I’ve recently been diagnosed as autistic. I’m 51 and have struggled all my life so in a way the diagnosis has helped to explain why and also why I feel so different to others. Truthfully , I am still adjusting to this revelation and trying to understand myself in the light of this diagnosis. I also feel angry and sad that I’ve only just found out - all those years struggling with no help or explanation. I have had to distance myself from my parents and sisters as they have become verbally aggressive towards me ( since my diagnosis) and I’ve realised that they’ve bullied me all my life because of my difference.
I am also menopausal now and am really struggling with the lack of ability to regulate my body temperature. I hate when the weather is hot now, I get so exhausted and irritable. Even small domestic tasks now feel like pushing an elephant up a hill. My executive functioning skills ( planning, organising, multitasking etc) have become really bad and some days I cannot even get dressed or do simple things. The brain fog is so debilitating and exhausting that I am struggling to work anymore. I have given up part of my role but not sure whether to give up work altogether. I feel like the menopause has really diminished my capability even more, which was limited already because of the autism. I tried HRT but it made me feel desperate and suicidal so I stopped taking it . I don’t know what to do. Just wondering if anyone else is experiencing this or has any suggestions. Thanks.
