Autistic wife really struggling with mental health

Hi,

I am reaching out as I am lost. My wife is autistic and really struggles with sensory issues. It seems to be getting worse and she constantly tells.me she is trapped. We cannot really move house, as she cannot hold down a job anymore. She is also home educating my 8yr old autistic son. She just burns out at any "little" thing, and it spirals her whole day. She just needs to sleep to escape. It is really difficult and is affecting everyone. She has accessed CBT before and won't consider any more as she deems it a waste of time and not suited to autistic minds. We cannot afford private councilling and she has been to the gp in the past and doesn't feel like she gets anywhere, so won't try again. I am truly lost of how to help, but it is gut wrenching at times, as she cannot find any joy. Does anyone have any strategies that may help, or advise of free services that don't mean a huge waiting list? I really think she needs councilling.

Thanks

Parents

Bunny 5 months ago

Hi and welcome to the community.

I'm really sorry to hear of your wife's struggles. I appreciate what you said, but would suggest contacting her GP again, but perhaps asking to speak with a different doctor this time?

Not_my_real_name said:
Does anyone have any strategies that may help, or advise of free services that don't mean a huge waiting list? I really think she needs councilling.

Depending on where you are in the UK, she could also be able to self refer for Talking Therapy (services include counselling):

NHS - Talking Therapies

Alongside that, you might find these NAS resources helpful, including the strategies suggested in the first one:

NAS - Autistic fatigue and burnout

NAS - Meltdowns

There's also some great (free) advice here from Dr Megan Neff - a neurodivergent author (who's also a clinician and advocate):

Autistic Burnout Recovery: How to Build a Recovery Plan

I've also just bought this new book of hers. It covers the subject in much greater detail, whilst remaining very user-friendly (including lots of diagrams and worksheets, for example):

The Autistic Burnout Workbook: Your Guide to Your Personal Recovery Plan
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Bunny 5 months ago

Hi and welcome to the community.

I'm really sorry to hear of your wife's struggles. I appreciate what you said, but would suggest contacting her GP again, but perhaps asking to speak with a different doctor this time?

Not_my_real_name said:
Does anyone have any strategies that may help, or advise of free services that don't mean a huge waiting list? I really think she needs councilling.

Depending on where you are in the UK, she could also be able to self refer for Talking Therapy (services include counselling):

NHS - Talking Therapies

Alongside that, you might find these NAS resources helpful, including the strategies suggested in the first one:

NAS - Autistic fatigue and burnout

NAS - Meltdowns

There's also some great (free) advice here from Dr Megan Neff - a neurodivergent author (who's also a clinician and advocate):

Autistic Burnout Recovery: How to Build a Recovery Plan

I've also just bought this new book of hers. It covers the subject in much greater detail, whilst remaining very user-friendly (including lots of diagrams and worksheets, for example):

The Autistic Burnout Workbook: Your Guide to Your Personal Recovery Plan
Cancel
Vote Up 0 Vote Down

Sign in to reply

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