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Just been diagnosed and feeling sad - what support can I get?

flohusband93

Hi there

Hope we are all doing OK in this crazy world. 

I (32F) have just been diagnosed with autism and finding it to be a big thing to come to terms with. On top of struggling to find work, feeling low and getting used to the idea that I'm autistic, I've been feeling very overwhelmed and sad. It feels like a massive thing to start reappraising your whole life and I've been having low mood and some suicidal ideation, although no plans to act on it. 

Is this normal? It's a lot for me, and I'm just starting to find my way with it. I feel like I really need a support group of people who are also autistic who would also understand what it's like to be like this.

Thanks

A dysregulated and emotional female

Parents

  • Hello  

    Thank you for sharing this with the Community. I'm sorry to hear that you've been having a difficult time coping with your diagnosis and other areas of your life. It's understandable that you're feeling overwhelmed.

    Our website has a diagnosis hub, this includes information, practical and multimedia resources to support autistic people and their families after diagnosis. You may want to visit the other resources on our website, we have advice and guidance on a wide range of information about autism, socialising and relationships, communication and education: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance

    You can try searching on our Autism Services Directory https://www.autism.org.uk/autism-services-directory for diagnostic services in your local area. The Directory also includes listings for support and social groups for autistic people, their families and friends.

    We have information and advice on applying for a job, tips for interacting and coping at work, advice on dealing with bullying in the workplace and what the law says about your rights at work: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/employment

    You can also find our free online ‘Finding Employment’ module on our website: https://www.autismonlinetraining.com/

    This module is designed to help autistic job seekers entering the job market understand their strengths and what next steps they could take towards gaining meaningful employment or work. Evenbreak matches disabled job seekers with employers to build a diverse workforce. You can visit the Evenbreak website for listed job vacancies: https://www.evenbreak.co.uk/ The British Association of Supported Employment has a database of supported employment agencies, so you can search for one in your local area: https://www.base-uk.org/home

    Maximus offer a range of employability programmes throughout the UK, including, programmes for disabled people who are struggling to find work: https://www.maximusuk.co.uk/ The National Autistic Society employment and volunteering opportunities are updated frequently. We particularly welcome applications from autistic people.

    If you are interested in counselling (NHS & private), you may like to have a look at the Autism Services Directory: https://www.autism.org.uk/directory  under ‘Health & Counsellors’. This guide produced by the National Autistic Society may be of interest. 

    Please do reach out toe the Community if you need further support.

    I hope this helps,

    Chloe Mod

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