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Ghost_Cat

Updated 11mo ago

Afraid of the Stigma: Seeking a Diagnosis for My Anxiety and OSDD

I'm wanting to start the process of getting diagnosed officially (for my anxiety and my OSDD) but I'm really afraid. I know it'll be nice to be able to say for sure that I have something and ease some of worries, and it'll be helpful in terms of pursuing better treatment, but I'm really afraid of the stigma that comes with a diagnosis, you know? Like right now I can mask and kind of pretend that I'm "normal" (whatever that means) but if I get officially diagnosed I feel like I'll lose the ability to do that in certain situations. I know I should go through and get diagnosed anyways but I'm just afraid.

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KitKat1450

2y

Anything new is scary and I hear you 💕You can still mask!! Honestly getting diagnosed has helped me manage masking- when is appropriate and when to not. If it helps think about it like leveling up your masking skills… masking 2.0. You get to share your diagnosis with whoever you think is safe enough to. It may also help others better understand and support you. I’ve always taken my diagnosises with a grain of salt like yes they help explain certain things and give me clarity but I am me and they don’t rule my identify. And yes it will hopefully get you better treatment and you can gain clarity on what you’re really managing and/or fighting. When I’m scared about doing something what helps me is I tell myself in 24 hrs I’ll know more or something similar to that. It helps me calm down to realize I’m not being thrown into the fire all at once and the further down the road the more info I have to handle situations. You may be afraid now but after that first appointment you may be able to handle more. And if not that’s where the backup plan comes in. Best of luck on the journey and you got this!!! Do it for yourself, make life easier for your future self, and for past self that hasn’t had as much help, knowledge, or experience.
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Ghost_Cat

2y

Thank you so much for this response. I really like the idea of "masking 2.0", I'm gonna keep that one in mind lol. But yeah it's really reassuring to hear the perspective from someone who has gone through the process!!! Im sure a lot of this overthinking is (ironically) just anxiety but it still really helps. Thank you so much for the kind words, it means a lot!!

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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