Hello, new member

Hi everyone,

My name is Sarah and I'm 56 yrs old.  No diagnosis but have spent my life feeling, like many others, that I'm not wired the same as other people and that I don't fit into the world.

I've talked to my GP a number of times over the years when I seem to be struggling more than others.  I was told I have anxiety, yes I think I do, but there is so much more going on that I just can't find the right words for.

I read up on being Autistic a long time ago and a lot of it fit with with me.  However since watching the wonderful programmes that Chris Packham presented over the last couple of weeks, my life was there in two one hour programmes, I wept, that finally this appeared to put into words that other would understand how my world is.

I asked my mum to watch it, so that she could understand how my life is day to day and that every day is a battle, but although she can see the similarities in me, I don' think she understands.

My hubby of almost 26 yrs, gets me, and since I have been able to put it into words a bit better is trying so hard to be more understanding.

I work in customer service in a telephone based role, but mainly work from home, with one day in the office a week.  I can cope with that but team days with lots of noise are really difficult and I struggle to cope.

I suggested my team leader watch the TV programmes and she is now more aware of why I struggle and has been really supportive.

I'm not sure if pursuing a formal diagnosis will help? nothing will change? I feel better knowing that this is me. 

Sorry very long garbled first posts. Taken a while to pluck up courage

But Hi everyone, looking forward to chatting with you and learning more.

Parents
  • Hi,

    Welcome Slight smile

    I'm new here too. Kind of in a same boat as you. And burn out atm and allowing myself to recharge.

    Waiting for a very long time for my referral (as you do with NHS) and was scared of "self diagnosis" this due to what people say, especially doctors, as I'm sensitive to criticism.

    But when you know you know. The glove just fits, and the penny drops. I was always the weirdo kid and outsider, and being with others more like me, that understands me has made my life easier. Also family being supportive been a very positive experience.

Reply
  • Hi,

    Welcome Slight smile

    I'm new here too. Kind of in a same boat as you. And burn out atm and allowing myself to recharge.

    Waiting for a very long time for my referral (as you do with NHS) and was scared of "self diagnosis" this due to what people say, especially doctors, as I'm sensitive to criticism.

    But when you know you know. The glove just fits, and the penny drops. I was always the weirdo kid and outsider, and being with others more like me, that understands me has made my life easier. Also family being supportive been a very positive experience.

Children
  • Oh Jay you are so brave.  I'm so worried about approaching the GP for a referral as don't want to be told I'm being silly.  As you say the glove fits, the penny dropped a long time ago and I have just suffered in silence for years with people thinking I'm stroppy, rude, miserable etc.  Life is so hard

    Hope all goes well with your continuing journey