Newbie!

Hello to you all, it is lovely to be part of this group. My husband is higher functioning autism. Diagnosed in last 6 years. I am struggling a bit with him at the moment. I have severe depression and anxiety and I am disabled as well. On top of that I have found a lump in my breast and and the odds are against me for it being benign. My husband gave up work 5 years ago to care for me - his choice to do so. Since then we have got married and moved home and now the above issues have hit us.  He is dealing with it by laughing at everything and not understanding my need for support. I understand why he is like this as 2 of my children are on the autistic spectrum. But I am having to rely on friends for support. Any advice as to how I can handle this, relieve his anxiety and make me feel a bit supported, would be greatfully received. 

Thankyou for reading.

  • Hi, and welcome.  It sounds like he can't process this development, or realise how serious it and what you need from him.  That will either take time, or you might have to find ways to reduce his anxiety and then help him understand you need him to help you.  If he has given you support before then he can do it again, but if not then it will be difficult.  Maybe first spend time together without mentioning difficult things so the two of you don't become distant, which is a real risk, and then do things that calm him, and try chatting about how we can support you, what you would like him to say/do.  You may also have to reduce the level of support you would like from him, and settle for hugs and things that he might offer at will or be able to do when requested.

  • Hi NAS66614,

    Warmest welcome to our community! While we are waiting for more members to respond, you may like to take a look at our page about family relationships, https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/family-life-and-relationships/family-life

    Also you may like to check out our page about mental health, https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/mental-health

    Hope this helps!

    Kind regards,

    Eunice Mod

  • actually the odds are it is benign or can be removed ----- but u have to get it seen immediately to get it dealt with. Do not delay another day.   

    Immediately report it to ur GP who will immediately get u an appointment with a consultant specialist. There then with be appointments for CT scan xrays blood tests  followed maybe by an biopsy.     This will all be to determine what the lump is.

    It could be benign but u cant even leave a benign in case it turns malignant.

    Go see ur GP please 

    This lump overrides anxiety and depression in medical importance by factor of 100.

    of course mention to everyone ( they will ask ) if u are autistic/depressive/anxious

  • Have you had a mammogram?

    Anyway, welcome home! I'm sure you'll find support and understanding here.