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Not sure how to move forward post diagnosis.

Ellie1984

I was diagnosed 6 weeks ago at the age of 41 after spending all of my adult life telling people how much I was struggling but feel I was largely not listened to. I feel angry with mental health professionals as I feel I was just labelled as anxious and then ignored. Either that or they decided what the issue was then ignored anything I said that didn't fit that idea after. I feel like my brain has tapped out of life now and it's a strange feeling. I am still working and get on with the bare minimum but beyond that I just don't feel like I care about anything any more. I just feel numb and like nothing brings me joy or interests me to care about it any more. How do I move forward from feeling anger and sadness at what my life could have been had I been heard and diagnosed sooner when I just don't care to try with anything any more? Sorry this isn't a more positive post.

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  • in reply to Ellie1984

    Hey, I'm 41 too and diagnosed end of last year. 

    Try write some stuff down, or I doodle, it helps me relax and feel calm. I feel a bit silly saying this, but having a difficult week and one thing that made me feel good was making a spreadsheet of all the episodes of a podcast I was listening to, so I could see easily which I had listened to and which I hadn't -it's Divergent Conversations, and I had jumped around the topics as I needed them. I colour coded sections and everything. When it feels too much, hearing people talking about having the same struggles as you can ground you. 

    I've also copied this from a mods post, they are very good at noticing when people need an extra helpline. 

    ----------

    The National Autistic Society does not currently operate a crisis or emergency service. If you feel you are at risk of immediate harm, dial 999 or contact one of the mental health crisis lines listed on our Urgent Help Page: 

    https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/help-and-support/urgent-help.

    You could call your GP and ask for an urgent appointment – they can help you get the right support.  

    If it’s not an emergency but you’re still struggling, speaking to a health professional can help. If your GP is closed, you can call 111 for NHS support. In England, Wales and Scotland, you can now choose option 2 to speak directly with mental health professionals: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-use-111/.  

    Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen

    ---------

    So keep trying, the start is like being spun round an a rollercoaster, but it can settle down again. Take one small step at a time, use the emergency helplines like Samaritans to get you through a dark patch. 

    It can feel like being in a dust storm, and you can't see your own hand currently, but wait for it to settle so you can see again. Find little things to keep you busy, even those adult colouring books to keep your brain occupied till your nerves have had a chance to calm again. The spring photos are nice to look at, but find what works for you. 

    Take care of yourself.