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Larissa

I've just finished my course of two years and now I'm not sure what to do. I was diagnosed with autism earlier this year and put on medication for my anxiety, which I've been on for two weeks so far, I haven't noticed any changes yet but I'm hoping it will help so I'm able to do things as I did most of my course online due to how bad my anxiety is. I feel stuck like I can't move forward and it's putting me down because everyone else seems to be getting on. Any advice?

  • Hi Larissa,

    That‘s sounds stressful and I can definitely relate to the feeling of completing a course and having no idea what to do after, but a big congratulations for getting through the 2 years.

    It‘s hard to say exactly as I‘m not sure what your hobbies/ interests are or what you like to do, but something I‘ve found helpful is once a week doing one of my hobbies in a social environment (life drawing) which is genuinely terrifying but even just going has helped my anxiety a bit, maybe there‘s something similar you could try? Removing all expectations has also really helped enter the situation in the first place- for example no expectations to speak to anyone if it feels too much.

    Equally if that‘s way too much that‘s completely understandable. Other things are just really sticking to the basics and being proud of that because anxiety can make you feel like you‘re never doing enough!

    Maybe see if there are any opportunities relating to your course or which you have relevant skills for, but be very easy on yourself :) 

    Not sure if this is something you‘d also find helpful, but I‘ve found watching autistic youtubers has helped me feel less pressure and shame around feeling behind or struggling to find a job which matches my needs. It doesn‘t make it easier but helps remove some of the anxiety around thinking its a personal failure or anything like that. 

    Sorry this is so long but I hope there‘s something helpful in there and I hope you feel better soon :) 

  • Hello Larissa,

    I'm sorry to hear that anxiety is making things difficult for you. Hopefully, your medication will help you feel a bit more relaxed and make things easier to manage over time.

    The NAS website has some really helpful information about anxiety and autism. In particular, you might find an article by Dr Jacqui Rodgers useful. You can read it here: https://www.autism.org.uk/learn/knowledge-hub/professional-practice/anxiety-autism

    Best wishes,

    Karin Mod

  • Try to stay social Larissa, even just little. I have noticed that when I spend a lot of time online, indoors and by myself, I worry more and start thinking about things a lot. 

    If I go outside, like to the library or the park for an hour or 2, I worry less.

    I hope this helps in some way. Slight smile