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Why does none of this make sense?

ladynicotine

I've existed with depression for 17 years, medication works intermittantly, but am slowly & steadily getting worse.  There is a family history of depression, so I suspect I've got a dodgy gene somewhere.

 

Two months ago I was diagnosed as having ASD.  I've suspected this was the case for a number of years, but I seem to be finding people more & more difficult to relate to - probably as a result of the worsening depression.  I thought that getting an ASD diagnosis would mean I might be able to get some help with the "social communication" difficulties I'm having, & this might help lift the depression.  I know I will never be free of either.  However, all I seem to have got is "yes, you've got ASD, off you go & have a nice life".

 

I know I'm very lucky.  I'm still managing to work (I have to, to pay the mortgage), & I have no major issues communicating with people.  However all I can find is information along the lines of "you can deal with these issues in these ways" - but I don't really know what my issues are in any detail.  Apparently I'm supposed to feel relieved as a result of my diagnosis as now I "know I'm not alone".  This makes no sense to me - how does knowing others are suffering make me feel better?  I've tried asking the psychologist who diagnosed me & she couldn't/wouldn't explain.

The only person who seems to have benefited from the diagnosis is my psychiatrist - as I suspect that all the problems I've had with medication/therapy over the years will now be put down to "you're misinterpretting it because you have ASD".

What am I doing wrong?

Parents

  • Hi LadyNicotine,

       I completely hear where you are coming from, even down to the reserves. I had a complete burnout myself a few years back and it took me considerable time to recover. The darkest time in many years.

    For me, being a female has made it all the more difficult. My experiences of betrayal and my own incredible naivety has insured a very difficult life to date, but slowly I'm begining to take greater control of the elements that have made my life hard.

    Few therapists seem able to diagnose or support women on the spectrum very well in my opinion. As you say it gets harder as you get older. I have a theory that this is related to adrenal exhaustion from constantly being in fight or flight mode. Apparently, their is little medical research to support this theory in Britain, but I've heard others with ASD speak of it. My own therapist also concurs with this theory, but adds that, as women approach menopause this also seems to amplify things. Perhaps this is why we suffer greatly, but it's not much consolation for those going through it though. Found this on the net. It may help. Some of the symptoms certainly rang bells for me.

    www.autismfile.com/.../autism-and-adrenal-stress

    Currently, I'm trying to research for my boys, but really much of what I've found i'd also like to apply to myself as it seems quite relevent. This is why I was suggesting a multi-pronged approach earlier.

    Chemical imbalances have a profound affect on the body and those on the spectrum are particularly prone it seems. 

    Can I suggest you have a look at this avenue. I dismissed it at first, but since seeing the affects first hand with my sons, i'm begining to realize their is most definately an arguement for diet control, therapies such as massage and osteopathy and even alternative therapies to reduce the stress levels felt by those with ASD.

    Since getting my son massage and osteopathy treatment, it's turned down the volume greatly for him on the depression front.

    As the moderator mentioned, do contact their helpline if things become too overwhelming and of course this forum is always great when you need to chat with people who truly understand. Hope this is of some help.

    Kindest regards

    Coogybear xx

Reply

  • Hi LadyNicotine,

       I completely hear where you are coming from, even down to the reserves. I had a complete burnout myself a few years back and it took me considerable time to recover. The darkest time in many years.

    For me, being a female has made it all the more difficult. My experiences of betrayal and my own incredible naivety has insured a very difficult life to date, but slowly I'm begining to take greater control of the elements that have made my life hard.

    Few therapists seem able to diagnose or support women on the spectrum very well in my opinion. As you say it gets harder as you get older. I have a theory that this is related to adrenal exhaustion from constantly being in fight or flight mode. Apparently, their is little medical research to support this theory in Britain, but I've heard others with ASD speak of it. My own therapist also concurs with this theory, but adds that, as women approach menopause this also seems to amplify things. Perhaps this is why we suffer greatly, but it's not much consolation for those going through it though. Found this on the net. It may help. Some of the symptoms certainly rang bells for me.

    www.autismfile.com/.../autism-and-adrenal-stress

    Currently, I'm trying to research for my boys, but really much of what I've found i'd also like to apply to myself as it seems quite relevent. This is why I was suggesting a multi-pronged approach earlier.

    Chemical imbalances have a profound affect on the body and those on the spectrum are particularly prone it seems. 

    Can I suggest you have a look at this avenue. I dismissed it at first, but since seeing the affects first hand with my sons, i'm begining to realize their is most definately an arguement for diet control, therapies such as massage and osteopathy and even alternative therapies to reduce the stress levels felt by those with ASD.

    Since getting my son massage and osteopathy treatment, it's turned down the volume greatly for him on the depression front.

    As the moderator mentioned, do contact their helpline if things become too overwhelming and of course this forum is always great when you need to chat with people who truly understand. Hope this is of some help.

    Kindest regards

    Coogybear xx

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