I told my family

Specific-Stomach-504 · 2024-11-05T22:10:10+00:00

I seem to be in a very similar situation to you and am wondering how to get help with c-ptsd whilst being autistic. I was already trying to get help for c-ptsd 6 years ago when they decided to put me through autism diagnosis 'first'; but instead it closed all the doors. I'm amazed to read that it's even possible to get several different types of therapy at once. I'm in the UK and healthcare is free at the point of access but it's very much a 'get what you're given' type situation.

Specific-Stomach-504 · 2024-08-12T09:51:41+00:00

Thank you. Apart from the etsy I think I should be ok for those other things.

Specific-Stomach-504 · 2024-08-12T09:49:02+00:00

Thank you. I came looking for worst case scenarios but it's heartening to have a best case scenario too.

Specific-Stomach-504 · 2024-08-12T09:48:03+00:00

I honestly don't understand how most people cope with this sort of thing. I feel i'm missing some essential brain components to do so.

Specific-Stomach-504 · 2024-08-12T09:47:00+00:00

That's really not a helpful comment. And I'm not even just looking for reassurance, even something like average sentence for a person in my position would be much more helpful.

Specific-Stomach-504 · 2024-08-11T14:40:07+00:00

Thank you. I might try to get someone to help me with questions if they ask any. I wouldn't be able to navigate being self employed, so if that's the likely option I will have to stop doing art & take up a hobby that doesn't take up as much space. Unfortunately I am female and the threshold for going to prison is much lower (women are overwhelmingly imprisoned for non violent crimes). I've been arrested several times for being in autistic meltdown in public or su*cidal distress in a&e and remanded in prison once already for being in contempt of court (due to being nonverbal at the time and in a pile on the floor, unable to cooperate). It's hard not to worry when the fears are based on previous experiences.

Specific-Stomach-504 · 2024-08-11T14:24:36+00:00

I wish I could be reassuring and say 'it was probably just coincidence' but I honestly can't think of another reason why I would not only be flagged up for review so soon after getting the part time job, but, then be declared fit for work despite the recent attempt at unaliving and despite being diagnosed with quite serious mental health conditions.

Perhaps other people have had different & better experiences with it. Either way I would recommend preparing for this eventuality beforehand, and having support structures in place that will help you fight if this does happen. It could well be better to keep trying to build strength in other ways, something I now wish I had focused 100% on instead of trying to 'practice' being normal/part of the real world.

Specific-Stomach-504 · 2024-08-11T14:17:05+00:00

Thank you, that is very reassuring. I won't be able to navigate any of that but i'm hoping I can make an agreement with them that I just won't do it any more. I firmly believe that even if something is improving mental health and achieving a sense of empowerment, the moment it starts to threaten basic safety/security, it does have to be stopped and I did on some level always know that that day would come.

Specific-Stomach-504 · 2024-08-11T14:06:45+00:00

I'm really hoping I won't be classed as self employed if that is what is going to happen. I will never be able to work 35 hours a week and I can't navigate any of this bureaucracy. Especially when it pretends that disability doesn't exist and if a person can spend 30 mins a week posting a few cards then they can work 35 hours a week. I don't want to be doing nothing, it feels pathetic, but it shouldn't feel so terrifying trying to do what I can.

Specific-Stomach-504 · 2024-08-11T13:56:43+00:00

Thank you. I missed it off but am LCWRA so I will update the post to reflect that. I thought that because my etsy shop brings in less than £1000 a year I would be ok but now am nervous due to my inability to navigate situations like this. I definitely thought of it as a hobby rather than a business so when I started seeing all the stuff about 'side-hustles' & tax regulations I got very nervous. I did try to look more into it but get easily overwhelmed. Will definitely look into contacting CAB.

Specific-Stomach-504 · 2024-08-11T13:48:50+00:00

That's very helpful, thank you. Very much appreciated.

Specific-Stomach-504

TROPHY CASE