Failures of the American medical system

[OrpheusNovum]

I've come to realize I hold a lot of anger towards our medical system, partly because of the numerous inconsistent diagnoses I was given as a kid - Asperger's, ADHD, ADD, bipolar - as well as the fact that all the resulting behavior was a function of childhood trauma. As early as 4, I can remember my mom getting lists of prescriptions: Multiple uppers, antidepressants, mood stabilizers and other assorted drugs, ALL OF WHICH were stuffed into my mouth by my mother while I was still half asleep to keep me pliable under her influence.

One of the diagnoses that destroyed my confidence was the claim of Autism/Asperger's, which I have found in the last few years of my life was actually a result of childhood trauma at the hands of a neglectful narcissistic and alcoholic mother, and an abusive philandering absentee father whose sole vision for me in life was to shape me into something that could validate their large and fragile egos.

What really throws me though, is that none of these standards are verifiable outside of the scrutiny of subjective judgments based on the secondhand communication (parents to therapist) of behaviors. The rates of diagnosed autism have skyrocketed over the last decade, due in large part to the completely subjective nature of the diagnosis. If the kid's a little awkward, fuck it. Throw a label on him, because there's something wrong with him. After my diagnosis, my mom would toss it out as an excuse for why I couldn't do things like other kids. "You can't study like everyone else, you have Asperger's". Every time she said it like I was broken. It made me hate myself even more. It made me see myself as a victim of life.

I've heard from other sources as well, including Tyler from RSD (love him or hate him) that his diagnosed Autism was actually the result of trauma which he was able to resolve. I know I'm not the only one, and that there are others with such identitarian psychological labels who may have struggled to see through the misconceptions of our "professional" medical system. I have hope that it's getting better, but I still think it's a serious issue that should be brought to light. Has anyone else had similar experiences relating to the medical/mental health field?

Edited April 4, 2019 by OrpheusNovum

[outlandish]

The failure of the US medical system is untethered capitalism.

Compared to Canada, USA has a lower life expectancy and higher rate of infant mortality, despite spending twice as much per capita on heath care.

[OrpheusNovum]

5 hours ago, outlandish said:

The failure of the US medical system is untethered capitalism.

Compared to Canada, USA has a lower life expectancy and higher rate of infant mortality, despite spending twice as much per capita on heath care.

Sweet fucksticks, really? I have no doubts about capitalism being the issue, though. Given rates of incarceration and suicide.

[outlandish]

@OrpheusNovum yeah really, you can look it up, easy stats to research. It's astounding.

[Nahm]

I don’t want to get into it either, but, yep.

[OrpheusNovum]

@Nahm okay, but can you? I'm eager to hear what you have to say.

[Nahm]

@OrpheusNovum

Feel for ya man. I’ve experienced some similar things, not that young though. Unless it’s a calling, or life purpose, I’d let it go altogether.  Your well being is the important thing.       ...Maybe make use of it all. You could write a book, or a movie script. It might help a lot actually. It’d get the word out. 

[OrpheusNovum]

@Nahm That's what I keep telling myself. I've been trying to write the same damn story for the last 11 years, but when it boils down I realize it started as a way to rationalize my painful experiences. It's moved away from that and become something entirely different, but I still haven't written anything palpable. I'm in a spot where I'm pissed I've gotten nothing done, amd I feel like even if I do, it'll take a long fucking time to make money doing what I love, so the only option I have in the meantime is selling my soul to capitalism. 

[Nahm]

@OrpheusNovum https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=47ElVv3RG2M

On 4/5/2019 at 11:46 PM, OrpheusNovum said:

selling my soul to capitalism

Nah. Use it like a tool. 

[mandyjw]

Whew.

I have an autistic son, he's 6. He's absolutely gorgeous. Red hair blue eyes. I feel like I caused his autism. I was terrified of everything during my pregnancy, mostly listeria. I stopped eating fresh fruits and veggies and lived in anxiety. I loved him but I had postpartum depression and anxiety and I was so worried that he'd die of SIDS that we barely slept. I learned mindfulness before getting pregnant with my second and it made all the difference. We had such a connection and I was able to enjoy her but it still hurt that i hadn't had it with my son. 

The thing is even though I feel like I caused it, he's perfect as he is. he has talents other's don't. My goal is to help him work to enhance his strengths as much as possible. 

Edited April 7, 2019 by mandyjw

[Nahm]

@mandyjw You also are perfect as you are. It’s not your fault. You know.  You know All is well. 

[OrpheusNovum]

@mandyjw I only saw through the illusion of it because I chose to embrace what it for what it was: a strength. Teach him that he'll be stronger for it, and you'll do great.