Feeling depressed and hurt.

I have been going through depression mainly due to my current job not working out for me. Also, I am in the process of doing something about it (looking elsewhere, doing side hustles and seeking therapy and employment advice). I have also gone back to sertraline because I feel very low.

I have been talking to a friend I met online about how I feel, like myself he has autism and ADHD (for context, I was recently diagnosed with ADHD in February this year). I have mentioned that I don't use medication normally, it isn't because I judge others for using it - usually I try not to rely on tablets unless it is a last resort. We normally talk a lot but I noticed something off so wanted to ask if everything was okay and then I get this text:

Yeah, thank you.
NGL I felt a bit hurt and disrespected, after you went dismissive and all clueless about the dopamine inhibitor thing.
I was resonating strongly with your pain, because I went through similar pain, being understimulated and depressive.
Once you said you went to the GP and got a subscription and then when I asked you recently, you went blank and said "oh you mean the Zinc thing, right?", that's when I felt hurt because I was invested into helping you, bit then you sit on a fence, saying you don't want medication, while also you take antidepressants - just like me.
I just didn't understand the attitude of yours and that's when I didn't say anything. Because you want to have the trousers and want me to listen to you, while also being like this - but I didn't say anything, because I felt like you was pretty stressed and you wanted to focus on your health first.

I ended up feeling upset because I honestly feel like I have done something wrong, I always feel this way about myself a lot and tend to overthink simple situations for no reason which is something I am trying not to do as much. I more or less cried for nearly 2 hours and even now, I think about it and a part of me feels so useless for not thinking of the right things to say. I didn't really want to reply at first because a part of me was scared of making him more mad at me and then in the end I apologised for making him feel this way and mentioning that I am overwhelmed and need breathing room. I have decided to have a break from texting for a bit to process everything.

I just feel so down and am not sure what to say or do anymore. Sorry, I am not good at explaining things well.

Parents
  • Hi Lina-chan.  I am sorry to hear about the difficulties you are going through at the moment - sometimes it feels as though things just compound and overwhelm us, doesn't it?  I'm glad you've reached out though, and are also taking steps to try and move into a better place with your employment and mental health.  It takes a lot of courage to do that.  I'm sure as well that fellow online community members will be able to chime in and offer some advice to you.

    With regards to your friend, it may be a simple case of miscommunication.  Especially over text chat, sometimes it is difficult to read tone or intention, which can lead to things being misinterpreted.  Taking a break from talking to him for some breathing space is absolutely fine, and hopefully he will be understanding about it and the two of you can sort things out more calmly at a later time.

    There is some NAS guidance available on making and maintaining friendships as an autistic person, if you feel like that might be helpful to you, but no worries if not.  It can be found here: Making friends as an autistic adult

    Remember to be kind and gentle with yourself.  You're navigating a lot at the moment, and it is okay to take things slowly.  You are not alone in feeling low and overwhelmed, and our community is always here for you.  I am wishing you all the best.  Do feel free to post again and let us know how you're getting on.

    - Nicola Mod

Reply
  • Hi Lina-chan.  I am sorry to hear about the difficulties you are going through at the moment - sometimes it feels as though things just compound and overwhelm us, doesn't it?  I'm glad you've reached out though, and are also taking steps to try and move into a better place with your employment and mental health.  It takes a lot of courage to do that.  I'm sure as well that fellow online community members will be able to chime in and offer some advice to you.

    With regards to your friend, it may be a simple case of miscommunication.  Especially over text chat, sometimes it is difficult to read tone or intention, which can lead to things being misinterpreted.  Taking a break from talking to him for some breathing space is absolutely fine, and hopefully he will be understanding about it and the two of you can sort things out more calmly at a later time.

    There is some NAS guidance available on making and maintaining friendships as an autistic person, if you feel like that might be helpful to you, but no worries if not.  It can be found here: Making friends as an autistic adult

    Remember to be kind and gentle with yourself.  You're navigating a lot at the moment, and it is okay to take things slowly.  You are not alone in feeling low and overwhelmed, and our community is always here for you.  I am wishing you all the best.  Do feel free to post again and let us know how you're getting on.

    - Nicola Mod

Children
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