Published on 12, July, 2020
I became mentally ill last year and lost my job. My psychiatrist diagnosed Asperger's spectrum disorder with co-morbid OCD. A more recent diagnosis from an autism specialist suggests that I am high-functioning, mildly Aspergic with bipolar disorder type 2.
I have always known that I was a bit different. I have had huge difficulty forming intimate relationships (and have become very ill and depressed when attempts to form them went wrong) and have very few friends of my own but it never occured to me that there might be anything diagnosable.
I am very fortunate however in having a very supportive wife and two wonderful children, although given the inheritable nature of autism and bipolar disorder I have some concerns for them. They are showing no obvious outward signs, but then neither did I at their age.
I was able to function sufficiently well over the years to do well at school and hold down reasonably well-paid jobs but I have now lost the confidence to re-enter the workplace. This may not be too bad as I can just about afford to retire. It may even be a blessing in disguise as I can now focus of doing what I enjoy rather than what I need to do to earn a living.
You're welcome. I aplaud the stand you are taking, and you are right to say that ASD is a recognised disability. We're not sure what the disabled element is, but NT society has a lot to answer for, sometimes, and I hope that in this case, the answer is forthcoming.
Apart from a scathing attitude to psychiatric endeavours, we tend to have an issue with pills. A few of us assert that pills don't help at all, but we also recognise that anyone can find themselves needing some extra support and we'd always encourage you to get it if you feel you need it. Some of us think (I know I do) that the best medication we've had so far is the confirming diagnosis, and perhaps as time goes on you'll consider things a different way. I've never found a pill that didn't take something away from me without really being helpful at all.
Anxiety and sleeplessness are common enough, and people will suggest a variety of ways to help yourself with that. Mood swings are a bit different, because by the nature of the condition, it will be so. It's learning about it, what your triggers are, learning how to spot the 'build up' and what you might do to be kind to yourself - the list is endless, but we talk about it. Skim through old threads on here, you'll find lots of interesting stuff, but don't get a headache - know when to stop and absorb!
My head's still in a spin from my diagnosis, but I'm finding my feet thanks to the other members of our community. Be well