Depression and aspergers

Unfortunately, it is related.  A build up of anxieties from being on the autism spectrum can get overwhelming and can manifest itselfinto deprssion.  I've battled with it a lot in my life and so did my granny.  She had Asperger's also and spent a lot of time on medication.

I was put on all sorts of medication when I was younger, but I would argue that it wasn't solving the problem.  No one realised I was on the autism spectrum until about 3 years ago.  I've had problems with depressions, anxiety, and OCD.

Luckily, there is some things that do help.  CBT was great for me because it helped me realise what my anxiety triggers were, and the lower the levels of anxiety the easier it is to deal with things.  I was also told I had to try and achieve things everyday, to remove the feeling of being overwhelmed.  I was told to write a small list and tick off things I had done that day.  Anything was allowed on this list, even simple little things such as taking the rubbish out.  It shows you are accomplishing something and will in time help with building some confidence.

The Asperger's brain is so always on the go it is easy to see why we can be easy targets for depression.  I won't lie, sometimes I still struggle, but I remember everything I've been through and all that I have achieved and I think to myself, I've been through all that and I'm still here, why give up now?   I don't believe medication alone ever helps depression.  I never understand doctors who just send people off with some pills and hope that somehow they will gradually get better on their own.  The medication helps youto take the steps needed to deal with depression, such as CBT or other confidence building help that may be on offer.  

I know the world outside and society can be unsettling to us, but there are ways and support to help you cope with it  :)

Unfortunately, it is related.  A build up of anxieties from being on the autism spectrum can get overwhelming and can manifest itselfinto deprssion.  I've battled with it a lot in my life and so did my granny.  She had Asperger's also and spent a lot of time on medication.

I was put on all sorts of medication when I was younger, but I would argue that it wasn't solving the problem.  No one realised I was on the autism spectrum until about 3 years ago.  I've had problems with depressions, anxiety, and OCD.

Luckily, there is some things that do help.  CBT was great for me because it helped me realise what my anxiety triggers were, and the lower the levels of anxiety the easier it is to deal with things.  I was also told I had to try and achieve things everyday, to remove the feeling of being overwhelmed.  I was told to write a small list and tick off things I had done that day.  Anything was allowed on this list, even simple little things such as taking the rubbish out.  It shows you are accomplishing something and will in time help with building some confidence.

The Asperger's brain is so always on the go it is easy to see why we can be easy targets for depression.  I won't lie, sometimes I still struggle, but I remember everything I've been through and all that I have achieved and I think to myself, I've been through all that and I'm still here, why give up now?   I don't believe medication alone ever helps depression.  I never understand doctors who just send people off with some pills and hope that somehow they will gradually get better on their own.  The medication helps youto take the steps needed to deal with depression, such as CBT or other confidence building help that may be on offer.  

I know the world outside and society can be unsettling to us, but there are ways and support to help you cope with it  :)