I am 59 and was not properly diagnosed until my mid 40's even though I went to 3 different psychiatrists in a period of 20 years. I knew something was wrong with me since I was a child, aged 11. As my life changed over the years I dated a psych RN and she said honey you have a problem. I said I know, I told her my history of 3 P's and 5 T's who all said the wrong things, well my RN took me to a new P and I cried the whole time I was so terrified of being told bull ****, she talked and told him my history, and he listened and then asked if I could answer a few questions. I calmed down and answered the questions and was finally diagnosed, medication trials ensued and now I am totally happy with my meds and feel so free finally knowing what my problem(s) is. I tried on my own but failed to get real help.

I don't think all the people who need help get it. Some need to take strong steps.

I took a medication for a skin disease for years that was extremely dangerous and you should not drink alcohol on that med. I started drinking at 11. The doctor never told me or my parents not to give me alcohol because I was under the drinking age. I was drinking rum in tea before going to school. We had wine sometimes at dinner. I discovered on my own that I wasn't supposed to be drinking.

We do have to be our own advocates, study, ask questions and not give up. Not give up on ourselves. Why didn't I go to P after P until I got help? I didn't have the money. I didn't have insurance.