I live in the UK where I am lucky to have access to publicly funded diagnosis. I have a long history of sever depression and anxiety, and last year referred myself for an Autism assessment after identifying strongly with the self reports of Autistic women. The wait for that was nine months, and the result was “we can’t evaluate you for Autism until your (undiagnosed) ADHD is treated.” So now I’m on the wait list for an ADHD assessment. It’s been a year and no progress, and no idea when I might be assessed for ADHD (they have clear instructions they will not give this info to anyone calling to ask).

I’ve been in and out of work for the last few years. My depression and anxiety are severe. And no psychiatric referral will take me while I’m waiting on my ADHD assessment. I feel abandoned and even punished for seeking this assessment.

I have had depress and autism as my hyper focus in the past, and I realise how poorly the current medical model serves those with psychological issues and differences. (avoiding forbidden words). I no longer have faith that I diagnosis will even help me as much as I need.