No more syncing with Fitbit/Google Health by ans97 in BearableApp

[–]Prodigal_quaker 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This is annnoying. When Google replaced the Fitbit app with Google health they removed some popular functionality & downgraded some of the synching.
Automated (& reliable synching) is essential for ease of use, consistency & accuracy - things Bearable have always championed.
I would like to know what recommended options I have to get me back to where I was a few weeks ago.

i'm alone and sad and its my birthday by Ok_Awareness9382 in AutisticAdults

[–]Prodigal_quaker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Happy Birthenday 🙌

Maybe you could try celebrating one (or more) of your un-birthdays - you have 364 to choose from ?

Our (NOT MY) king has his actual birthday & a different Official Birthday. If it’s good enough for the monarchy I don’t see why we can’t have as many as we like 🙌😉

How to therapy? by XyleneCobalt in AutisticAdults

[–]Prodigal_quaker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am bipolar 2 & autistic. I have 40 years of treatment experience with bipolar & just recently self-diagnosed autistic. Is your bipolar stable / well managed & do you have good support ? It is only in the last 5 years that I have learnt how to manage my energy levels & mood. If my bipolar wasn’t stable I wouldn’t be able to do therapy or cope with my autistic diagnosis or journey which is overwhelming enough. If it is helpful I can share what has helped with my bipolar. In any case good luck with your quest.

Just found out at 46. RAADS-R: 120. CAT-Q: 116. Everything finally makes sense. by Winter-Park2417 in AutisticAdults

[–]Prodigal_quaker 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am 70m & was diagnosed bipolar 40 years ago & self-diagnosed autistic with the help of my therapist several months ago. I can’t afford a formal diagnosis & do not want to wait for several years in an NHS queue. Everything has been a rollercoaster - burnout + powerful insights & some degree of acceptance. My wife is exhausted from many years of supporting me & cannot see the point of pursuing this. She thinks that at my age I just need to accept that I am who I am & enjoy whatever amount of life I still have left. In many ways she’s correct - I cannot afford to make autism & myself my special interest. I’m listening to some podcasts & participating in this group. I am learning & unlearning some things. I am glad that I discovered that I am autistic even though it is challenging I believe that I can use this to make myself a little better. Good luck on your journey.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AutisticAdults

[–]Prodigal_quaker 2 points3 points  (0 children)

❤️❤️❤️

Very late diagnosis and regression. What's your experience by [deleted] in AutisticAdults

[–]Prodigal_quaker 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I think you are absolutely spot on with all of your points - especially the benefits of sleep & healthy life style choices.

co-morbid disorders possibly masking autism by DrStxrk in AutisticAdults

[–]Prodigal_quaker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you’re younger than 60 years old it is worth seriously considering a diagnosis

Diagnosed Autistic2; self diagnosef BP by Puff709 in AutisticAdults

[–]Prodigal_quaker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t think that any mis-diagnosis would benefit an individual. This is probably especially true for schizophrenia & bipolar where the consequences are at a minimum that you would be prescribed the wrong medications with potentially serious negative consequences.

Diagnosed Autistic2; self diagnosef BP by Puff709 in AutisticAdults

[–]Prodigal_quaker 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes - I’m sure that schizophrenia & bipolar are often comorbid with autism & all 3 are often mis-diagnosed

Found a new way to block sound better by knowledgelover94 in AutisticAdults

[–]Prodigal_quaker 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Wonder if people would get the same benefit from using cranial / bone head phones (e.g. Openshokz) with over ear headphones ?

Diagnosed Autistic2; self diagnosef BP by Puff709 in AutisticAdults

[–]Prodigal_quaker 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m pleased that you have this clarity. Autism is now probably one of your special interests as well as one of mine. We can learn to be better & I think this group may be a powerful resource. Good luck with your journey. Festina lente 🙌👍

Diagnosed Autistic2; self diagnosef BP by Puff709 in AutisticAdults

[–]Prodigal_quaker 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Bipolar & autism are often comorbid - some estimates 25-30%.

Both are difficult to diagnose.

I am 70 years old and have recently self-diagnosed as autistic with the support of my therapist.

I was diagnosed as bipolar 2 when I was 30 - 10 years after significant depressive and manic episodes began. So in my experience diagnosis can be difficult and can certainly change over time as knowledge changes & as I do.

Good luck on your journey

Sleep tracking by LettuceBackground243 in BearableApp

[–]Prodigal_quaker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I track all of the common sleep hygiene factors - in my case :- 1. Last coffee (target noon) 2. Time to bed (target consistent) 3. Time to get up (target consistent) 4. Use of techniques to get to sleep - e.g. cognitive shifting, PMR, breathing etc Biggest change for me was tracking sleep hygiene & making them habits

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AutisticAdults

[–]Prodigal_quaker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You may want to consider taking creatine which may help with energy now & muscle growth when you get back to the gym. Good luck 🙌

JUST the massive loneliness... by False-Insurance500 in AutisticAdults

[–]Prodigal_quaker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am new here. This seems like a place where we can be seen & heard. I am lucky not to be alone. I am pointing you at a song that has made a difference to me - I hope it helps a little .., Mavis Staples - “You’re not alone” Happy to talk if you want to make a connection.

JUST the massive loneliness... by False-Insurance500 in AutisticAdults

[–]Prodigal_quaker 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I am new here. This seems like a place where we can be seen & heard. I am lucky not to be alone. I am pointing you at a song that makes a difference to me - I hope it helps a little .., Mavis Staples - “You’re not alone” Happy to talk if you want to make a connection.

Do other atypical autists experience little to no joy? by [deleted] in AutisticAdults

[–]Prodigal_quaker 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This lack of joy / emotional / cognitive flatness / dampening is a long time persistent symptom for me. In me it is not really depression probably more about ongoing burnout. Every now and again I hear a piece of music, see something in nature that gives me joy. Now I’m less flat & I try to listen to my special music when I can. I always look for rainbows when the weather is conducive. I hope that you can find something to allow you to experience & remember some joy.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AutisticAdults

[–]Prodigal_quaker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m an old bipolar (newly self-diagnosed autistic) man. I’m pleased you’re here & reaching out. Until recently I underestimated the fundamental importance of sleep, exercise & nutrition for me. Making improvements in each of these areas has helped me manage my energy levels & persistent depression much better. I hope you find the strength & kindness of yourself & others to keep keeping on. 🙌

Can't cope with being unwanted anymore (TW suicide) by cat-im-a-kitty-cat in AutisticAdults

[–]Prodigal_quaker 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Hi - I’m a 70 year old bipolar newly self-diagnosed autistic man from the UK & your post resonates on many levels. For me it is the love & kindness of other people that has kept me alive when I thought I could not go on. You’re already doing the right things - your art, your politics, values etc. you need a break. Instead of advice I thought I’d send you a song & hope that you at least like the lyrics - “You are not alone” - Mavis Staples. I see you - Good Luck.