Published on 12, July, 2020
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
Hello Stacey, I'm really sorry you have been through so much. Mental health sucks and is really hard to live and deal with. I've struggled with it since I was 15 and it's still not great now. I do struggle with anxiety and depression as well. Including suicidal thoughts which has led to attempts. My doctor said a few years ago that it's common for people on the spectrum to have anxiety and depression, I don't know if she was right but she seemed to think that was true. I still struggle real bad with all of this so I can't give you any help for it sadly, but, if you need to talk then my door is always open for you. :)
Thank you so much x