Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello,
Never really quite sure what to say on these sorts of things, but here goes.
I'm a 43 year old autistic guy, although until maybe 10 years ago I wasn't diagnosed. I have masked heavily throughout my life but its becoming increasingly exhausting. I've been going through a really rough time recently with my mental health. I have suffered with depression for pretty much my whole life - PDD and MDD.
I have reached out for support and am on a waiting list for NHS Talking Therapies, something which I'm dreading. Talking about myself in person is something I find very difficult, to the point of literally not being able to speak. The person who did my assessment was kind enough to let me do the assessment off camera and by typing, which was a massive help. I've also had an appointment with a mental health practitioner at my GP surgery. For that, I had to type out everything beforehand and give it to him to read.
Anyway, both the talking therapies person and the MHP mentioned this place, so here I am.
The biggest challenge I'm facing at the moment is work. I really need to find a new job as my current one is killing me physically and mentally. I currently feel really burned out and shut down and when I'm not at work I pretty much sit quietly in the corner, which is really unfair on my partner. I really need something to change and and am exploring pretty much every suggestion I've been given so far.
Anyway, that's me. Thanks for reading!
Hi Just_Chris! Welcome to the community! Your journey is not uncommon here and I'm sure youll find some conversation that will be helpful I have a few links here that might be useful for you to look at:
Our employment pages include information and advice on looking for an applying for a job. We also have a webpage offering information and support on in your rights at work, dealing with bullying and interacting and coping at work.
You can also find a free online ‘Finding Employment’ module on our website. This module is designed to help autistic job seekers entering the job market in understanding their strengths and what next steps they could take towards gaining meaningful employment or work.
Our Spectrum Live online series also features an episode discussing employment, this can be found here.
Evenbreak matches disabled job seekers with employers to build a diverse workforce. You can visit the Evenbreak website for listed job vacancies.
The British Association of Supported Employment (BASE), have a database of supported employment agencies, so you can search for one in your local area.
Maximus offer a range of employability programmes throughout the UK, Including, programmes for disabled people who are struggling to fine work.
Our current employment and volunteering opportunities with The National Autistic Society are listed on our vacancies page. We particularly welcome applications from autistic people.
You browse our website for lots of other advice and guidance on a wide range of information about autism, including what autism is, socialising and relationships, employment, benefits and social care.
You may like to have a look at the mental health section of our website which has useful links to information and advice about a range of mental health issues: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/mental-health or more specifically. autistic fatigue and burnout https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/mental-health/autistic-fatigue
I hope something in there is of interest and helps in some way
Best,
Sarah
Thanks very much. I'll be sure to check out the links. Much appreciated!