Navigating Life with Autism and Co-morbidities: My Journey
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Chapter 1: Understanding Co-morbidities
When it comes to autism, it’s important to recognize that no one experiences it in isolation. Many individuals on the spectrum grapple with various additional challenges, often referred to as co-morbidities. It’s crucial to note that I prefer the term “conditions” rather than “diseases” when discussing autism and related mental health issues. Each person’s experience with autism is distinct, and for me, that experience has included anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and a hint of OCD since my diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome, now classified as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), over a decade ago.
Recently, I have been overwhelmed by a resurgence of these struggles, particularly depression and anxiety, more intense than I can recall in recent memory.
Section 1.1: My Living Situation
Living alone with my autism service dog, Tye, has its unique dynamics. When Tye wears his service vest, he is focused and attentive, performing his duties well. However, once we’re home and he is free of the vest, he turns into a playful pet, bringing joy into my life. Due to the limited number of friends I have, Tye often becomes my conversational partner. For instance, while watching TV, I might exclaim, “What was that?” to him, only to receive a sleepy sigh in response.
Section 1.2: An Unexpected Setback
In early January, a drive on a winding road ended in an accident when I hit a patch of black ice, totaling my car. The near miss with serious injury left me feeling lucky, but the subsequent months were isolating as I dealt with a painful knee and a lack of transportation. My social interactions dwindled significantly, and my daughter, despite living nearby, was often too busy to assist.
Consequently, I found myself leaving the house only a handful of times over several months, and as the isolation grew, so did my depression and anxiety. Offers to speak at events increased my stress, as I was unable to attend.
Chapter 2: The Weight of Self-Esteem
Low self-esteem has been a long-standing issue for me, rooted in my childhood experiences. Growing up without a clear understanding of autism meant that I was often labeled negatively by teachers and peers. Even after receiving my diagnosis at 45, the impact of feeling inadequate lingered.
With anxiety and depression at a peak, I felt incapable of advocating for myself, questioning the value of my writing and other creative outlets. This led to withdrawing from social media and communication, effectively trapping myself in a cycle of negativity.
Video Description: An exploration of medical co-morbidities associated with autism, highlighting the intersection of various health conditions.
Video Description: Discussing the co-morbid conditions affecting individuals with autism throughout their lives, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness.
As I confront these feelings, I’m determined to break free from this cycle. I’ve decided to restart my weekly livestream, "Mental Health Happy Hour Live," in hopes of reigniting my passion for connection and advocacy.
Is this the turning point for me? I certainly hope so. We all experience difficult moments, whether neurotypical or neurodivergent, and how we respond to them shapes our journey. I let my struggles linger longer than necessary, but now I’m committed to moving forward.
How about you? Have you faced similar challenges? I invite you to share your experiences and tips for managing tough times. Let's start a conversation!
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