Recently diagnosed

Hi to anyone who may read this. My name is Jonny,  This will probably be an introduction you’ve heard many times before so I apologise if you’ve heard it all before . I was diagnosed with Autism on Monday this week I’m 43 years old.

It has been a total shock I’m also currently in the middle of an adhd assessment I will get my diagnosis 12th November. My life has been dogged for many many many years with severe anxiety and depression, that I’ve now been told has probably had a lot to do with the autism and potentially adhd and because I have become an absolute professional at masking. I’ve prided myself all of my life in being able to get up and work. That is until 5 months ago when I have ended up having a massive breakdown my mind and body finally gave up. 

I’ve spent all of my adult life being treated for anxiety and depression but 5 months ago in a very very dark place I paid to have a full psychiatric assessment, this is when I was told about autism and adhd concerns,it was a massive shock and I’ll be honest I didn’t even know what either thing meant or was really. Then I tentatively started exploring and looking into them and it was like an explosion in my mind of so many things I was relating to that I just thought were me. I quickly became very overwhelmed and stopped. 


I’m aware it’s very early from the diagnosis but I feel like I’m grieving for my life that has been. I feel very lost and alone but most of all I feel very sad wondering if my life could’ve been different. One slightly more positive thing is I think it has given my mum some much needed answers too she has been with me through the assessments so far and has really began to understand why I am the way I am, I think she has found relief from it that there are now answers.
if anyone read all of this thank you for your time. 

Parents
  • Hi Jonny,

    Many thanks for your message. It sounds like you have a lot of things going on at the moment, one thing triggering another thing, etc.
    The possibility of me being autism sort of rumbled on for a number of years and that wasn't comfortable so I cannot imagine how difficult it must be having autism highlighted by a professional and out of the blue, I can however, relate to living a life dominated by depression and anxiety. I am in my 70s and only diagnosed this year and have found it took me several months to absorb/assimilate my diagnosis. I can say I am less anxious, have less low-moods and much happier than I have ever been before. Actually, on reflection, the feeling is one of being untethered and the freedom is a bit unnerving at times.  

    The most common post-assessment advice on this site is: take things slowly and do be kind to yourself. 

    If you have the time it is perhaps worth reading other peoples' experiences of post-assessment. To me there does seem to be clear pattern.

Reply
  • Hi Jonny,

    Many thanks for your message. It sounds like you have a lot of things going on at the moment, one thing triggering another thing, etc.
    The possibility of me being autism sort of rumbled on for a number of years and that wasn't comfortable so I cannot imagine how difficult it must be having autism highlighted by a professional and out of the blue, I can however, relate to living a life dominated by depression and anxiety. I am in my 70s and only diagnosed this year and have found it took me several months to absorb/assimilate my diagnosis. I can say I am less anxious, have less low-moods and much happier than I have ever been before. Actually, on reflection, the feeling is one of being untethered and the freedom is a bit unnerving at times.  

    The most common post-assessment advice on this site is: take things slowly and do be kind to yourself. 

    If you have the time it is perhaps worth reading other peoples' experiences of post-assessment. To me there does seem to be clear pattern.

Children
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