My psychiatrist didn't diagnose me depression and I feel bad

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Hi I'm a young autistic Girl and I have depression and my psychiatrist said in an email it was just the autism even though I have all the symptoms and I had so much evidence and my family doesn't believe me and I feel suicidal and depressed im thinking of self harm I don't want to live anymore I feel so dirty I hate myself can anyone help me

Hello Kia,

Sorry to hear you are going through that with your psychiatrist. A lot of mental health professionals (especially the older ones) don't really know all that much about autism, so I'm not surprised that this is happening to you.

A lot of doctors (psychiatrists included) are very by the book when it comes to diagnosis of various conditions and cannot see the bigger picture. It may be the case that you deviate slightly from what is a normally accepted clinical expression of depression.

I would recommend getting a second option from another psychiatrist or another mental health or medical professional.

Also, I just googled some resources that you might find helpful. I believe your profile says you are in New Zealand, if this is true you can access services through the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand. It looks like they have some good helplines, they even have ones specifically for depression and suicide.

Here is the website if you are interested: https://mentalhealth.org.nz/helplines

I hope that this can help you in some way.

Take care of yourself, and feel free to reach out for help on here again.

CFL

Yes, it can be hard to find someone who can help someone with autism.
Maybe look for people who specialize in helping those on the spectrum?

I second BTDT's response about seeing a specialist in autism.

I'm unsure about switching psychiatrists, especially if you've worked with your current psychiatrist a long time! They can have valuable context and insights. But it's definitely something to consider.

I think in general it's a good idea to ask for help with particular symptoms rather than with a particular diagnosis. "I am very sad. I am struggling with suicidal thoughts. I think about self-harm." I would suggest being as specific and detailed as possible about the symptoms you are experiencing, if you are able to do this safely.

We should be able to say, "I need help. I think I am depressed." But some psychiatrists are cynical about self-diagnosis and will disengage if they think you're invested in a label rather than seeking help with particular symptoms.

I hope you feel better soon. Please let us know how it goes for you if you feel like it.

Sorry you feel as you do....its a rough situation, when a shrink cannot think things through well enough , to NOT be able to diagnose depression . Think a second opinion might be in order. Even if its stressful to find a new Doc.
Some people have told me not to get a depression diagnosis, but instead ,try for a anxiety diagnosis . I think they were trying to protect me ? depression diagnosis can follow you around,when you might try to be employed . Might try to use
simply depression cures , anything , even coffee can help temporarily lift a mild depressive condition . or more natural ones, that you might have to pay alittle for, like zembrin or Theanine,or Tyrptophan .? The current level of medical treatments that are prescribed by Doctors MDs,are not all that good . Sorry if not what you want to hear, but I have been through most all the usually recommended medicines by Doctors for depression. over a 20 year period . Found lots of natural ones work better. Just my own opinion.Best Wishes