Hi! I'm a 22 year old with a SDP.

I don't want to go into detail, but I spent 8 years going through hell on mental health meds because doctor after doctor diagnosed me with all sorts of mental illnesses. They finally became too much to take and I stopped them all at once about 6 months ago (I know, not smart, but they made me ill), and felt sooo much better. I hadn't been able to think clearly in such a long time!! My therapist of 3 years had said a few times that she thought it was a SPD, but couldn't tell because of the meds. Now we are both sure and I'm on my way to doing the things that make me feel great!!

I live with my parents, older sister and my niece which is very difficult because they choose not to alter their lives for me (I had to argue with my dad about closing the blinds on one window in the kitchen). But I won't go into that!

I'm embracing my diagnosis because there are a lot of sensory things that make me feel amazing! I hula hoop throughout the day, which is pleasing because of the pressure around my waist, and I wear a simple satin-like kimono over my clothes when indoors. It's wonderful because I can wrap it around myself or hold one side and sway it around when I dance. I have a lot of little "sensory discoveries" to share! I also remember a lot of things that helped or hurt as a child.

The analogy of a traffic jam, never made sense to me, so I have my own analogy to explain how frustrating a SPD can be. (Keywords, can be. What I'm going to describe is how I feel at my worst, there are better times!)

Imagine your brain is a businessman, and your body is the business. To keep the company going, the business man has to do a lot of work in his office, go to meetings, make decisions, handle problems, etc. Now imagine that he has to run the company without a secretary. He has no one to take and hold phone calls, schedule meetings, remind him of meetings, relay messages, organize information or regulate who goes in his office and when. He's constantly being interrupted by phone calls and visitors (sometimes with praise, sometimes mad as hell), unprepared for visits, and very disorganized. Being distracted so often, it takes him longer to get things done, and because of the stress, he needs more time alone to unwind. On some days he loses control of his emotions, and his relationships suffer a little from time to time. He can't give up his business, it's his life. He'll need extra help with learning how to organize, handle stress and emotions, and being positive. So although this sounds bleak, the businessman can lead a happy, successful life.

Also, I'm going to be a bridesmaid in my sister's wedding this weekend. I have to wear a VERY uncomfortable dress (rough fabric and very loose, it'll touch me lightly everywhere!!). If I find an appropriate forum category, I'll post my difficulties in dealing with ceremony and all, and how I dealt with them.

I'm so excited to talk to people about this diagnosis!! I've had it all my life, and I'm still here and optimistic!!