I am having a very difficult time accepting mental illness. I know I have something, and I will see a psychologist this week to talk about adhd. I had an anxiety/depression "episode" a couple of years ago and have worn myself out researching mental health. I am sure now that I have adult adhd - and it makes perfect sense now. My son was diagnosed with adhd 16 years ago after a lot of denials and trial and error. At the time, my parents and in laws were dead set against him having any kind of mental help and said that a pill would become his "crutch". And that he would not learn how to pay attention if he took medicine. And that teachers were just trying to make him fit a "mold". Mental illness is definitely looked down upon in my family. I am having a hard time with this because adhd has been "my normal". I have functioned, but have struggled tremendously along the way. So for the good of myself and everyone I love, I am going for help. Is there anyone out there diagnosed with adhd in their middle age? And have you come to terms with the so called stigma of mental illness? I feel like I have lost all credibility with my much respected family doctor now that he is sending me for mental help. I don't feel "normal" any more and it makes me feel so sad and afraid. Never thought I would go online about this- sorry this is so lengthy.