
Jan 07, 2011, 09:16 PM
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Member Since: Jan 2011
Posts: 95
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Friday, January 7th, 2011
nfs1...
Since you are still in high school, I would suggest that you contact your school counselor -or- nurse with regard to the issues that you've been experiencing. It is imperative that you bring this to the attention of someone trained to diagnose these issues correctly ... self diagnosis goes only so far and carries only so much credibility.
Investigate the school counselor route as I would be almost positive that they have psychiatrists / psychologists / accredited mental health counselors / physicians / etc. at their disposal as part of the local school district that your high school is part of. Your parent's and the community's tax dollars pay into it, and with you still being considered a minor, by law, you are entitled to it as a student if you bring it to the school's attention. The school may refer you to one of the health providers I mentioned above, or they may assist you in locating someone who might be able to see you on a sliding scale fee based upon your household income.
Additionally, I think that they would honour the potential privacy concerns of yours (so as long as you are not contemplating harming yourself or others).
You also have to remember that these conditions (OCD / ADD / Bipolar Disorder) can be treated with medications and therapy. Sometimes using one or the other or both in conjunction. Medications can be obtained via the pharmaceutical companies that have "Patient Assistance Programs" (a.k.a. "P.A.P.") that allocate free / low cost medications that they produce for individuals who cannot afford them based upon their household income.
Myself, I have had OCD for 26+ years (coupled with depression and generalized anxiety disorder). I think that I have ADD as well due to my attention span varying so much ... I can focus on something that I am really interested in, but if I am not interested in a subject, my mind drifts and my motivation evaporates. Other people may view this as laziness or lack of follow through, but it is due to the ADD and OCD, and I usually don't go into detail with them on the reasons for being this way.
Your concerns that you mentioned:
01. One is that we've been hit hard by the economy and my dads's been out of a job for a while now so what if they can't afford treatment?
Answer: Hey, welcome to the real world my friend. A LOT of people are without work or steady income right now, so let the potential wound to your and your family's pride-factor go. Not a big deal.
Boatloads of people are stuggling with income issues due to the economy / recession, and to be honest with you, the Mental Health Establishment has seen a spike in new cases of mental health / familial / employment concerns.
So don't think that you'll be branded with the proverbial scarlet letter of "DESTITUTE" or "POOR". Nada. Once again, there are mental health practitioners who provide services on a sliding scale fee according to your household income. Don't let the monetary concerns be a deterent to your obtaining proper treatment. OK?
02. Second is that I'm worried about this news being a big shocker for them. They may even deny my problem.
Since I don't know the personal constitution of your parents' personalities, I am going to take a roundabout shot at this concern from the standpoint of: THEY ARE YOUR PARENTS ... Parents are supposed to provide support for their children. That comes with the territory of being a parent. One day, you may experience this firsthand.
Sure, they may indeed deny the issue, but if you go in with some info / clarification from either your school counselors or school nurse, etc. then that may back up your concerns. Provide them with evidence that has been confirmed by a professional so that they can see that this is something that has credence to it.
03. Third is that I dont want this news to spread to other people like my brothers because i am very ashamed about this.
No need to be ashamed of it. If your brothers have a problem with it, then that's their problem, not yours. Your parents may have to educate them as to what you are dealing with (and what the family, as a unit, may have to do to lend its support and understanding to you during this timeperiod).
I'd be curious to know if any of your family members / immediate relatives have ever dealt with (or may be secretly dealing with now) the issues / conditions that you may have. I wouldn't be surprised as this thing tends to have a genetic component to it.
Finally, don't worry about the root canal procedure that your dentist recommended. I've had one, and to be honest with you, I didn't feel any pain. Nada. Just voice your concerns to the dentist and he / she will take your concerns to heart when carrying out the procedure. You can ask for a larger dose of pain medication, or for that matter, possibly be placed under twilight sedation or "laughing gas" sedation.
Root canals have taken on the fabled ogre status in the general public's eye. Don't worry about it. Just be glad that you aren't living back in the Middle Ages and have a dental concern. THEN, you could be a wee bit concerned, but the last time I checked, the field of dentistry in the 21st Century has advanced so far from the gruesome practices of Middle Ages dental treatments.
OK then, I am gonna scoot here. Take my advice and do take action. The longer that you postpone dealing with this stuff, the more it will eat away at your psyche and in doing so, you are only robbing yourself of the health / wellness of life that you (and everyone else) is entitled to as a human being.
The journey of a thousand miles begins but with a single step. Take that step.
Take care,
vertebrae
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