We want to hear from you: please tell us about your experience of the online community.
Hello @lavenderfields. Thank you for reaching out, it can be the hardest thing to do. It looks like you're already making some nice connections on here and I hope you find the support helpful. We've also sent you an email so please look out for that.
@lavenderfields
Hi and welcome to the community.
So sorry to hear you are feeling that way.
Sending you love and hugs. 💕
Hey @lavenderfields a belated welcome to the community. 😊
I'm also autistic and have pretty crippling social anxiety, so I can empathise to some degree. Everyone's different of course. I also hate taking antidepressants, but still do as once they do start working, they definitely make a difference to me, but it usually takes about two months of feeling worse, which isn't great! You said you don't really have a social life and don't really have any hobbies. But are there any things you'd like to try doing?
Gotcha, ok then @lavenderfields let's do process of elimination. You could always try something that wouldn't involve leaving the house? That way, if you don't feel up to going out, you can still do your hobby, hopefully with other people online too. 😊 I found gaming's great for that, but I know it's not for everyone.
As said, it's not for everyone, it was just a suggestion. 😊 There's so many hobbies that have huge online communities these days, so there's always someone to chat to. Just have a think about something you'd like to try. 😊
Well this is an online community, so you found us at least. 🙂 There are all kinds of online groups around, centred on video games, Warhammer, literature fandom like Tolkien. I'm sure with your autism diagnosis you have got some special interests, at least that's what I hear is typical. I spent a lot of time learning about aviation, flight simulators and the like. Also got really into Linux. Nowadays, I'm in my 50's so I've developed an interest in spiritual stuff, meditation, mystic traditions, that kind of thing. Anyway, this thing here run by Mind might be a good starting point: https://sidebyside.mind.org.uk/
@lavenderfields I am so so sorry you feel this way. Having been there myself I can sadly say, I know you feel, having been there myself. But I will say, things defiantly did get better for me and many people I have met along the way who were also struggling with mental health. Our brains can play nasty tricks on us if we let them, they can convince us we are a burden and lower our moods consistently till we feel we can’t go on. But I am confident you are no burden to your mother or anyone else and there is always some form of help available. Many have mentioned Samaritan service which may be worth a try. My biggest advice is start journaling, write down your thoughts and feelings (however silly it may seem) also… make this a habit.. for every negative though.. write down 3 things you can find positive in… can be so small.. (eg you have a good relationship with your mother) or you ate your favourite crisps? Consistency is key and it can start to change the way your brain thinks. I also couldn’t leave the house and had no hobbies till I started trying little things to occupy my brain.. a little exercise, drawing, reading.. painting, sewing, crosswords, watching a series, a game, little things that can refocus your brain. Eventually you’ll find something you find a little joy in. And I know it’s hard to motivate yourself to do anything when you feel this way.. but it’s always worth a try. Also this community is really is full of some of the kindest people who will help support you. sending you lots of love and strength. Things will get better xxx
The value must be greater than or equal to 1.
Get more out of your online community by signing in or registering
![Photo of [Deleted User]](https://us.v-cdn.net/6027153/uploads/defaultavatar/nM12UT844LQMJ.jpg)
