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Recently diagnosed - No idea who I am any more

Camille

Hey - new here and hoping to get some friendly advice on how to cope with being diagnosed recently. I’m 34 and i was 95% convinced I was autistic for about 4 years before I actually got officially diagnosed, so when I finally got the confirmation that all my suspicions were right, I felt a huge sense of relief and validation. Now, about a fortnight on, my euphoric relief has turned into a deep dark dissociative space. I’m depressive, vacant and don’t want to talk to anyone or do anything social. I am aware of how down I am, but can’t do anything about it. I feel like I’ve now been given the green light to know who I really am… and now I’m completely overwhelmed. I feel like I have to get to know a new person. And that person is me.. who I thought I already knew… help !

Parents

  • I agree with other commenters here that it can take a long time to adjust to a diagnosis. I got mine over eighteen months ago and I still don't feel I've fully adjusted. It's a learning curve. Don't pressure yourself to feel a certain way, just try to sit with the emotions. If the depressive feelings continue to dominate, it might be worth seeing your GP.

  • in reply to Luftmentsch

    Thank you for replying - while it is painful and unexpectedly hard, I do find it comforting to know it's not just me! may I ask what things you're still dealing with and learning about 18 months on? No pressure if it's too personal, I just really appreciate others' perspectives

  • in reply to Camille

    A lot is about learning my limits and when and how I can push myself and when I get overloaded. I've had numerous periods of burnout in my life and I don't want to go there again, but I also want to live as full a life as I can and not feel I have to stay in my room all the time to avoid burnout.

    In particular, I'd like to socialise more, but I struggle to work out how to do it (social skills), and how to do it safely (avoiding burnout).

    Beyond that, I'm just trying to find coping strategies and workarounds for things I find hard.

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  • in reply to Camille

    A lot is about learning my limits and when and how I can push myself and when I get overloaded. I've had numerous periods of burnout in my life and I don't want to go there again, but I also want to live as full a life as I can and not feel I have to stay in my room all the time to avoid burnout.

    In particular, I'd like to socialise more, but I struggle to work out how to do it (social skills), and how to do it safely (avoiding burnout).

    Beyond that, I'm just trying to find coping strategies and workarounds for things I find hard.

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