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Low mood after diagnosis

Eyes

Hi All,

I've just posted a few hours ago but have one more thing to ask others. Following my recent diagnosis of Autism I initially felt elated and vindicated. It was as good a piece of news I think I had ever had as it made so much of my life make sense.

However more and more it feels hopeless, like it means nothing. I have dyslexia too and I feel I'm just collecting definitions. I have understanding now but does that matter?

I don't feel shame or stigma at all, the most positive feeling I have is renewed pride in being very different and a determination not to hide anymore, I just wondered if anyone else felt very low in the weeks following diagnosis?

Cheers.

Parents

  • Good morning.

    Yes - many people here have experienced what you describe.  There is excitement and relief initially.......and then the realisation that,  apart from the self knowledge, there is no help nor further "revelations" that will help with anything practical and meaningful.

    You said;

    Eyes said:
    I have understanding now but does that matter?

    To which, from my perspective and experience, I can offer you a resounding YES - it does matter.

    I recommend that you don't beat yourself up.  I recommend that you allow yourself time to "come to terms" with your diagnosis in your own way.  There is no hurry.  Research autism to death for yourself......spend some time here with other people like you.....reflect on how you might be able to 'redirect' your efforts to better accommodate your autistic reality AND perhaps find ways to use it to your advantage.

    For what it is worth, I think this next period of time for you is the most enlightening and when you 'grow' the most - but it all happens inside your own head - "they" have told you what you are, now "you" can fathom the ways that this new knowledge can enhance your life.

    It isn't all doom and gloom 'Eyes' - just a roller coaster.

    Kind regards

    Number.

Reply

  • Good morning.

    Yes - many people here have experienced what you describe.  There is excitement and relief initially.......and then the realisation that,  apart from the self knowledge, there is no help nor further "revelations" that will help with anything practical and meaningful.

    You said;

    Eyes said:
    I have understanding now but does that matter?

    To which, from my perspective and experience, I can offer you a resounding YES - it does matter.

    I recommend that you don't beat yourself up.  I recommend that you allow yourself time to "come to terms" with your diagnosis in your own way.  There is no hurry.  Research autism to death for yourself......spend some time here with other people like you.....reflect on how you might be able to 'redirect' your efforts to better accommodate your autistic reality AND perhaps find ways to use it to your advantage.

    For what it is worth, I think this next period of time for you is the most enlightening and when you 'grow' the most - but it all happens inside your own head - "they" have told you what you are, now "you" can fathom the ways that this new knowledge can enhance your life.

    It isn't all doom and gloom 'Eyes' - just a roller coaster.

    Kind regards

    Number.

Children
  • in reply to Deleted User

    Thanks Number, this is interesting and useful. I have lots of things to read now and like you write hopefully that research will help me understand more why it matters.

    One thing you write made me a bit more optimistic, I am quite looking forward to unlearning the way 'they' have told me to be and being more how I actually am! Masking it for my whole life has been exhausting.

    Thanks again,

    Eyes