struggles up xxx

[@SianKatie]

Congratulations on your life changing diagnosis 🫶🏼 you’re going to thrive armed with this new understanding of yourself. So excited for you 💜

[@toni5543]

thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. I am 25 and in the process of getting a diagnosis. 100% identidy with what you said about self awareness exaserbating (sp?) symptoms. thank you. more more more! new subscriber here. x

[@SianKatie]

Aw thank you for your lovely message 🥰 good luck on your journey, it’s one of the best things I’ve done! (If not the best) if there’s anything in particular you’d like me to share let me know x

[@mrspellane6881]

Thank you Sian, I'm currently going through a similar situation, with ADHA, anxiety and depression diagnoses, it is good to see an honest video about you, not just the normal 'I've been diagnosed with xyz'. Labels don't help, they just pigeonhole you, we are all individual, and how we handle things differently. Thank you for your honesty, it takes courage and your openness is so helpful. The only label you need to remember that you are one of a kind and therefore awesome.

[@SianKatie]

Wow, thank you so much 🤍 I really appreciate you taking the time to give me this feedback! I’m glad you found my experience helpful, I wish you the best of look on your mental health journey. The best things I’ve found that help me are understanding what’s happening and remembering that emotions come in waves and bad days will pass. 🌊 I totally agree about being unique to yourself and I think we should all be more honest and less trying to fit into the norm.

[@rupertgreenlees9329]

A really brilliant video. One of the things I like most about people with adhd (I include myself) is the way we tend to wear our hearts on our sleeves - authenticity and openess is completely disarming to me and this video is a perfect example. I hope you are getting good support making the most of your potential and going easy on yourself on those inevitable days when it gets ahead of you.

[@SianKatie]

Aw, thank you! That's such a kind comment to make. I had my reservations but just knowing this video with all my flaws exposed has made so many other people feel better about their experiences makes it totally worth it. Thank you, it's been a journey but I'm in a really good place right now. Kinda cheesy but just being dead honest and true to myself has been my only pathway to happiness, oh and a LOT of therapy hahaha. Wishing you the best too!

[@JumpinJackCaf]

Needed this! Thank you x

[@SianKatie]

So welcome 🤗 x

[@maximo0987]

7:50 I totally get this. I’m thinking about psychiatry uk for my assessment (the waiting list is a lot longer now!) and I worry that I’m kinda using the fact I might have adhd as an excuse for not doing work/ tidying my room etc and im kinda worried that when I do eventually have the assessment, what if I don’t have it? Ugh it’s just a travesty lol. But well done for taking the initiative and getting your diagnosis!

[@SianKatie]

Hey, thank you for reaching out. Such an unfortunately common situation of needing help but being stuck on waiting lists or not having access to help. Whatever your reasons, they're not an excuse because you're acknowledging them. I recommend finding some body doubling sessions to join to help you do those tasks you're struggling with. Keep doing your own searching for answers and self reflecting and if it helps, you should identify without the diagnosis, people won't judge you. We're all just trying to do the best we can ☺️ I'm going to try and create a video with what's worked for me soon!

[@matt.108]

In the us mental health is none of the car insurance companies business.

[@jrr2045]

I didn't know talking to myself incessantly was an ADHD thing,but that explains a lot..I have conversations with people that aren't there, just talking to myself for hours. (I know they're not there, I just get bored or need to process stuff and need to talk to someone even if nobody is there). Never understood why. But makes sense. I'm going in for my first assessment in a couple of weeks and I'm so freaking nervous. Idk why because I don't WANT to have ADHD but if my struggles are not ADHD related, I don't know how to get my life together because what the heck is wrong with me then...🥺

[@SianKatie]

I think it certainly helps us process information. It actually makes sense that our brains would resort to talking to themselves to help process things as a coping mechanism. That’s okay, it’s natural to be nervous this type of diagnosis is life changing. You’re doing the right thing though because a psychiatrist will be able to identify what is happening inside your mind better than most people. I personally didn’t really want to have it either, I didn’t mind what I was labelled as I just wanted answers so that I could start to move forward with more understanding of how to live with my mind. You’ll get there! I’m excited for you 😌

[@tecFPS]

Hey Sian, I was literally just diagnosed (minutes ago) with ADHD combined type at 21 by ADHD 360. I want to say thanks for your videos, they really felt relatable as somebody else in the UK struggling with doctors not listening to them and taking them seriously. I was so stressed today but rewatching this video helped keep my nerves down. Thanks so much!

[@SianKatie]

Hey, firstly, Congratulations!! Welcome to the new chapter of your life. Things will rapidly unfold and can feel overwhelming at times but it's all leading to a better version of your life. Secondly, thank YOU!! This video was such a huge step for me because it's so exposed and I'm honestly not an extrovert naturally but comments like this make it all worth it. 🥰 Happy diagnosis day, welcome to the cool club 😎 !! 🎉

[@emilyjames3110]

@@SianKatie love the vlogs. As I don’t focus a lot at times. I am not organise too idk

[@bwayslimess4124]

Would you recommend ADHD 360? Currently trying to choose a provider :)

[@karensmith1521]

This is really helpful tyy

[@Bottar1]

Hi thanks for this video i am a 26 y.o male with a similar situation, dad is a prime example of it too. Have the first assessment tommorow with psychiatrist...struggling with todo list today at work... got overwhelmed at one job at work... This video is helpful for tommorow, and nice to relate to someone.... I can relate to feeling useless, unproductuve, unhelpful at home.. etc... especislly shrn waiting for apptment. I am in ireland btw, our services and awareness of adult adhd is shocking. Only like two private psychatrists for it... and public service like nhs is almost non existant...!! Paying out of my own working pocket too!

[@SianKatie]

Hey, thanks for your comment. I really appreciate you sharing your experience with me. To-do lists are essential to function but also the bane of my existence 😅 Try not to be hard on yourself if you do have a day like that, it’s going to happen and I think the best thing you can do is something you enjoy in the evening and try again tomorrow. I’m so happy you feel like you can relate, one of the positives of going through this process is that you will start to find people out there that think the same way as you and it can really help to join some online communities. Ahh, that’s so unfortunate, I know it’s bad in Wales too. I think it there’s a lot of work to be done on raising awareness and funding for diagnoses. So many people getting diagnosed in their 40’s so it’s obviously a bigger thing than people realise. Good luck with your appointment today!! ☺️

[@transportboy4926]

I have something similar to it and it's helpful watching your videos

[@drakeholt5827]

This is an amazing video!! I'm 31 and now starting my journey to be diagnosed. Really good insight, thank you 😊

[@SianKatie]

Woo! Such a great age to get a diagnosis, congratulations! I feel like you're going to achieve great things with your new perspective on your life from your energy! Hope to see you stick around 😌

[@drakeholt5827]

@@SianKatie thanks so much! Had my first initial call with the gp today. Thought it would be a good idea to make some pullets point notes to stop my mind drifting when trying to explain symptoms. Getting referred straight to the adhd team, fingers crossed I'm on the right road. 🥰🤞

[@SianKatie]

That’s such a good turn around! Hopefully not too long before you can get seen by the adhd team. In the meantime self-diagnosis is valid and if it helps you, I’d start to identify as is, it just takes longer to see changes if you sit in denial stage for a few months like I did 😂

[@drakeholt5827]

@@SianKatie thank you for your kind words. Funnily enough I have accepted a self diagnosis while I await the referral. Surprising how much more visible it is when we accept it, each day I see more and more things that I do and I'm like, that makes sense now lol 😆

[@SianKatie]

@@drakeholt5827 oh wow! so exciting for you, please remember if you have a bad day that a good day is just around the corner, I found that I probably had a similar amount of lows on this journey as I did highs. What you're doing by accepting a self diagnosis is the best thing you can do though. Allow all of your true colours to shine through and then investigate the hell out of them - bonus task: see how many you can channel into positive and productive activities (and then share with the group) ahah

[@tudormiller887]

I've just been officially diagnosed with ADHD earlier today with 90% accuracy.

[@preciousnnekaokeke777]

how?

[@wendyhannan2454]

You need to see a GP, ask him for a referral to a psychiatrist who specialises in ADHD. Good luck 😉

[@laurenaspreyart]

I don’t know what I can say that hasn’t already been said in the comments but thank you so much for this! 💜 I’m currently 20 and I admit I can’t say with 100% certainty that I have ADHD. But ever since my mum brought it up and we’ve researched it together, I can relate to practically everything on the inattentive side and masking my “weirdness”. My university councillor agreed that it seems likely but my GP thinks it’s just anxiety and he had a very dismissive attitude about it. I already know I have anxiety but it doesn’t seem to explain my horrendous short term memory, struggles with simple daily tasks, learning, time blindness and more. Not to mention I’m 90% sure my Nan, uncle, and my dad have ADHD. Anyway, it’s really inspiring to see your diagnosis journey from start to finish 😊 I’m going back to the GP and I’m going to insist on a referral. Maybe I don’t have it after all, but I at least want to know for certain.

[@SianKatie]

Aww, thank YOU for your lovely message. 💕 It's so lovely to hear that your mum has supported you through the research of it! Keep learning and keep having those open conversations. Also, I can guarantee that you're not "weird", just unique and those parts that make you who you are one day you'll embrace. If you can see it in yourself and you can see it in your family, then there's only so many times you can try and convince yourself that a zebra is just a horse wearing striped pyjamas 🦓 Join all the ADHD support groups, and start treating yourself like you need the extra support that you do in certain places. Since I've been on this journey the main way I've changed is by becoming acutely aware of my behaviour and thought patterns and then learning how to combat them or improve them. It's slow but possible! Good luck with your GP, you definitely deserve to know. Your self-discovery journey has already begun and I'm so excited for you!

[@laurenaspreyart]

@@SianKatie aww I didn’t think you’d reply, thank you so much! ☺️ this is really comforting to hear. My mum has said something along those lines about identifying where I struggle and doing what I can to help myself. My Gp (in the first session) said I shouldn’t self-diagnose or do extensive research but his advice kind of annoyed me. Even if I don’t have it, it’s more helpful that I presume that I do and go from there to help myself manage. I really appreciate your response and kind words 💜 Do you know where I can find some of these adhd community/support groups?

[@SianKatie]

@@laurenaspreyart Heyyy, sorry it's taken me a while to get back to you. Sounds like your mum is super supportive! I think GP's are just trying to keep people from falling into the black hole of uncovering what's a symptom of adhd and not part of your personality which can feel quite destabilising and for some people who don't have good support systems or mental health could be really damaging. I know it shook my world and I'm quite fortunate to be in a really stable home with my boyfriend. Honestly sounds like you're already going down the right path 😌 Reddit is great, I recently became a mod of a new feed r/adhdwomenuk, there's also r/adhd and r/adhdwomen. Tons on Insta, one of my faves is @iampayingattention and @adhd_girls 💛

[@GT-tj1qg]

I felt worried for you but then you perked up at 12:58! Glad to see you doing okay

[@SianKatie]

Thank you! Yeah, I do think that’s probably one of my lowest points since embarking on this journey but I felt at the time it was important to include it so that my experience is documented accurately and people feel more comfortable sharing their vulnerabilities too 🥹

[@finity9316]

Nice video it will be interesting to see if you do go the medication route a reaction to it and a monthly update to it

[@SianKatie]

Thank you! Yeah I’ll definitely consider making one. 😊

[@pepi99256]

thanks so much for this video!!!:) was just wondering if the actual assessment was online/video call or in person? xx

[@SianKatie]

You’re welcome ☺️ mine was online over a video call. I believe most are, you may be able to request in person depending on which company you go with xx

[@keithgrainger8797]

Its incredible how many professional people dont recognise the symptoms. I've had issues from a young age. Spoke to professional's from the age of 18. All put it down to different things. Recreational drugs, Anxiety, depression, social phobia, personality disorder. To name a few. Four years ago I was diagnosed with aspergers. Down to my own and partner at the times research. At the time I was fortunate to be able to do it privately. Life has gone to pieces again . I can relate to a lot of symptoms of adhd. Was at a screening appointment last week, I've been put on a waiting list for a diagnosis appointment. Two years waiting list! I'm 44 just now. You were in my opinion right to get your diagnosis. Hopefully knowledge and medication can keep you on the right track. One question... can you not get the adhd medication on the nhs if your diagnosis was private?

[@SianKatie]

Hey Keith, sorry to hear that the waiting list is so long, it's almost as if the "professionals" don't understand how debilitating adhd can be when our 'traits' aren't under control. It's great that you've been able to recognise the 'traits' of adhd & asperger's within yourself and hopefully that provides some background when looking into living with these neurodevelopmental conditions. In regards to the adhd medication, I was fortunate enough to ask for a shared care agreement before my diagnosis came through so by time I started trialing meds my local authority had already agreed to pay for my care. I definitely recommend looking into The Right to Choose & Shared Care with your local CCG, this should hopefully speed up the process for you. All the best.

[@elamuja7474]

Hey love, this video was so helpful to me. I’ve always struggled with something my whole life but never knew what it was. Today my doctor has referred me for an ADHD assessment as a lot of the things I was explaining to her sounded like it apparently. Quick question when you said about it running it families and how you say your dad might have ADHD undiagnosed, what makes you say that? Like what gives off that your dad might have it? Because I literally think my dad may have it too

[@SianKatie]

Hey, thanks for the lovely comment. I appreciate you. That sounds like real progress I’m happy you’ve found yourself on this journey. So I kind of always knew that I am who I am because of my parents but I’ve never lived with my dad, so as soon as I started recognising these signs in myself I could automatically tick them all off in my dads life too. He was already aware of his dyslexia and from the way I was parented by him I could just tell. He’s very playful, very immature, very impulsive, strong history of addiction, changed career at least 5 times just in my lifetime and absolutely HATES queuing up. He will not go into a shopping centre and avoids certain situations excessively. So it actually made more sense for him than me for a long time… I still would say his life is ruled more by his adhd than mine. It’s actually quite sad to see, i don’t even worry about myself but I feel sadness that he has never received any support or help.

[@alextownsend77]

As of June 5 22 there is around 15 month waiting list to see a psychiatrist through Psychiatry-UK. I didn't expect that it was going to take this amount of time in order to see one.

[@SianKatie]

Sorry to hear that Alex, thanks for updating it here.

[@markmuller7962]

My therapist and psychiatrist both made a ton of wrong diagnosis for 10 years so I've had to self diagnose myself on the internet to then get the official one (a very complex official ADHD test here in Switzerland)

[@HanChap2]

Hi, how much have you had to pay monthly for all the extras of Titration, medication, prescriptions etc? I am on NHS waiting list for ADHD, but literally only referred by GP for assessment last week! Waiting list here is 3-5 years 😭 So, looking at psychiatry UK and to go private. Just trying to gage how much I will have to pay monthly, after the initial £360 for assessment. Also, have they stabilised your medication dosage and have your prescriptions now been passed to the GP so you can get them via the NHS or are you having to pay private forever? Hope you read this, your video was amazing! Explained things so well! Especially where you talked about how, thinking/knowing/suspecting you have ADHD caused you to unmask. I was diagnosed ASD last April 2021 and people have said I've suddenly become 'more autistic' yet what I actually think happened is that I started to unmask xxx

[@SianKatie]

Hey, thank you for reaching out! so I don't know the exact figures because I've not been charged for anything else yet. I believe if your local CCG hasn't approved to share your care you will have to pay prescriptions which can be around £80 I've had 6 or so since September 2021. If you go private you'll have the diagnosis, and the prescriptions and then appointments every 6 months or so that you have to pay for. So I probably will be charged for my next one in 2 weeks but hopefully I'll find out more about being passed back to my GP. It is an investment but I'd say it's worth going private if it's possible. Go through the process of asking your GP to refer you through right to choose and when they say they'll need to write to the CCG get them to do that before you book private because you've got more chance of being accepted by time you've got your diagnosis and start titration. Thank you so much, looking back it's obvious I was unmasking but at the time it's so confusing you just think you're being more difficult but it's essential for growing into the new and better version of yourself. Congrats on your ASD diagnosis! Glad you were able to identify with what I experience too x

[@fearcharmacillfhinnein9621]

It's important to realise that while you have ADHD, the rest of life is also putting pressures on you and trying to trip you up but also (equally stressfully) opening up new, interesting vistas - perhaps particularly as a growing person. Naturally, therefore, you aren't just dealing with one problem but with several at the same time - spinning plates, as it were. Once you get a little older, you'll have learned techniques for coping with this (depending on your environment) and often people with ADHD then find that they're more capable than others at dealing effectively with emergencies: they become firefighters or A & E staff or lifeboat crew. Understanding the condition helps to make good choices for career, hobbies and lifestyle. Meanwhile, you'll feel overwhelmed - but remember that your own father has coped without any of the diagnoses or support available nowadays.

[@SianKatie]

Thank you so much for sharing your wise words. This is definitely a message I'm going to circle back to when I need to hear this. I think we could all do with a reminder every once in a while of the external factors we all have thrown at us everyday as an adult. It reminds me of when I've heard professionals talk about the impact our everyday lives has on our nervous systems simply because we weren't built to live in this constantly switched on and moving modern society. The push to have a successful career is the most unnatural external pressure and it can cripple your mental and physical health. I do feel like I'm so much more self aware and have grown so much since starting this process and I'm eternally grateful for supporting comments like yours. Thank you 🙏

[@acrophis]

It's strange that you would also say this. I have always thought I was oddly calm in emergencies (especially family ones, in which I'd often just have to dismiss my mother because she panics so much and makes things worse). Paramedic or firefighter would be amazing but sadly I'm already 35 and only just finding out about inattentive ADHD.

[@fearcharmacillfhinnein9621]

@@acrophis I've only just started finding out about it in my 60s. 😁 It makes you aware of parts of your life that you didn't see before - and more capable of choosing ways in life to use these newly discovered characteristics, instead of having to fight them in order to comply with others' demands.

[@rosshardy5359]

Anyone considering going with Psychiatry U.K - go for it Wait list is not too long, it days about 6 months on the site but often seems not as long NHS route is currently 3 years waiting list... 3 YEARS!

[@rhiannoncoleman8340]

I knew I had ADHD from the age of 9 when it all started I was in primary school and was all ways very disruptive in class throwing chairs and tables about in the dining hall I was a nightmare I all so got in trouble a lot and used to lash out at people and get into arguments and fights with my friends and family and when I was in primary school I didn't want to learn or pay attention to doing things I used to try and escape out the school window to try and run away to go home because I didn't want to be at school I couldn't concentrate I kept getting detention a lot and it caused so many problems with my grades I used to skive of college and ended up not able to go onto the next level of my course because I was to disruptive and never attended college on most days I have just had my diagnosis yesterday evening they have diagnosed me with combined ADHD the same one as you I find that ADHD has been really stressful I struggle to keep friends and hold down a job finally all these years ive known I have ADHD now have the full diagnosis its been a roller coaster for me

[@SianKatie]

Oh wow, thank you so much for sharing your experience. It sounds so obvious that you needed extra support during your education years I'm sorry you slipped through the net like so many of us did. Congratulations on your diagnosis, it sounds like you already have a really good understanding of how it's impacted your life in the past so I hope your diagnosis can help you move forward to a brighter future.

[@sachab6098]

I think feeling like your symptoms increase as you learn more about it is just cause you have the same level of symptoms but now you are aware of it. personally I find it so annoying and I kinda feel the same you did, regret about looking into it more, and I don't want to talk about it either lol. kinda in that stage of figuring out what I want to do going forward, like I need to learn more strategies but I don't want to try meds at this point. I never considered it before this year even though my friend with adhd and I share so many of the same struggles and I've learned a lot of strategies from him, partly because of feeling like I'm not really hyperactive and not realising there's different ways hyperactivity is expressed. I still don't think I'm hyperactive but I've learned a lot about myself while going through therapy for ptsd and kind of learning that i can be myself. being myself it turns out is a different kind of hard existence, different from being traumatised and frozen. does not help that I have a really bad habit of telling everyone and myself that I'm functioning better than I am, to look tough i guess? and I'm trying to do that less. I also still live with my mom and bro so they pick up things after me all the time and it's not as obvious to me.

[@SianKatie]

Really feel like I resonate with this so much right now. Even though I filmed this video a while ago I’m still noticing more and more as time goes by. It’s such a growing process because it’s as positive as it is negative. Finding strategies that work for you is my main focus now. The meds are really not the one, not for me anyway. So most of my progress has come from speaking to professionals and breaking down my whole existence and trying to boil it down to the core of who I am. Because since adding on this adhd level it’s just changed my whole view of who I thought I was. It’s hard being so honest with people around you especially if you don’t fully understand it yourself, it’s a lot easier to not even get into it at all. I have found that keeping a record of everything I’m learning and all the work I’m doing really helpful though! Because at least you can go back and have an idea of how far you’ve come and how your mindset has shifted.

[@chloe7392]

i feel like i have adhd but it really not sure, i’ve always been a pretty good student, mostly because i never had to try much i think. i’ve also never really been disruptive or very bad behaved at school or been excessively talkative. But i fit most of the symptoms when i’ve been doing research and i feel like i’m really struggling with a lot of the things that come with adhd but i’m not sure if i could have it because of those facts.

[@SianKatie]

It can be really confusing because a lot of the things you experience can be things people without adhd can experience too. It's worth thinking about how much of your life is impacted by the same parts of your personality. There is also a lot of crossover between PMS, BPD, autism, and a whole range of other causes, even things like certain deficiencies or long-term PTSD, anxiety etc. I'd recommend exploring every avenue and thinking about what could help ease your symptoms along the way.

[@neko_neko9]

Hey maybe you have already figured it out but I'll still comment. I was pretty much a gifted student at school, even though we did not have dedicated gifted classes. I would nail every single test despite only finding out about a lot of them on the day. I was not hyperactive either, but now that I look back on it I realize I have suppressed a lot of my energy first to be a good girl for my mother who was a single mom, and then because of bullying which made me ashamed of being me. Likewise I started struggling severely in my adult life. So you don't have to necessarily do badly at school in order to have ADHD. Also there is the so-called inattentive presentation in which outward hyperactivity is almost not present, and hyperactivity can also manifest as a hyperactive brain. Hope this helps

[@YumanoidPontifex]

summer '22 i was put on an 18-month-long waiting list after the nhs pre-assessment. now i'm losing patience and getting itchy to go private.

[@SianKatie]

Ah, that's tough, I don't blame you. *Conspiracy theory* I reckon high up someone's clocked on to the fact they're no longer able to keep us in the dark about how ND people have different needs and they're panicking about how many people are getting diagnosed because there are no real services that exist to support us other than online creators and a few charities... because if you think about it, society isn't built for us and once enough people realise they'll have to change literally everything so they're taking their time to get us diagnosed, aware and treated. Okay thanks for coming to my Ted Talk 😂

[@malihaahmed6208]

I am a Uni student and I really think I have ADHD after a friend pointed it out and I did a ton of research and realised that I had most of the symptoms. I really need to get an ADHD diagnosis but I am scared that I might have to pay a heavy fee for a potential ADHD screening. Is there a way to get a screening for free?

[@SianKatie]

Hey, thanks for sharing your experience. Yes, it's possible to do free screenings on the internet, I did a few myself, this is one that I used: www.clinical-partners.co.uk/for-adults/adult-adhd-add/test-for-adhd Not sure if you're based in the UK or not, I think the diagnostic criteria may be the same in other countries too. Hope that helps!

[@ryanbthiesant2307]

Hi, diagnosed age of 30 Dyslexia, diagnose age 46 ADHD inattentive. Waiting for medication via NHS 18-24 months. Why can’t you get your medication via the NHS, now that you have a private diagnosis of adhd?

[@SianKatie]

Hello, I can get my medication through the NHS once I have my end of titration appointment with P-UK which should be in October. :)

[@Ethan-ee8rv]

Is this the best way to find a private psychiatrist? I would rather have one irl that I could go and see tbh… I need an emergency mood stabiliser and antidepressant prescription. I’ve been waiting weeks and I feel my brain getting worse. I noticed that they diagnose after one session and for things like BPD/bipolar, this concerns me a bit… they can really know that quickly???

[@SianKatie]

Hello, I can only recommend P-UK as they're the only company I have dealt with but I first looked into local private specialists, you may find a price difference by doing so and more chance of being able to go in person. I agree, it seemed weird to have a video call and leave with a diagnosis but there is an in-depth form to fill out detailing your mental health history and current struggles as well as the eye-witness form that will be taken into consideration. I have heard that Psychiatrists can request another call if they're not 100% sure what you're dealing with. Good luck, I hope you get the help you need quickly!

[@laura_shannon_]

I’m starting to realise I might have ADHD, after first thinking I was dyslexic and then learning about ADHD… My mum doesn’t believe I have ADHD “because I’m not hyperactive enough” and my dad couldn’t even believe me when I thought I was dyslexic because he is, so I basically have no family support… I was looking at an ADHD diagnoses but everyone has said you need either school reports or a family member who knew you from a child to talk about your symptoms from childhood and I don’t have anyone who would do that, nor do I even think my parents would remember my exact behaviour from my childhood… Is there anything I could do? I don’t really want to go private… I can’t really afford it 😔

[@SianKatie]

Hey Laura, thanks for sharing your experience! I'm sorry to hear you don't have the support from your family, I didn't really have any either but fortunately I don't live with or near them so they didn't really impact my journey at all but it would be nice for them to show some interest in even learning how it affects you. I had no school reports and I didn't have a family member to vouch for me either but I did have my partner fill out the forms because we'd lived together for over 3 years so it was a close enough relationship to really know me. Have you got any other family members who are willing to help or maybe even a councillor who knows you well? If you're in education I'd say get someone to look into offering you more support. There's nothing stopping you living as if you've got a diagnosis and putting in place some strategies to help you in the areas you most struggle. The biggest thing that's helped me is having an understanding, being honest with people around me and using habit tracking apps to encourage me to be more consistent. Hope this helps! 💕

[@laura_shannon_]

@@SianKatie I don’t have any other family that know me well enough 🙃 I live on my own and work full time with no one believing that I could have ADHD! I follow a lot of stuff on Instagram which is helping, but I just feel like a diagnoses would give me answers and I’d feel more comfortable talking about ADHD to people 😔 💕

[@SianKatie]

@@laura_shannon_ First of all! *Go you* 🎉 working full time and living alone, you're doing so well. Make sure you're taking time to appreciate all of your wins and rewarding yourself, that will help with your ADHD too because we thrive on being rewarded. I understand, I never felt super comfortable mentioning before my diagnosis but ngl that didn't even change that much! I've mentioned it to my parents maybe 3-4 times and they've still not bothered to learn about how it affects me and they *never* mention it to me... so it's a matter of accepting I'll never get that support from them. Thank god for online communities because they've helped me through this whole process..

[@laura_shannon_]

@@SianKatie it’s a shame when parents won’t learn… 😔 but yes, the internet can be such an amazing place! Even if I don’t ever get diagnosed or be able to talk about it to my parents, I can always find communities online to talk with! 🥺

[@harvstevo]

I want to go down the private route to get diagnosed with adhd, my family aren’t on my side with it so much. It’s something I have to do myself. What would be the best place to get a diagnosis?

[@SianKatie]

Hey, ooo, you would have to have a shop around, I went with Psychiatry-U.K. but last I heard, they're not taking any more private patients, I'd Google it and look for local ones too, just double check they will be recognised by you G.P. before going through with it, sometimes the G.P.'s can refuse a private diagnosis and you do not want that. Aim to set up a shared care agreement before you even go private and get something in writing. All the best!

[@transportboy4926]

It's not an issue

[@sadiereynolds9016]

Do you have Instagram?

[@SianKatie]

Hey, yes! Sorry about the delay I have literally only just made on for this channel 😅 @she_has_adhd

[@cthree87]

You cannot be diagnosed by a website. Go to a doctor please. Almost everything presents as adhd but it’s not. Only a professional can assess you properly.

[@SianKatie]

Not sure who you’re referring to here?

[@cthree87]

@@SianKatie I’m referring to anyone and everyone. Nobody can self assess ADHD.

[@SianKatie]

Ahh, I see! I kind of agree, it’s a minefield of information and I really didn’t want to continue looking into it without a diagnosis because it could have just as easily been something else.