Published on 12, July, 2020
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.
Hi, and welcome,
Yes, seems likely that you may be autistic - fairly classic signs there; anxiety, social difficulties, masking, and (perhaps) a preference of animals/things to people.
Autistic people can be more prone to anxiety, and its worth analysing your thoughts as they can cause/increase anxiety, but also sensory issues can cause anxiety so also worse analysing what your triggers might be.
I recommend CBT techniques and mindfulness to help with thoughts and feelings - its helped me reduce my anxiety, and my depression as lifted.
Animals and nature are great for calming feelings like anxiety - I go for walks in nature and also like spotting wildlife, both are good for me. Parts of Scotland are great for nature, so I hope/assume you get out amongst it.
Hi Autimator,
Thanks for your warm welcome. You are right about nature it's such an important thing for me and I instantly feel more calm when I'm amongst it. I am spoilt for choice of wonderful places to go near me.
I am still having CBT for my anxiety - it seems to be having positive effects so far for my general anxiety less so for the social side but is a work in progress.
Sensory wise I prefer quiet places lots of noise adds to my sense of unease and crowded places upset me as its quite important for me to have my personal space - I hate it when you're forced onto physical contact with strangers due to lack of space - yeuch.
Thinking more healthily can make a big difference, though its hard work to learn and hard to keep it going but its well worth it when your anxiety fades.
It should help with social anxiety, if your thinking is affecting social situations - but there may be more to it than social anxiety. Mindfulness can help with social anxiety - if you focus on what others are saying rather than your own thoughts/feelings then you will be better able to talk because you aren't fretting about talking.
Sensory triggers can really affect autistic people, so having a break from them really helps - though managing them better with CBT can also help, and also mindfulness.