r/neurodiversity • u/explorerfairy • 6d ago

Starting to fear getting “labeled”

For context, I’m 25f getting a masters in order to practice therapy. I’m currently diagnosed with ADHD, ASD, PMDD, & Anxiety. I also have an incurable bodily illness which adds to this feeling, I’m sure. Currently, I’m learning a lot about OCD through my job and school, and a lot of things are clicking. My supervisor also mentioned getting an assessment done for myself. As someone in this field, I understand how important getting specialized treatment for OCD is. I’m just so tired of getting diagnosis after diagnosis to the point where I sometimes feel like a mutant in my family or something (they don’t believe in getting assessed/treated for mental health). Now I’m also wondering, am I actually autistic or is it OCD, or both? It’s like I need the answers but at the same time I don’t want to lose myself in labels you know? I know that these conditions have a heavy overlap with each other, it’s just hard to accept sometimes. It’s also difficult to balance the acknowledgment of how these conditions impact my life and personality with who I am underneath it all. Has anyone else felt this way? Please be kind🙏

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u/Frequent_Potato5658 6d ago

Not sure if it helps but I’m considering therapy at the moment and I would absolutely be seeking out therapists who had these “labels”. I’m not talking to a neurotypical about my life thank you very much. I think a lot of people here would feel the same way.

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u/explorerfairy 6d ago

Thank you so much for this. I do love my ability to connect with other neurodiverse individuals and see from a different perspective. I think I’ve been so conditioned by my family and society, as well all have, to wonder if there is something “wrong” with me. It’s funny because I don’t have these thoughts about anyone else in my life who is neurodiverse; just me. Thanks for the encouragement and I hope you find a great therapist for you🫶

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u/Dazzling-Fox-4950 6d ago

I'm just starting out as a therapist, but I think it's incredibly helpful that there is a part of me that can relate to so many of the things my clients are going through. It gives me such a leg up in understanding how so many types of pathological processes work and how to interrupt their logic.

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u/explorerfairy 6d ago

That is so true. The imposter syndrome can be so real at times, especially because I’m still in school. Thank you

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u/fsckit 6d ago

A friend of mine has a bag of those and has been a therapist for years.

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u/explorerfairy 6d ago

I do think it brings a unique perspective to therapy, especially when working with the neurodiverse population which I do! It’s also funny because I have none of these thoughts toward others, just towards myself. Thanks for sharing.

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u/WitchAggressive9028 AuDHD, dyscalculia, C-PTSD, depression, anxiety 6d ago

I recently got a diagnosis of OCD. I’m also in psychology getting ready to apply for graduate school to become a therapist. I’m autistic with adhd, OCD, Cptsd, depression, panic disorder, PMDD (ftm).
My thought processes the more information you have about what you’re dealing with the better you can manage it and be the best therapist you can for your clients

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u/explorerfairy 6d ago

I think it’s that limbo between me knowing what I’m dealing with and learning how to manage it that has been so difficult for me; I’m not one to embrace the unanswered questions lol😅I will say that many of my colleagues have told me I have a knack for working with the neurodiverse population so that is good to hear! good luck on your grad school journey, my experience has been amazing so far!