Just need to vent and also seek some advice from people on here.

JustJem

Hello, I don't really know who to turn to.. so I'm posting this here as need to get certain things off my chest etc.

I have autism, PTSD, EUPD, depression, anxiety, low confidence etc.. and I'm extremely unhappy with my life and where its currently heading.

I've never been able to sustain paid employment, other than 2 months at the most... volunteering is the same situation..  I just quit before I begin, due to fear of failure and rejection..  and my autism makes me feel overwhelmed with everything.

I am currently in receipt of benefits which I'm grateful for having, however.. I want to do more with my life.. but don't know how I'm going to get out of this negative mindset.

Feel like a complete and utter failure, all I do is sleep all day and other things due to depression.. and only go out when my friend is with me due to my anxiety..

Any advice on how I can change my life for the better from anyone would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry for the long essay, just needed an outlet.

Thank you.

Cher_Alumni

Hello @JustJem How are things today?

No need to apologise, I'm glad you shared with us how you're feeling so we can hopefully begin to help make things better. You are managing lots of different conditions there, and from my perspective that makes you a real trooper who is doing their best day in, day out to cope. Don't forget to recognise those small achievements, going out with a friend is still going out. Take it one step at a time.

Do you have much support to help you through these difficult times, for instance family, friends, your GP or a mental health team? And if not, is there anything you think could help? For instance a chat with your GP about therapeutic options you haven't already explored?

I'm going to email you shortly to see if there's anything else we can do to help, but in the meantime I'd welcome other members words of wisdom and encouragement, and wish you a happy, relaxing Easter 

L_Volunteer

Sending you hugs @JustJem. As a fellow autistic, I would say identifying your passions and strengths is such a key step forwards. 

What do you enjoy and feel confident doing? Please note, you will probably have more strengths than you feel you do.

We are here with you if you would like to talk it through with us. It sounds like this is made more difficult for you by having competing mental health needs too. 

We are really proud of you for reaching out, especially as you identified that writing/venting would help.

Is there anything else, in particular, you feel would be helpful for you at the moment? I recognise and appreciate different things work best for each of us