I am autistic and I have depression. I am not legally insane.
OK…well color me confused. You don’t like to think about these issues or talk about them in any detail at all - yet you’ve started (I think) three threads on a public message board about your “Stockholm” [del] syndrome [/del] prison scenario.
Facing up to tough decisions, planning for the future, taking responsibility for yourself and enduring a little discomfort and doing hard, sometimes upleasant (or Og forbid, demeaning - as though approaching middle-age and still living with mom & dad isn’t demeaning) work in order to reach goals is part of being a grown-up. Squinching your eyes shut and clapping your hands over your ears to avoid unpleasantness clearly hasn’t served you well so far, and won’t do so going forward.
My friend, I think you need another psychiatrist. You’re somewhere between your late 30s and early 40s (your self-reported age has changed) and if you’re not ready to leave your parent’s protection yet, at least find a shrink who will allow you to, with his or her help, allow you to collaborate on your own meds regime without your parents’ dictate.
You need to find a way to either grow up and move out, or accept the fact that you are where you are for a reason. You seem to want to do neither.
Why were Olaf’s two paroles so brief?
Ah! Thank you for sharing that. It makes a bit more sense, finally.
The guards offered a lot of help – they drove him to University, and brought him most dinners. But control came with help.
No, wasn’t trying to say you were legally insane, but those are indeed two mental disorders that would make your situation much more difficult than it would for the rest of us.
I prefer not to think about death – my or anyone in my family. The issues I talk about are much more benign.
Neurosis (Severe Autism + Moderate Depression) is not psychosis.
No idea why you’re replying to yourself, but I didn’t see anybody call you psychotic.
You would have been better off if they had not been so helpful. Why couldn’t you drive yourself to university, or buy or make your own meals? Even now, living in your parents’ house, do you make your own meals, wash your own clothes, etc? If not, why not?
Quite understandable.
Am I correct in guessing that the guards don’t actually WANT Olaf to be independent? What’s in it for the guards to keep Olaf dependent?
I know little about autism beyond the basics but it’s my impression that in at least some communities there are…programs, for want to a better word, that help autistic adults become more independent. Perhaps I’m wrong.
I know lots about chronic depression. There are many different types of meds. Effexor is one of dozens. You’re on the absolute lowest possible dose of Effexor - 75 mg is typically a starting dose; you can go 4x higher (under supervision.)
My own laundry is my responsibility. I do not have driver’s liscence.
Clearly you want to be controlled. And you want to whine about being controlled.
Why can’t you find a middle ground? Get a job outside of “prison”, but continue to live there. You will learn some decision making skills, some socializing skills, have a greater degree of independence.
Small steps.
I do not know – I am not even sure if they know.
I would have done so had it not been against Stockholm Department of Corrections regulations.
Most people are not 100% satisfied in life. I can not give up what I have.
And many - I’d wager most in this country - are not.
I know adults who fit into every one of these categories (myself included) who are perfectly autonomous adults and can’t think of anyone who isn’t.
Your being autistic is most definitely a challenge, depending on the severity. But it doesn’t give you free rein to make blanket and lame excuses for your situation.
Wrong. You don’t want to. You most certainly can.
Why is this the first time we’re learning that Olaf is autistic?
Why do I have a feeling that someone recently self-diagnosed himself so as to make the pain of his life that much more tragic and pitiable?
But you are an adult. And autisic or depressed or not, you are clearly not stupid and by your own statements, neither psychotic nor legally insane. These are challenges, yes. But most people have challenges and maintain autonomy; many with challenges greater than you.
Yet you have chosen - yes, CHOSEN, to remain controlled by your parents because it’s (I guess) safe and comfortable for you. And you’ve thrown this whole “Stockholm” prison analogy* into your hypothetical, which indicates you don’t think your parents are really that benign.
You don’t want to “give up what you have” yet you sure don’t seem happy about it, given all the complaining and allegories you’re using.
Sorry. I think you need to man up and grow up, one way or the other. Complaining endlessly really isn’t useful, and I don’t think being coddled here or elsewhere is going to do you much good either.
*I assume that was not accidental.
That could be. I’m willing to take him at face value at this point.
However, I’m probably done with indulging him on threads like this. I don’t think it’s helpful, no matter what his issues are.
I thought you fancied yourself a writer. Come on, write the story.