Published on 12, July, 2020
hello my name is Mark, I'm posting here mainly out of sheer desperation, I'm really struggling to cope and don't know what to do about it.
I was diagnosed with aspergers in my early 30's (i'm now 45), it was quite a shock and I didn't really deal with it very well, I mean I always felt like I was different and quite alienated from the world around me but I hadn't even heard of aspergers before that.
I've tried seeking help from the doctor but all they wanted to do was give me SSRI's which made me feel like I was going completely insane, and the local mental health team has been next to useless, there dosen't seem to be any support for adults on the spectrum in my area.
I haven't worked in a long time and I've lost all my confidence and become really withdrawn, I live on my own, I thought being more independant would help restore my confidence but in reality I've just become more isolated than ever before. I tried doing voluntary work but I find it really hard dealing with other people and ended up developing a couple of stress related conditions - insomnia and a skin condition which makes my skin flare up and go all red and itchy for which I have to take allergy meds daily to keep it under control, my anxiety has gone through the roof and I'm becoming really depressed.
My only social outlet is the local pub, I find drinking supresses the anxiety enough to allow me socialise a little bit, but my drinking is getting way out of control and I can't afford it anyway, I've already gotten myself into a bit of financial trouble and I don't think it's doing a lot of good for my mental health. Essentially it's just not good or sustainable in the long term, but anything is better than the soul crushing lonliness I feel when I don't go out.
Things just seem to be getting worse and worse and I'm really struggling to cope, I'm at my wits end and I don't think I can carry on like this much longer, I just don't know what to do, a few weeks back I attempted to take an overdose of sleeping tablets which obviously failed. I don't feel like I can turn to my family for help because I've caused them so much stress over the years and they are getting too old to deal with this sort of thing, it just wouldn't be fair of me.
so I guess what I'm basically saying is I need help and I don't know if there is any available.
Hi Mark,
I am sorry to hear about the very traumatic situation you find yourself in. I think that in the first instance you should continue to participate in discussions in this forum especially when you are finding things difficult.
I know you feel like you're the only one going through this but the reality is there are many people who share your circumstances. Often alcohol can be a way of quashing and escaping the anxiety in the short-term but can make you feel bad in the long term. It can get you into more challenging situations, have a negative impact on your health generally and cost lots of money (but you already know this!).
People who are diagnosed later do find it difficult because you often have view all of your previous situations through new eyes and come to terms with them. There is a long process.
As others have said you need to find ways of bring yourself out of isolation such as going to a local support group or maybe try and find a club of something you're really interested in. Maybe you might like to attend a meditation/mindfulness group. That would help with anxiety.
Finding some regular work will also help with confidence though this is much easier said than done.
We sincerely hope you will remain positive and remember that there are people right here on this forum who understand you and want good things to happen for you.
Keep talking to us and take care!
Avi