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Loneliness

Jake harmer

One thing i struggle the most with is wanting friends and people that are like me, but at the same time being scared to talk to anyone or actually do it. Not sure if this is a burden of my potential autism, but im recognising more every day how lonly i am, before it was just normal. What would suggest?

  • I want to share something personal: I’m on the autistic spectrum and have been feeling quite low lately. This winter has been especially challenging for me as I often find myself alone, leading me to revert to old habits of using technology and social media to connect with others. Most of my interactions happen through text, messaging, or email.

    To cope, I attend a voluntary group where I can meet new people, chat, and enjoy some refreshments. I started going because I used to volunteer at the local library, but during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, all volunteers were suspended from running the building. Now, they’re allowing only one volunteer per session, which has changed the dynamics. It’s been nice to reconnect with others in this way.

  • That is a big problem many are facing even if not always for the same reasons. You might want to consider joining a club or something like that related to an interest of yours. I find myself struggling to make conversation but as soon as a topic comes up I really enjoy, I‘m suddenly able to talk without end. This, of course, can lead to other problems like oversharing or not realising if others are bored by me. But in clubs or organisations that are about this topic it‘s something different. I think it easier to bond over shared interests rather than successful smalltalk.

  • You could also search the NAS’s directory for support groups in your local area, and/or contact your nearest NAS branch, who may run meet-ups themselves or be able to tell you about other local opportunities to meet up with other autistic people.

    NAS - Autism Services Directory

    NAS - Branches

  • You might find these resources helpful:

    NAS - Making friends - a guide for autistic adults

    NAS - Loneliness

    You might also like to contact your GP surgery to ask to be referred to a social prescriber / social prescribing link worker.

    Their role is to work with you, potentially over several sessions, in order to develop a personalised care and support plan that meets your "practical, social and emotional needs that affect their [your] health and wellbeing". The model operates throughout the UK. For example: 

    NHS England - Social prescribing