Scheduling time for a special interest as a reward for finishing a task helps me a lot. Also, during times where I can only be horizontal, listening to buddhist dharma talks can be very comforting. As one of my favourite monks Ajahn Brahm says: When you are depressed, you need a deep rest.
Depression is rough, especially since as you said isolation is fairly common when you are autistic. I think this is why I love my cats and dogs so much as they love unconditionally and are always there (ok cats are a little more complex). They help motivate me and show me affection, especially on the worst of days. *pets kitty curled up by her side*
Ah, good old depression, it starts creeping in mid October and keeps me in its claws until mid/end of March every year. Some years it's just a mild nuisance, other years (like the one that just passed) it makes you wonder by what miracle you managed to hang on to your life long enough to see it through to the other side. It's interesting your dad mentioned hibernation, because I've always suspected this, and if you think about it logically, based on naturally available food sources before modern man figured out a way to have watermelon in December, it made sense for us to just fatten up at harvest and while the rich food lasted, then crawl into a cozy bed and just chill for the winter until the birds start singing, telling you it's time to live again. My depression is not nearly as bad when I just let myself stay in bed, therefore the feelings of worthlessness and sadness seem to be caused by trying to fight the natural instinct to just slow down. Now that we're mid April, I've had so much energy for the past month, I almost feel like I made up for my lack of productivity during the winter. The extra focus and ability to concentrate on what needs doing and then do it is so energizing! I wish I could feel like this all year round, but I accept that it is here temporarily and I shall enjoy it while it lasts.
God dude, depression has been kicking my ass recently; I've been unemployed for some time now and starting to burn out thanks to the frustrating fruitlessness of the job search made even more difficult by the fact I'm autistic. I'm sorry to hear you've been having these struggles too.
You've given me more validation through your shows than I could possibly imagine! So, at least in this corner, you are a big deal for me! Warm fuzzies to you!🌺😘😁
Thank you-I needed to hear this today. Shielding is hard on mental health/ASD-but I have also had to stop doing everything that would normally be a part of my life due to physical illness. A routine with some exercise in it somewhere would normally be how I cope-hoping to get there eventually. For now it’s special interests (Star Wars anyone?) and working towards getting an Assistance Dog. Your video on assistance dogs for Autistic adults is actually one of reasons I decided to go for it-so thank you for that too!
I usually try to hear people who make me feel understood and validated, like I’m not alone, so your videos help a lot when I’m not feeling good... Also autism is one of my specials interest so it just make me happy to learn about it!!!!
Well said Nathan. I hope you know that you aren’t alone as well. From someone who has been watching your channel for a few years now, and from someone who has Autism and clinical depression, I hope you know the impact you make on our lives every week. That being said, definitely put your mental health first, that is the most important thing. I hope you feel better soon Nathan, we are all here for you and most of us are experiencing the same exact thing. I wish you the best!
Scheduling time for a special interest as a reward for finishing a task helps me a lot.
Also, during times where I can only be horizontal, listening to buddhist dharma talks can be very comforting. As one of my favourite monks Ajahn Brahm says: When you are depressed, you need a deep rest.
Ok, now I'm going to obsess over the idea that what gets bears into their cave is severe, overwhelming depressing. 😢
Depression is rough, especially since as you said isolation is fairly common when you are autistic. I think this is why I love my cats and dogs so much as they love unconditionally and are always there (ok cats are a little more complex). They help motivate me and show me affection, especially on the worst of days. *pets kitty curled up by her side*
Ah, good old depression, it starts creeping in mid October and keeps me in its claws until mid/end of March every year. Some years it's just a mild nuisance, other years (like the one that just passed) it makes you wonder by what miracle you managed to hang on to your life long enough to see it through to the other side. It's interesting your dad mentioned hibernation, because I've always suspected this, and if you think about it logically, based on naturally available food sources before modern man figured out a way to have watermelon in December, it made sense for us to just fatten up at harvest and while the rich food lasted, then crawl into a cozy bed and just chill for the winter until the birds start singing, telling you it's time to live again. My depression is not nearly as bad when I just let myself stay in bed, therefore the feelings of worthlessness and sadness seem to be caused by trying to fight the natural instinct to just slow down. Now that we're mid April, I've had so much energy for the past month, I almost feel like I made up for my lack of productivity during the winter. The extra focus and ability to concentrate on what needs doing and then do it is so energizing! I wish I could feel like this all year round, but I accept that it is here temporarily and I shall enjoy it while it lasts.
Much love to you from someone in a similar state.
I agree I've struggled with depression alot and recently just lost my cat so it's sad and something I'm sad about right now.
God dude, depression has been kicking my ass recently; I've been unemployed for some time now and starting to burn out thanks to the frustrating fruitlessness of the job search made even more difficult by the fact I'm autistic. I'm sorry to hear you've been having these struggles too.
You've given me more validation through your shows than I could possibly imagine! So, at least in this corner, you are a big deal for me! Warm fuzzies to you!🌺😘😁
I hope that you’re ok and that you take care of yourself, that’s much more important than whether i get a new video at a specific time
Thank you-I needed to hear this today. Shielding is hard on mental health/ASD-but I have also had to stop doing everything that would normally be a part of my life due to physical illness. A routine with some exercise in it somewhere would normally be how I cope-hoping to get there eventually. For now it’s special interests (Star Wars anyone?) and working towards getting an Assistance Dog. Your video on assistance dogs for Autistic adults is actually one of reasons I decided to go for it-so thank you for that too!
I usually try to hear people who make me feel understood and validated, like I’m not alone, so your videos help a lot when I’m not feeling good... Also autism is one of my specials interest so it just make me happy to learn about it!!!!
Well said Nathan. I hope you know that you aren’t alone as well. From someone who has been watching your channel for a few years now, and from someone who has Autism and clinical depression, I hope you know the impact you make on our lives every week. That being said, definitely put your mental health first, that is the most important thing. I hope you feel better soon Nathan, we are all here for you and most of us are experiencing the same exact thing. I wish you the best!
Nathan Selove's intro has more effort put in than Nathaniel Bandy
A lot of people are over worked and stuck in perpetual burnout
great suggestions...for everyone!
A way of hibernation. I've never thought about it that way. Interesting
I cope poorly.
Bears aren't actually true hibernators. I'd encourage you to look it's up - it's really pretty neat.
Sorry if anything I have said here has fueled your depression.
It hasn't
Xo