Hello

I am a 39 year old, recently diagnosed (April this year) man, living in Gloucestershire.

I have always felt I was different, but didn't know why.  I always struggled to make friends/socialise, dealt (or not) with severe anxiety, have had depression on and off since the age of 14 (when I was mugged), and was bullied all the way through school.

I continued to deal with bullying at work, and have always struggled to get and hold down employment.  

I had a 10+ year relationship (was married for almost 10 years of it, which I realised in 2019 was actually abusive.  My wife used to pinch and punch me, threaten to leave me without food and threatened divorce constantly.

I left the relationship and finally met the love of my life in 2019.  We have no got a daughter together and are engaged to be married, though I have yet to get divorced.  I also have a 6 year old future step son, who has difficulties himself.

I have been struggling with my autism, depression, anxiety, and Crohn's Disease for a while, and am hoping that this forum and a therapist will be able to help me move forwards.

It's nice to meet you all, and I look forward to interacting with you.