Mental Health Professionals Suck | ADHD Information

I  have  always  joked about how I have ADD, since I am a chronic procrastinator, etc.  But  during a recent bout of serious lack of focus while studying,  I started  researching symptons on the internet... and I have allllll of them.  I'm practically textbook.  Every sympton that everyone talks about on this board I have experienced.  It was a relief to realize after all this time that  this is an actual  problem, and not just me being a lazy good-for-nothing  waste of air.  I can finally put down all that guilt and shame I've been lugging around with me.  Good, right? 

Ok, so I make an appointment to have an ADD test with the psychiatry department at Kaiser Permanente... I was supposed to go in earlier this morning for my test... at 9am... And last night, I stayed up way past the time I was planning on going to bed so that I could finish an assignment, so I overslept, and by the time I was ready to leave for my appt. I was already 20 minutes late.  So I called them, thinking that they would be somewhat understanding.  I mean, being late is  part of my problem, and if their main purpose is to help me with that problem, then shouldn't they be more understanging?  No, of course not.  So I had to reschedule  my test, and I have to wait at least another week before I  can verify this and start to get the help I so desperately need.  I can't believe they lack the compassion to understand my predicament.  I have made so many mental health appointments before, and each time I am even a couple minutes late they turn me away.  It is so frustrating to feel this way, to not be able to focus on studying or doing all the things I need to do.  I have finals next week, and I really wanted to go into them with some sort of support and help, and now I feel like I'm stuck in the same problem I've had all my life, and all throughout my college career.  It's like time is sand slipping through my fingers. Sorry Lazygirl, you sound just like my daughter. I don't know how to help her either. All I can say is try you darnedest to get to those appts on time since they are crucial for you. Good luck with exams.

LazyGirl, the thing that saved my ass in college was EXTENSIONS! Go to your academic advisor and/or whatever student services department your college has that deals with people with learning disabilities. Colleges should be used to dealing with people who have special needs. If I had realized in school that my problem had a NAME that wasn't laziness, procrastination, or disorganization, I would have used the university resources more. The extensions I sought were given strictly out of the goodness of the professors' hearts. If you have a directive from your college administration, they will have to allow you whatever it is you need to get your work done.

Don't feel ashamed about asking for this kind of help. ADD has NOTHING to do with your academic or intellectual abilities. You simply have a condition that makes it very difficult to effectively utilize your abilities.

taritac38684.8624189815But don't I have to be diagnosed first to be allowed to do something like that?  I  actually have talked  to some professors individually and asked them to give me  extensions... one of them said no.  I don't think I can force his hand until I have proof from a doctor, right?  Ahhhh, I'm so frustrated with this whole situation.  I'm sincerely interested in learning and doing well in school, and expanding my mind.  I hate that my performance and grades don't reflect it.  My cumulative GPA for the past 4 years  in college is about a 3.2.  And that's what I get just coasting, not going to class, turning assignments in late, etc.  Imagine what I could accomplish if my ADD symptoms were dealt with properly. LazyGirl38684.8665046296