• Replies 16 replies
  • Subscribers 39 subscribers
  • Views 527 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

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

  • I have very recently been diagnosed ASD with a few ADHD traits. It didn’t come as a surprise and there are many ways in which I feel it is a positive thing for me. However, I’m still struggling to navigate redefining myself - and my past self. It is overwhelming but every day I am getting to know the real me better and feel more able to unmask in certain situations.

    One thing I have learned about myself is that when others see me as dysregulated, I am actually just being me. A lifetime of feeling inadequate and like I’m “doing it wrong” means that it is easy to beat yourself up for the emotions that you are feeling. I am trying to convince myself to lean into what I am feeling in order to process - accept what I’m feeling because I’m just being me - avoid judging myself against the neuro-typical idea of what being emotionally regulated looks and feels like - understand that sometimes I need to feel anger or sadness or frustration etc - understand that having a meltdown is the way I regulate.

    I’m not a natural at giving support but I hope that you begin to feel more positive about yourself and your diagnosis soon.

Reply

  • I have very recently been diagnosed ASD with a few ADHD traits. It didn’t come as a surprise and there are many ways in which I feel it is a positive thing for me. However, I’m still struggling to navigate redefining myself - and my past self. It is overwhelming but every day I am getting to know the real me better and feel more able to unmask in certain situations.

    One thing I have learned about myself is that when others see me as dysregulated, I am actually just being me. A lifetime of feeling inadequate and like I’m “doing it wrong” means that it is easy to beat yourself up for the emotions that you are feeling. I am trying to convince myself to lean into what I am feeling in order to process - accept what I’m feeling because I’m just being me - avoid judging myself against the neuro-typical idea of what being emotionally regulated looks and feels like - understand that sometimes I need to feel anger or sadness or frustration etc - understand that having a meltdown is the way I regulate.

    I’m not a natural at giving support but I hope that you begin to feel more positive about yourself and your diagnosis soon.

Children