Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi I'm 26 & I was diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum a few years ago now.
I have isolated myself since adolescence & have suffered from deppression, anxiety, self harm & have attempted suicide.
Recently I have been trying to reach out & rejoin the world (with mixed results), I started attending group therapy, did some volunteering, joined a gym etc.
But I am dogged by loneliness & struggle to make meaningful connections.
Everyday all I do is distract myself from feelings of intense sorrow & I am so tired of the constant fight to just stay afloat.
I feel more like a ghost than an actual living person, people are so selfish & the world so shallow.
I don't know how to find like minded people but I know I can't go on like this.
Any advice you might have would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
I can understand how you feel. I have felt very lonely sometimes and have suffered from depression. I really admire that you have made such a huge effort to rejoin the world - you are a brave person!
Personally, I have realised that I have had unrealistically high expectations when it comes to social connections in the past. I wondered often why I wasn't enjoying being with people. Now I realise that perhaps I don't have much in common with a lot of those people. Also, by lowering my expectations, I tend to enjoy social situations more.
I would say you are doing the right thing but don't be too hard on yourself. It is not your responsibility to manage every social situation - plus there are some nice and understanding people out there. If you keep trying, you will make some good connections over time. Good luck!
Thanks for the kind words Andrew. This is what I am coming to terms with at the moment,
Andrew said: I have realised that I have had unrealistically high expectations when it comes to social connections in the past. I wondered often why I wasn't enjoying being with people. Now I realise that perhaps I don't have much in common with a lot of those people. Also, by lowering my expectations, I tend to enjoy social situations more.
like you said if I keep trying then eventually I will come across people who I can connect with.