"DBT and diagnosis correction"

I have a dual diagnosis of ASD & ADHD which was diagnosed in childhood. Despite my early diagnosis, I went unsupported and misunderstood (with the exception of family) for many years and my whole adult life, up until I became a patient under the Droitwich and Ombersley mental health team.

At age 18, I began to struggle with my mental health and received a diagnosis of a mood disorder and began to recover with treatment. However, I moved to a different area where the mental health services were inadequate and that's when I was robbed of five years of my life as I was incorrectly diagnosed with a personality disorder and was told I don't have ASD. This made me feel invalidated and isolated and I was in and out of hospital and home treatment care for many years without proper treatment and care (my medication was discontinued despite finding it helpful).

Fast forward to 2024, I moved area again and I was placed under the care of a practitioner who understood me and gave me the support I knew I always needed and deserved. The difference in the quality of care is striking - I began DBT which was tailored to my needs and struggles relating to my neurodivergence and was assessed appropriately over time, which led to my mood disorder diagnosis being restored and the validation that I *am* in fact, neurodivergent. The correction of my diagnosis meant I was finally given freedom! I started medication and have remained stable for the most part, and I am listened to and respected when I communicate what is working for me and what isn't, as opposed to being told how I feel or that I'm wrong, like in the past. I can't thank my practitioner enough - she gave me the skills I needed to have a better quality of life, she gave me hope, independence and empowerment - something I never thought was possible, and I finally feel like I have a place in this world, instead of being squeezed into a box I never fitted in.

My newfound skills have taken me very far, I still have a lot to learn but I'm finally at peace with my struggles and also who I am as a person and I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the amazing support of my practitioner in combination with the right medication (please give her a raise!)

I hope that one day, all services throughout the country are equal and no one gets left behind or done an injustice and disservice, as no matter the diagnosis, we all deserve support and respect.

Thank you to the Droitwich and Ombersley mental health team (and in particular, Laura) for everything you have done and continue to do. My life is forever changed for the better.