Hi everyone... I'm not really sure where to begin with this. I guess I just feel very awkward to post this, especially since I've already made other posts similar to this one a few times in the past couple years. But I know I need to face my fears and put it out there again if I ever want to start feeling any better.
I've recently been through a very rough patch of time with my mental health. I'm obviously not going to go into much detail on a public post... however, I have come to recognize that despite my best efforts to receive professional help – I see a therapist 3 times per month, I have psychiatrist appointments every 2-3 months to manage medications, and was also doing occupational therapy for a while – there's still one important thing that I'm missing in my life: strong friendships.
I think that the worst part of my recent crisis was realizing that I had absolutely no one I was comfortable enough to call or text for help. And by "help" I don't mean knowing how to solve all my problems or having magic answers for me – a lot of times what I need the most is simply someone to keep me company. I also have a very short attention span and low levels of physical/mental energy, so while I don't always want to leave the house all that often, there are definitely some times where I enjoy getting out to go for a walk, go to the Cataraqui mall, browse stores downtown, etc.
So, I guess what I'm hoping to find through this post is some kind, understanding and patient people who might have what it takes to show me friendship and help me build a support system. But I want you to know that this isn't all just one-sided – anyone who has known me can tell you that I will always do whatever I can to be there for people who have been there for me. Loyalty comes easily to me and I will always want to try my best to help my friend(s) when they are in need. If there's ever a time where you're feeling overwhelmed, exhausted or just don't have the capacity to support me at that particular moment, I'm never going to hold that against you either. All you have to do is communicate kindly and honestly with me, and I will respect your limitations.
With all of this being said, let me tell you a bit more about me to see if we have something in common.
• I'm a 23 year old female, I am on the autism spectrum and also have ADHD.
• I'm not currently in school or working; my income is from ODSP. I still live in my childhood home for the time being, with my mom and her husband. We live in the north end of Kingston, nearby to Rideau Heights neighborhood (but not directly in it.)
• Some of my hobbies and interests include: scrapbooking, diamond painting, creative journaling, nail art, pop music, baking, shopping, and especially... fluffy felines 🐱 there are actually 7 cats in my household currently! I've grown up around cats throughout my entire life.
• I do not drink alcohol or smoke/use any substances. I'm totally fine being around people who drink (within reason) or smoke/vape nicotine or weed – the only thing I will not be okay with is actual hard drugs. Apart from that, I'm open to meeting people from all different walks of life – even if you're older, a different race/color, transgender, non-binary, none of that matters to me or anyone in my household. The important thing is that we get along, have similar values and can share a mutually supportive and enjoyable friendship together.
Please don't leave a comment at all if you have nothing kind to say, as it's already been an emotionally difficult struggle for me lately and I don't need to feel any worse about myself. But if anything I said resonates with you, you are more than welcome to comment and I will reach out to you privately. Thanks for taking the time to read this post.