On a knife edge this morning.

Been at work less than an hour and already fought off 2 meltdowns. Not doing well at all today and concerned about having a meltdown at work. It’s never happened here before and I don’t want it to either. Genuinely worried at the moment.

I have a meeting in a week and a half to discuss adjustments. I just need to make it until then. But I’m at a tipping point right now.

Parents
  • Hello everyone. I’m sorry for this message, but to be honest, I could do with some support in not feeling so alone at the moment.

    It turns out the knife-edge moment described in this post was to one of a series that have developed as the week has gone on. Everyday this week has been similar and I have never felt so disconnected to the world around me than I do now. Every social situation I find myself in is a puzzle, like they often are, but they are now impossible. I’m feeling very paranoid about the people around me as a result of the difficulties I’m experiencing in reading them. 

    Im so close to melting down every day it seems. Even now as I sit and write this. I just feel so alone right now. In a world full of people, here I am, the imposter who doesn’t quite get it. 

    I think the reality is that I am mid burnout, but this one has snuck up on me with no warning. I have never cried this much in my life, but now I can’t seem to stop. Over the smallest thing, off I go. What’s all of that about?

    Anyway, as I said before, sorry for this post. I try not to do this sort of thing if I can help it, but I could do with that feeling of community that I get here.

Reply
  • Hello everyone. I’m sorry for this message, but to be honest, I could do with some support in not feeling so alone at the moment.

    It turns out the knife-edge moment described in this post was to one of a series that have developed as the week has gone on. Everyday this week has been similar and I have never felt so disconnected to the world around me than I do now. Every social situation I find myself in is a puzzle, like they often are, but they are now impossible. I’m feeling very paranoid about the people around me as a result of the difficulties I’m experiencing in reading them. 

    Im so close to melting down every day it seems. Even now as I sit and write this. I just feel so alone right now. In a world full of people, here I am, the imposter who doesn’t quite get it. 

    I think the reality is that I am mid burnout, but this one has snuck up on me with no warning. I have never cried this much in my life, but now I can’t seem to stop. Over the smallest thing, off I go. What’s all of that about?

    Anyway, as I said before, sorry for this post. I try not to do this sort of thing if I can help it, but I could do with that feeling of community that I get here.

Children
  • Thank you Triker, Starfox, Kate Kestrel and NAS81486 for your thoughtful replies. I did read them yesterday, but ended up going to sleep after crashing a bit. I feel a bit embarrassed for writing such a message. Asking for help does not come naturally and I’m currently going through a stage of regret. But the reality is, I think I needed to read those words yesterday, so if I hadn’t written it, you’d have never had the chance to help as much as you did. Thank you all again. And to everyone who replied to the first message too.

    To NAS81486, I apologise, but I can’t take you up on the offer of a private conversation. I understand your desire for privacy, but for me, it has taken a lot to understand how a place like this can work for me and I kind of like how I’m engaging in the community at the moment. I think adding other layers or private conversations will make it too complex and overwhelming for me. I hope my reasoning makes sense to you. I do, however, entirely appreciate the offer. So thank you.

    I do wonder this though, since waking up this morning. I have been suppressing meltdowns this week. Not something I’ve ever done before or been able to do. Usually after an outward explosion of melting down (aimed towards myself that is) I have an evening of immense heaviness and disconnection to the world around me. I wonder if it is possible that I have been experiencing a stretched out version of this, due to not ‘getting rid’ of the stuff I would usually when melting down. I have felt that same ‘heaviness’ throughout the week that I would post-meltdown. I don’t know if this is something that makes sense within autism and me, or if I’m simply trying to find an explanation and therefore connecting any dot that are even remotely relevant to one another. I don’t know. If anyone has any thoughts to spare on the matter, I’d gratefully read them.

    Thank you all once again. I’m going to try and exercise today and eat a few healthy meals. Perhaps if my body starts to feel better, my mind will too.

  • Coffee Guy.  Send me a private message so we can exchange some dialogue.  I am a private human who knows much of what you speak of.  Only if you want to, and can.....I will not be offended either way, but would like to help you if I can.

  • You really don’t need to apologise - most of us have felt similar feelings many times. You’re not alone - this community is always here for you. Sometimes we just need to cry - it’s best to welcome the release of that because if the body needs to cry then it’s doing so for a reason. Let it out - it’s just a natural way for your body to cope and release tension and distress. A better day is usually just around the corner Rainbow

  • Hi CoffeeGuy, I don't really know how to reply in cases like these, but thought I would pop on just to say that even if you feel alone you aren't and even if I am rubbish at being able to write anything better than this currently, I hope that this feeling is only short lived and things improve for you soon.

  • You're not an imposter, it's not your fault you don't understand people who probably don't even realise they don't understand you! You're not alone.

    Can you take some time off work? It sounds like you need a break, and if we don't get one sometimes our body or brain forces the issue. If not, then at least make sure you spend your evenings and weekends resting and doing things which recharge you.

    Don't apologise for needing help, we all do sometimes, at least here seems like a safe friendly place.