You know what you’re up against now and will be getting help. Be easy on yourself.

Sounds likes you’re in the midst of a rough season mama! I’m a similar age to you, and while I don’t tick all of the boxes you’re experiencing, I am a few years in to my later in life ADHD diagnosis, so that’s what I’ll speak to (I don’t want to make any assumptions or wrong suggestions based on your personal experience juggling multiple diagnoses).

I want to first acknowledge how conflicting the emotions around the diagnosis can be. I definitely hear you on the mix of relief and validation, I found I also had waves of grief/sadness, both for my younger self who often struggled without understanding why and for the fact that I had to accept that my brain was fundamentally wired differently and that I would be navigating this for the rest of my life.

Finding a good balance with medication, therapies, accommodations, etc. can also be a really slow and winding road – it’s definitely something that’s easier with a good support team, both medically and community based, but they can be hard to find!

ADHD Australia might be a good resource for you to reach out to if you haven’t already. Their website has a listing of a number of support groups, as well as articles, advocacy and support.

My overarching advice is to go gently with yourself – this is a lifelong journey, not a short term race to be ‘won’. Focus on building your toolkit of strategies and supports that suit you and your needs. One step at a time – you’ve got this!

A diagnosis is great!
I was diagnosed Aspergers and ADHD at 3 years old. Now 27 and still navigating the trenches of it all. There’s so much recognition for it now and it’s so relieving to see and experience.
Contact your Psych Office and express your concerns. See if anyone else is filling the position while you’re waiting for your doctor to return from leave.
Try and get some recommendations for experienced therapists in your area. There will most likely be waitlists so the sooner the better that you can get on one.

Breathe mama, you have been coping for so long with it. It only gets more relieving from here on.
Lean on those who love you most while you process.

It’s great that you have been diagnosed, it must be such a relief! My hubby has aspergers and ADHD. I think that you should look into other medical professionals who are available to you. It sounds like you are really needing help now, so I wouldn’t be delaying waiting for someone to be back from leave. You can always go back to your regular when they return.

Congratulations on your diagnosis, here’s to the first step! Are you able to reach out to your psychiatrist office and see if they have any one who is locuming or filling their place while away? And if there are any other GP’s in your area or in the same practice who you’re comfortable with? It can be hard seeing new health practitioners, especially when you’re needing assistance, but a professional is the best avenue right now.