There’s no support for me

[Notnormalthankgod]

H

 

[Autistamatic]

Hi Phil
I see from your other post you're in Ely - that's Cambridgeshire if I remember rightly. There's members from all over the UK on here so it's quite possible there's someone not too far from you who may know of something else you can look into for support.
As far as NHS and community help is concerned we will never see improvement under the current Government, but with the events currently ongoing that could change very soon.
For now the best advice I can offer is to use this forum as a sounding board. Most of us here are on the spectrum and have also dealt with mental health issues. You'll find plenty of good advice, understanding and emotional support here if you choose to open up. There's also a number of LGBTQ+ members too who can relate to anything specific in that area of your life you wish to discuss. There's a "members only" section if you would prefer to keep some things out of general view too.
Also look to charities like the National Autistic Society and MIND for services that might be of use to you. They are unfortunately having to plug the gap left by government so they are heavily subscribed, but they may be able to offer something useful to you and may even prioritise you if your need is greater than others.
I hope we can help you feel a little more in control Phil, I really do

Quinn

 

[Starfire]

Hi Phil, I’m sorry to hear you’re going through such a tough time. Unfortunately, even if you do get an official diagnosis that will not necessarily lead to any additional help or support.

I made the mistake of thinking it would, and that the team I worked with for my evaluation, assessment and ultimate diagnosis would offer me help. They don’t, they are a diagnostic team and that’s what they specialise in.

Like your letter said I was also offered three follow up appointments to discuss the diagnosis and any referrals they might make. The reality is there is very little help offered to diagnosed adults there never has been and regardless of who is in power, there likely never will be to think otherwise is simply naive and unrealistic.

The letter you received seems to suggest that you have problems with anxiety and depression, and you also say you’d like to die most of the time. These are feelings and problems that your GP, and other charities and organisations such as the The Samaritans should be able to help with quite quickly. You may be better off focusing your time and energy on these problems which could be helped in the short term by medication etc rather than focusing on a diagnosis which is a long way off and may prove to be of little help anyway.

I’m sorry if this is not what you want to hear, but autism specific help for those on the higher functioning end of the spectrum in reality, doesn’t really exist in a meaningful way. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t put all your eggs in that basket.

Have a look here you might find some help -

Mental health help and support services

Anxiety UK
Charity providing support if you've been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.

Phone: 03444 775 774 (Mon to Fri, 9.30am to 5.30pm)

Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk

Bipolar UK
A charity helping people living with manic depression or bipolar disorder.

Website: www.bipolaruk.org.uk

CALM
CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35.

Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight)

Website: www.thecalmzone.net

Men's Health Forum
24/7 stress support for men by text, chat and email.

Website: www.menshealthforum.org.uk

Mental Health Foundation
Provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.

Website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk

Mind
Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.

Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 6pm)

Website: www.mind.org.uk

No Panic
Voluntary charity offering support for sufferers of panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Offers a course to help overcome your phobia/OCD. Includes a helpline.

Phone: 0844 967 4848 (daily, 10am to 10pm)

Website: www.nopanic.org.uk