Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi
I was diagnosed 4 years ago with high functioning autism and moved with my parents to rural France.
I tried living independently many times but it overwhelmed me and I turned to alcohol to cover up my anxiety and meltdowns.
Living here has been great for giving up the drink but I am isolated. I live with my parents and have many animals but no friends and I don't drive so I'm here all the time unless my mum and I go to the shops.
I feel depressed and alone with nowhere to vent and I Want to scream!
I've been getting to know myself the past 4 years knowing I am autistic but I don't know if being here isolated has made my autism worse.
Anyway it would be so nice to have people to talk to and get to know who's in a similar position.
Jess x
Hi Jess,
Welcome to the forum.
Do you speak French well? If not, this could be making your isolation worse. I can just about make myself understood in French, but couldn't have an in-depth conversation. I was diagnosed early last year, I mostly felt relieved as it explained so many of my difficulties and limitations and I could forgive myself for some past failures. I have to admit that my problems at the moment are the opposite of yours, I'm married and both adult daughters are at home at the moment - one is autistic, like me, the other has ADHD - and I have too many people to interact with for comfort.