Independent Living

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So, I signed a lease for a bachelor today and will be living on my own as of September 1st. I have only lived on my own twice before and both times didn't end well. However, I wasn't diagnosed then or properly medicated.
I have been living with my mother for the past 3 1/2 years and we can no longer stand each other. lol We have to separate to save the relationship. I am very nervous about being on my own though because I have a tendency to withdraw into my own world. But maybe that's not such a bad thing. Time will tell.
Anyway, I am still looking for a job (interview Thursday,) but currently have a lot of free time, so I'm wondering what people living on their own do to keep "attached" to the community and not withdraw into a cave.

Only a month or so ago I lived in supported housing. Now I live on my own.

I admit I withdraw a lot into my own world.

But having an autism charity support m a few times a week keeps me active.

Also there's uni (although I may be forced to take a year out due to ill health) which gives me structure.

I am seeing a new psychiatrist next month and there is a chance I will be referred to a weekly anxiety group that incorporates writing into the therapy. I'll have to try to get into it.

i found volunteering helpful.

I've tried volunteering a couple of times without much success. I guess it depends on finding the right environment.

Hey Ann,

Congratulations on signing your lease!

A "bachelor," to us here in NYC, is a "studio." In other places, it's called an "efficiency."

Another Canadian quirk: "electric" in the US is called "hydro" in Canada.

Will you invite me into your "bachelor pad?" LOL

Are you near a park? If so, you could sit on a bench and look at Nature for your inspiration when producing the Great Canadian Novel.

You have freedom, Ann! The world is, indeed, your oyster!

Thank you.


Efficiency, I think, it the most apt. Although it's not bad space wise. The main room is sizeable with a balcony and there is a kitchenette and 3-piece bathroom.


There is greenspace, trees and a garden outside my balcony, so that might be a nice place to sit.

I'm on the East Coast of the USA as well; when I saw you leased a bachelor, I was curious as to how many men were for rent in Canada, eh?

All joking aside, I'm going to be living with roommates in August. I'm nervous, but it'll be alright in the end. ^^

Have you found catharsis with exercising, perchance? Maybe that would be a nice stress reliever. If it's not for you, that's okay.

I've learned to do some yoga myself. That helps me a lot.

Exercise can eat up some time and reduce stress. Might want to give that a spin if you already haven't

I enjoy walking.

If you're allowed, how about a small dog? Taking care of it would force you to get out and do something.

Work is my social time. I like living in my own little world. I also participate in support groups. Since being diagnosed, I don't put as much pressure on myself to be social. I enjoy my alone time and obsessing about special interests. Sorry, don't know if that was helpful or not.

Actually I just got a puppy for that reason:



Also to serve as protection.

Yep....those small doggies are really vigilant.

Make sure he/she doesn't bite the mailman!

I like walking, but other than that I'm not into exercise. The YMCA has an indoor track. I may join in the Fall.

If I was working it wouldn't be much of an issue. I would need all my free time to recover. But, alas, I have entered the realm of the unemployable. Although I do have an interview on Thursday for a cleaning job. It would be for a few hours per week.

How about Tim Horton's? For some reason, night shift might not be a bad fit for you. Maybe you could work a couple of days per week so you could continue to receive Ontarian support. You're a tough chick (from what you've expressed previously). You should do okay in that. Not many customers after midnight or so.

Better to be serving the sandwiches than mopping the floors--but if it's mopping the floors, I'm sure you'll be the best mopper ever!

We only have a couple of Tim Horton's here in NYC. There are quite a few in Buffalo.

Last edited by kraftiekortie on 22 Jul 2014, 7:32 am, edited 1 time in total.