Health and Sanity Check-Ins

[sprocketta]

Things are crazy now. I think we are all trying to stay healthy and maintain sanity as well. I thought I would start this thread so folks can check in and discuss how they're doing. I want all my BIC friends to be okay. I will kick this off with a first post. Take care of yourself lovelies.

[heartsmyface]

Well, how do I put this…. I haven’t been dealing well with my parents deaths and sought out a private psychiatrist cause I’ve been an utter mess (and the ones through the public health system have a waiting list of nine to fifteen months) and just haven’t been able to readjust to life and daily activities or even function.    I've  been diagnosed with and have had asd1 and adhd all this time and what I was really experiencing was autistic burnout.  That explains why I’ve always felt weird and like I’ve always been missing something i just couldn’t place.  Autism tends to present differently in girls than it does in boys.  We’re better able to mask it, hide our ticks and stimming better due to how we’re socialized from a young age. My hyper interest in makeup even went undetected cause who doesn’t love endless makeup and skincare advice or makeovers?  I had no idea and have been trying to get treatment my whole life being told I was just a bit depressed or anxious and that  I needed to try harder to form bonds and attachments to overcome that depression and anxiety.  And I have tried and succeeded to some extent in being social yet I’ve struggled in doing so.  I make and try to maintain friends because being a part of a social circle makes me happy and gives me a sense of belonging but it’s also mentally exhausting deciphering social cues and trying not to mess up with social nuances which is why I periodically go MIA ( what I call hermit mode).  
I’m still processing and learning what all this means to/for me but thought I’d share.  

[blackkitty2014]

@heartsmyface I’m glad you finally got the correct diagnosis. I know you got this. Sending all the good vibes your way 🌹

[pocketvenus]

@heartsmyface I'm glad you've been getting help and your new diagnosis is making more sense for you ❤️ You've been through a rough time, please keep taking care of yourself!

[makeitup305]

@heartsmyface sending hugs your way! I work with a wide range of kids and adults on the spectrum and they all present so differently. I’m glad you were able to get the right diagnosis and are heading to happier and healthier future you. I think we sometimes forget to be kind to ourselves and feel pressure to fit into whatever roles we’ve fallen into 24/7. It’s definitely ok to take a break from that pressure now and then. Here on BIC we love you no matter what! XO

[heartsmyface]

@makeitup305   Thank you for your kind words and also for all the help you provide to the asd community:). 

[tsavorite]

@heartsmyface ,

I'm sorry that you have gone through such rough times!  I'm so sorry for the loss of your parents.  I lost my Mom during this time also.

You were brave and sought the help that you needed!  That's awesome, really.  Not everyone would do that.  Not everyone would share their situation, either.  You are a very special person!  I'm glad that you are so positive and that you have found some answers to the questions that you have had for so long!  Hugs to you!  Always in your corner!

[heartsmyface]

@tsavorite Awww thank you.  And big hugs to you.  I hope you’ve been coping alright? 

[itscarin]

@heartsmyface @My condolences for your loss. I’m glad you found someone to talk to who is helpful. You definitely have a lot on your plate. I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts.  

[heartsmyface]

@itscarin   Thank you:) 

[ather]

@heartsmyface  Huge hugs. I am so sorry you have been dealing with so much alone. I am always here to talk if you need someone to talk to. 

[faeriegirl]

@heartsmyface  I am so glad you were able to get the right diagnosis.💗

[heartsmyface]

@faeriegirl   Thank you!  big sigh of relief! 

[sister13]

Big hugs to you, @heartsmyface ! I’m glad you got the diagnosis. Be easy on yourself, this has been an unbelievably hard 2 years! Love you! 💕💕💕

[heartsmyface]

@sister13   For real though!  This has been by far the worst segment/chapter of my life.  There’s hope in that cause it has to get better.  It already is improving.  Hopefully for you as well.   ☀️🌸

[lmaster]

@heartsmyface I'm so very sorry you are having a terrible time with your parents deaths!! My 7 year old son has been diagnosed with ASD and wow has he come a long way!! The spectrum is exactly that and I'm sure you already know some people have major symptoms and some you couldn't tell by first meeting them. Your food choices also will effect your symptoms. Anytime my son's routine is effected, he gets extremely irritable... Even if someone is visiting the house, later in the day he will be very short tempered. I'm here for you!! I've learned so much!! Anything you want to talk about ever, just pm me sweet beauty

[heartsmyface]

@lmaster  Thank you.  It’s kind of cool how many of us have children on the spectrum.  My 19 year old is as well!  - and a good number of our friends are too- like a disproportionality large number of our friends (in the computer security industry so what a cliché!) I just never noticed I was similar cause a lot of traits are below the surface and we don’t actually bring it up and make it a thing.  

Thank you!  I’m sure we have a lot of common grounds and pointers to share.  

[lmaster]

@heartsmyface absolutely!!! Everybody learns differently, just have to figure out the best way! My son is a visual learner, and has auditory memory with language disorder, so he struggles sometimes to find the right words, but with therapy oh my gosh it has just changed everything for him! Good luck to you on your journey and all the positive vibes I can give your way are coming!! ❤️

[heartsmyface]

@lmaster   I’m just imagining the frustration when you can’t find the right words and trying to multiply it by 1000.  he’s so lucky to have you.  That’s so wonderful therapy has really paid off for him and he’s making progress.  Your enthusiasm has me all teared up cause EVERY little development is such a big deal! 

[lmaster]

@heartsmyface yes he does get frustrated,,, but it's usually when someone tries to finish what he's saying, he has to get it out himself. He's such a sweet and loving kid. It takes a village!! And members of BIC are in my village 😊😘 🤗

[curlychiquita]

@heartsmyface that's quite a lot to go through all at once.  I'm glad your new psychiatrist has helped you with your grief from your parents' deaths, and also with your newly diagnosed asd and adhd. Having those diagnoses will help you so much. It sounds like you're in a better place. I hope you feel even better soon. 

[heartsmyface]

@curlychiquita   Oh gosh yes, being treated for the adhd alone has been world altering but in such a subtle way.  I’m already feeling better.  Lots of work to go but it’s off to a good start:).  I appreciate all the support from you and everyone here too.