Published on 12, July, 2020
Does anybody else find that they struggle to manage their autistic traits far more at this time of year than normal? I've been really struggling lately, to the point where I questioned whether I could carry on with my job in its current form.
Part of it I think is the change of clocks, which, due to my completely ridiculous commute, now means that I leave in the dark and get home in the dark. I don't see daylight Monday to Friday as a result, because I work in London and the number of people is terrifying so I never, ever go outside at lunchtime. I know this isn't good for me because I do suffer from SAD so this just makes me depressed.
Thinking about it logically, I can see that I have had serious problems at this time for the last few years. In fact it was one of these periods that left me seriously questioning my mental state and that ultimately led to me figuring out what was going on and getting my AS diagnosis. But this time of year I have had anxiety go through the roof, walked out of jobs, had meltdowns .... too many things to be a coincidence.
Does anyone else find that this is a bad time generally?
Yes definitely find Autumn & winter a difficult time of year and I think it's to do with change which none of us on the spectrum like.
When you think about all the changes this time of year there's a lot to deal with, colder weather, less sunlight, wearing different clothing, shorter, darker days, change of clocks, more people confined to indoor spaces, more people using cars & public transport - Arrrggghhhh
Fortunately I'm retired so I'm able to get out most days for a walk in the countryside which certainly helps, natural daylight & exercise has always been very important in my life especially this time of year.
That's a very good point. Too much change may well be a factor. Everyone is crammed in at this time of year too, no-one is on holiday any more so public transport is even more hellish than normal, and most other people are in a rubbish mood as well. I don't think that helps. It's hard to be cheerful when everyone around you is miserable.
Being retired sounds wonderful. I am envious of my parents. I reckon for my generation though it's not something we will ever get to enjoy. Pension age will probably be 90 by the time I get there, and they will expect us to work part time in B&Q until we croak!