Autism and depression

I know that when I have experienced depression, it isn't just 'one thing', it's a series of things which all help to lower my sense of self esteem which then further feed into the feelings of depression. It is different for everyone and age will also play a part. For example, I am no longer trying to 'fit in' like I did when I was younger and what I've noticed recently, is that my sense of self worth etc is all effected when my basic needs aren't getting met. I didn't even used to know what that meant but after years and years of inner reflection etc, I can see that the world moves too quick for me and when I try to keep up the general pace of the rest of the world, my basic needs get overlooked and ignored and this, ultimately, leads to depression for me. Being 15 is difficult for most people and having ASD can make it that much more difficult and not only have they got social pressure to fit in etc, their bodies are changing, hormones etc are kicking in and many of us on the spectrum struggle to identify feelings anyway so things get even more confusing when we start to experience other strange feelings that we don't understand. 

I know that when I have experienced depression, it isn't just 'one thing', it's a series of things which all help to lower my sense of self esteem which then further feed into the feelings of depression. It is different for everyone and age will also play a part. For example, I am no longer trying to 'fit in' like I did when I was younger and what I've noticed recently, is that my sense of self worth etc is all effected when my basic needs aren't getting met. I didn't even used to know what that meant but after years and years of inner reflection etc, I can see that the world moves too quick for me and when I try to keep up the general pace of the rest of the world, my basic needs get overlooked and ignored and this, ultimately, leads to depression for me. Being 15 is difficult for most people and having ASD can make it that much more difficult and not only have they got social pressure to fit in etc, their bodies are changing, hormones etc are kicking in and many of us on the spectrum struggle to identify feelings anyway so things get even more confusing when we start to experience other strange feelings that we don't understand. 

BlueRay said:

my sense of self worth etc is all effected when my basic needs aren't getting met

Very true. I also have bouts of depression and a couple of years ago a big slump when I broke down. People have such high expectations and as HFA I always get stuff done.I come across as if everything is in order, in control etc...but inside I have low self worth and a frustration with myself (that I can’t express my wants and needs),....and frustration about others that they do not recognise that I might need some help and support at times.....a catch 22 when you can’t articulate yourself very well 

I agree with Blueray. Being a teenager is hard but harder with asd.  I recently discovered depression can be genetic and is not always the environment or circumstances but that environment and circumstances can affect both positively and negatively to those predisposed to depression. Depression is awful and initially a scary rollercoaster. With long term depression it seems to be part of you and on the whole, as horrid as it is, you learn to live with it and wait for the worst parts of it to pass. Naturally it’s not that simple but as you will read many of us do have low moods, difficult thoughts and try to manage them. It’s not the answer you want to hear but you do need to know there isn’t anyone at fault or to blame even though our miscommunication and misinterpretation of life is contributing to the depression. I’m so sorry you and your daughter are in such pain right now. If it’s any consolation I’m in my 50’s and still here in spite of suffering from depression since my youth. I am well aware this is not the same as being hospitalised with the condition but I sincerely hope the team caring for your daughter can help.