I am 31 and have struggled with depression and anxiety my whole life. My GP suggested I might be autistic and has referred me for testing but i have done a lot of reading around autism and am pretty sure I am.
I have found that if i don't force myself to make eye contact or small talk or attempt to say hello/goodbye and allow myself to fidget (i think the proper term is stimming?) my mental health improves massively. I am less anxious and have more energy and more patience with my kids. Typically at this time of year i would be depressed but i am feeling normal.
Trouble is i'm not sure how to explain to people why i am suddenly being different. Until i'm tested (and my GP warned it could be year) i can't really say i'm autistic as i don't know for sure. My family know but aquantinces/parents in the school yard/people at tots group or after school clubs. I find it hard enough figuring out the chit chat and have no idea how to begin to explain?
