How to be diagnosed?

[Visand]

I am a teenager in high school above the age of 16. I think I need to see a mental health professional to see if I have any disorders as I have many symptoms. BUT, my parents cannot find out at any cost! They are fairly restrictive of where I go, would it be possible for me to get diagnosed if I could find an adult to drive me there. (I am in Canada)

For symptoms:

I have been suicidal since grade 7 (on and off, some months were fine)

I have been cutting since grade 9 though have not cut for the past year under threat, but still feel a really strong urge, many times came close, I've developed some other ways that leave less evidence

I have suffered from what I think are minor panic attacks…( I'm not sure what is minor…I am aware but cannot really do anything, curled up in my room, but I can also hold them off to an extent till I'm alone)

I am sometimes really depressed and it's too much effort to do anything, but other times I am really hyper with sooo many ideas and can't sit still or concentrate. But I don't understand that because if I'm doing art I can concentrate all day and forget to eat, but other things sometimes I can't focus at all…

Ugh, I'm sorry, I'm rambling…

I'm really scared and want to get this figured out somehow, and please don't even suggest telling my parents as that is not an option.

[Visand]

Thanks, I might take you up on that...I'm trying to figure it out...

To answer the question about the thing with my parents is complicated...I'm a top student and am really involved so my parents expect only the best from although that hasn't been enough. They are as a general mad at me and are not open minded. I once tried to explain something about what I thought in relation to a child also identified gifted and I understood what she was feeling but my parents thought I was like crazy. My mum even had a fit when I was younger when I wanted to get a black tshirt. (just a t not gothic or anything ) She does not accept if I put makeup on for fun or draw on my skin. If you get it it's really complicated I can see 2 direct repercussions of telling them. I'm scared they will probably actually separate/divorce this time and they would not let me do my extracurricular activities. I do a lot of them as a sort of escape so that I don't have time to think and at night am too tired to do anything but fall asleep when I get home. I don't really do hwk it's just my luck that keeps me with good marks.

There's one teacher at school I would feel comfortable telling, but when I sort of tested the waters she said that if what I had to confide in her was a danger to myself or others then she would tell my parents.

My guidance counsellor has too many preconceptions about me and connections with my sister.

At school I act really confident and because I can grasp things fast, come up with ideas fast and can lead others people don't look farther. They don't notice if I am really depressed or want to cut. But because of this I also don't want to hurt my scholarship chances or else I'll never get away from the house.

I might try the kids help phone if I can find a time when my parents and sisters aren't home.

Wait so if I called the fam. doctor she would have to keep it confidential? I've never met with her alone before. I'm nervous though with the conecrion to family I don't know if I could talk to her.

Going to the children's would be something but would that take a long time/would they make me stay? Besides when I am feeling that way it's usually at home and I can't get out of the house without a fight...

[BipolarBear75]

Hi,

You actually have your age working for you. In Canada, at 16, you can request the exclusion of parents from any health practitioner.

Now, if you are in a state now that you can handle relatively well, all the above options are fabulous. I heard good things about the Kids Help Phone. I would also try the Children's Hospital of whatever city you live in because they are really putting alot of emphasis on youth's mental health.

If you are feeling suicidal, go directly to the Children's hospital in your area. They will fast forward through all procedures for you and you will get the help you need immediately. Discreetly.

It is a shame you cannot talk to your parents....I know what it is like but I hope that you have some adults that you can talk to. If not....please message me. Either way....we are all hear for you but if you want to message me....feel free.

[more0then0a0virus]

Yeah, you definitely need visit someone. Some of your symptoms sounds like bipolar.
Your situation can be changed ONLY if you find a help (if you have some kind of disorder). It`s not easy, i admit, but it`s the only way out. You need to solve your problems, and that`s a hard process. But nothing will change if you don`t do anything. It`s up to you... And even thought it`s hard to work on your habits and problems, you can do it. Just not by yourself. I hope you`ll find some way to talk to an expert.

[lindahand]

Kids Help Phone has cousellor available 1(800)6686868 and this is a Canadian service. They also have a website.

To get a diagnosis you need to go to your family doctor or a doctor at a walk in clinic. You will need your health card number is you are going to a doctor at a walk in clinic. You may or may not need one if you have a family doctor. If you call them as ask to see someone confidential they may be more helpful. They will also probably assume you are going in for birthcontrol pills so they won't assume its mental illness. Since you are sixteen they will keep it confidential if you request it.

They will refer you to a psychiatrist. It may take a while to get an appointment. Here is it six months. It may be lower because you are a minor still. Only a psychiatrist can help you wade through all of this and get a diagnosis.

If that isn't possible go to a teacher and say you need help with some life difficulties you are having and need to talk to someone about it. If they press just say it is really difficult to talk about and you would like to see a counsellor about it. They should refer you to a person in your school that does that. If you still have something called a guidance counsellor they are the right person to be seeing and you can talk to them directly. Some of them are good - some of them not so good. So if you get a real dolt - sorry.

And think about telling your parent's, at least a few snippets, maybe not the whole thing. They may understand. They may have gone through the same thing. I didn't know until I was an adult that my Dad suffered from depression. Usually there is mental illness in a family tree. So if you have it, chances are someone else in your family tree does to. (sometimes they just won't admit it because of stigma)

You deserve help and you shouldn't have to wait until you are 18 to get it. It is scary but so worth it to get the help you need before things potentially get worse or you do something like try to kill yourself. There is only one you in the world - the world needs you to stay in it.

I've heard good things about Kids Help Phone. It is worth a shot. It is free and confidential.

(and in case you couldn't tell I am Canadian too)

It is tough, but with treatment it does get easier. Don't be surprised if they start with talk therapy, they often do in those under 18.

Take care of yourself best you can, and get help. You are so strong to want to get help.

[LilDarlin09]

I know you say it's not an option, so I'm not going to suggest it. But can I at least ask why you can't tell them about it? If you're still in high school you could talk to someone at the school that's an adult, I suppose. To me it seems like you are obviously dealing with some sort of depression, but it also somewhat sounds like you could be bipolar.