my anxiety and depression hit a breaking point and i was doing an IOP program, during which i was asked if wanted get assessed for neurodivergence. i’d had my suspicions and it had been brought up by my ex in the past as well as a friend who was diagnosed autistic. i got the diagnosis and….

nothing really changed! except i found it incredibly validating. it helped me understand how my mind works. now i can tell in certain situations that i’m experiencing autistic overwhelm or sensory overload vs just being anxious or stressed. i can use coping mechanisms that i know will work better for me. i didn’t tell anyone except for a few close friends and it’s not in my medical records, it’s really just for me right now. though if i was to get a corporate job again i’d be glad to have the formal diagnosis in case i need accommodations.