Finally decided to get help

[I_Forge_Steel]

I have suspected that I have Asperger's for a long time, but I think it is finally time to see a professional. Lately I have been spiraling down into a deep depression. I don't even feel like myself anymore. My moods are erratic, I feel listless most of the time. I know I have been under a lot of stress from my mom's Alzheimer's. And the flooding from Harvey did not help. Losing a car and rebuilding a bedroom. But this is different. I am afraid of how far down I can go without help.

I finally brought it up to my dad last night and he is going to help me in any way he can. I am really scared though. I don't know what doctor to see, or what if they tell me it's all in my head, not to mention the expense. And the stigma of having a name attached to me from now on. At this point though, something has to change. I have a hard time leaving the house. I can't even think of working. I have no social life at all. Even online people tell me I demand too much attention and I am too possessive. That I don't understand boundaries. I don't see it usually, but other say I am a selfish jerk.

I only hope I am not making a huge mistake. I don't want to cause my family any more problems than they already have. I guess I am hoping someone else has been through this and can tell me what to expect.

 

[OkRad]

Welcome! There are many here who have gone through so much. Some are autistic , some aspie and some Almost Autistic.

I hope you find help you seek! I find it gets more complex the further in you get. I have genetic duplication so no one knows anything and it sucks. But i find a lot of support here

 

[The Midge]

Welcome.

Hang on there. A diagnosis may not cure anything but it explains a lot.

Take care.

 

[Judge]

Knowledge and self-awareness can empower you to attempt to improve your life on your own terms.

With or without a formal diagnosis. The point being to be able to deal with who- and what you are. And that it is a good thing rather to remain in the dark about it as I did for most of my life.

 

[Streetwise]

I have suspected that I have Asperger's for a long time, but I think it is finally time to see a professional. Lately I have been spiraling down into a deep depression. I don't even feel like myself anymore. My moods are erratic, I feel listless most of the time. I know I have been under a lot of stress from my mom's Alzheimer's. And the flooding from Harvey did not help. Losing a car and rebuilding a bedroom. But this is different. I am afraid of how far down I can go without help.

I finally brought it up to my dad last night and he is going to help me in any way he can. I am really scared though. I don't know what doctor to see, or what if they tell me it's all in my head, not to mention the expense. And the stigma of having a name attached to me from now on. At this point though, something has to change. I have a hard time leaving the house. I can't even think of working. I have no social life at all. Even online people tell me I demand too much attention and I am too possessive. That I don't understand boundaries. I don't see it usually, but other say I am a selfish jerk.

I only hope I am not making a huge mistake. I don't want to cause my family any more problems than they already have. I guess I am hoping someone else has been through this and can tell me what to expect.

It definitely helped me,I had CBT ,but if you're autistic you'll probably need it for a long time .
The health care system in the UK only allows six sessions if you are neuro typical ,so I can't tell you how effective CBT is .
You're a lot like me,some people on the autism spectrum say DBT is better suited to others not .
Do you have an enclosed garden ? If you do,sit outside,you need sunlight for depression, if you stay in your health will grow worse.
Start with mindfulness,look the word up on a search engine,see what attracts you
In the UK,doctors practice tells you if the doctor specialises in anything,if it's the same in the US ,you may find a doctor close to you who specialises in mental health .

 

[I_Forge_Steel]

Being outdoors has never been a problem for me. I would rather be outdoors than indoors most of the time. I have just reached a point where I no longer feel fully in control of myself. I don't think I can handle it without help. My dad is making calls and trying to find the most recommended specialist in the area. For once I am not totally alone with it. That's a start.

 

[Streetwise]

That's panic, it's an indescribable feeling, but it will stop .what we forget is the body is not designed to work instantly or to work well at the speed of panic, I am a testament to that, I have to force myself to rest or I would be dead.

 

[I_Forge_Steel]

This feels different to panic. I have had those moments before, I have learned to cope with it reasonably well. I don't even feel like myself anymore. Others are noticing the changes in my behavior.I can rub my hands together, and it feels like it is someone else doing it. It's hard to describe. Emotionally I am either severely depressed, or totally numb. Not the usual up and down I get. I have no interest in things I usually enjoy anymore. I have no appetite. I have lost 15lbs. I don't sleep. I don't really know what is going on, this isn't something familiar to me. That's why I believe it is time to seek professional help. Something is up and I don't think it is going away on it's own.

 

[ZebraAutismo]

Help is avalble. Just remember your amazing for what you can do.