How to make my life happy again?

Hello all

i Hope you are all ok. I’m 46, diagnosed with autism after PTSD at age of 35. I was born in communist Poland in 1975 to alcoholic father and PE teacher mother. I have 3 younger siblings, just 5 years apart. When I was little both of them work on me, to make sure I don’t get locked up. I have had all symptoms of autism. They have no idea what is wrong with me. Over a time I got label of selfish and cruel person. Every time my mum was pregnant I’ve tantrum. I could not think of one more person in this poor little space, which become louder and louder. Like I said they work on me to sort me out. Biggest treads was I will lock down as a crazy person. I was even shown an institution. It was that huge building on the hill, with kids which never go out. I work on myself like crazy, ever correct my feet’s going awkwardly inside. They always said they want me to enjoy life and be happy. So like I said I work hard, I even stopped that mental daydream horrors which I have had, when everything getting bigger and I’m so small, with this weird sound. At 13 I just simply said I want it to stop it, and it slowly become less and less. At that point I become more focused, I have finally have time to focus on knowledge, which love so much. I started doing at school from zero to the best scores. Life could not be better. I’ve learn how to be super shy to super popular. From kid which have had rotten tooth’s to brilliantly white smile. From neglected poor kid to fashion icon. Person which always got the job, even if I don’t have experience. I failed interview because I did not know computer, so the same day I’ve ask ask my friend, which have had one, if I can spend a night on his computer. I’ve brought with me A-Z beginners computer course. Over a night I knew everything, week after I was working as a secretary in computer company. 2 moths later I was building PC there still being secretary. Very long story short. I feel like I’m mentally sick. I love astronomy, history and etymology. I appreciate my parents for they efforts to make me normal human being. Focus on love and having kids. I’ve never been married because I’ve promised myself at age of 4, I will never do until I find my soul mate, because kids needs both of parents. I won’t live and and up as they do. Now I’m a waitress in England doing amazing money, singe 46 years old terrified. Before you jump up to the judgment, I have had my 2 own business, which both overwhelmed me. Both very successful, in both I’ve resigned. To many people, too much. For the own business I was train my grandmother, since I remember. Where do I find my own happiness? Before you say astronomy history or etymology, I do that everyday. There is nothing better then watch documentary about univers. I hope you all understands. I’m not sure how this is working here, but typing my life story down is already huge help

Kind regards

Jo

  • Hello all

    Thank you so much for your kind words. It means a lot. When I wrote it, I just had enough and want to talk about my pain, I did not expect anything. Even next day I feel ashamed, I bother others with my problems. It always feels like I’m alone. And knowing there is more people like me, which understands it’s heart warming. Moon I hope you remember my nick name now, especially it’s Neo ;-). Desmond79 thank you, and I don’t think tactless describe man with autism. I only discover my spectrum because I looked after my friends autistic boy. He is very tactless, and this  is good and natural thing. He is more focused on what he likes and wants. He don’t let anybody talk him out of his dreams and well being. Naive is good pure heart in my opinion. Never change. Hello Tassimo, thank you for your kind words. I’m English citizen for 22 years. The best years on my life. I love England and English people for being so easy going. Yes, I have seen my GP. I I’ve seen different therapist for about 3 years. Thanks to that I’ve started working again. Like I mentioned in my post PTSD trigger back all autistics behaviour, and working with autistic boy, helped me to direct my therapy in right direction . It was 8 years ago. At the moment I’m focused on life, I’m more calm in stressful situations, savvy like Desmond79 said, but unfortunately pain is still there. Is kind of pain like I’m not fully myself. Well of cause I want world to be perfect, and I still believe it could be, I just have to do some maths, since everything it’s maths. Unfortunately I’m not a genius at it. Anyway guys, you blown me away with respect and understanding. Thank you very very much. Love you all xxx

    jp

  • Hi, Jo. Welcome to the forum. It's very courageous of you to write such a personal account of your struggles. I'm sure everyone on here can relate to them in some way (me included). I don't know how it works if you are not British, but do you have a GP over here? If so, you can ask for a referral for an Autism Assessment? If that's not possible, do you have a Doctor back in Poland?

  • Hi.

    Like many late-diagnosed autists (well me at least), you have spent your whole life trying to fit in to normal NT life, but you are different.

    I have started trying to figure out what will make *me* happy rather than what society thinks should make me happy.

    It is quite difficult unwinding it all though... what is me? what is autistm? what is societies expecatations?

    I know now I want to live in the country and have a lot of time alone... but I don't know how it will fit in with my non-autistic wife who doesn't want these things.

    NB: Please do change your profile name - NASxxx names are hard to rememeber!

  • Welcome Jo!

    You're a fighter. You didn't let yourself dragged down. I was also overwhelmed by my stressful life. But now there's light at the end of the tunnel.

    First of all, give yourself credit for what you achieved. I would give my right arm for some of those accolades.

    Women with Autism are smart and savvy. Me, as a man, am tactless and naive.

    Welcome home!