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Mild infuriation for some, huge potential for anxiety for others

Oakling

This morning I decided to track a parcel online. I order my repeat medication to be delivered, that way I can avoid a few interactions that I just don’t need in an already overstimulating routine. Well, few weeks ago I had to contact the company, as I do every year, when it was time to update my prepayment details. I did this like I’ve had to do for years and thought nothing more of it. Well after 10 days of waiting my package still hadn’t arrived, so I thought I’d track it only to find out that it had been delivered. But not to me. Instead it turns out, the person who updated my details had reset my address to one I haven’t lived at for 3 years for some reason. So my parcel has been returned to somewhere.

Now I have the anxiety inducing task of contacting my GP, Royal Mail and the company that delivers it in order to track down and get hold of the medication I need and pay for.

For many this would be no big deal, a minor inconvenience at best, maybe something to be frustrated about. But for me, I’m now getting into a bit of a state of panic, as this sort of situation is one I do not do well in. It’s hard to describe what I’m feeling, but it’s a mix of very negative emotions. I really do struggle with things like this and I’m very nervous about it all. It’s another example how the world is set up for the majority who would be able to navigate this successfully, and not for individuals who struggle in these types of moments.

Parents

  • A situation like that would put me into a bit of a state of panic too. 

    Things that are unexpected like that are hard to process and deal with. If something doesn't happen like I expect it to I can react badly. Then there is effect of the disruption to my routine as I had not planned to spend the day dealing with whatever problem has arisen. These days I seem to spend so much of my time dealing with 'life admin' and the problems that ensue from it.

    The idea that I might have to try and communicate by phone elevates my anxiety massively. If communication can be done by email or live chat I'll opt for one of those methods of contact, however they are not necessarily the fastest or most efficient solution. Sometimes I can end up being sent round in circles by one of those infuriating chat bots.

    The mere thought of having to contact my GP is anxiety inducing. Phoning seems to be the only way, at my surgery at least, which I'll do anything to avoid. Those receptionists have one sole aim in their job description, to prevent anyone from ever seeing or speaking to a GP.

    Good luck! I hope you manage to sort it easily.

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  • A situation like that would put me into a bit of a state of panic too. 

    Things that are unexpected like that are hard to process and deal with. If something doesn't happen like I expect it to I can react badly. Then there is effect of the disruption to my routine as I had not planned to spend the day dealing with whatever problem has arisen. These days I seem to spend so much of my time dealing with 'life admin' and the problems that ensue from it.

    The idea that I might have to try and communicate by phone elevates my anxiety massively. If communication can be done by email or live chat I'll opt for one of those methods of contact, however they are not necessarily the fastest or most efficient solution. Sometimes I can end up being sent round in circles by one of those infuriating chat bots.

    The mere thought of having to contact my GP is anxiety inducing. Phoning seems to be the only way, at my surgery at least, which I'll do anything to avoid. Those receptionists have one sole aim in their job description, to prevent anyone from ever seeing or speaking to a GP.

    Good luck! I hope you manage to sort it easily.

Children
  • in reply to Autonomistic
    Autonomistic said:
    Then there is effect of the disruption to my routine as I had not planned to spend the day dealing with whatever problem has arisen.

    This is the major problem for me to, and it always is a full day or more. Especially when you factor in time to rehearse all communication, which is something I have to do. If I’m having to phone someone, which like you I avoid at all costs, I have to write a script of potential responses and stock phrases I can use. This is part of my autistic experience, and many others in a similar situation, that I imagine most people don’t even know exists. It takes a lot of time and energy.

    I have managed to send one email so far, but I know there is wait times involved now. It just seems like an odd thing to happen when this company hasn’t sent medication to that address for years. It’s a spanner in the works that has more of an impact than anyone there would realise. I also don’t think I’d be able to explain the impact to someone in those communication if I tried, which only adds to the frustrations. 

    I’m sorry to read that things like this impact you in a similar way too, but thank you for the well wishes from an understanding position. It means a good deal having a community like this to turn to in moments like these where you feel invisible to the world.