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Mental health

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Is this depression or normal?

3 replies

Away2000 · 23/03/2025 18:34

Not sure if this is MH or just normal reaction to life stressors.

I am a single parent to a severely autistic child who is not currently in education whilst trying to find a suitable placement. His behaviours are extreme - He doesn’t sleep, needs 24/7 supervision, everything in my house is being smashed/thrown. Being hit/headbutted/bitten/scratched/hit with objects all day everyday. Leaving the house is an absolute nightmare and safety risk to everyone involved.

I have had previous MH issues, but this feels different. I’m constantly irritated, tired to the point of my vision is blurry/I feel like I could pass out. I’m crying often(but in response to situations that have happened), and the thought of this situation continuing forever (child is unlikely to ever be able to leave home) honestly makes me hope I die young. I can’t eat properly as I’m just being screamed at/attacked when I’m trying to cook/eat and feel too stressed. I normally cope with stress by working excessively, which I know isn’t healthy but honestly it works for me but is not possible atm with child with me all the time so I have no way of relaxing.

Is this just a normal reaction to the situation or would antidepressants likely help? (I am also AuDHD if that matters)

OP posts:
Nichebitch · 23/03/2025 18:37

Really sorry you are going through this. A completely normal reaction to the situation imo. I hope you can find ways to have your own time and space, and that will help a bit x

SpectatorInLife · 23/03/2025 21:46

Sounds like a response to ongoing trauma to me.

Awakeatnite · 24/03/2025 00:48

The part of you being screamed at when you’re cooking/eating might be because your autistic child has misophonia and noise sensitivity and certain sounds trigger his fight or flight response. I have autism and I’m effected by that too

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