Autism with depression and anxiety

Hello,

I am a 41 female who has recently been diagnosed wirh autism after being in the Mental Health system for over 12 years.

I feel very relieved that I can finally begin to put my finger on how I have been feeling since being a child, why I struggle with lots of things and also meeting like minded people.

However, although the diagnosis is a relief, it still does not explain the severe anxiety, depression and regular suicidal thoughts. Does anyone else suffer anxiety and depression with their autism and how do they manage it? I was on 200mg of sertraline for years but the physical side effects aren't good so I have weaned off it. Would prefer not to be medicated 

Thanks in advance,

Stacey

Parents
  • Is depression and anxiety common with autism. I have been diagnosed depression and anxiety plus a couple months ago I got diagnosed with autism. (16m) it's a long story of why it took so long to get diagnosed but anyway my question is are depression and anxiety common in us autists.

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  • Is depression and anxiety common with autism. I have been diagnosed depression and anxiety plus a couple months ago I got diagnosed with autism. (16m) it's a long story of why it took so long to get diagnosed but anyway my question is are depression and anxiety common in us autists.

Children