When I was 18 and starting community college, I began experiencing anxiety. My mom thought it might be related to my autism diagnosis from childhood, but I didn’t see the connection. I sought help on my own terms.
I was referred to a therapist who diagnosed me with an anxiety disorder and prescribed cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). A psychiatrist confirmed the diagnosis and prescribed Prozac. Neither intervention helped. Although both providers knew I was autistic, they didn’t consider it relevant.
At BYU–Idaho, I kept trying. More CBT. More medication. Still no progress. Then, one therapist suggested I might also have ADHD. A screening confirmed it, but providers decided to “treat the depression and anxiety first.” ADHD was sidelined.
Later, after moving to Grand Junction, I met new providers. I hoped for a fresh start—but again, treatment focused on anxiety and depression, not neurodivergence. I felt worse. Eventually, I stopped seeking help altogether.
Out of frustration, I started researching ADHD myself. I learned that it can mimic or amplify symptoms of anxiety and depression. I asked my doctor to treat the ADHD directly. He prescribed atomoxetine, and for the first time, I noticed some emotional stability.
Then, I found a psychiatric nurse who specialized in autism and ADHD. She understood me in ways no previous provider had. For the first time, I felt truly seen. Although she has since moved on, my current team also specializes in neurodivergent care—and they’re helping me address emotional dysregulation in meaningful ways.
What I’ve learned is this: neuro-affirming care isn’t optional—it’s essential. Emotional challenges like mine weren’t rooted in a generic mood disorder. They were tied to ADHD and autism, and treatment only started working when that was taken seriously.
If I hadn’t received the right diagnosis and advocated for care that understood how my brain works, I’d still be stuck in the same cycles.
We need a mental health system that supports neurodivergent people from the start—not one that overlooks the very things that make us who we are.
Yesterday, 3:16 pm
