R U Ok?

Today, in Australia, it is R U OK? day. Taken from www.ruok.org.au ….

R U OK? inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with the  people around them and start a conversation with those in their world who may be struggling with life.

 You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener. 
Use these four steps and have a conversation that could change a life:

1. Ask R U OK?

2. Listen

3. Encourage action

4. Check in

I’d like to bring awareness to this day, as an autistic woman who has suffered from anxiety (yes, I say suffered because anxiety is a horrible beast…) for many years, I have had plenty of days where I have not and did not feel ok.

Autistic women who constantly mask, and camouflage, their autistic traits, either because they do not know they are autistic (like myself, for 45 years!), or because they do not want to or do not feel comfortable being their authentic autistic self in a neurotypical / allistic (non-autistic) world, are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, stress, eating disorders, and other mental health issues (I will reference articles below).

If you are an autistic woman struggling, mentally, physically, emotionally… my heart goes out to you. Dont be afraid to reach out, seek help, support, talk to someone who understands, who cares…

If you would like to have a chat to an autistic woman, someone who does care and does understand how hard it can be to suffer from anxiety and mental health issues, please book an online consultation with me (Nat, from Au-some Women) here. I am not a qualified psychologist, however, I have 10 years of studying psychology, and have researched hundreds of articles on autism, particularly in women. And I am autistic. I am here if you would like support.

Nat x