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darkstone100
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06 May 2008, 8:11 am

when ever I read a post by someone newly diagnosed with AS their first sentence always seems to be "I've just been diagnosed and now i'm depressed".
I don't want to sound mean but I always ask myself why do they seek a diagnosis to find out that they have AS and then get depressed, I would think it to be a relief to be able to find out that my suspicions were correct.
but thats just me. please share your thoughts on this.


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06 May 2008, 8:18 am

darkstone100 wrote:
when ever I read a post by someone newly diagnosed with AS their first sentence always seems to be "I've just been diagnosed and now i'm depressed".
I don't want to sound mean but I always ask myself why do they seek a diagnosis to find out that they have AS and then get depressed, I would think it to be a relief to be able to find out that my suspicions were correct.
but thats just me. please share your thoughts on this.


My guess is that they might be relieved and depressed at the same time.

It's good to find out why you are the way you are, but at the same time, to know that your difference has a clinical label can be depressing.
When I got my diagnosis I was so relieved. I finally knew why I did the things that I did and that it wasn't my fault for being a social misfit. I was also a little depressed because I knew the label would now always be with me and it may possibly hinder me when people who don't understand realize that i am technically disabled. Thats if I ever need to tell them.


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RampionRampage
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06 May 2008, 8:25 am

or, you know, you went through a lot of s**t growing up and you realize at twenty-four that it was for nothing. all those diagnoses, meds, schools, threats of foster care - and all anyone had to do was think, 'maybe it's AS.'
how much it would have changed realistically, i really don't know.
plus, it squashes any remaining hope, however small, that i'll some day 'grow out of' certain issues.

that said, i got me to the CBT. and started working my ass off.
being depressed is easy. doing something about it, not so much. but i didn't wait 24 years for the right dx just to mope for the rest of my life.


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delia43
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06 May 2008, 8:39 am

I was DEFINITELY relieved that my suspicions were correct.

I also felt depressed and angry that I'd been misdiagnosed for a long time, resulting in a bundle of other psychiatric and other problems (including depression), both in school and in life. I felt sad for all the years of my life that were wasted.

But, then again, I look at the 40+ people on here (I'm much younger) who're just discovering AS, and I figure that if they're making something of their lives, it's not too late for me to get my butt in gear. So I, too, will be starting up with a CBT shortly.



HereComeTheLizards
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06 May 2008, 8:54 am

It's hard not to have a lifetime of undiagnosed AS, with all the attendant problems and not be depressed. Years of failure, ridicule and abuse would have that effect on most people.

I've been offered CBT, but I'm not taking it up. I don't see why I should be bashed with hammers to make me fit better.


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06 May 2008, 8:56 am

Im not sure, I've been through depression first, if I am diagnosed with AS its going to be one of those shining light moments.

I think though, that in a way its a huge build up, for instance (sorry I have to relate it back to be able to describe it) I had a breakdown/depression because of trying to cope with whatever the symptoms end up being. Since my psychologist mentioned AS its been this huge massive build up, I've been researching and reading everything I can. I would imagine the come down after being diagnosed might be quite hard, maybe that would cause it?

But also theres depression and depression.
People use the word depressed now as really sad or really pissed off. True depression is above and beyond that, I never know which they mean anymore.



samantca
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06 May 2008, 10:07 am

IF i get a diagnosis stating i have AS ill be relieved that i was right suspecting it. Im more scared of what might happen if im actually wrong... What will i do then? :?



hyper_alien
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06 May 2008, 12:17 pm

Depression is serious. When i found out about my AS i thought thank f*** for that at least i know what is wrong. Of recent i have started to question my AS diagnosis in view of other conditions and mental health issues i have been diagnosed with. I suffer repetitive depressive dissorder, AS, ADHD< Panic disorder and emotional unstable personality disorder. Can you see where the confusion comes from?

I think that depression is a big part of many aspies life because of the way that we are treated by 'NT' and I think that leads us into further more chronic and long term mental health issues. Thats my opinion anyway.


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06 May 2008, 2:42 pm

I've gotten depressed a lot in my life. Some cases were more serious that others. Not being able to develop good, solid friendships the way I wanted due to my social limilations left me feeling sorry for myself, especially since I couldn't figure out why it was like that.

The AS diagnosis is, or me, a kind of relief. It's still difficult talking with people (especially if I've never met them) and the frustration of it continues. However, having an understanding of the situation does put me more at ease and the bad feelings vanish a little sooner than they did before.



darkstone100
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06 May 2008, 4:47 pm

thanks for the responses, I can see both points of view on the subject of the diagnosis, on one hand you are relieved and assured of the reason why your different and can finally have a way to explain these differences to yourself and others close to you, on the other hand you have a label permanently stamped on your records telling every one who has access to them that you are different(at least in their opinion)plus the stigmas and stereotypes that go along with having a label.


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06 May 2008, 10:22 pm

I will feel so relieved if I finally get the right diagnoses. I have probably lived my whole life with not knowing what was really wrong with me up until two months ago.
It has caused me so many un-needed problems. I will be so mad knowing I do have Aspergers and got the wrong help growing up.
I probably do have a bit of a learning disability.



Josie
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06 May 2008, 10:30 pm

samantca wrote:
IF i get a diagnosis stating i have AS ill be relieved that i was right suspecting it. Im more scared of what might happen if im actually wrong... What will i do then? :?


I have the same concern :-) I imagine nothing. It is never dumb to ask for help. It just means you want to better yourself.