I've known my whole life that I was different. Things that were so simple for others were extremely difficult for me, such as making friends, coping in stressful situations, relating to others. As a result, I had no friends in childhood and was constantly bullied. I've also suffered with a great deal of mental health issues my entire life, including depression, anxiety and OCD. Life never better as an adult. I still had no friends, I graduated college but never, found a good job and remain unemployed and my social skills never improved.
I recently came across Aspergers and realized that I fit almost every symptom. I know I should be relieved that I finally have an explanation for why I am the way I am, but I'm also devastated. I have a lot of pride in myself and my capabilities, and feel shame in being autistic, and like I'll never be able to live the life I want. It kills me to know that there is something broken in my brain, and while I may improve, I'll never be at a level that just comes naturally to others.
I thought reading up on Aspergers and visiting forums would be good for me, but if anything they have made me feel worse. It seems like everybody on the forums is miserable and hopeless about life (I realize the irony as I'm writing this...) and that I'll be doomed to the same thing.
I feel like having Aspergers has robbed me of the life I crave, and I don't even know which parts of myself are "me" or just this disorder. If I didn't have it, maybe I'd have been able to make friends and have a normal childhood, I wouldn't have all of the mental health issues that have destroyed me and I'd be more optimistic. This disorder has ruined my life in unimaginable ways, and I get so jealous when others easily make tons of friends, going out every night and just having the life I so desperately want.
I'm really sorry for this depressing, pity party of a post. I'm the problem. I'm somebody who never likes to show any vulnerability or emotions, so this shows just how bad of shape I'm in. I just want a normal life.