Do Autistic people experience mental health differently? What is it like to live on a psych ward? What happens when you MASK in therapy?

*Trigger Warning - Suicide, Self-Harm and Mental Health*

Amelia is the creator of the Autistic Positivity instagram page, a page which focuses on illuminating the issues Autistic people face, as well as spreading awareness/acceptance of common Autism topics.

In this episode of the Thoughty Auti Podcast, Thomas Henley talks to Amelia about their experiences of mental health, misdiagnosis, psych wards, suicide and the different ways Autistic people may experience mental health disorders.

Kicking off the conversation, Thomas brings to light the poor QOL statistics around being Autistic, establishing that suicide is NOT an isolated and uncommon experience. Amelia explains to us her experience being misdiagnosed Borderline Personality Disorder, Depression and Anxiety and the subsequent issues with self-harm and suicide attempts - Thomas shares his experience with these as well.

They talk about common medications they have used for depression, anxiety and psychosis and how they are often the wrong fit for Autistic people (SSRIs, MAOIs and sedatives), but also cover the ways they think Autistic people differ in their experience with mental health (Alexithymia, executive functioning, repetitive thoughts and MASKING both in therapy and life).

They highlight the many barriers to Autistic people managing and getting effective support for mental health, highlighting lack of specialised psychotherapy, education and research into these areas.

If you have an exciting or interesting story and want to appear on the next podcast, please contact me at: [email protected]

Amelia's Links:-

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/autisticpositivity/

All Links - https://linktr.ee/autisticpositivity

Autism Suicide Prevention Journal - https://ko-fi.com/s/04f3a8e22c

Song Of The Day (Listen Here) - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5UDIyN5TSYN4zMcRoQPrG8?si=9255ed3480d840b5

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Website - https://www.thomashenley.co.uk [https://www.thomashenley.co.uk/]

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