Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi there! I joined this forum because one of my main goals is to socialise more as the only people I interact with are my immediate family. The problem is I have really bad social anxiety (even online) so I always struggle with what to say. Can anyone empathise? Does anyone fancy a chat?
Hi Kit - nice to meet you
I think most autistic people have social anxiety - I do but I am reasonably good at masking it. The isolation of the pandemic has made it worse though and get even more stressed than I used to about social interaction. My youngest son (who is a young adult now) has huge difficulties with social anxiety and had Selective Mutism in School and now at college (he’s not going into college at all now due to social anxiety and other issues). So we can definitely relate! The pandemic has definitely increased our difficulties with this. We feel so isolated and to be honest i (and my son) feel like failures. We can’t seem to cope with the most normal things and it really damages our self esteem. Getting through each day is difficult at the moment. So it’s good to come on here and realise that we are not alone in struggling like this. So many autistic people feel like this and we can support each other.
Hi Kate it's nice to meet you to
It does seem to be something we all suffer from in one way or another unfortunately. I hate social anxiety, it is really hard to live with as people and interacting with them is a huge part of every day life. I try not to as seeing people and interacting is a huge trigger. I suffer from other anxiety as well but social anxiety is my main problem. It sounds like you and your son also find it really hard to cope with. I'm so sorry, I know how hard it is to live with. Since the pandemic I've felt very isolated as well, mental health services are more withdrawn now as well feel like they don't care and abandoned me. Hey Kate don't be hard on yourself and tell your son the same. You're not failures at all! You have a lot to cope with, Autism, anxiety and the world is not an easy part to be a part of. Remember that you got through yesterday and that you will get through today as well! You got this Kate, both of you. I'm glad you found this place and feel able to come here when you need support, it's also a good place to be just to relax and chill. I come here a lot as well at the moment. It's nice to be with you all.
Take care Kate, hope you and your son have a great day
That’s so kind of you Kit - thank you for your very kind words! I read this to my son too and he really appreciated what you wrote. Thank you for being so supportive - it’s lovely to read It really does help to come on here and find other people who understand what it’s like. This idea that autistic people aren’t empathetic seems crazy to me - this community is full,of people being understanding and caring towards each other. Myself and my son send you peace, love and light :)
You are so welcome Kate, you are very lovely and kind and such people deserve to be treated with love and kindness It is a wonderful place to be, so many lovely people are here and I'm really enjoying getting to know so many. It is crazy isn't it!? People just don't understand Autism at all. It's crazy. Thank you Kate, I send love, hugs and best wishes to you and your son.