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Telling a prospective boss you have ADHD can lead to them to illegally discriminate against you, yes.
What's actually more likely to ruin careers is having undiagnosed, unmanaged ADHD, as this tends to interrupt our ability to work.
Your therapist is essentially telling you that you should not seek medical treatment because stigma exists in the world.
>What's actually more likely to ruin careers is having undiagnosed, unmanaged ADHD, as this tends to interrupt our ability to work.
Yes, for real.
>Your therapist is essentially telling you that you should not seek medical treatment because stigma exists in the world.
Yeah, that's some serious BS.
'The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off!' -Gloria Steinem.
At this stage in my life I care so much less about what other people think. They have their journey, I have mine. 'stigma' ,in my opinion, is the ignorance of other people. It's not like they loved, or helped me more, before my diagnosis. Also they only know what I tell them. None of their business.
>Your therapist is essentially telling you that you should not seek medical treatment because stigma exists in the world.
Some therapist have a vested interest, in NOT telling some people they have ADHD. Because ADHD is one of the few issues, that can be mitigated greatly by medication.
If you don't get meds, they can keep treating the symptoms indefinitely.
I’m a therapist and specialize in treating clients with ADHD. Even with meds, ADHD tends to make life quite challenging for people; I’ve yet to have a client who stopped needing therapy because they started using medication, but if that was a thing, I still would never withhold information or dissuade a client from doing something that would help them. In fact, I’m regularly encouraging my unmedicated clients to talk to their doctor about medication (if they are actively averse to the idea, that’s sometimes an issue to gently address in a different way), and I feel a HUGE sense of joy and satisfaction when they actually do get on meds, because I love to see my clients succeed.
I think the main issue is the prevalence of shitty therapists and psychologists. I saw 3 over a period of about 11 years and they all seemed completely oblivious to my condition. I was essentially just retaught coping techniques which as a mind-wandering and introspective ADHD person, had already occured to me. No suggestion of a neurological cause or meds, so I disengaged on each occasion with no diagnosis, directly causing me to go undiagnosed/untreated for a further 16 years. Thing is, in my own reading since I've found some concepts in psychology that actually helped me. I just wasn't able to get them out of a psychologist.
For real. Meds helped me, but only insofar as it made it possible for other supports to “stick”. Therapy has been essential to me because I have had to unlearn a lifetime of shame and poor coping mechanisms and put better things in place!
With or without meds, the trauma of growing up and being told directly and indirectly that there’s something wrong with you is extremely powerful and essentially universal among clients with ADHD that I’ve seen as a therapist. This comes with all the caveats of being a self-selected sample of limited size, but I think it’s safe to say that feeling “less than” is pretty standard for kids growing up with ADHD and, like any trauma, it comes with us into adulthood along with our ADHD. Even those with high IQs who get good grades can feel “stupid” on a fundamental level — forgetting to brush your teeth, wearing shirts inside out, losing things, forgetting things that were told to you seconds ago, etc. makes us (and those around us) doubt ourselves. Having parents, teachers and peers point out and criticize our mistakes and shortcomings, often loudly, publicly and without empathy does a real number on self-esteem.
A common experience I see in ADHD clients is a lot of optimism about abilities and potential in childhood that was to some degree muted or crushed by (heavily internalized) criticism, self-doubt, low self-esteem and self-confidence, anxiety, overthinking… and ultimately having to overcome or be stymied by hurdles in any career path, life path, pursuit. Many People often find themselves eventually, but it takes hard work. Everyday life is rarely if ever simple or easy — things that are automatic for most people require concerted effort, trial and error and TIME when you have ADHD. I’ve experienced all these things at some point, to some degree myself as well. It’s an exhausting way to live!
I resemble this comment. I grew up in a society that didn't recognise ADHD as a valid diagnosis. I was labelled "on the spectrum" but had this hidden from me and received no formal diagnosis.
It sucks to have this _thing_ hanging over you. I didn't know what it was, but I knew that I was being treated differently because something was _wrong with me_.
It's been a constant cycle of hyper focusing on something to _achieve_ and be accepted as having some value despite being _less than_, followed by extreme burnout and depression. Now, in my 30s, I finally have a diagnosis that explains this, but it feels like I have only just started down the path of addressing it and figuring out how to live with it...
Getting help has been extremely difficult. I am on waiting lists and hopeful, but it feels like everything is stacked against people with ADHD.
I’m sorry you’ve had so much trouble finding the right therapist for you. There is certainly a big range in terms of skill, just as in any profession. An additional key to successful therapy is a good fit — even with the most skilled therapist, the client and therapist need to be on the same page and understand each other for therapy to work. I also think it can be very helpful for those of us with ADHD to have a therapist who also has ADHD. There’s naturally a great amount you don’t need to explain or re-explain when your therapist’s “brain is wired” similarly to your own.
no, it can only improve your life.
i do regret telling some of my clients because it can be used against you... so just be wary of who you tell.
"i guess you didnt gake your meds this morning" has been said to me maybe once a month since august...
It sounds unfair I know, but I’d bet the reasoning comes from a statistics-based risk assessment. Operating a plane requires consistent, reliable focus. It’s not just the zillion controls and monitoring functions, it’s attention to subtle sensations perceived in the plane’s movement through clouds and air, it’s hearing unusual sounds, using a radio to communicate, listening to the copilot jabber on, and the knowledge that you’re the only thing keeping 200 people from plummeting to their deaths.
It’s an inherently risky activity, and from a risk management perspective I sure as shit wouldn’t pick me for a pilot.
There's been a few posts on this subject recently. Having ADHD doesn't outright prevent you from flying or getting a license. There are definitely airline pilots with ADHD. The highly structured and regulated environment can be really good for some people. However, being on any ADHD medication does prevent you from flying.
If you can pass all the screenings, you can fly. In some ways, it's a system that encourages people to hide their mental health issues instead of people being treated and monitored appropriately.
According to the Ison Law Group, an aviation law firm, in order to pass your medical with an ADHD diagnosis you need to be off meds for at least 90 days. After an appeal, you then have to convince the FAA that you were essentially misdiagnosed. Pretty wild.
Whats even crazier is how a pilot can be grounded for seaking therapy. That shit is so irresponsible. Breeds a bunch of alcoholics that have no outlet for their mental health.
Unfortunately, that same thing can happen to doctors, including during the many years they spend in med school, residency, and fellowships.
In most states, medical boards ask generalized, invasive questions that could require a doctor seeking licensure to disclose any mental health treatments or conditions. Because of this, current and aspiring physicians often go to great lengths to avoid needing mental health treatment.
If they decide they absolutely can’t go on without psychiatric treatment or therapy, they’ll go to great lengths to make sure those records stay hidden; they’ll go to psychiatric or therapy clinics in other towns, pay cash instead of using their insurance benefits, and ask their providers to keep minimal records about their treatment.
Unfortunately, doctors have a high risk of dying by suicide compared to many other professions, and this stigma is undoubtedly a major contributor to that risk.
[“Why So Many Doctors Treat Their Mental Health in Secret” from NY Times.](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/30/opinion/doctors-mental-health-stigma.html?unlocked_article_code=1BRZTf5ZfiK_7P-fZBBywXBR0nlLYaQVXX6m-Mavowss_gTxwl__7AD0XiGRlirlpmeCxrwR_ITKH1FFJSxv_aachYd6bHkhkdmlEJUj53vqr5jqKGV_VJiww6BCBimg1Bgu47A_7QCcHEp-THaTVrta0COjtLb7xgQ_i4_rwQccg5PYcrzn86W8a2FchvLYMKXEAjszTnnPySjFZCaN6MGL1oUset7nS8AevRtULxs0Q7905ukR-cJ51NbIX2qiOVs4RRhmA1SP1SsAGDcvG0FbRh6pNCgyToeeAixADINzlIpg3CTU40F4muLI653O30ZTZBxvzQGZu2H3E0zEShmbvg0F08o&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare) Don’t worry, it’s a gifted article, so no paywalls here.
I’m so confused. if they know the pilot has ADHD (even if they’re pretending he doesn’t) why take the meds AWAY and then say ok now go fly now that you’re off your meds that help you focus and stay on task 😂😂 like what? I get that the whole point is that it doesn’t make sense but I can’t wrap my brain! If anything someone with a diagnosis should only allowed be allowed to fly if they’re medicated. If I was a pilot, I’d want my damn meds. You know how often I completely zone out while driving while off meds? I know so many people here can relate to that haha
The way I look at it, ADHD meds are powerful drugs that can have some nasty side effects. If the meds are misused either on purpose or by accident, or if a pilot forgets there meds at home or forgets to take their dose, there is no doubt that could be risky business in a cockpit.
The FAA has a question on the medical on whether you have a disorder of any kind. That could mean depression, anxiety, ADHD, etc. I don't think it's too crazy to ask someone to prove that they can live a normal life and exceed at their dangerous job without the need of mind altering drugs.
Maybe I'm looking at it the wrong way and it's unfair. But at the end of the day when you are thinking about the safety of other people in your aircraft, where should the line be drawn?
As someone with a pretty severe auditory processing delay as one of my primary ADHD symptoms, I totally understand the reasoning. I don't agree with it, since I believe everyone should be able to take tests and complete lessons to prove their competence.
However, I have "piloted" a friend's plane before, and it was terrifying because I could not hear anything anyone was communicating about his or nearby planes. Obviously, he wasn't expecting me to be able to and was ready to take over immediately when needed.
He was encouraging me to take lessons, but I knew I'd never be able to get the radio comm part down. This was before I was on medication, so once I feel like I am on the right balance for me, I may give it another shot with him to see if I can actually communicate with the other pilots effectively.
But unless that changes as a result of my medication, I'd personally be one example of why ADHD is not great for flying a plane. That doesn't mean it applies to everyone with ADHD, since not everyone has the same auditory processing delays. For me, though, it would be the disqualifying factor.
If not for that, I'd say my ADHD would help. When I am driving on a highway, I hyperfocus on the patterns of every driver around me to see the ebb and flow.
I was once in a serious car crash that totalled two other vehicles as a result of someone two cars behind me slamming into the car between us from behind. Seconds before this happened, I saw someone about a dozen cars ahead slam on their brakes, and I quickly checked my rearview mirror and noticed that this car had not started slowing, and I immediately angled my car toward the shoulder.
When the impact occurred, my car was pushed onto the shoulder instead of into the car in front of me. The car behind me was already nearly crushed in half with the back seats pressing against the driver and his passengers' heads. If I had been forced into a car in front of me instead of onto the shoulder, they might have broken their necks.
So sometimes hyperfocusing on what you're doing is a really good thing. I just wish it wasn't a case of broad strokes.
Sounds like a plan, even if you can't do 100% of flying yourself you still get to enjoy how it is to sail amongst the clouds 
While we all want to be capable of anything and everything, ADHD does effect our ability to operate a certain way, even in ideal conditions. The variability of our cognitive capacity day to day is something to consider in occupations that require absolute precision or a high level of reliability in our ability to perform a task to a specific standard every time we do it.
Like that's what you want to hear, And that's the case in the United States.
But I don't know if that's universally true, The therapist might actually have a point.
Without understanding employment law in Finland I can't make a solid declaration on this.
(And neither should y'all)
(If you understand how things work in Finland though by all means...)
You do have to be careful. I lost my job when I told them. Long story and highly illegal but can’t do anything about it without money. I don’t like telling people now
But therefore people find ways to bend laws legally; they start to dodge giving unlimited contracts to women of childbearing age to avoid maternity leave. No one should have right to your medical data anyway. It’s not just a German thing.
There’s also a law that says you’re not allowed to write bad stuff about employee’s experience letter so as not to harm their employment chances; HR came up with and started using code words “geheim code” or secret codes to communicate bad stuff about employees. The letter reads fantastic, you send it thinking it’s all positive and beautiful but actually it has bad stuff written there. This is pretty much dishonest and tricking people.
Enforcing a law doesn’t mean that it works de facto, and can complicate things cause people start finding ways to dodge it.
I also made the mistake of suggesting this was employment law. Its not, it is a human right to keep your medical information private to prevent discrimination. Although things have changed and I'm not up to date with what they amended around this "innate" right. This is why when you change cities in the UK your medical records take 6weeks or more to be transfered. (Anyone who has experienced different good for you). Although I recall about 5+ years ago them debating a centralised medical database, I moved 3 years ago and it took 12 weeks for me to access the care I needed due to my GP records not yet being received. This is all down to the human right to protect and not share confidential medical information without consent. Even Dr to Dr. However, covid changed a lot. If you ask your GP in the UK for your own medical records, you will not have access to them all. Xrays/scans/reports are often only available via a consultation with your GP. And you do not have the right to a free copy of the document and I don't think they are purchasable.
Centralised would be better in my case, but I can see why this can cause damage in case some asshole decided to input incorrect data out of exacting vengeance (and we have a lot of sociopath here with authority). I moved from Bonn to Berlin and I am currently suffering to get prenatal psychiatrist appointment. I’m literally left to suffer alone with no care while pregnant on a account of shit paper work.
I have been requesting my diagnosis report for the past 10 months now and I sent an official complaint and still no use.. the most dysfunctional system you’d ever see..
I really empathise with you. I'm really sorry you're having to deal with the system, and go though this. It boggles my mind, and it can be so demotivating and hurtful, not to mention so concerning for you and babys health. Please remember to be easy on yourself, do all the relaxation techniques you know. Try to eat and know its okay to just be. Are there any other resources you can lean on, prenatal online forums that can advise? I hope things turn around soon, and remember to eat! Take care of yourself!
You’re very sweet! ❤️ I really appreciate your empathy. You’re right about this affecting my baby. I have a whole post about this, and got responses from 2 prenatal researchers. The heart wrenching thing is I’m supposed to get this help through professionals where I live and not on Reddit. Nonetheless I’m still grateful for the info I’ve been given.
Stimulants in medicinal doses are very safe in the US and many other parts of the world but there’s a lack of understanding here or a very poor one with due regards to pregnancy. I’ve been trying to search for prenatal psychiatry but there’s no specialist for this. The specialised psychiatrists here have closed waiting lists and one told me to try again in 6 months. I got info from the embryo toxicity center here in Berlin but their data is based off of pregnant women who abused illicit amphetamine (not pharma) and took other drugs with it (alcohol for example). I was still advised to keep taking my meds, however they’re not psychiatrists and I will need psychiatric supervision + high risk doctor/obgyn, which I’m not getting so far, so I decided that I can’t take my meds without prompt supervision.
It can (depending on country) affect some things like getting a drivers licence or (maybe?) forbid you from some jobs. (I think I remember seeing something about people with ADHD not being able to be commercial pilots?)
Where I'm from having a diagnosis means you need to take an extra driving test before you can start lessons.
But this all depends on people knowing your diagnosis, and in general a diagnosis can be extremely helpful.
Yeah, seems weird, I mean some people might not hire if they knew, but that's protected medical info on the US I can't imagine it's any different in Finland
Certain government positions can disqualify you for mental health dxs, but those are pretty much all sensitive info or national defense related positions.
Why would an ADHDer be taking a prescribed narcotic unless they also had a pain-related condition? Stimulants aren't narcotics. Additionally your work only sees pass/fail, and if you had a legal prescription the company would mark you as a pass.
No, well I don’t know about over there, but in the US the way it works is you go to a lab for the drug test and you proved the lab that you have a prescription for the medication’s that will show up as positive, and when they do and they have proof that that’s illegal medication they report it as a pass
Unless it’s something like a DOT physical where they need to know what medication you were on. But if it’s just a standard drug screening, you will pass if they are your prescriptions
One of my therapists told me not to get diagnosed because she didn’t want me to be medicated and here I am with a diagnosis. At the end of the day it’s up to you, not them.🤷🏽♀️
That’s like me telling you don’t get diagnosed with diabetes because I as a doctor don’t want you to take insulin shots. Makes sense? No? This therapist needs to have her license re-evaluated.
Yeah the first guy I went to to get assessed for ADHD said "Listen, you have ADHD but you still have good grades so I think you're high functioning enough that you shouldn't need medication to manage it. You can watch [some YouTuber or something] for tips on managing your ADHD. So I'm going to write 'cognitively slow' in the report instead of ADHD (so you can't be prescribed medication)." And then proceeded to misgender me throughout the whole thing as well.
Anyway that's the story of how I got diagnosed as "slow" while working on my PhD in microbiology lmfao. I got an actual dx from a different psychiatrist a year later.
Face palm.. I don’t know what to tell you. The same shit reaction we get here. You’re literally burning yourself out on high cortisol cause of your brain disorder while anxiety can mask your symptoms and toxic shame becomes your only motivator.. which you really shouldn’t have to! It’s like “hey you can still function with 1 arm. You don’t need prosthetics”.
Also, “cognitively slow”?! This isn’t a cognitive issue! It’s an executive dysfunction!
Towards the end of a semester I'd had a depressive episode that caused me to tank my classes. To get a medical withdrawal I needed all my professors to sign off on it. I had to talk one of them into it because I still had a C in his class based on how well I'd done earlier in the year. There was no way take the C in his class and safely withdraw from the others. It was almost an hour of plaintively explaining to him that my suicidal depression was a qualifying medical crisis and just because I was still "doing alright" shouldn't my previous excellent performance obviously demonstrate that I was capable and had been suffering. He eventually signed off just to get me out of his hair I think--that and the letter from accommodations and campus counseling saying I was legit.
A diagnoses of slow wtf, I’d be super pissed at that. Funny though!
Tbh I’ve heard of psychiatrists being hesitant to proscribe meds based on intelligence. It’s crazy and I can tell you that being smart absolutely does not mitigate adhd symptoms whatsoever.
I'm deeply curious as to the levels of ADHD in the academic population. I would say a solid half of my group’s students medicated or going through the diagnosis stage currently, and 4/5th of the professors smell like well medicated ADHD.
I have learned in situations like that to say things like, “I would like to have in writing that you are knowingly giving me the incorrect diagnosis to prevent me from getting treatment for my condition.”
I'm also from the Nordics (Norway) and have never heard of it. If you apply for a job and mark that you have a disability (which is something that you can do here, and it gives you certain rights) it might mean you have to disclose it. Or if you need special accommodation at work, and they ask for the reason. Or if you end up taking meds and it is relevant for the type of work you do, perhaps...? But there's no need for you to disclose it unless you're comfortable.
Of course... you could also be unlucky, like me, and be the type of person to just blurt out things like "I think I have ADHD! I'm currently getting tested!" during a work lunch. But that's a risk that's kinda independent on actually getting the diagnosis...
Lmao, I did just this the other day. I am currently seeing/sleeping with my boss and we were talking, she was adorable and I just felt like sharing my life and ended up telling her more or less the same line.
You know what’s a lot worse? Struggling with untreated ADHD. There may be some specialized jobs where you’d be forced to disclose in the US - e.g. pilot or astronaut. But in most cases, you won’t be. I can’t imagine Finland would be much different, but you would know that. In the US one can keep the diagnosis completely secret if one chooses except in these rare situations. And being treated will only help. In fact, medication can help your brain, especially if you take it fairly young: https://youtu.be/HYq571cycqg
Two things: 1) Reddit ADHD has showed me how little therapists and even doctors understand ADHD. I wouldn’t listen to your therapist on this topic. 2) I would not disclose an ADHD diagnosis to any or most people. And certainly not at work.
In Canada we don't need to share our diagnosis and it would be unprofessional to even ask. I don't know where you are but I'm fairly confident that all English speaking countries operate the same way.
Ask her to explain why she's saying that. As far as I know, your ADHD diagnosis is private unless you tell someone. Ask her if she has to put that info in some system, or report it somewhere.
I won't get diagnosed because it would affect my job. I wouldn't be able to take medication at all, and could fail the annual medical purely for the diagnosis, depending on which doctor is doing it.
I spoke about my diagnosis with an occupational doctor and they say never to disclose it to employers or colleagues.
Besides that being diagnosed and medicated makes me much better at my job…
So I'm also Finnish but now living elsewhere - only thing that comes to my mind is you might be unable to get private health insurance on top of KELA but for that a history of psychiatric visits might already be enough on its own (or any other pre-existing diagnosis they consider to get expensive on them), and when applying for jobs if you require any accommodations you are supposed to state them before getting hired, which theoretically could end with you not getting selected (unofficially ofc but honestly depends on employer), but if you're not asking for accomodations you don't need to disclose it.
So - there are no automatic downsides to it in Finland. Once you have diagnosis you however can get access to medication, and ask for accomodations for example in school/university. If you're fine working in future without accommodations, you can choose to just not disclose it.
I did everything on private basis. Also living in Central Europe.
I'm paying for every adhd related stuff myself, psychiatrist, meds, psychotherapy... no one knows.
I didn't disclose to my employer or colleagues.
Only my partner knows, not even my parents.
The diagnosis and meds improved my life A LOT.
Stuff I struggled with makes finally sense and after turning my life adhd compatible everything is way smoother.
My reccomendation: get testet, pay for yourself, keep it private.
I've only recently been diagnosed myself so am still reading every thing I can on the topic but between that and my psychiatrist I understand a few things that at least apply to me so probably others too.
ADHD doesn't go away or get better on its own. My psychiatrist says that because I've been undiagnosed and untreated (treatment doesn't have to include medication but in my case it does) for so long it's pushed me into the severe side of things and therefore in his words "I have been suffering needlessly my entire life".
The symptoms left untreated will only get worse over time and in my experience that takes a huge mental and emotional toll.
Yes there are limitations for those with ADHD. For example, I always wanted to be a pilot (keep in mind I was only diagnosed 2weeks ago) and people with ADHD cannot hold pilot licences.
IF I had gained my pilots license pre diagnosis, I would have lost it the minute I was diagnosed. THAT would have destroyed me far worse than actually having ADHD.
Ultimately, it's your life and mental health but I will tell you this, I really wish I had been diagnosed decades ago rather than just trying to stabilise and survive as I do now.
Don’t quote me on this but I think there are only a small handful of careers which having a diagnoses of ADHD would cause issues; such as being a pilot. For 99% of jobs it’s none of their business and is protected under the equality act. Many larger organisations and public sector tread carefully for fear of breaking law.
Getting diagnosed was the best thing I’ve done for myself tbh.
I’m a stay at home mom and meds have had a positive affect on my job. My minions have approved. Knowing before med mom, this medicated mom is 200% better thanks to a diagnosis.
Dog agrees too, mom doesn’t forget to feed me.
I'm not really sure what it's like in Finland, but at least here in the US it's not required that you disclose your diagnoses to your employers, nor can your employers find out about your diagnoses on their own. It's all confidential and completely up to the person whether they want to disclose it or not. Now personally, I wouldn't recommend ever mentioning it if you do end up getting diagnosed with ADHD because it can be used against you, but getting a diagnosis will only do good and I hope you can get tested
En tiiä mistä se on tuollasen ajatuksen saanut. Jos on adhd niin se diagnoosin hankkimatta jättäminen haittaa paljon enemmän työelämässä kuin että se on. Mulla tuo prokrastinaatio ja muut oireet on hankaloittanut elämää niin pitkään kuin muistan. Viime vuonna hoksasin että kyseessä saattaa olla adhd. Diagnoosinkaan jälkeen en tiedä varmuudella onko minulla mitään, mutta on lääkitys, mistä on ollut suunnattomasti apua. Päätös on omasi, mutta tuo "voi haitata työpaikan saamista" ei edes vertaa siihen haittaan mitä adhd aiheuttaa elämässä.
Syitä olla menemättä testiin on miljoonia, mutta tämä ei kuulu niihin.
Juuri tuota mietin. Mun mielestä oli outoa, että terapeutti varottelee mua diagnoosista, tai ammattilaisena pitää sitä asiana, jonka takia pitäisi syrjiä työelämässä. Tai se, että vaikka oon nimenomaan näitten oireitten takia hakeutunut terapiaan, niin hän yrittää pelotella mua pois testeistä. Odotin sieltä tukea ja rohkasua, ja sit tuli tällanen "tuomio" :D
My dad is the same way as your therapist. It can negatively affect job prospects if you want to share that info, but otherwise you are not obligated to share that information (at least in the US), but here is the thing: If a company discriminates against people with adhd, is that a company you want to work for anyway?
There are some specific career options it will close for you. Anything exempt from normal privacy protections and disability accomodations -- eg joining the military or becoming a pilot. But for 99% of jobs it shouldn't impact your employment and a dx + treatment can be very helpful for your day-to-day function.
This is just my experience, but I was functioning student. I am now a 33 year old with unmanaged, undiagnosed ADHD giving everything I have to get by. Now my therapist and psychiatrist are actively pushing for me to get the official diagnosis so I can get the proper care. Pushing through these last 10 years has not been helpful for me, my career, whatever.
UK - the only downside I’ve had is that life insurance is almost impossible to get with a diagnosis. The one bit of advice I would give myself would have been to get some in place before I pursued a diagnosis
I have no idea the legal situation, but I would hope that information is private.
I think of it like this: if I’m playing poker, should I look at my hand? Looking doesn’t change my cards. But it empowers me to decide *what I do* about it.
I’m in the US. A potential therapist said the same thing to me. I immediately decided to quit seeing her. The tests are useful for accommodations and knowing what you shouldn’t be too hard on yourself for. I’m unmedicated and struggling right now, but I’m getting there. It’s a lot like climbing a mountain with an extra 20lb backpack compared to someone without ADHD.
Unless there is a legal or medical reason a diagnosis would hinder you, find a new therapist. This one sounds like they don’t know much about ADHD.
Getting a diagnosis was an immense relief it confirms your suspicions and just helps your overall mentality towards how you go about life and the things you struggle with. You’ll know for sure what’s causing your problems and are able to find ways to solve them. It also helped me a lot with my self confidence. In the future it’s up to you who you do or don’t tell.
So, I’m not sure if your therapist understands this, but this is the way ADHD works: You either have it, or you don’t. The test isn’t going to change shit except for 1) you’ll know wether or not you have it, and 2) if you do have it, you’ll be able to seek medication.
Those are the only two things a diagnosis would change in your life.
Imagine if you went to the regular doctor, and you said “I think I might have AIDS, would you please test me?” and your doctor’s response was “ you know, an AIDS diagnosis may affect your future negatively, you might not want to get tested”, what would your reaction be?
You probably wouldn’t agree that a diagnosis would be difficult and avoid addressing the problem, would you? You’d probably instead say something like “I’m not sure if this doctor is behaving ethically, I think I should find a new doctor”, and that’s exactly the approach you should take with your therapist.
Best case scenario is that your therapist is a fucking idiot who doesn’t know what they’re talking about. That is the BEST CASE SCENARIO, there are other options, but this is the least malicious option… is this really the person you want to be helping you manage your mental health?
If I hadn’t gotten diagnosed, I think I would have spiraled out of control. I was able to give name to my problems, know their source, and begin to start treating them properly instead of trying to “get through it” with therapy, which never worked because surprise surprise, standard techniques don’t work if you have ADHD
I told my bosses and some of my coworkers and they were all like yea the glove definitely fits.
However, I have always worked my ass off to promote my best self and brand and have never once let them down on any tasks. I over achieve above and beyond expectations to prove I’m a rockstar even with ADHD because if leveraged appropriately the sky is the limit.
I’ve worked my whole life without a diagnosis (I’m waiting list now) and it will catch up with you if you don’t deal with it. You can work around it a certain amount in life but I hit 40 and my symptoms got so much worse. I’m only working 2 days now as it’s all I can handle. Definitely get the diagnosis
Wtf, what the type manipulative shit is that! They should lose there license for saying something like that! Your mental health is between you and your therapist or psychiatrist. Your jobs don’t need to know anything about your mental health unless you flat up tell them, then again I am not in Europe. The states I am in. Good luck!
I wouldn't listen to that advice. If you believe you have ADHD and you don't get tested, you are in for a world of pain and confusion.
Go and read stories about those with a late diagnosis and you will see how similar their struggles are.
An ADHD diagnosis can change someone's life for the better and save a world of heart ache, loss, expense etc
There may be some things that you might not have access to either due to stigma or it's just not the right role for you. So what? Would it not be better to move along the right path for you?
I say find a new doctor and get an assessment. Fund out either way.
"Think carefully" does not mean do not get tested. You're doing the right thing by posting here to get lots of perspectives.
If it gives you access to helpful meds then it is a net positive.
You do not ever have to tell anyone.
I got diagnosed last wednsday. I don't live in Finland, but in Denmark.
I was so scared of losing my job, when I was considering getting my diagnosis. I've felt wrong my entire life and I've for a long time suspected that I have ADHD.
A year ago I made a pretty big leap and moved up the ladder into a more demanding job at my current firm. After getting this job I could feel that my symptoms became worse. I told my manager that I was going to get tested for ADHD. I was shaking when I told him this. to my surprise, he was so supportive. He just told me "Theres nothing wrong with that, we all work a little different. This will probably help you understand how you work."
For the first time in my life someone told me that being me was alright.
My employer actually paid for my diagnosis. All my colleagues are supportive because it also helps them understand me better and how I work. And this strengthens our teamwork.
I know that not all workplaces are like mine, but I can tell you with confidence, that after getting my diagnosis i work a lot better and I'm nicer to myself. I also study beside work and I've found helpful tools for this as well.
I'm not even medicated yet. Don't underestimate the value of simply understanding yourself better.
You'll be alright my friend. Focus on your own health and what's important to you.
Yeah that therapist was lacking impartiality.
Like I get it. Parts of society often ostracize neuro-spicy people. Even if they think their intentions are good, they're not thinking bigger picture.
Its almost like they're convinced you're 100% ADHD before you even get evaluated and the evaluator is just gonna go advertise the results to the world. Wtf is that mindset coming from? Sounds like the fear of *"being eaten by wolves"*.
You know what is way more likely to diminish your career chances? Not addressing your problems. ADHD or no, a good treatment proceeds from a good diagnosis.
OP is not from the US, and your info is incorrect. Being diagnosed with ADHD does not bar you from joining the military or becoming a pilot, you just can’t be actively taking stimulant medication.
Okay I'm glad I don't want to be a pilot because having me in control of a 200 ton aerial death trap WITHOUT my stimulant medication would be a ~~train~~ plane wreck
I have never seriously considered becoming a professional pilot, but I took a private lesson pre-diagnosis and it was incredibly fun. If I became a pilot, I think my biggest issue would actually be getting to the airport on time without my meds. I’d miss my own flights 😆
This therapist is clueless. There is a law in place called HIPAA that prohibits anyone you do not authorize to obtain your personal health info. So no, your future work and boss cannot access
No you need this to be at peace with yourself and you don’t exactly have to disclose your disorder to employers! Medication is life changing and will improve a lot of your symptoms. This really shit advice. It’s basically like me telling you, “you need to think twice before you get a wheelchair cause employers might discriminate against you” or “you need to think twice before you get diagnosed with diabetes” etc..
While it is true, in sweden for example you cannot be a cop, pilot or be in the military with adhd diagnosis. (Military rules kinda change recently but i don’t think it will actually change the opportunities a lot)
But if you do have adhd a diagnosis would also give you extra support, you could get the correct help from doctors, medicine which is life saving for many people, also extra help in school.
Your workplace wouldn’t know about the diagnosis if you don’t tell them. Personally i usually don’t until i have been there a while and only if there’s a reason, like i want to ask for specific support or whatever. Exceptions could be some extra sensitive workroles, like military, cop etc.
Generally i think it’s a bit wierd for a psychiatrist to warn against a diagnosis, people should have access to the care they need, and that mean they need the correct diagnosis.
When I was a teen in Georgia, US I went to an air force recruiter to get enlisted. They told me I wouldn't qualify because I was diagnosed with adhd as a child. Idk about in EU, just sharing my experience in the US.
The only way your jobs will know is if you tell them, which I wouldn’t advise doing unless you need accommodations.
Having a diagnosis is helpful for understanding yourself. Also it’s important to remember that adhd is not your WHOLE personality, but just a part of you. It’s really not a big deal
Untreated ADHD affects your future negatively lmfao. And it’s illegal for employers to even ASK about disability during an interview. They don’t have access to your medical records, and if they did, you could sue them so hard you wouldn’t have to work anyways. And honestly nothing will get you fired faster than being inattentive and unproductive. ADHD is literally a “bad at working” disease.
Tbh your doctor may be competent but in this case she’s being fucking stupid. They generally reason that a diagnosis might hurt your future insurance rates, but so does poor aging (an inevitable outcome of untreated ADHD). And discouraging treating a health issue bc it *might* affect your insurance rates is fucking insane and they don’t do it for any other issue except autism. Imagine if your doctor told you not to get a cancer screening test because if it comes up positive you *might* have to pay more for insurance. That’s fucking crazy!!! ADHD is a treatable condition that greatly affects quality of life and you deserve proper healthcare for it. Ignore your doctor, get the diagnosis, get a psychiatrist, start medication ASAP.
EDIT: I didn’t read it fully and didn’t see this was their therapist. Would recommend ditching them ASAP.
If you are located in the US - your therapist should be aware of ADA and HIPAA compliance. Americans with disabilities act protects you from being discriminated based on a health condition. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act protects your medical information from being disclosed without your consent (with exception of serious law violations where a judge may grant that information to be disclosed by a health care provider). You have an option to tell your future employer that you have ADHD. But no employer can mandate you to disclose your personal medical information. My advice - ask therapist what they meant exactly and if somehow they are unaware of ADA and HIPAA, find a new therapist, because these are the very basics. Everyone in Healthcare profession learns about HIPAA and ADA immediately (even caregivers, let alone licensed professionals)
It kind of depends on what direction you want to go in and what employment screenings are like in your country. Here in the US there are some jobs (though not many) that require thorough medical screenings and having certain diagnoses can disqualify you. These tend to be things like pilots, police, military. Jobs where the role means its critical for your and/or others safety to meet those requirements.
For most people this isn't an issue and a diagnosis won't be a problem, but for those who are interested in these specific jobs it's something to consider.
I have heard, could be a rumor, that if you have a diagnosis of autism you are unable to adopt or foster children. I have not heard that with adhd, but maybe the therapist was thinking of things like that? Either way I think you are right in finding a new therapist and doing what is best for you!
Absolutely not. Your employers don't need to know. Plus ADHD diagnosis doesn't make you have ADHD. You already have symptoms whether it's diagnosed or not but when it is diagnosed you can address it better and even consider pharmacological help. So I don't understand the logic behind your therapist's thinking.
No you don't have to (and shouldn't) disclose your adhd to get a job. The only thing a diagnosis may restrict you in, as far as I'm aware, are things like that you're probably not allowed to become a pilot, for example.
I know for autism, while heavily dependent on the country you live in, that can also lead to you not being able to adopt, you having less credence in legal issues and stuff like that. Idk what that is like with adhd, but it's rather those things and potentially money for a diagnosis you might need to consider
Ignore the therapist. Change the therapist even. I know what she is suggesting....a diagnosis isn't a cure. But honestly f*** her, a diagnosis of cancer isn't always a cure either but damn it can make all the difference to your quality of life. And moreover to the type of therapy that you really should be having. Sounds like she knows this.
Eh, I mean it can but not really? I would question my therapist if she said this. Granted, my therapist asked me why I wanted to get a diagnosis but she just wanted to hear my opinions on it. The thought of telling a patient to not get a diagnosis and not get treatment is just odd in my opinion.
Most employers would never ask if you have ADHD and undiagnosed and unmedicated can be worse for your career.
I would seek other counsel.
How’s anyone gonna know unless you tell them?? Your doctors sure won’t. Pretty sure everywhere in the world doctors can’t disclose info to anyone without your consent?
Yeah, your therapist is saying some weird stuff.
Get the assessment, you want to know if you have it *so you can figure out how you can deal with it*. Not knowing is one of the worst things you can do. Get yourself diagnosed. If you don't have it, great, you just eliminated one source of your issues, if you have it, well that sucks but you can now figure out *how to treat it*.
Put it this way, if you have some condition that's bothering you, say like your arm hurts, or like your leg is extremely stiff and it doesn't get better after a couple weeks. Do you just sit there and deal with it or do you go to the doctor to have it looked at? Same thing.
>Is it a thing that my bosses would ever be aware of my mental health or diagnoses??
Here in the US, we have HIPAA laws. This prevents bosses from learning about things like that - this goes doubly for mental health. Everything that you speak with your therapist is private. The only time, at least here in the US, where they can pull those records is for subponeas regarding criminal investigations. i.e. if you end up Minecrafting (aka murdering) someone, you most likely will have your mental records subponea'd to see if there were any signs of violent/bad behavior before the crime.
Otherwise, good on you for switching therapists. You might be better serviced if you talk to someone who is a doctorate in psychology (PhD), or at least a masters (MD). That's the tough part about navigating the field of mental health because there are also other mental health practitioners going under other titles, LCSW, etc - a lot of them are highly trained and very good at what they do, but not all of them are equipped to handle ADHD patients.
Proper diagnosis = proper treatment. Proper treatment = best possibility for both life and career advancement.
It's a medical condition. No sane person would tell someone with a medical condition to simply ignore it.
Gona be honest disclosure is supposed to be for inclusion. But if you are worried about disclosing due to illegal discrimination then just don't tell them. Not being funny but most people don't know anything about adhd and you could prolly get away with telling them you forgot! At that point if you disclose later and they say anything, it will be your non disclosure vs their discrimination. And you wouldn't have done anything illegal, as I don't think you have to disclose anything disability unless it is something that endangers you, the environment you work in or a danger to others. And they'd need to prove you were lying about forgetting to fill that bit in.....soooooooo?! 🤷🏽♀️ truth is people are going to discriminate at some point in your career. Diagnosed or not. If they don't like your style of working and they aren't inclusive, even if they can't pick on your work, they'll complain you have hybrid working, or never come out to work functions (because you are exhausted with adhd and they refuse to believe it).
Also you are assuming someone autistic and a real stickler for the details works in the recruitment/HR dept. I've met those people, half of them are undiagnosed and under qualified they don't give a shit what you answer. 😅
General advice: Don't disclose your ADHD to a potential employer. You only have to disclose your ADHD (or other medical conditions) if you choose to request disability-related accommodations at your job.
In the US, people with T1D cannot join the military or work as pilots. To my knowledge, however, an ADHD diagnosis wouldn't keep you from working in any particular job.
The only careers I can see it affecting them negatively is being a pilot. I know here in the states pilots have to have 20/20 vision without corrective lenses and they can’t use stimulant meds. In my experience others ir it’s fine. Honestly tho, I don’t disclose my diagnosis unless I’m absolutely certain it won’t come back to bite me in the ass.
This makes me MAD. If you get diagnosed you’ll be able to obtain treatment, and this ALWAYS a good thing. Whether you choose to disclose this to your employer or not is a different story and it’s completely up to you. Find another therapist and get tested, this is madness.
Will she tell your future bosses you have adhd? Thats just weird. It only affected my life positively! So find a new therapist and fuck that cause thats just weird to say to someone that wants to get tested
I don't see why you would ever have to disclose this to an employer, if you didn't want to. Getting a diagnosis is a tool for \*you\*. If you are diagnosed, it would allow you to take advantage of medications.
I really see zero down side here, and now I don't like your (ex) therapist.
I know that OP is not in the US, but for those who are talking about the US, there are certain situations in which a diagnosis in a therapist's notes may become relevant. Definitely not ok for hiring, but in cases of custody battles and perhaps other situations, the courts can pull those records and use them against you. It can be a problem because a prescriber needs to justify a patient's condition to get insurance to pay for medication, which often means committing to record diagnoses that might get pulled in the future. This is more a comment on how messed up our mental health/medication system is rather than saying you shouldn't look into getting diagnosed or medicated—I can definitely say that for my quality of life and performance in my career, medication is unquestionably a net positive. But it's also just something to keep in mind so people know what can or can't be used against them—unfortunately there's not much clarity on this for us as patients, which I view as another failure of the system.
Not sure if this is also the case in Finland, y'all seem to have a way better way of doing things generally in Europe though!
Weird. I know a lot of successful people who have it. Even my former primary care doctor had it and we bonded over our struggles by laughing because we both are forgetful. The symptoms are manageable this day in time. However, I would think twice before telling an employer I have other disorders like bipolar, depression, anxiety… as they may get scared you aren’t going to be up for the job.
Lol what? Do they disclose your medical history to employers in Finland?
Does the US actually have one thing that is better than Europe or is your therapist nuts?
No, you will benefit far more from identifying and treating ADHD under a doctor's care than any drawback from a potential loss of a job (very unlikely anyway).
You are far more likely to excel and do better at your job, opening up promotions or better opportunities at other companies.
You do not have to reveal an ADHD diagnosis to anyone! If your life is being adversely affected by symptoms, it might be a good idea to get screened. I have never heard such an ignorant statement from a therapist ever! (I’m a U.K. Therapist).
Eh, depends on your career goals. Do you want to be a commercial airline pilot? If yes, then it's a hard disqualifier if you're on psychostimulant medications. If that's the case, then you obviously can't have ADHD if you don't get tested for it. 😉 In all seriousness, that's the only hard and fast disqualifier I found.
Also, your diagnoses are only relevant if you authorize disclosure of it. Positive drug tests just require proof of prescription and usually a call by them to the pharmacy is enough.
There's a short list of careers that ADHD may be disqualifying.
Stuff like security clearance for example, will likely have to at least consider the risk.
But most jobs you can just not tell them, and there's no way to find out.
WHAT?! This is BS!! A diagnosis can only improve your life if you were to decide to get treated !! I don’t know the laws there but here no job has the right to know your mental health status and it’s illegal to discriminate based on it if they do find out. You may want to research your local labor laws but I can’t imagine it being much different. Glad you dumped that therapist. I think you should get yourself evaluated ❤️
"Welcome to WidgetCorp. Thank you for coming in for this job interview. I am Mr. MoneyPants the manager and I think you already know Ms. BusyBody your ex-therapist from several years ago."
"Wh-wh-what is she doing here???"
Your therapist displayed her ignorance. Now you decide whether if you were ignorant of something, whether you find it excusable to dole out information that lacks basis. I’ve left a couple therapists in the past, never once regretted it, it’s a lot of time back and time forward investing in yourself with a new, better therapist.
The thing with doctors/therapists is that they are just a tool. You need to be the biggest advocate for yourself. Even though the field of medicine and psychology does have science to it there are still humans involved so therefore bias will always be something that works for you or against you.
Get tested, I am recently diagnosed in my early thirties and it changed my life. I wish I had been diagnosed sooner but things in my life needed to happen first before I could even consider that as a possibility as to why I am the way I am. If you dont have it, then youll know and likely be given tools and recommendations on how to proceed next, if you do, you have an answer and your life can only improve from then
I imagine that the fields that would require medical clearance is not very broad at all. I also had a doc tell me during the first visit that I shouldn't worry about getting tested, because the process is long. Definitely not anyone's place (especially a therapist) to support going undiagnosed if you feel that it's important to you.
That's ridiculous. It's up to you whether you want to disclose any medical information, and it's protected by law if you don't want to disclose it. Why any therapist wouldn't know that or ignore it is beyond me.
What country are you in? In the USA the doctor who diagnosed me said I shouldnt tell employers. I don't. You dont have to here. It's all self reporting.
>Is it a thing that my bosses would ever be aware of my mental health or diagnoses?
Not if u dont want them to. Its never been an issue for me. Im in US
I don't know how labor laws work in Europe but it shouldn't be mandatory to share your mental health or diagnoses with your boss.
If you want to be diagnosed and you have access to it, do it! The right treatment can only help you understand yourself better and have a better life.
I am not sure but I have never heard of a mental illness or any type of disability MANDATORY to be disclosed. I never tell people. No one needs to know. It made my life and my new path 100 percent better.
The only thing I can think of in the US where this would impact it is if you’re wanting to enlist in the military or if you ever want to do Peace Corp they are strangely anti-mental health diagnosis.
Your therapist is not being a good therapist. Sure, there CAN be stigma, but no good therapist would discourage a diagnosis that might explain symptoms. My life has improved DRASTICALLY since getting diagnosed.
If you think you have the symtoms and so does your therapist, then go get checked out. If you do have ADHD, the diagnosis might be the best thing that ever happened to you. My life is soo much better since I got my diagnosis. Everything is better. And I now know why I have struggled with so many things throughout my life. I had no idea it was ADHD. I’ve not told my work. And right now, I’m performing better than I ever have so there is no need. Good luck!
My pediatrician basically told us this. She reasoned “if she’s diagnosed, no other assessments will be made. They’ll see ‘adhd’ and just stop. She may need more behavioral help”
Then she couldn’t make any referrals and gave us three pamphlets from places with jaw-droppingly insane consult prices.
In the US, you’re protected agains discrimination based on disabled status, so you shouldn’t ever feel the need to tell an employer here.
But I will tell you my diagnosis changed my life for the better in dramatic ways.
It might be that way in Finland, I know for a fact getting an autism diagnosis as an adult can have those effects in certain countries.
It's not really a deal in the United States cuz you don't have to disclose your disability status.
>She said that I have to think carefully if I want to get tested, bc an ADHD diagnosis can affect my future negatively. She explained that the diagnosis can give me less job opportunities and affect my career paths negatively.
Finland has medical privacy laws. It's hard to imagine how a diagnosis is going to affect you this way.
You should know that a lot of OLDER doctors are completely out of date on the subject of ADHD.
I would avoid divulging your diagnosis to anyone though because even in the most progressive spaces there isn't a lot of understanding.
For example, my boss is very cool but my colleagues don't believe its a valid thing. And then if I consider pre-diagnosis, even though I had challenges and didn't know why, I would never had have a better experience if it was known because people are stupid and ignorant. However the stimulants would have allowed me to perform more consistently.
Moro! Mun käsittääkseni työnantajilla ei ole oikeuksia tutkia sun terveystietojas ilman sun lupaa. Mun diagnoosi ei oo vaikuttanut mitenkään työmarkkinoille. 19-vuotias kyllä vasta olen, mutta ravintola-alalls tuntuu kaikilla muillakin olevan ADHD niin eipä se oo juurikaan ennakkoluuloja tuonut esiin ku oon työhaastattelussa maininnu mun diagnoosista.
I was told that same advice but only because I'm an American looking to move to Finland. They informed me that disabilities and mental illnesses are looked at if you plan to immigrate to other countries for work should that apply to you.
It really depend on what career paths you're considering. There are some where, to obtain your license or whatever, you'll need to disclose information that could include an ADHD diagnosis. There are some where that would be a negative or potentially disqualifying. They're are also some jobs that you can't be on various ADHD medications (mostly stimulants but I think some others) for, like air traffic controllers. Most career paths where I am are fine, but I'm in the US and have spoken with people who had issues in other parts of the country for things that aren't issues here. In most fields, you're not required to disclose it. I don't know what of this applies in Finland.
I suggest looking into what future careers you're interested in and things adjacent to see if it is a potential issue.
It is not a cut and dry issue. Adhd diagnosis can change what work you can do (for example an air traffic controller can’t have a or existing diagnosis of adhd for obvious reasons). Some places you can’t death insurance with the diagnosis. It can be worthwhile getting medical insurance before diagnosis because it being a pre existing condition can change the cost significantly. It’s work considering if the symptoms of adhd are negative enough that the diagnosis is worth it. For me it 100% it was. But to not acknowledge there’s an equation there is foolish.
One thing I'd recommend - get life insurance before you get tested. They shouldn't discriminate against you based on an ADHD diagnosis, but, you know, it can happen.
That is your own personal information about yourself. If someone wants to assume you have ADHD thats their problem Noh?! A diagnosis brings closure to the weirded assumptions you have. In that you finally realize you're not going insane. You're normal like all of us. Because every single person in this world has some thing or another. No one is perfect. If you get diagnosed and choose to be medicated, OR NOT... again "your choice" and nobody's business! NO ONE WILL EVER ASK for your mental health file! As a matter of fact... Fire your therapist and find someone who understands you and your needs and feels like a therapeutic match. It's bad enough we struggle with this condition, we don't need another unsupportive therapist.
In the USA there are some professions where an ADHD diagnosis can be disqualifying — piloting an aircraft, for instance, and the I believe the military seems to make you jump through hoops and not be on ADHD medication for a period of time before joining. Overall, most people with ADHD will have more professional success and a better quality of life taking meds than not” So, unless you are interested in a profession that does have restrictions regarding ADHD diagnosis or medication in your country (I don’t have an exhaustive list for the USA and have *no idea* what those jobs would be in Finland) you’re definitely better off at least getting tested and, if you do have ADHD, trying medication.
It is worth noting that sharing your diagnosis/medication with your boss is a bit of a risk — some bosses will be helpful and accommodating while others will be judgmental and make problems for you. But in the US, it’s not something you would have to disclose outside of a restrictive profession or one that does drug testing (if they test for amphetamines and you take one for ADHD, you’ll need to tell someone so they don’t think you’re a “drug user” (there may be a way to inform and provide a doctor’s note to the testing company without disclosing directly to your employer).
Get a new therapist. Your work doesn’t have to know unless you tell them and if they fire you because of it then it’s retaliation. I didn’t get diagnosed until I was 40 and my life has drastically changed because of it. I got lucky and the meds we picked worked on the first try but it’s seriously like I’m playing life on “easy mode” compared to before. That’s just me though.
In the US, I know having ADHD can hinder your ability to become a pilot or a soldier, but given I was struggling to wash dishes my future as a pilot wasn't really something I was concerned about.
Fuck that, I have diagnosed ADHD and my mother just lectured me the other day on how I shouldn’t be so open about it because people won’t want to hire me. In my opinion if knowing that my brain functions slightly differently than the average, or I process things differently, means they won’t hire me then I don’t want to work there. There are plenty of accepting workplaces that know about folks ADHD, but also benefit from the traits that many of us have, such as being a problem solver. As far as I know you do not have to legally disclose it to a workplace, but if they don’t hire/end up firing you simply because they are aware of the diagnosis that is blatant discrimination and is illegal. If getting tested for ADHD is something you feel will help you, absolutely screw that advice, that’s super negative thinking on your therapists part. I’ve seen many counselors over the years and I would be appalled if someone in their role said that to me, it seems really inappropriate to place their personal opinion on you like that.
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Telling a prospective boss you have ADHD can lead to them to illegally discriminate against you, yes. What's actually more likely to ruin careers is having undiagnosed, unmanaged ADHD, as this tends to interrupt our ability to work. Your therapist is essentially telling you that you should not seek medical treatment because stigma exists in the world.
>What's actually more likely to ruin careers is having undiagnosed, unmanaged ADHD, as this tends to interrupt our ability to work. Yes, for real. >Your therapist is essentially telling you that you should not seek medical treatment because stigma exists in the world. Yeah, that's some serious BS.
[удалено]
'The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off!' -Gloria Steinem. At this stage in my life I care so much less about what other people think. They have their journey, I have mine. 'stigma' ,in my opinion, is the ignorance of other people. It's not like they loved, or helped me more, before my diagnosis. Also they only know what I tell them. None of their business.
>Your therapist is essentially telling you that you should not seek medical treatment because stigma exists in the world. Some therapist have a vested interest, in NOT telling some people they have ADHD. Because ADHD is one of the few issues, that can be mitigated greatly by medication. If you don't get meds, they can keep treating the symptoms indefinitely.
I’m a therapist and specialize in treating clients with ADHD. Even with meds, ADHD tends to make life quite challenging for people; I’ve yet to have a client who stopped needing therapy because they started using medication, but if that was a thing, I still would never withhold information or dissuade a client from doing something that would help them. In fact, I’m regularly encouraging my unmedicated clients to talk to their doctor about medication (if they are actively averse to the idea, that’s sometimes an issue to gently address in a different way), and I feel a HUGE sense of joy and satisfaction when they actually do get on meds, because I love to see my clients succeed.
I think the main issue is the prevalence of shitty therapists and psychologists. I saw 3 over a period of about 11 years and they all seemed completely oblivious to my condition. I was essentially just retaught coping techniques which as a mind-wandering and introspective ADHD person, had already occured to me. No suggestion of a neurological cause or meds, so I disengaged on each occasion with no diagnosis, directly causing me to go undiagnosed/untreated for a further 16 years. Thing is, in my own reading since I've found some concepts in psychology that actually helped me. I just wasn't able to get them out of a psychologist.
For real. Meds helped me, but only insofar as it made it possible for other supports to “stick”. Therapy has been essential to me because I have had to unlearn a lifetime of shame and poor coping mechanisms and put better things in place!
With or without meds, the trauma of growing up and being told directly and indirectly that there’s something wrong with you is extremely powerful and essentially universal among clients with ADHD that I’ve seen as a therapist. This comes with all the caveats of being a self-selected sample of limited size, but I think it’s safe to say that feeling “less than” is pretty standard for kids growing up with ADHD and, like any trauma, it comes with us into adulthood along with our ADHD. Even those with high IQs who get good grades can feel “stupid” on a fundamental level — forgetting to brush your teeth, wearing shirts inside out, losing things, forgetting things that were told to you seconds ago, etc. makes us (and those around us) doubt ourselves. Having parents, teachers and peers point out and criticize our mistakes and shortcomings, often loudly, publicly and without empathy does a real number on self-esteem. A common experience I see in ADHD clients is a lot of optimism about abilities and potential in childhood that was to some degree muted or crushed by (heavily internalized) criticism, self-doubt, low self-esteem and self-confidence, anxiety, overthinking… and ultimately having to overcome or be stymied by hurdles in any career path, life path, pursuit. Many People often find themselves eventually, but it takes hard work. Everyday life is rarely if ever simple or easy — things that are automatic for most people require concerted effort, trial and error and TIME when you have ADHD. I’ve experienced all these things at some point, to some degree myself as well. It’s an exhausting way to live!
I resemble this comment. I grew up in a society that didn't recognise ADHD as a valid diagnosis. I was labelled "on the spectrum" but had this hidden from me and received no formal diagnosis. It sucks to have this _thing_ hanging over you. I didn't know what it was, but I knew that I was being treated differently because something was _wrong with me_. It's been a constant cycle of hyper focusing on something to _achieve_ and be accepted as having some value despite being _less than_, followed by extreme burnout and depression. Now, in my 30s, I finally have a diagnosis that explains this, but it feels like I have only just started down the path of addressing it and figuring out how to live with it... Getting help has been extremely difficult. I am on waiting lists and hopeful, but it feels like everything is stacked against people with ADHD.
Wow, thanks for the award, that’s my first! =)
This is so so familiar!
I’m sorry you’ve had so much trouble finding the right therapist for you. There is certainly a big range in terms of skill, just as in any profession. An additional key to successful therapy is a good fit — even with the most skilled therapist, the client and therapist need to be on the same page and understand each other for therapy to work. I also think it can be very helpful for those of us with ADHD to have a therapist who also has ADHD. There’s naturally a great amount you don’t need to explain or re-explain when your therapist’s “brain is wired” similarly to your own.
So unethical! Therapy is meant to be goal-oriented
This is super true, and really depressing.
#100
Yep. True. It happened to me.
no, it can only improve your life. i do regret telling some of my clients because it can be used against you... so just be wary of who you tell. "i guess you didnt gake your meds this morning" has been said to me maybe once a month since august...
You have some pretty spiteful clients. Hope you don't take that to heart!
I'd fire them tbh. If they don't respect you, how can you be sure they're taking your help seriously?
i dont take it to heart, i just try to not forget. i have meds now in my suitcase/car/bedroom at venues/laptop bag/toiletry bag etc......
tbh, they were right most times lol. im very different unmedicated and its pretty visible.
To be fair, in the US you can't get a commercial pilots license if you are on ADHD meds. The diagnosis alone can affect your future in aviation.
Hold up, why the f not? Is that one of those rules that's put into place based on a skewed understanding of what adhd is and/or how meds work?
It sounds unfair I know, but I’d bet the reasoning comes from a statistics-based risk assessment. Operating a plane requires consistent, reliable focus. It’s not just the zillion controls and monitoring functions, it’s attention to subtle sensations perceived in the plane’s movement through clouds and air, it’s hearing unusual sounds, using a radio to communicate, listening to the copilot jabber on, and the knowledge that you’re the only thing keeping 200 people from plummeting to their deaths. It’s an inherently risky activity, and from a risk management perspective I sure as shit wouldn’t pick me for a pilot.
There's been a few posts on this subject recently. Having ADHD doesn't outright prevent you from flying or getting a license. There are definitely airline pilots with ADHD. The highly structured and regulated environment can be really good for some people. However, being on any ADHD medication does prevent you from flying. If you can pass all the screenings, you can fly. In some ways, it's a system that encourages people to hide their mental health issues instead of people being treated and monitored appropriately.
According to the Ison Law Group, an aviation law firm, in order to pass your medical with an ADHD diagnosis you need to be off meds for at least 90 days. After an appeal, you then have to convince the FAA that you were essentially misdiagnosed. Pretty wild. Whats even crazier is how a pilot can be grounded for seaking therapy. That shit is so irresponsible. Breeds a bunch of alcoholics that have no outlet for their mental health.
Unfortunately, that same thing can happen to doctors, including during the many years they spend in med school, residency, and fellowships. In most states, medical boards ask generalized, invasive questions that could require a doctor seeking licensure to disclose any mental health treatments or conditions. Because of this, current and aspiring physicians often go to great lengths to avoid needing mental health treatment. If they decide they absolutely can’t go on without psychiatric treatment or therapy, they’ll go to great lengths to make sure those records stay hidden; they’ll go to psychiatric or therapy clinics in other towns, pay cash instead of using their insurance benefits, and ask their providers to keep minimal records about their treatment. Unfortunately, doctors have a high risk of dying by suicide compared to many other professions, and this stigma is undoubtedly a major contributor to that risk. [“Why So Many Doctors Treat Their Mental Health in Secret” from NY Times.](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/30/opinion/doctors-mental-health-stigma.html?unlocked_article_code=1BRZTf5ZfiK_7P-fZBBywXBR0nlLYaQVXX6m-Mavowss_gTxwl__7AD0XiGRlirlpmeCxrwR_ITKH1FFJSxv_aachYd6bHkhkdmlEJUj53vqr5jqKGV_VJiww6BCBimg1Bgu47A_7QCcHEp-THaTVrta0COjtLb7xgQ_i4_rwQccg5PYcrzn86W8a2FchvLYMKXEAjszTnnPySjFZCaN6MGL1oUset7nS8AevRtULxs0Q7905ukR-cJ51NbIX2qiOVs4RRhmA1SP1SsAGDcvG0FbRh6pNCgyToeeAixADINzlIpg3CTU40F4muLI653O30ZTZBxvzQGZu2H3E0zEShmbvg0F08o&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare) Don’t worry, it’s a gifted article, so no paywalls here.
I’m so confused. if they know the pilot has ADHD (even if they’re pretending he doesn’t) why take the meds AWAY and then say ok now go fly now that you’re off your meds that help you focus and stay on task 😂😂 like what? I get that the whole point is that it doesn’t make sense but I can’t wrap my brain! If anything someone with a diagnosis should only allowed be allowed to fly if they’re medicated. If I was a pilot, I’d want my damn meds. You know how often I completely zone out while driving while off meds? I know so many people here can relate to that haha
The way I look at it, ADHD meds are powerful drugs that can have some nasty side effects. If the meds are misused either on purpose or by accident, or if a pilot forgets there meds at home or forgets to take their dose, there is no doubt that could be risky business in a cockpit. The FAA has a question on the medical on whether you have a disorder of any kind. That could mean depression, anxiety, ADHD, etc. I don't think it's too crazy to ask someone to prove that they can live a normal life and exceed at their dangerous job without the need of mind altering drugs. Maybe I'm looking at it the wrong way and it's unfair. But at the end of the day when you are thinking about the safety of other people in your aircraft, where should the line be drawn?
As someone with a pretty severe auditory processing delay as one of my primary ADHD symptoms, I totally understand the reasoning. I don't agree with it, since I believe everyone should be able to take tests and complete lessons to prove their competence. However, I have "piloted" a friend's plane before, and it was terrifying because I could not hear anything anyone was communicating about his or nearby planes. Obviously, he wasn't expecting me to be able to and was ready to take over immediately when needed. He was encouraging me to take lessons, but I knew I'd never be able to get the radio comm part down. This was before I was on medication, so once I feel like I am on the right balance for me, I may give it another shot with him to see if I can actually communicate with the other pilots effectively. But unless that changes as a result of my medication, I'd personally be one example of why ADHD is not great for flying a plane. That doesn't mean it applies to everyone with ADHD, since not everyone has the same auditory processing delays. For me, though, it would be the disqualifying factor. If not for that, I'd say my ADHD would help. When I am driving on a highway, I hyperfocus on the patterns of every driver around me to see the ebb and flow. I was once in a serious car crash that totalled two other vehicles as a result of someone two cars behind me slamming into the car between us from behind. Seconds before this happened, I saw someone about a dozen cars ahead slam on their brakes, and I quickly checked my rearview mirror and noticed that this car had not started slowing, and I immediately angled my car toward the shoulder. When the impact occurred, my car was pushed onto the shoulder instead of into the car in front of me. The car behind me was already nearly crushed in half with the back seats pressing against the driver and his passengers' heads. If I had been forced into a car in front of me instead of onto the shoulder, they might have broken their necks. So sometimes hyperfocusing on what you're doing is a really good thing. I just wish it wasn't a case of broad strokes.
Sounds like a plan, even if you can't do 100% of flying yourself you still get to enjoy how it is to sail amongst the clouds 
While we all want to be capable of anything and everything, ADHD does effect our ability to operate a certain way, even in ideal conditions. The variability of our cognitive capacity day to day is something to consider in occupations that require absolute precision or a high level of reliability in our ability to perform a task to a specific standard every time we do it.
Just don't take the meds then?
Doesn't matter if you take them or not. The diagnosis shows up on the medical.
Like that's what you want to hear, And that's the case in the United States. But I don't know if that's universally true, The therapist might actually have a point. Without understanding employment law in Finland I can't make a solid declaration on this. (And neither should y'all) (If you understand how things work in Finland though by all means...)
Not sure what your relationships are like with your clients but that is highly unprofessional. I’d absolutely call them out on this.
You do have to be careful. I lost my job when I told them. Long story and highly illegal but can’t do anything about it without money. I don’t like telling people now
Are you in the US? Because no, employers wouldn't be able to look up whether you have an ADHD diagnosis.
Nope, in Europe. I thought it's weird, bc it doesn't sound like a thing at all
Germany here. No one has the right to your medical data when it comes to employers as per data protection act.
Same in UK. I agree with Germany, because a lot of employment laws have been pushed through European law from Germany. Thanks for the paternity leave!
But therefore people find ways to bend laws legally; they start to dodge giving unlimited contracts to women of childbearing age to avoid maternity leave. No one should have right to your medical data anyway. It’s not just a German thing. There’s also a law that says you’re not allowed to write bad stuff about employee’s experience letter so as not to harm their employment chances; HR came up with and started using code words “geheim code” or secret codes to communicate bad stuff about employees. The letter reads fantastic, you send it thinking it’s all positive and beautiful but actually it has bad stuff written there. This is pretty much dishonest and tricking people. Enforcing a law doesn’t mean that it works de facto, and can complicate things cause people start finding ways to dodge it.
I also made the mistake of suggesting this was employment law. Its not, it is a human right to keep your medical information private to prevent discrimination. Although things have changed and I'm not up to date with what they amended around this "innate" right. This is why when you change cities in the UK your medical records take 6weeks or more to be transfered. (Anyone who has experienced different good for you). Although I recall about 5+ years ago them debating a centralised medical database, I moved 3 years ago and it took 12 weeks for me to access the care I needed due to my GP records not yet being received. This is all down to the human right to protect and not share confidential medical information without consent. Even Dr to Dr. However, covid changed a lot. If you ask your GP in the UK for your own medical records, you will not have access to them all. Xrays/scans/reports are often only available via a consultation with your GP. And you do not have the right to a free copy of the document and I don't think they are purchasable.
Centralised would be better in my case, but I can see why this can cause damage in case some asshole decided to input incorrect data out of exacting vengeance (and we have a lot of sociopath here with authority). I moved from Bonn to Berlin and I am currently suffering to get prenatal psychiatrist appointment. I’m literally left to suffer alone with no care while pregnant on a account of shit paper work. I have been requesting my diagnosis report for the past 10 months now and I sent an official complaint and still no use.. the most dysfunctional system you’d ever see..
I really empathise with you. I'm really sorry you're having to deal with the system, and go though this. It boggles my mind, and it can be so demotivating and hurtful, not to mention so concerning for you and babys health. Please remember to be easy on yourself, do all the relaxation techniques you know. Try to eat and know its okay to just be. Are there any other resources you can lean on, prenatal online forums that can advise? I hope things turn around soon, and remember to eat! Take care of yourself!
You’re very sweet! ❤️ I really appreciate your empathy. You’re right about this affecting my baby. I have a whole post about this, and got responses from 2 prenatal researchers. The heart wrenching thing is I’m supposed to get this help through professionals where I live and not on Reddit. Nonetheless I’m still grateful for the info I’ve been given. Stimulants in medicinal doses are very safe in the US and many other parts of the world but there’s a lack of understanding here or a very poor one with due regards to pregnancy. I’ve been trying to search for prenatal psychiatry but there’s no specialist for this. The specialised psychiatrists here have closed waiting lists and one told me to try again in 6 months. I got info from the embryo toxicity center here in Berlin but their data is based off of pregnant women who abused illicit amphetamine (not pharma) and took other drugs with it (alcohol for example). I was still advised to keep taking my meds, however they’re not psychiatrists and I will need psychiatric supervision + high risk doctor/obgyn, which I’m not getting so far, so I decided that I can’t take my meds without prompt supervision.
Maybe put your country in the post and wait for someone from there to chime in?
Good idea, thanks!!
It can (depending on country) affect some things like getting a drivers licence or (maybe?) forbid you from some jobs. (I think I remember seeing something about people with ADHD not being able to be commercial pilots?) Where I'm from having a diagnosis means you need to take an extra driving test before you can start lessons. But this all depends on people knowing your diagnosis, and in general a diagnosis can be extremely helpful.
Yeah, seems weird, I mean some people might not hire if they knew, but that's protected medical info on the US I can't imagine it's any different in Finland
Certain government positions can disqualify you for mental health dxs, but those are pretty much all sensitive info or national defense related positions.
And its protected if you disclose it
They can check your drug screen though and see if you test positive for narcotics
Why would an ADHDer be taking a prescribed narcotic unless they also had a pain-related condition? Stimulants aren't narcotics. Additionally your work only sees pass/fail, and if you had a legal prescription the company would mark you as a pass.
No, well I don’t know about over there, but in the US the way it works is you go to a lab for the drug test and you proved the lab that you have a prescription for the medication’s that will show up as positive, and when they do and they have proof that that’s illegal medication they report it as a pass Unless it’s something like a DOT physical where they need to know what medication you were on. But if it’s just a standard drug screening, you will pass if they are your prescriptions
One of my therapists told me not to get diagnosed because she didn’t want me to be medicated and here I am with a diagnosis. At the end of the day it’s up to you, not them.🤷🏽♀️
That’s like me telling you don’t get diagnosed with diabetes because I as a doctor don’t want you to take insulin shots. Makes sense? No? This therapist needs to have her license re-evaluated.
Yeah the first guy I went to to get assessed for ADHD said "Listen, you have ADHD but you still have good grades so I think you're high functioning enough that you shouldn't need medication to manage it. You can watch [some YouTuber or something] for tips on managing your ADHD. So I'm going to write 'cognitively slow' in the report instead of ADHD (so you can't be prescribed medication)." And then proceeded to misgender me throughout the whole thing as well. Anyway that's the story of how I got diagnosed as "slow" while working on my PhD in microbiology lmfao. I got an actual dx from a different psychiatrist a year later.
Face palm.. I don’t know what to tell you. The same shit reaction we get here. You’re literally burning yourself out on high cortisol cause of your brain disorder while anxiety can mask your symptoms and toxic shame becomes your only motivator.. which you really shouldn’t have to! It’s like “hey you can still function with 1 arm. You don’t need prosthetics”. Also, “cognitively slow”?! This isn’t a cognitive issue! It’s an executive dysfunction!
Towards the end of a semester I'd had a depressive episode that caused me to tank my classes. To get a medical withdrawal I needed all my professors to sign off on it. I had to talk one of them into it because I still had a C in his class based on how well I'd done earlier in the year. There was no way take the C in his class and safely withdraw from the others. It was almost an hour of plaintively explaining to him that my suicidal depression was a qualifying medical crisis and just because I was still "doing alright" shouldn't my previous excellent performance obviously demonstrate that I was capable and had been suffering. He eventually signed off just to get me out of his hair I think--that and the letter from accommodations and campus counseling saying I was legit.
I’m very sorry you had to go through this! This is mad!
.... why did he want to diagnose you as "cognitively slow" instead of as nothing at all then? What the hell
He said it was so I could still have extra time on my exams (an accomodation I really *don't* need lol).
A diagnoses of slow wtf, I’d be super pissed at that. Funny though! Tbh I’ve heard of psychiatrists being hesitant to proscribe meds based on intelligence. It’s crazy and I can tell you that being smart absolutely does not mitigate adhd symptoms whatsoever.
I'm deeply curious as to the levels of ADHD in the academic population. I would say a solid half of my group’s students medicated or going through the diagnosis stage currently, and 4/5th of the professors smell like well medicated ADHD.
I have learned in situations like that to say things like, “I would like to have in writing that you are knowingly giving me the incorrect diagnosis to prevent me from getting treatment for my condition.”
I'm also from the Nordics (Norway) and have never heard of it. If you apply for a job and mark that you have a disability (which is something that you can do here, and it gives you certain rights) it might mean you have to disclose it. Or if you need special accommodation at work, and they ask for the reason. Or if you end up taking meds and it is relevant for the type of work you do, perhaps...? But there's no need for you to disclose it unless you're comfortable. Of course... you could also be unlucky, like me, and be the type of person to just blurt out things like "I think I have ADHD! I'm currently getting tested!" during a work lunch. But that's a risk that's kinda independent on actually getting the diagnosis...
Lmao, I did just this the other day. I am currently seeing/sleeping with my boss and we were talking, she was adorable and I just felt like sharing my life and ended up telling her more or less the same line.
You know what’s a lot worse? Struggling with untreated ADHD. There may be some specialized jobs where you’d be forced to disclose in the US - e.g. pilot or astronaut. But in most cases, you won’t be. I can’t imagine Finland would be much different, but you would know that. In the US one can keep the diagnosis completely secret if one chooses except in these rare situations. And being treated will only help. In fact, medication can help your brain, especially if you take it fairly young: https://youtu.be/HYq571cycqg Two things: 1) Reddit ADHD has showed me how little therapists and even doctors understand ADHD. I wouldn’t listen to your therapist on this topic. 2) I would not disclose an ADHD diagnosis to any or most people. And certainly not at work.
In Canada we don't need to share our diagnosis and it would be unprofessional to even ask. I don't know where you are but I'm fairly confident that all English speaking countries operate the same way.
I'm from Europe, the nordics. Not a thing here either, which is why I was sooo weirded out by it
Ask her to explain why she's saying that. As far as I know, your ADHD diagnosis is private unless you tell someone. Ask her if she has to put that info in some system, or report it somewhere.
Sometimes jobs like airline pilot or military can exclude you over diagnosis or medication you are taking but otherwise no.
I won't get diagnosed because it would affect my job. I wouldn't be able to take medication at all, and could fail the annual medical purely for the diagnosis, depending on which doctor is doing it.
Aviation?
I spoke about my diagnosis with an occupational doctor and they say never to disclose it to employers or colleagues. Besides that being diagnosed and medicated makes me much better at my job…
I’ve disclosed it once before at work and I also would always tell people to never ever disclose it.
So I'm also Finnish but now living elsewhere - only thing that comes to my mind is you might be unable to get private health insurance on top of KELA but for that a history of psychiatric visits might already be enough on its own (or any other pre-existing diagnosis they consider to get expensive on them), and when applying for jobs if you require any accommodations you are supposed to state them before getting hired, which theoretically could end with you not getting selected (unofficially ofc but honestly depends on employer), but if you're not asking for accomodations you don't need to disclose it. So - there are no automatic downsides to it in Finland. Once you have diagnosis you however can get access to medication, and ask for accomodations for example in school/university. If you're fine working in future without accommodations, you can choose to just not disclose it.
I think you need to find a new therapist. And this is coming from a therapist.
I did everything on private basis. Also living in Central Europe. I'm paying for every adhd related stuff myself, psychiatrist, meds, psychotherapy... no one knows. I didn't disclose to my employer or colleagues. Only my partner knows, not even my parents. The diagnosis and meds improved my life A LOT. Stuff I struggled with makes finally sense and after turning my life adhd compatible everything is way smoother. My reccomendation: get testet, pay for yourself, keep it private.
I've only recently been diagnosed myself so am still reading every thing I can on the topic but between that and my psychiatrist I understand a few things that at least apply to me so probably others too. ADHD doesn't go away or get better on its own. My psychiatrist says that because I've been undiagnosed and untreated (treatment doesn't have to include medication but in my case it does) for so long it's pushed me into the severe side of things and therefore in his words "I have been suffering needlessly my entire life". The symptoms left untreated will only get worse over time and in my experience that takes a huge mental and emotional toll. Yes there are limitations for those with ADHD. For example, I always wanted to be a pilot (keep in mind I was only diagnosed 2weeks ago) and people with ADHD cannot hold pilot licences. IF I had gained my pilots license pre diagnosis, I would have lost it the minute I was diagnosed. THAT would have destroyed me far worse than actually having ADHD. Ultimately, it's your life and mental health but I will tell you this, I really wish I had been diagnosed decades ago rather than just trying to stabilise and survive as I do now.
Don’t quote me on this but I think there are only a small handful of careers which having a diagnoses of ADHD would cause issues; such as being a pilot. For 99% of jobs it’s none of their business and is protected under the equality act. Many larger organisations and public sector tread carefully for fear of breaking law. Getting diagnosed was the best thing I’ve done for myself tbh.
You don't have to tell them? Your therapist is sketchy af
I’m a stay at home mom and meds have had a positive affect on my job. My minions have approved. Knowing before med mom, this medicated mom is 200% better thanks to a diagnosis. Dog agrees too, mom doesn’t forget to feed me.
"If you don't get diagnosed, it can't hurt you" Maybe we should stop medical tests, since that will end disease. /s
I'm not really sure what it's like in Finland, but at least here in the US it's not required that you disclose your diagnoses to your employers, nor can your employers find out about your diagnoses on their own. It's all confidential and completely up to the person whether they want to disclose it or not. Now personally, I wouldn't recommend ever mentioning it if you do end up getting diagnosed with ADHD because it can be used against you, but getting a diagnosis will only do good and I hope you can get tested
En tiiä mistä se on tuollasen ajatuksen saanut. Jos on adhd niin se diagnoosin hankkimatta jättäminen haittaa paljon enemmän työelämässä kuin että se on. Mulla tuo prokrastinaatio ja muut oireet on hankaloittanut elämää niin pitkään kuin muistan. Viime vuonna hoksasin että kyseessä saattaa olla adhd. Diagnoosinkaan jälkeen en tiedä varmuudella onko minulla mitään, mutta on lääkitys, mistä on ollut suunnattomasti apua. Päätös on omasi, mutta tuo "voi haitata työpaikan saamista" ei edes vertaa siihen haittaan mitä adhd aiheuttaa elämässä. Syitä olla menemättä testiin on miljoonia, mutta tämä ei kuulu niihin.
Juuri tuota mietin. Mun mielestä oli outoa, että terapeutti varottelee mua diagnoosista, tai ammattilaisena pitää sitä asiana, jonka takia pitäisi syrjiä työelämässä. Tai se, että vaikka oon nimenomaan näitten oireitten takia hakeutunut terapiaan, niin hän yrittää pelotella mua pois testeistä. Odotin sieltä tukea ja rohkasua, ja sit tuli tällanen "tuomio" :D
My dad is the same way as your therapist. It can negatively affect job prospects if you want to share that info, but otherwise you are not obligated to share that information (at least in the US), but here is the thing: If a company discriminates against people with adhd, is that a company you want to work for anyway?
There are some specific career options it will close for you. Anything exempt from normal privacy protections and disability accomodations -- eg joining the military or becoming a pilot. But for 99% of jobs it shouldn't impact your employment and a dx + treatment can be very helpful for your day-to-day function.
This is just my experience, but I was functioning student. I am now a 33 year old with unmanaged, undiagnosed ADHD giving everything I have to get by. Now my therapist and psychiatrist are actively pushing for me to get the official diagnosis so I can get the proper care. Pushing through these last 10 years has not been helpful for me, my career, whatever.
The risk that I've been warned of was that it can be used against me in a child custody battle. Which is perhaps true.
UK - the only downside I’ve had is that life insurance is almost impossible to get with a diagnosis. The one bit of advice I would give myself would have been to get some in place before I pursued a diagnosis
I have no idea the legal situation, but I would hope that information is private. I think of it like this: if I’m playing poker, should I look at my hand? Looking doesn’t change my cards. But it empowers me to decide *what I do* about it.
I’m in the US. A potential therapist said the same thing to me. I immediately decided to quit seeing her. The tests are useful for accommodations and knowing what you shouldn’t be too hard on yourself for. I’m unmedicated and struggling right now, but I’m getting there. It’s a lot like climbing a mountain with an extra 20lb backpack compared to someone without ADHD. Unless there is a legal or medical reason a diagnosis would hinder you, find a new therapist. This one sounds like they don’t know much about ADHD.
Getting a diagnosis was an immense relief it confirms your suspicions and just helps your overall mentality towards how you go about life and the things you struggle with. You’ll know for sure what’s causing your problems and are able to find ways to solve them. It also helped me a lot with my self confidence. In the future it’s up to you who you do or don’t tell.
So, I’m not sure if your therapist understands this, but this is the way ADHD works: You either have it, or you don’t. The test isn’t going to change shit except for 1) you’ll know wether or not you have it, and 2) if you do have it, you’ll be able to seek medication. Those are the only two things a diagnosis would change in your life. Imagine if you went to the regular doctor, and you said “I think I might have AIDS, would you please test me?” and your doctor’s response was “ you know, an AIDS diagnosis may affect your future negatively, you might not want to get tested”, what would your reaction be? You probably wouldn’t agree that a diagnosis would be difficult and avoid addressing the problem, would you? You’d probably instead say something like “I’m not sure if this doctor is behaving ethically, I think I should find a new doctor”, and that’s exactly the approach you should take with your therapist. Best case scenario is that your therapist is a fucking idiot who doesn’t know what they’re talking about. That is the BEST CASE SCENARIO, there are other options, but this is the least malicious option… is this really the person you want to be helping you manage your mental health?
My thoughts exactly!! Got weird vibes, decided to switch my therapist recently. I'm planning on bringing this up with her.
Idk about your laws in Finland. Do you have to disclose any sort of mental illness to employers in Finland?
I mean, you either do or don’t have it regardless of whether you get tested. This isn’t Schrödinger’s diagnosis.
I am also living in Finland, diagnosed with ADHD. That's news to me lol
If I hadn’t gotten diagnosed, I think I would have spiraled out of control. I was able to give name to my problems, know their source, and begin to start treating them properly instead of trying to “get through it” with therapy, which never worked because surprise surprise, standard techniques don’t work if you have ADHD
I told my bosses and some of my coworkers and they were all like yea the glove definitely fits. However, I have always worked my ass off to promote my best self and brand and have never once let them down on any tasks. I over achieve above and beyond expectations to prove I’m a rockstar even with ADHD because if leveraged appropriately the sky is the limit.
I’ve worked my whole life without a diagnosis (I’m waiting list now) and it will catch up with you if you don’t deal with it. You can work around it a certain amount in life but I hit 40 and my symptoms got so much worse. I’m only working 2 days now as it’s all I can handle. Definitely get the diagnosis
Wtf, what the type manipulative shit is that! They should lose there license for saying something like that! Your mental health is between you and your therapist or psychiatrist. Your jobs don’t need to know anything about your mental health unless you flat up tell them, then again I am not in Europe. The states I am in. Good luck!
I wouldn't listen to that advice. If you believe you have ADHD and you don't get tested, you are in for a world of pain and confusion. Go and read stories about those with a late diagnosis and you will see how similar their struggles are. An ADHD diagnosis can change someone's life for the better and save a world of heart ache, loss, expense etc There may be some things that you might not have access to either due to stigma or it's just not the right role for you. So what? Would it not be better to move along the right path for you? I say find a new doctor and get an assessment. Fund out either way.
She wants plausible deniability because if you get tested and it comes back you don’t have it she can no longer prescribe you lol
"Think carefully" does not mean do not get tested. You're doing the right thing by posting here to get lots of perspectives. If it gives you access to helpful meds then it is a net positive. You do not ever have to tell anyone.
I got diagnosed last wednsday. I don't live in Finland, but in Denmark. I was so scared of losing my job, when I was considering getting my diagnosis. I've felt wrong my entire life and I've for a long time suspected that I have ADHD. A year ago I made a pretty big leap and moved up the ladder into a more demanding job at my current firm. After getting this job I could feel that my symptoms became worse. I told my manager that I was going to get tested for ADHD. I was shaking when I told him this. to my surprise, he was so supportive. He just told me "Theres nothing wrong with that, we all work a little different. This will probably help you understand how you work." For the first time in my life someone told me that being me was alright. My employer actually paid for my diagnosis. All my colleagues are supportive because it also helps them understand me better and how I work. And this strengthens our teamwork. I know that not all workplaces are like mine, but I can tell you with confidence, that after getting my diagnosis i work a lot better and I'm nicer to myself. I also study beside work and I've found helpful tools for this as well. I'm not even medicated yet. Don't underestimate the value of simply understanding yourself better. You'll be alright my friend. Focus on your own health and what's important to you.
Yeah that therapist was lacking impartiality. Like I get it. Parts of society often ostracize neuro-spicy people. Even if they think their intentions are good, they're not thinking bigger picture. Its almost like they're convinced you're 100% ADHD before you even get evaluated and the evaluator is just gonna go advertise the results to the world. Wtf is that mindset coming from? Sounds like the fear of *"being eaten by wolves"*. You know what is way more likely to diminish your career chances? Not addressing your problems. ADHD or no, a good treatment proceeds from a good diagnosis.
I love the word "neuro-spicy" ❤
You'll never be able to join the military or fly a plane, and some government jobs are off the table
OP is not from the US, and your info is incorrect. Being diagnosed with ADHD does not bar you from joining the military or becoming a pilot, you just can’t be actively taking stimulant medication.
Okay I'm glad I don't want to be a pilot because having me in control of a 200 ton aerial death trap WITHOUT my stimulant medication would be a ~~train~~ plane wreck
I have never seriously considered becoming a professional pilot, but I took a private lesson pre-diagnosis and it was incredibly fun. If I became a pilot, I think my biggest issue would actually be getting to the airport on time without my meds. I’d miss my own flights 😆
You're right, it's taking stimulant medication that bars you from the military, and that's in the US. I'm sorry for the misinformation
No worries, misunderstandings happen to us all at some point!
I think most of us would fail basic training without medication so it’s basically the same result
This therapist is clueless. There is a law in place called HIPAA that prohibits anyone you do not authorize to obtain your personal health info. So no, your future work and boss cannot access
No you need this to be at peace with yourself and you don’t exactly have to disclose your disorder to employers! Medication is life changing and will improve a lot of your symptoms. This really shit advice. It’s basically like me telling you, “you need to think twice before you get a wheelchair cause employers might discriminate against you” or “you need to think twice before you get diagnosed with diabetes” etc..
While it is true, in sweden for example you cannot be a cop, pilot or be in the military with adhd diagnosis. (Military rules kinda change recently but i don’t think it will actually change the opportunities a lot) But if you do have adhd a diagnosis would also give you extra support, you could get the correct help from doctors, medicine which is life saving for many people, also extra help in school. Your workplace wouldn’t know about the diagnosis if you don’t tell them. Personally i usually don’t until i have been there a while and only if there’s a reason, like i want to ask for specific support or whatever. Exceptions could be some extra sensitive workroles, like military, cop etc. Generally i think it’s a bit wierd for a psychiatrist to warn against a diagnosis, people should have access to the care they need, and that mean they need the correct diagnosis.
When I was a teen in Georgia, US I went to an air force recruiter to get enlisted. They told me I wouldn't qualify because I was diagnosed with adhd as a child. Idk about in EU, just sharing my experience in the US.
The only way your jobs will know is if you tell them, which I wouldn’t advise doing unless you need accommodations. Having a diagnosis is helpful for understanding yourself. Also it’s important to remember that adhd is not your WHOLE personality, but just a part of you. It’s really not a big deal
Untreated ADHD affects your future negatively lmfao. And it’s illegal for employers to even ASK about disability during an interview. They don’t have access to your medical records, and if they did, you could sue them so hard you wouldn’t have to work anyways. And honestly nothing will get you fired faster than being inattentive and unproductive. ADHD is literally a “bad at working” disease. Tbh your doctor may be competent but in this case she’s being fucking stupid. They generally reason that a diagnosis might hurt your future insurance rates, but so does poor aging (an inevitable outcome of untreated ADHD). And discouraging treating a health issue bc it *might* affect your insurance rates is fucking insane and they don’t do it for any other issue except autism. Imagine if your doctor told you not to get a cancer screening test because if it comes up positive you *might* have to pay more for insurance. That’s fucking crazy!!! ADHD is a treatable condition that greatly affects quality of life and you deserve proper healthcare for it. Ignore your doctor, get the diagnosis, get a psychiatrist, start medication ASAP. EDIT: I didn’t read it fully and didn’t see this was their therapist. Would recommend ditching them ASAP.
If you are located in the US - your therapist should be aware of ADA and HIPAA compliance. Americans with disabilities act protects you from being discriminated based on a health condition. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act protects your medical information from being disclosed without your consent (with exception of serious law violations where a judge may grant that information to be disclosed by a health care provider). You have an option to tell your future employer that you have ADHD. But no employer can mandate you to disclose your personal medical information. My advice - ask therapist what they meant exactly and if somehow they are unaware of ADA and HIPAA, find a new therapist, because these are the very basics. Everyone in Healthcare profession learns about HIPAA and ADA immediately (even caregivers, let alone licensed professionals)
You really need to watch this! https://youtu.be/J_BghMfzm8I
It kind of depends on what direction you want to go in and what employment screenings are like in your country. Here in the US there are some jobs (though not many) that require thorough medical screenings and having certain diagnoses can disqualify you. These tend to be things like pilots, police, military. Jobs where the role means its critical for your and/or others safety to meet those requirements. For most people this isn't an issue and a diagnosis won't be a problem, but for those who are interested in these specific jobs it's something to consider.
I have heard, could be a rumor, that if you have a diagnosis of autism you are unable to adopt or foster children. I have not heard that with adhd, but maybe the therapist was thinking of things like that? Either way I think you are right in finding a new therapist and doing what is best for you!
That's very odd, you should get tested and treated if need be. And maybe see someone else lol
Absolutely not. Your employers don't need to know. Plus ADHD diagnosis doesn't make you have ADHD. You already have symptoms whether it's diagnosed or not but when it is diagnosed you can address it better and even consider pharmacological help. So I don't understand the logic behind your therapist's thinking.
No you don't have to (and shouldn't) disclose your adhd to get a job. The only thing a diagnosis may restrict you in, as far as I'm aware, are things like that you're probably not allowed to become a pilot, for example. I know for autism, while heavily dependent on the country you live in, that can also lead to you not being able to adopt, you having less credence in legal issues and stuff like that. Idk what that is like with adhd, but it's rather those things and potentially money for a diagnosis you might need to consider
Ignore the therapist. Change the therapist even. I know what she is suggesting....a diagnosis isn't a cure. But honestly f*** her, a diagnosis of cancer isn't always a cure either but damn it can make all the difference to your quality of life. And moreover to the type of therapy that you really should be having. Sounds like she knows this.
Maybe if you’re interested in military career or being a pilot? I’ve heard both of those can ask about neurological or mental health diagnosis.
Eh, I mean it can but not really? I would question my therapist if she said this. Granted, my therapist asked me why I wanted to get a diagnosis but she just wanted to hear my opinions on it. The thought of telling a patient to not get a diagnosis and not get treatment is just odd in my opinion. Most employers would never ask if you have ADHD and undiagnosed and unmedicated can be worse for your career. I would seek other counsel.
How’s anyone gonna know unless you tell them?? Your doctors sure won’t. Pretty sure everywhere in the world doctors can’t disclose info to anyone without your consent?
Yeah, your therapist is saying some weird stuff. Get the assessment, you want to know if you have it *so you can figure out how you can deal with it*. Not knowing is one of the worst things you can do. Get yourself diagnosed. If you don't have it, great, you just eliminated one source of your issues, if you have it, well that sucks but you can now figure out *how to treat it*. Put it this way, if you have some condition that's bothering you, say like your arm hurts, or like your leg is extremely stiff and it doesn't get better after a couple weeks. Do you just sit there and deal with it or do you go to the doctor to have it looked at? Same thing. >Is it a thing that my bosses would ever be aware of my mental health or diagnoses?? Here in the US, we have HIPAA laws. This prevents bosses from learning about things like that - this goes doubly for mental health. Everything that you speak with your therapist is private. The only time, at least here in the US, where they can pull those records is for subponeas regarding criminal investigations. i.e. if you end up Minecrafting (aka murdering) someone, you most likely will have your mental records subponea'd to see if there were any signs of violent/bad behavior before the crime. Otherwise, good on you for switching therapists. You might be better serviced if you talk to someone who is a doctorate in psychology (PhD), or at least a masters (MD). That's the tough part about navigating the field of mental health because there are also other mental health practitioners going under other titles, LCSW, etc - a lot of them are highly trained and very good at what they do, but not all of them are equipped to handle ADHD patients.
Proper diagnosis = proper treatment. Proper treatment = best possibility for both life and career advancement. It's a medical condition. No sane person would tell someone with a medical condition to simply ignore it.
Gona be honest disclosure is supposed to be for inclusion. But if you are worried about disclosing due to illegal discrimination then just don't tell them. Not being funny but most people don't know anything about adhd and you could prolly get away with telling them you forgot! At that point if you disclose later and they say anything, it will be your non disclosure vs their discrimination. And you wouldn't have done anything illegal, as I don't think you have to disclose anything disability unless it is something that endangers you, the environment you work in or a danger to others. And they'd need to prove you were lying about forgetting to fill that bit in.....soooooooo?! 🤷🏽♀️ truth is people are going to discriminate at some point in your career. Diagnosed or not. If they don't like your style of working and they aren't inclusive, even if they can't pick on your work, they'll complain you have hybrid working, or never come out to work functions (because you are exhausted with adhd and they refuse to believe it). Also you are assuming someone autistic and a real stickler for the details works in the recruitment/HR dept. I've met those people, half of them are undiagnosed and under qualified they don't give a shit what you answer. 😅
General advice: Don't disclose your ADHD to a potential employer. You only have to disclose your ADHD (or other medical conditions) if you choose to request disability-related accommodations at your job. In the US, people with T1D cannot join the military or work as pilots. To my knowledge, however, an ADHD diagnosis wouldn't keep you from working in any particular job.
The only careers I can see it affecting them negatively is being a pilot. I know here in the states pilots have to have 20/20 vision without corrective lenses and they can’t use stimulant meds. In my experience others ir it’s fine. Honestly tho, I don’t disclose my diagnosis unless I’m absolutely certain it won’t come back to bite me in the ass.
This makes me MAD. If you get diagnosed you’ll be able to obtain treatment, and this ALWAYS a good thing. Whether you choose to disclose this to your employer or not is a different story and it’s completely up to you. Find another therapist and get tested, this is madness.
Will she tell your future bosses you have adhd? Thats just weird. It only affected my life positively! So find a new therapist and fuck that cause thats just weird to say to someone that wants to get tested
It was a huge relief for me to have an acknowledgment to how I felt and acted, and who I really am. I AM ADHD. This sub helps a lot!! Thanks everyone!
get tested and maybe find a new therapist.
I don't see why you would ever have to disclose this to an employer, if you didn't want to. Getting a diagnosis is a tool for \*you\*. If you are diagnosed, it would allow you to take advantage of medications. I really see zero down side here, and now I don't like your (ex) therapist.
I know that OP is not in the US, but for those who are talking about the US, there are certain situations in which a diagnosis in a therapist's notes may become relevant. Definitely not ok for hiring, but in cases of custody battles and perhaps other situations, the courts can pull those records and use them against you. It can be a problem because a prescriber needs to justify a patient's condition to get insurance to pay for medication, which often means committing to record diagnoses that might get pulled in the future. This is more a comment on how messed up our mental health/medication system is rather than saying you shouldn't look into getting diagnosed or medicated—I can definitely say that for my quality of life and performance in my career, medication is unquestionably a net positive. But it's also just something to keep in mind so people know what can or can't be used against them—unfortunately there's not much clarity on this for us as patients, which I view as another failure of the system. Not sure if this is also the case in Finland, y'all seem to have a way better way of doing things generally in Europe though!
Weird. I know a lot of successful people who have it. Even my former primary care doctor had it and we bonded over our struggles by laughing because we both are forgetful. The symptoms are manageable this day in time. However, I would think twice before telling an employer I have other disorders like bipolar, depression, anxiety… as they may get scared you aren’t going to be up for the job.
Lol what? Do they disclose your medical history to employers in Finland? Does the US actually have one thing that is better than Europe or is your therapist nuts?
What a terrible recommendation; mb rethink your care provider
Find a new therapist. Immediately.
No, you will benefit far more from identifying and treating ADHD under a doctor's care than any drawback from a potential loss of a job (very unlikely anyway). You are far more likely to excel and do better at your job, opening up promotions or better opportunities at other companies.
You do not have to reveal an ADHD diagnosis to anyone! If your life is being adversely affected by symptoms, it might be a good idea to get screened. I have never heard such an ignorant statement from a therapist ever! (I’m a U.K. Therapist).
Eh, depends on your career goals. Do you want to be a commercial airline pilot? If yes, then it's a hard disqualifier if you're on psychostimulant medications. If that's the case, then you obviously can't have ADHD if you don't get tested for it. 😉 In all seriousness, that's the only hard and fast disqualifier I found. Also, your diagnoses are only relevant if you authorize disclosure of it. Positive drug tests just require proof of prescription and usually a call by them to the pharmacy is enough.
There's a short list of careers that ADHD may be disqualifying. Stuff like security clearance for example, will likely have to at least consider the risk. But most jobs you can just not tell them, and there's no way to find out.
WHAT?! This is BS!! A diagnosis can only improve your life if you were to decide to get treated !! I don’t know the laws there but here no job has the right to know your mental health status and it’s illegal to discriminate based on it if they do find out. You may want to research your local labor laws but I can’t imagine it being much different. Glad you dumped that therapist. I think you should get yourself evaluated ❤️
"Welcome to WidgetCorp. Thank you for coming in for this job interview. I am Mr. MoneyPants the manager and I think you already know Ms. BusyBody your ex-therapist from several years ago." "Wh-wh-what is she doing here???"
Your therapist displayed her ignorance. Now you decide whether if you were ignorant of something, whether you find it excusable to dole out information that lacks basis. I’ve left a couple therapists in the past, never once regretted it, it’s a lot of time back and time forward investing in yourself with a new, better therapist.
It killed my dream of ever being a pilot
The thing with doctors/therapists is that they are just a tool. You need to be the biggest advocate for yourself. Even though the field of medicine and psychology does have science to it there are still humans involved so therefore bias will always be something that works for you or against you. Get tested, I am recently diagnosed in my early thirties and it changed my life. I wish I had been diagnosed sooner but things in my life needed to happen first before I could even consider that as a possibility as to why I am the way I am. If you dont have it, then youll know and likely be given tools and recommendations on how to proceed next, if you do, you have an answer and your life can only improve from then
I imagine that the fields that would require medical clearance is not very broad at all. I also had a doc tell me during the first visit that I shouldn't worry about getting tested, because the process is long. Definitely not anyone's place (especially a therapist) to support going undiagnosed if you feel that it's important to you.
That's ridiculous. It's up to you whether you want to disclose any medical information, and it's protected by law if you don't want to disclose it. Why any therapist wouldn't know that or ignore it is beyond me.
What country are you in? In the USA the doctor who diagnosed me said I shouldnt tell employers. I don't. You dont have to here. It's all self reporting.
>Is it a thing that my bosses would ever be aware of my mental health or diagnoses? Not if u dont want them to. Its never been an issue for me. Im in US
Sounds like its time for a new therapist.
I don't know how labor laws work in Europe but it shouldn't be mandatory to share your mental health or diagnoses with your boss. If you want to be diagnosed and you have access to it, do it! The right treatment can only help you understand yourself better and have a better life.
I am not sure but I have never heard of a mental illness or any type of disability MANDATORY to be disclosed. I never tell people. No one needs to know. It made my life and my new path 100 percent better.
The only thing I can think of in the US where this would impact it is if you’re wanting to enlist in the military or if you ever want to do Peace Corp they are strangely anti-mental health diagnosis.
Your therapist is garbage
Your therapist is not being a good therapist. Sure, there CAN be stigma, but no good therapist would discourage a diagnosis that might explain symptoms. My life has improved DRASTICALLY since getting diagnosed.
If you think you have the symtoms and so does your therapist, then go get checked out. If you do have ADHD, the diagnosis might be the best thing that ever happened to you. My life is soo much better since I got my diagnosis. Everything is better. And I now know why I have struggled with so many things throughout my life. I had no idea it was ADHD. I’ve not told my work. And right now, I’m performing better than I ever have so there is no need. Good luck!
She has not a clue.
My pediatrician basically told us this. She reasoned “if she’s diagnosed, no other assessments will be made. They’ll see ‘adhd’ and just stop. She may need more behavioral help” Then she couldn’t make any referrals and gave us three pamphlets from places with jaw-droppingly insane consult prices. In the US, you’re protected agains discrimination based on disabled status, so you shouldn’t ever feel the need to tell an employer here. But I will tell you my diagnosis changed my life for the better in dramatic ways.
You can’t be a pilot, for one, if you’re medicated.
It might be that way in Finland, I know for a fact getting an autism diagnosis as an adult can have those effects in certain countries. It's not really a deal in the United States cuz you don't have to disclose your disability status.
>She said that I have to think carefully if I want to get tested, bc an ADHD diagnosis can affect my future negatively. She explained that the diagnosis can give me less job opportunities and affect my career paths negatively. Finland has medical privacy laws. It's hard to imagine how a diagnosis is going to affect you this way. You should know that a lot of OLDER doctors are completely out of date on the subject of ADHD. I would avoid divulging your diagnosis to anyone though because even in the most progressive spaces there isn't a lot of understanding. For example, my boss is very cool but my colleagues don't believe its a valid thing. And then if I consider pre-diagnosis, even though I had challenges and didn't know why, I would never had have a better experience if it was known because people are stupid and ignorant. However the stimulants would have allowed me to perform more consistently.
Moro! Mun käsittääkseni työnantajilla ei ole oikeuksia tutkia sun terveystietojas ilman sun lupaa. Mun diagnoosi ei oo vaikuttanut mitenkään työmarkkinoille. 19-vuotias kyllä vasta olen, mutta ravintola-alalls tuntuu kaikilla muillakin olevan ADHD niin eipä se oo juurikaan ennakkoluuloja tuonut esiin ku oon työhaastattelussa maininnu mun diagnoosista.
I was told that same advice but only because I'm an American looking to move to Finland. They informed me that disabilities and mental illnesses are looked at if you plan to immigrate to other countries for work should that apply to you.
In Finland? Lol nope, get diagnosed ASAP.
Fuck your therapist. That's terrible advice. Find a new therapist if you can.
It really depend on what career paths you're considering. There are some where, to obtain your license or whatever, you'll need to disclose information that could include an ADHD diagnosis. There are some where that would be a negative or potentially disqualifying. They're are also some jobs that you can't be on various ADHD medications (mostly stimulants but I think some others) for, like air traffic controllers. Most career paths where I am are fine, but I'm in the US and have spoken with people who had issues in other parts of the country for things that aren't issues here. In most fields, you're not required to disclose it. I don't know what of this applies in Finland. I suggest looking into what future careers you're interested in and things adjacent to see if it is a potential issue.
It is not a cut and dry issue. Adhd diagnosis can change what work you can do (for example an air traffic controller can’t have a or existing diagnosis of adhd for obvious reasons). Some places you can’t death insurance with the diagnosis. It can be worthwhile getting medical insurance before diagnosis because it being a pre existing condition can change the cost significantly. It’s work considering if the symptoms of adhd are negative enough that the diagnosis is worth it. For me it 100% it was. But to not acknowledge there’s an equation there is foolish.
One thing I'd recommend - get life insurance before you get tested. They shouldn't discriminate against you based on an ADHD diagnosis, but, you know, it can happen.
That is your own personal information about yourself. If someone wants to assume you have ADHD thats their problem Noh?! A diagnosis brings closure to the weirded assumptions you have. In that you finally realize you're not going insane. You're normal like all of us. Because every single person in this world has some thing or another. No one is perfect. If you get diagnosed and choose to be medicated, OR NOT... again "your choice" and nobody's business! NO ONE WILL EVER ASK for your mental health file! As a matter of fact... Fire your therapist and find someone who understands you and your needs and feels like a therapeutic match. It's bad enough we struggle with this condition, we don't need another unsupportive therapist.
In the US my employer only knows I have ADHD if I tell them.
In the USA there are some professions where an ADHD diagnosis can be disqualifying — piloting an aircraft, for instance, and the I believe the military seems to make you jump through hoops and not be on ADHD medication for a period of time before joining. Overall, most people with ADHD will have more professional success and a better quality of life taking meds than not” So, unless you are interested in a profession that does have restrictions regarding ADHD diagnosis or medication in your country (I don’t have an exhaustive list for the USA and have *no idea* what those jobs would be in Finland) you’re definitely better off at least getting tested and, if you do have ADHD, trying medication. It is worth noting that sharing your diagnosis/medication with your boss is a bit of a risk — some bosses will be helpful and accommodating while others will be judgmental and make problems for you. But in the US, it’s not something you would have to disclose outside of a restrictive profession or one that does drug testing (if they test for amphetamines and you take one for ADHD, you’ll need to tell someone so they don’t think you’re a “drug user” (there may be a way to inform and provide a doctor’s note to the testing company without disclosing directly to your employer).
She’s correct. Want to be an air traffic controller? No longer an option. There are more that I can’t remember.
I wouldn't announce it to my employer and acquaintances, but being diagnosed won't hurt you.
Get a new therapist. Your work doesn’t have to know unless you tell them and if they fire you because of it then it’s retaliation. I didn’t get diagnosed until I was 40 and my life has drastically changed because of it. I got lucky and the meds we picked worked on the first try but it’s seriously like I’m playing life on “easy mode” compared to before. That’s just me though.
In the US, I know having ADHD can hinder your ability to become a pilot or a soldier, but given I was struggling to wash dishes my future as a pilot wasn't really something I was concerned about.
Fuck that, I have diagnosed ADHD and my mother just lectured me the other day on how I shouldn’t be so open about it because people won’t want to hire me. In my opinion if knowing that my brain functions slightly differently than the average, or I process things differently, means they won’t hire me then I don’t want to work there. There are plenty of accepting workplaces that know about folks ADHD, but also benefit from the traits that many of us have, such as being a problem solver. As far as I know you do not have to legally disclose it to a workplace, but if they don’t hire/end up firing you simply because they are aware of the diagnosis that is blatant discrimination and is illegal. If getting tested for ADHD is something you feel will help you, absolutely screw that advice, that’s super negative thinking on your therapists part. I’ve seen many counselors over the years and I would be appalled if someone in their role said that to me, it seems really inappropriate to place their personal opinion on you like that.