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Autistic girl struggling

Bella19758

Hi guys

my name is Bella and I’m an 18 year old student with Asperger’s. Recently I have found I’ve been extremely emotional regarding all things in life, crying majority of days due to certain instances that cause sensory overloads. I’ve found I’ve been extremely down on myself and this has affected every aspect in my life and I find it very difficult to put into words exactly how I’m feeling. The only way I can describe it is complete isolation and though my parents believe they understand how I feel, they are not truly experiencing it and cannot understand my needs especially in times where I am so overwhelmed to the point I cannot speak. I’ve become so introverted whilst at home, locking myself in my room just to cry and questioning every decision I’ve ever made. I found this platform to hopefully find some people that can relate so I feel less alone.

thanks 

  • I've been having a lot of mini-meltdowns and situational mutism lately. I think I'm a bit stressed and burned out. I also think I've become more conscious of my masking and I'm not trying so hard to force down my emotions. What's been helping me is the following:

    • Start losing my sh-1t...
    • Withdraw and find a quite space to sit alone.
    • Wave away anyone who tries to come near me or talk to me.
    • Then...
    • Tell myself that this is just my Autistic brain doing its thing. It will pass. Don't panic. Breathe.
    • Tell myself that this is not my fault or anyone else's fault. Nobody did anything bad. I'm just overwhelmed.
    • Let myself rock, pace, fidget or otherwise stim until I feel a bit more relaxed.
    • Stay alone for another half hour or so. Read a book, channel surf, or just stare into space.
    • Gently and slowly go back to being me.

    I used to just cram all of this down—bury it. Then I'd end up in trouble a long time later. I'm finding I can get back to normal more quickly if I just let go a bit and particularly if I don't try to blame myself or anyone else. Then, when it passes, I don't have the same level of shame or anger. I'm ready to go again. Wink

  • Hi Bella,

    Being a student is really tough. It is often a problem for us - being isolated. What can I do to help with this. Do you have special interests, that we could chat about on here.

    Mine are planning travel and also understanding autism. 

    I am not in your demographic, but also happy to give you support if you need it one here. I don't tend to IM, but feel free to post on here and I will reply, usually on the same day. I am usually about apart from the days I work - I work part-time.

    xx Mrs Snooks