Should I get diagnosed?

Hi, I am writing this post today but I have actually considered this for many days or even years. I am already seeking counselling but I still dont feel motivated and i feel my recovery hasnt been there. I just dont have the motivation in life and while i am given alot of homeworks, alot of advice, alot of “theories” and I am grateful for the help, but I never really had the motivation to make the change in myself. I want to change for the better but then I just dont have that energy to even change. I know nobody can help me, only i can help myself but when I cant even help myself, how? Sometimes I also feel apologetic towards my parents for giving me a wonderful life, being born in this wonderful country but I am not living life as it is expected and supposed to be.

I am thinking of seeking medical treatment to get a diagnosis but I am also afraid of the stigma behind and also potential consequences for instance potential career and the side effects of medication. I heard medication helps but the side effect is weight gain which I am already suffering super low self-esteem from being an oversized female already and I didnt want it to further ruin it. So can anyone who has been through similar experience, can you advice me? What should I do?

U have to find the root of why u dont hVe motivation, then you have to find goals that u will feel rewarded when u achieve them. I’m still struggling w thag myself. If u can afford therapy n a psychiatrist then go ahead. If u recover, u wont need to take mc for going to a therapist or psychiatrist anymore. So that wont affect your job. I heard about MCs without the imh logo etc but im unsure about that, u have to ask around. For ur weight wise, i can go hiking w u on weekends

Hi anonymous 427

Thank you for bravely sharing your concerns. It takes a huge dose of courage to acknowledge and seek help. Please do not feel alone, what you have described is fairly common and can be overcome.

Good on you that you have already sought Counselling help.
Recovery takes time so please do not be too discouraged. Reflect on the reasons to address and change the behaviours troubling you. It is perfectly understandable and only human to fear stigma. I encourage to write a pros and cons. If you don’t seek help, what will continue and how will it affect you? Imagine how your quality of life could change if you took further steps to address the issues you have. I encourage you to :
-Continue Counselling, exploring motivational techniques with your Counsellor. Set goals and work towards them.
⁠ -Consider medical evaluation for potential underlying conditions.
⁠-Mindfulness practices for self-compassion.

Remember,

⁠a)Recovery is a journey; progress may be slow
b)Self-care and self-compassion are essential
c)You deserve support and understanding.
Take tiny steps and slowly you will see progress. Please keep going. You can do this! :heart:

Hi there! Firstly, please don’t beat yourself up over this because it’ll only deter you from making progress. Secondly, it’s already great that you want to seek help and have took action, props to you!

Seeking a medical diagnosis can be daunting, but it might provide clarity on what you’re experiencing. It’s worth discussing your concerns about medication with a doctor or psychiatrist, as they can provide information about potential benefits and side effects, as well as alternatives that may not include medication. I totally understand why you think it may hinder you from being hired; But consider the pros and cons - and whether it’s possible to even perform to your fullest potential at a job in this mental space. Once you get treatment, you will actually be able to make progress both mentally and also career-wise :slight_smile:

With regards to the weight portion, I can really relate; Perhaps you could let the psychiatrist or healthcare professional know about this and let them navigate your concerns. They could probably provide insights and maybe better alternatives

All the best queen you got this

hey, i’m not a medical professional but i can share briefly about my experience and hopefully it helps

i think getting a diagnosis for me was helpful because it helped me make sense of all the difficult things i was going through and i think helped professionals (doctors, nurses, therapists, counsellors) have a frame of what i might be going through to better help me

your concerns about career/side effects are perfectly valid and i can share briefly about them

career:

  • unless your job is one that is delicate and deals with a vulnerable population, it’s unlikely they ask you to declare your mental health status (e.g software engineer). if they do, you can choose not to declare though im not sure about later legal implications - if anybody is aware of this pls advise

side effects:

  • side effects differ based on medication and they really differ from person to person. what may work for me might not work for you
  • weight gain - unfortunately it’s one of those common side effects of medication BUT does not apply to all medication
  • i encourage you to discuss with your doctor and work with them closely regarding this two aspects. a good doctor should not dismiss your concerns and should work with you to address the concerns. a good doctor also should not be pushing medication to you that you’re not comfortable taking - ask them all the questions you need to

if you’re thinking of seeking medical intervention, it would be good to get assessed and honestly if you don’t need it, the doctor will just tell you that you don’t need it

maybe think of it as just a check up to see if you’re okay, except that this is a check up for your mind

i hope this helps