Sharifah Sakinah: Get proper diagnosis for mental disorder!
9 Jun – Sharifah Sakinah recently urged the public to always get themselves diagnosed by a professional when it comes to their health, including their mental health.
The actress, who shared a report of her diagnosis of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) on Instagram, stated that one should always get proper diagnosis not just from one doctor but several others, and to never self-diagnose.
"In my situation, it took me three weeks of back to back interviews (I even had to call my family for it) and several tests to get this diagnosis. It wasn't as easy as online questionnaires and checklist of symptoms," she wrote.
Sakinah stressed that ADHD is not just about being hyperactive, but ranges from various complications including over-thinking, impulsive behaviour, trouble regulating one's emotions, and many more.
"Once you're diagnosed, make sure to follow doctor's prescriptions and advice despite how hard it is to discipline yourself," she explained. "And the most important thing is get a good support system for our daily challenges. The world will not understand you, and they even label you of [being overdramatic]. In the end, we have to be kind to ourselves, self-acceptance is key."
In a previous interview with Aznil Nawawi, Sakinah admitted to be struggling from mental health issues, and that she has plans to leave Malaysia to have a change of scenery.
"I need a break and I need to focus on my own personal challenges so I hopefully can reach the paradigm shift I'm hoping for. My break doesn't mean that this is the last you've seen from me. I love acting and I plan to come back stronger (and fitter) than ever," she said.
(Photo Source: Sharifah Sakinah Instagram)