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I just want some help

Charlz

Hi 

I'm not diagnosed, so I hope I'm ok to be here. I went to hospital this year for really bad mental health, and while there they felt that the reason I'd been struggling for so long was because I'm actually autistic and should be diagnosed. 

I had always wondered. I've never fitted in, I struggle with almost all relationships. I get caught up in the things I enjoy and will do the things I enjoy endlessly. I get overwhelmed easily, and I often don't understand the things I feel. I often don't understand people, no matter how hard I try and it makes me exhausted easily. Etc 

Since that day, I'm waiting for a GP appointment, but I know wait times are long. I've done a lot of research and things are starting to make sense, even if it is all overwhelming and a little upsetting. 

I know it might also not be, but if I'm not autistic I don't really know what else it could be that makes me struggle with everything so much. I just really want to know advice, or things I could do to help myself during this time. Just a bit of help and to maybe not feel so alone. 

I hope this is all ok 

Thank you 

  • Hello Charlz.

    Welcome to the NAS community - Regardless of what stage of the Diagnosis process you're at, you are very welcome here. There is no such thing as an imposter.

    As you say, by examining our life with a new perspective, such as the potential of being on the autistic spectrum, you may find that a lot of elements begin to slot into place - this is not always a pleasant experience, as you've identified, and can truly be overwhelming to work with.

    While I can see that our community is beginning to provide feedback, I wonder if any of the following NAS resources may be of use:

    What is autism

    What can I do while waiting for an autism assessment?What can I do while waiting for an autism assessment?

    I wish you the best going forward, you deserve to reach a sense of understanding.

    Thanks - Zac Mod.

  • Hi Chariz and Welcome, 

    Yes, undiagnosed people are welcome here. I am only a newcomer, too and I find this site both helpful and supportive.

    I went through a similar process to you; gathering "pieces of the jigsaw" that appeared to be making a picture of autism.  This went on for quite some time and then I requested an assessment via my GP.  I was accepted but the waiting time gradually became longer.  At the same time I was becoming more convinced,  I was autistic, as was my partner. I bit the bullet and went for a private assessment and was assessed as autistic. 

    However, there are people, some on this site, who self-identify as being autistic. So there are choices - which is good. 

    One thing I did,  while awaiting my assessment, was to write down all that I could remember and that might appear to be autistic in nature. For instance,  issues, interactions,  observations, hobbies, employment history,  likes/dislikes, etc. Also, those comments/reactions of other people, work colleagues,  relatives, etc.  In hindsight it was often the little things, that I took for granted and supposed everyone did, that were most telling, so note these too . It is useful to carry a notebook and pen;  things from the past can suddenly come to mind and disappear as just as quickly. 

    A second thing I would do would be re-visiting this site to read about other people's stories and journeys. They express how different people’s autism can be.  

    Best wishes for your journey.