Hi, I am back again because I need some advice and this platform seems to be helpful so I am trying again.
I will be meeting my counsellor soon and my psychologist later and am wondering if I should bring up getting a psychological evaluation?
In an earlier post, I had mentioned that I was experiencing difficulties studying, restlessness, feeling afraid and every other thing that I won’t state because it takes too long to put it in writing? . So I started using Google to ask questions like “Why am I so afraid of…?” and “Why can’t I stay focused?” and “Why am I procrastinating and how to stop it?” I know I should have reached out to the professionals but again I was afraid, still am. Anyways.
There were answers like depression, anxiety and stress management. But there are also terms like ADHD, Autism, fear of failure etc.. Some of the symptoms are similar to what I am experiencing but I also don’t understand the proper terms and didn’t want to have the stigma it has and make my life more difficult than it already needs to be with the labelling.
This is not self-diagnosis, this is just suspicions I have and was thinking if I should even bring it up at all? I have mixed feelings of this but I just need to get it out.
Hi @10_CYc13s . It must be really tough going through with the constant restlessness and fear that you described you your post. How are you feeling right now? It can be especially overwhelming when we go online and it gives us so much information that lead us to ‘suspect’ if we are suffering from certain health problems. Sending you lots of virtual hugs from here!
In response to your query of whether you should bring up the topic of psychological evaluation to your counsellor and psychologists, I personally think it would be good (but of course, only if you feel comfortable and safe to do so). Counsellors and psychologists are trained to be non-judgemental, and they are also trained to assess if going for an evaluation will be beneficial for your mental health. So there is no harm seeking for their opinions. After all, asking for their opinions does not equate to you going for the evaluation. You can still make an informed choice after hearing from what they have to say. You have a choice to decide what is best for you.
I hear that you feel cautious about labelling and the potential stigma that might arise from going for the psychological evaluation. I would not sugar coat and say there is absolutely no stigma in our society. But that said, should we avoid getting treatment simply because of potential stigma and lose the opportunity to recover? Just like physical health issues, mental health issues can be addressed with the right treatment.
Of course, you do not need to rush through this decision. Take lots of time, give yourself lots of space and compassion. Your counsellors and psychologist will be there to support you when you feel ready to ask for their opinions. Hoping you all the best! And it is very brave that you are seeking help! Give yourself lots of credit for that ok?
Hey @10_CYc13s. Thank you for trusting us with this. I can sense how heavy all this has been to carry quietly… the fear, the confusion, the not-knowing if you’re just “overthinking” or if something deeper is going on.
I just want to gently remind you that wondering about yourself isn’t wrong. It’s not shameful or selfish. It’s honest. And it’s a sign that somewhere deep inside, you’re trying to care for yourself. Even if that part of you is scared, it’s also reaching out. And that deserves kindness, not judgment.
The fact that you’re searching, reflecting, even second-guessing shows just how much you care about your own wellbeing. This isn’t “just Googling” symptoms. This is you trying to make sense of yourself in a world that hasn’t made it easy to ask for help.
Bringing it up to your counsellor or psychologist doesn’t mean you’re committing to anything. It just means you’re opening a door to explore, with people trained to help you explore safely. You will still get to decide if and when you want to step through.
And your fear of being labelled? That’s valid too. No one wants to feel boxed in. But maybe a label, if it ever comes, won’t be a box. Maybe it’ll be a bridge.
Sometimes, naming something isn’t about saying “this is who I am forever” but rather “maybe this explains what I’ve been going through.”
Whatever you choose to do, I’m rooting for you. You’re not alone in this, okay?
Hi @10_CYc13s ! Thanks for sharing I think that it’s really brave if you to consider seeking professional advice/help and it’s a huge step forward for yourself! It’s definitely not easy to reach out and accept help so you should definitely give credit to yourself for that. But especially with stigma or just thinking of what happens next… it can be pretty scary and it’s completely normal to feel that way or hesitate. But at the same time, getting a psychological evaluation could help you allow you to have a better understanding of yourself and also reach out to the support that you need! But it’s ultimately up to you :))) you can take things at your own pace:heart:and just know that like what @ukiyoo said, there’s support and you won’t have to face any of this alone🫶
Thank you for writing in again and I’m very glad you are finding this platform useful. You are certainly not alone, and there are many among us who care. Just look at the responses your post has already gathered!
Despite it being a scary step into the unknown, you have taken the first step to seek help from a counsellor and psychologist. That suggests to me that you are determined to overcome the current challenges you are facing.
I agree with @ScribblingSunflower, @user3088 and @ukiyoo that mental health professionals are trained to listen and are valuable resources who can guide us in raising awareness about ourselves, what’s affecting us, our values and how we operate in this world. Their non judgmental stance and respect for all help us feel safe, and we can freely share our inner fears, thoughts and worries.
As you embark on this journey of greater self awareness and strive towards improvement, I believe exploring a psychological evaluation is something you can certainly discuss with these professionals. But seeing these professionals can benefit you in more ways too. For example you could uncover unhealthy thinking patterns that are affecting you or you could learn strategies to improve focus and mindfulness, or reduce stress. Take it one step at a time, go through the process and I believe the benefits will follow.
I think that it’s really brave if you to consider seeking professional advice/help and it’s a huge step forward for yourself! It’s definitely not easy to reach out and accept help so you should definitely give credit to yourself for that. But especially with stigma or just thinking of what happens next… it can be pretty scary and it’s completely normal to feel that way or hesitate. But at the same time, getting a psychological evaluation could help you allow you to have a better understanding of yourself and also reach out to the support that you need! But it’s ultimately up to you :))) you can take things at your own pace:heart:and just know that like what 