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Feeling overwhelmed when reaching out, does anyone else experience this?

Lonehare12

I wanted to ask about something I noticed recently about myself.

When I tried to PM someone to thank them for their efforts supporting people here, I felt a really awful, physical feeling in my body, almost dread. I think it might be related to RSD or sensitivity around showing vulnerability.

It felt like because of all the unknowns around it, the uncertainty of it all, I nearly talked myself out of it.

Is this because of my AUDHD or are NT people like this too.

I wonder if others experience something similar?

How do you manage it, and does it help to try small steps, like sending a message or accepting compliments?

Parents

  • Ooo sounds like anxiety. I get what you’re talking about. Some NT people are like that, but I think it’s probably worse for us with Autism.

    What’s weird is that reaching out to people is actually part of my job (I find employment for people with disabilities). But I think I can manage that because I have a direct plan in mind (I’m looking for a job opening. That’s it). It’s when I make a call with less intention or I’m not sure how to word what my request is, that’s when I start to freak out prior to reaching out. Before I make a cold call, I always take a second to plan what I’m going to say and I write out things like my own phone number for if they ask me a question in return.

    So maybe with that in mind my advice is to keep it simple? Start with what you need to get across, then worry about niceties or potential responses after that? I’ve heard Autists tend to thrive more with direct communication, so go ahead, be direct.

Reply

  • Ooo sounds like anxiety. I get what you’re talking about. Some NT people are like that, but I think it’s probably worse for us with Autism.

    What’s weird is that reaching out to people is actually part of my job (I find employment for people with disabilities). But I think I can manage that because I have a direct plan in mind (I’m looking for a job opening. That’s it). It’s when I make a call with less intention or I’m not sure how to word what my request is, that’s when I start to freak out prior to reaching out. Before I make a cold call, I always take a second to plan what I’m going to say and I write out things like my own phone number for if they ask me a question in return.

    So maybe with that in mind my advice is to keep it simple? Start with what you need to get across, then worry about niceties or potential responses after that? I’ve heard Autists tend to thrive more with direct communication, so go ahead, be direct.

Children