My official medical diagnosis doesn't really cover all my symptoms.
Basically, I'm pretty complex, my past is pretty complex, and it feels better to have a primary diagnosis.
Even the psychiatrist told me that I have 'depression, anxiety, panic attacks and other problems due to things that happened to you in your past'. Which is pretty spot on, really.
A diagnosis isn't all of me, nor is it all of anyone.
I find it helpful to understand that I have a number of difficulties that I've always had, and am working on, of which depressed feelings is a major componant.
Notice the difference - 'depressed feelings' rather that 'Depressive Disorder'. It's far more descriptive of what I'm dealing with.
I'm currently working at de-pathologising myself. Which is an ongoing challenge for a number of reasons.
The only diagnostic label that I am comfortable with fully connecting with is Complex PTSD. However that ain't in the DSM/ICD-10 [yet?] and it is unlikely I'll ever get it diagnosed via NHS folks.
|