Hi joined. Can't find support anywhere

[Lucyandlittledogs]

I'm 48 have Autism, also health anxiety (really bad) Corona phobia! Anxiety and PTSD. I have no supportive family or friends

I live alone in my own house. I'm too afraid to have second Vaccine dose. I was terrified about first but didn't get much side effects, just a bit tired but that might be because I was also too afraid to eat for three days on case I vomited.

I've heard everywhere that second Pfizer is worse. Its been 13 weeks since first.

I'm afraid because I don't want to get a headache or Body aches. I have serious meltdowns due to my anxiety and often harm myself.my way of coping is to drive away from my house to the dog park or woods with my dogs. I hate being indoors and don't sleep much. I'm scared the vaccine might make me feel too bad and I won't be able to drive and save myself

Nobody will come and get me away and help me or take away the pain... So scared. Really did want vaccine as scared stiff of Corona too. But just don't want side effects.

[Iolo]

That sounds truly horrible and I am so sorry that you feel these things. Your coping abilities are really amazing. One thing I wonder is what is the worst feeling, the anxiety of the 2nd vaccine or the anxiety of getting covid? Have you spoken with your GP or local mental health team? It might be there is some talking therapy and/or medicine to help you get through it? Or have you tried mindfulness as this can be good for loads of people with extreme anxiety. It does sound like local support would be helpful. It also sounds like your dogs are really helpful and important to you and you will be important to them. I really hope you can find a way to make a decision about what to do that is good for you and them.

[Sarah_Mencap]

Hello

It is difficult time at the moment. I can understand how you feel, and I think a lot of other people feel like that too.

Please do talk to your GP about how you are feeling about the vaccine. They may be able to make adjustments to make getting the 2nd dose easier for you. By getting the first dose you have done the hard bit - you are half way there!

You could also talk to the GP about your anxiety, and say that you are struggling to sleep. It sounds like you have got some great ideas that help you cope, walking in the countryside with your dogs is a brilliant activity lovely. But your GP may be able to offer some more support.

Please have a look at the National Autistic Society website as it has some great information for adult with autism who have anxiety here - autism.org.uk/advice-and-gu...

You can also call Mencap's helpline if you want to talk to someone about this. You can call 0808 808 1111 or email helpline@mencap.

Best wishes

Sarah

[learner01]

Dear Lucy, I am so sorry to hear how you have been struggling. I have had anxiety and I know how horrible it feels and how it can make it difficult to make decisions. Although it feels horrible it is a normal reaction to the very stressful situation that you are in. Even if there is no local support group for people with autism in your area I think there may be other community support groups who would be willing to help you. In many areas local people have set up volunteer support groups to help those who are struggling in different ways and with practical things like shopping etc.

Some support might help you feel less anxious and better able to decide what to do.