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Hello

AnnieH
over 2 years ago

I have just joined the community; I am 52 so very late to the party. I am not officially diagnosed but after seeing a counsellor recently for anxiety and chronic lifelong social anxiety I have come to realise that it is a distinct possibility I am on the spectrum.

I have spent my whole life hiding my anxiety and trying to function normally whilst always feeling different somehow but never able to figure out why. I hope that here I might be able to finally feel like I belong and rediscover my true self (I have been 'faking it' so long I am not sure I know who that is). From what I have read on here so far everyone seems very friendly and welcoming.

I work as a veterinary nurse, and have a lifelong love of animals, nature, and history. Another of my passions is Scotland - really everything about it! I also spend a lot of time reading. 

  • Anyway, just thought I would say 'hi'
Parents
  • over 2 years ago

    Hi - nice to meet you :) 

    I think a lot of people come to this realisation quite late in life. Better late than never I suppose! I’m in a similar position except that it was having children who were diagnosed with autism that also made me realise that I was autistic. It is exhausting trying to fit in when you’re autistic - and it takes a toll on mental health too. I feel I’ve always had to work so hard in life at things that many people find so easy. 

    it must be wonderful to work with animals - what a wonderful job to have. Do you live in Scotland? I used to go on holiday there as a child with my parents - it is really beautiful. I can’t stand the midges though and it puts me off going in recent years. I remember going to a beautiful beach at Arisaig, and going on the ferry to Skye. 

Reply
  • over 2 years ago

    Hi - nice to meet you :) 

    I think a lot of people come to this realisation quite late in life. Better late than never I suppose! I’m in a similar position except that it was having children who were diagnosed with autism that also made me realise that I was autistic. It is exhausting trying to fit in when you’re autistic - and it takes a toll on mental health too. I feel I’ve always had to work so hard in life at things that many people find so easy. 

    it must be wonderful to work with animals - what a wonderful job to have. Do you live in Scotland? I used to go on holiday there as a child with my parents - it is really beautiful. I can’t stand the midges though and it puts me off going in recent years. I remember going to a beautiful beach at Arisaig, and going on the ferry to Skye. 

Children
  • over 2 years ago in reply to Kate Kestrel

    Hi Kate,

    Thanks for your reply. Yes that's totally it - the feeling that others seem to find things SO easy and even though on the surface I give nothing away (people often comment how calm I am) if only they could see inside my head...chaos!

    My job is great if full on. It's weird but with all my social difficulties once I put on my uniform it's almost like I'm a different person...when I get home though I'm mentally done in with all the interactions and can hardly function at times.

    And finally, yes I live in Scotland now though I'm actually an Essex girl. I've been obsessed with it since I was a teenager and still love it. But yes, midges are a curse! However they do keep our lovely scenery from getting too crowded....