I'm new here. I was diagnosed autistic & ADHD earlier this year. It’s something I’ve suspected for years but it took a long time to navigate actually being assessed.
I really thought the diagnosis would bring relief, clarity and validation. I think I expected to feel seen but instead I just feel lost. I guess I’m still processing it all. It's a complete shift in how I see myself and my past and in how I'm going to live my future and that's a lot to deal with. It’s brought up a lot of grief.
I wasn't offered any meaningful support afterwards so i suppose I just feel very alone in navigating it all. The people in my life don’t seem to understand how life changing this diagnosis is for me so I can't really talk to them much about it. And when I reached out to my doctor I was basically told to either pay for private therapy or try making friends with other autistic people. So I don't really feel like I've had any guidance or resources. I've just been left to somehow figure it out on my own.
I’m struggling with loneliness. I don’t know how to make friends in a way that feels real and sustainable. Some days I can barely get out of bed. I can’t work right now. I feel overwhelmed by everything. I'm anxious that I'll never find the support or stability I need to build a life where I can function and connect with others.
I'm nearing 30 now and I see all my peers settling into careers and having solid supportive friendship circles. I thought by this age I’d have it a little more figured out but instead I feel stuck and like everyone is moving too fast for me to keep up.
I guess that’s why I’m here. I’m looking for reassurance that I’m not the only one feeling this way. I want to find a sense of community and somewhere to be honest about this journey as I try to unmask and figure out how to exist in the world as I am.
I know this is a bit rambly, but if anyone has any advice or can resonate in any way it'd be great to hear from you.
