Back years ago, during one of my first timid attempts to get some help, I was told by a psychologist to "take my money and go buy a blouse or something...."

That, combined with another couple of useless and degrading forays into the mental health care system, is why I remained undiagnosed and untreated for roughly 30 years.

I, too, am "high-functioning" and battle my illness quietly and alone.

I am about to venture back into mental health care system (have an appt with a new pdoc July 7th) and am quite terrified of the whole prospect. . . will they believe me, will they understand, will they treat me with respect and dignity....????

I battle over whether it is even worth it or not. I've lived the crazy life all of these years....but I also recognize that I am very unstable and can't go on the way I am....