Hello - recently diagnosed

Hi JayPop,

Welcome!

I was diagnosed last May, at age 56.  Like you, I found it a relief, enabling me to make sense of my life at last.  It hasn't all been positive for me, though.  I look back on a life blighted by depression, anxiety, and confusion about why I couldn't fit in and make friends like everyone else.  I also look back on a life of missed opportunities, mainly to do with lack of confidence.  I often wonder how much differently my life might have turned out had I been diagnosed as a child.  But there it is.  I can't change it.  I need to move on as best I can. At least now, I have that knowledge.

My gradual withdrawal, too, began in my 30s.  I now live alone, having had enough of failed relationships.  I work, but I don't have any friends outside of work - and the people I work with aren't really friends, as such.  I'm also alienated from much of my family - apart from my mother, who is close, and who seems to 'get' me.

It isn't always easy to write or talk about yourself - especially with NTs, who may try to understand and empathise, but often can't.  This is why I've found forums like this helpful.  It's a community of like-minded people.  Hopefully, you'll soon find yourself having the confidence to share more things on here.  I'm reading posts all the time and thinking 'Hey, that's just like me!'  It makes you feel no longer alone.

See you around!

All the best,

Tom

Hi JayPop,

Welcome!

I was diagnosed last May, at age 56.  Like you, I found it a relief, enabling me to make sense of my life at last.  It hasn't all been positive for me, though.  I look back on a life blighted by depression, anxiety, and confusion about why I couldn't fit in and make friends like everyone else.  I also look back on a life of missed opportunities, mainly to do with lack of confidence.  I often wonder how much differently my life might have turned out had I been diagnosed as a child.  But there it is.  I can't change it.  I need to move on as best I can. At least now, I have that knowledge.

My gradual withdrawal, too, began in my 30s.  I now live alone, having had enough of failed relationships.  I work, but I don't have any friends outside of work - and the people I work with aren't really friends, as such.  I'm also alienated from much of my family - apart from my mother, who is close, and who seems to 'get' me.

It isn't always easy to write or talk about yourself - especially with NTs, who may try to understand and empathise, but often can't.  This is why I've found forums like this helpful.  It's a community of like-minded people.  Hopefully, you'll soon find yourself having the confidence to share more things on here.  I'm reading posts all the time and thinking 'Hey, that's just like me!'  It makes you feel no longer alone.

See you around!

All the best,

Tom