Seeking Insight and Support – Possibly Autistic, Struggling with Longstanding Challenges

Hi everyone,

I'm 34 and have been living with long-standing challenges related to depression and social anxiety. These have significantly impacted my life and well-being. Over the years, I’ve taken lots steps to try and improve things but I still find myself unhappy, confused, and exhausted. 

Recently, a colleague suggested that I might be Autistic. I hadn’t considered it before, but after taking a few online tests that gave a strong likelihood I might, I’ve started to look into it more deeply. Now I’m beginning to recognise some patterns. For example, a close friend recently came to visit, and I had a hard time managing managing my behaviour and emotions. In the past, I would have chalked it up to depression and/or anxiety. But now, I can see elements of Masking, Burnout, and Shutdowns. 

Essentially, I want to learn more so I can understand myself better, identify if I am autistic, how I can seek help and find a way better forward.

If anyone has any advice, insight, resources to recommend ect, I would be really grateful. 

Thanks for reading,