Medication

Hello there.  No is my answer, and certainly not with any form of antidepressant, most of which I found either had undesirable side effects or simply made me feel doped out.  I have read that these types of medication aren't suitable for autism anyway as they are designed for neurotypical brains, which we of course don't have!  I have taken valium at times of high anxiety, but even they don't seem to do much.  For many years, I self-medicated with alcohol, which I certainly wouldn't advise.  The best therapies I've ever had have been talking ones like support groups, peer groups, and forums like this.  it helps me to feel not so alone in the world, and not so weird.  Have you tried any alternative things like meditation, mindfulness, etc?  They have been helpful to me too.  I am a firm believer now in trying to get through life with an unmedicated head, but I realise that this isn't for everyone and it isn't always easy.  There are many related threads on this subject which you may find it interesting to look at, if you just search on 'medication' or look at the list on the right.

Thank you, one psychiatrist told me the same about antidepressants not being suitable. When I mentioned this to my GP he was unaware and said to stick with what I'm currently taking. I've tried CBT and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) which is mindfulness based but I just revert to type .I think it's because I go off on tangents and can't concentrate..I'm going to try a monthly support group to see if it's any help. I've got a further appointment in July at the clinic where I'll raise the issue about meds. They're aware that I drink regularly which I'm not proud of but I'm weak and it calms me down and gets me to sleep.

Appreciate your reply!

Thank you, one psychiatrist told me the same about antidepressants not being suitable. When I mentioned this to my GP he was unaware and said to stick with what I'm currently taking. I've tried CBT and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) which is mindfulness based but I just revert to type .I think it's because I go off on tangents and can't concentrate..I'm going to try a monthly support group to see if it's any help. I've got a further appointment in July at the clinic where I'll raise the issue about meds. They're aware that I drink regularly which I'm not proud of but I'm weak and it calms me down and gets me to sleep.

Appreciate your reply!

Same here.  That's because addiction counselling is largely aimed at dealing with the symptom, not the cause.  That's been my experience, anyway.  It sounds to me like you're a good way down the route to self-acceptance, and being able to say 'no' is a really big deal.  Stick up for yourself.  Remember the 'kick' you got from saying no and go for it again.  That's addictive, too!  I've been a pushover all of my life.  But not any more.  It's not a tangent.  It's your topic, after all.  And what you say is relevant and important.  Keep thinking and acting this way.  It's better than any drug!

Thanks for your support. You're right, it does help in the evening to have a few drinks. It's become a ritual too, starting more or less at the same time. I've had addiction counselling for it but you won't be surprised to know it didn't work.Nothing seems to work and now after all these years I know why: I'm autistic and having a hard time accepting it but I'm slowly coming round to the idea that other than the anxiety it's not all bad. For the first time ever when asked to do something at work I said NO and it felt rather good. I've always been a pushover but work has been so chaotic lately I'd just had enough. I'm stooping now before I start ranting about it. Sorry for going off on a tangent, it's a bad habit of mine.

With the greatest respect to GPs, many of them haven't got a clue about autism, and their go-to response is to prescribe medication.  You are not weak if you drink.  Try not to think of it that way.  You are using something that helps you, which is what most people would do.  You are in fact strong because you realise that this isn't the proper answer and you are seeking alternative ways of helping yourself. So don't be hard on yourself because you are making a conscious effort to help yourself.