Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi, I’ve just been diagnosed aged 25 and I feel this has made things worse as I now know what I thought was just social anxiety (so possibly treatable) is actually autism and so will never go away. Looking back at my life, I realise that autism has had a huge negative impact - I’m unable to do things such as join sports teams or go to parties/social events without experiencing extreme anxiety before going, and then wanting them to be over the whole time I’m there. This has lead to me having no friends at 25 years old which is beginning to take a toll on my mental health. My mind feels like it’s in a constant battle with itself where I want to join in and enjoy playing sports, etc. but when I actually think about doing it, the anxiety kicks in and I end up back where I started. Does anyone else feel the same or have any advice on dealing with the diagnosis?
Hello Adam
Welcome. I think it is helpful to remember that your diagnosis has not changed anything (practically) for you. Whatever your challenges were before, they remain so now. Similarly, whatever your strengths were before, they remain so now too. Accordingly, DON'T PANIC!
The practical realities of your life can still be changed. How you think, and how you feel......perhaps, not so much!
Personally, I was pleased to be able to understand WHY I think and feel how I do.....and realise that there are others like me. These things were the sole benefit of learning of my autism (and this remains the case for me now, some years on.)
I have been able to learn (predominantly from folk here) ways to better improve my life, in a practical sense........but, brother, does it take some time!
Try not to rush yourself. I hope you will stick around and interact with your neurokin here for a while and then, perhaps, find some nuggets of use and joy whilst things settle down in your head. Like I say, it does take time.
Wishing you "a not anxiety filled" evening.
Number.