The Misdiagnosis of Autistic Distress in the Mental Health System

The Misdiagnosis of Autistic Distress in the Mental Health System

When I am asked why I wrote Girl Unmasked, I say that I was angry. Which is true. I was angry at finding myself sectioned on a psychiatric unit at the age of 16, at the doctor there telling me I just had high social anxiety not autism, at the fact they described my autistic meltdowns as ‘hysteric attacks when she doesn’t get her own way’…

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Autism and Mental Health: Practical Advice for Managing Your Mental Health
Autism, Mental Health, Neurodiversity Emily Autism, Mental Health, Neurodiversity Emily

Autism and Mental Health: Practical Advice for Managing Your Mental Health

Last month, I wrote a rather depressing but important blog post on why so many autistic people struggle with their mental health. Read it here. As promised, I’m back with some practical advice on managing mental health as an autistic person.

Firstly, I want to acknowledge that managing mental health is different…

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Moving Through an OCD Blip: Reflections and Reminders
Mental Health, My Journey Emily Mental Health, My Journey Emily

Moving Through an OCD Blip: Reflections and Reminders

One of the things about living with OCD is that you never know when it is going to strike. I know that it hits most when I am stressed, tired or feeling low. I expected it when I lost my dog Coco in October, and moved through it. I was NOT expecting a new OCD theme to hit three and a bit weeks ago. I almost forget the pain of OCD until it returns…

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Why You Are Not ‘So OCD’: OCD Myths
Mental Health Emily Mental Health Emily

Why You Are Not ‘So OCD’: OCD Myths

I have lost count of the number of times I have heard people say ‘I’m so OCD’ when they just want something to be tidy, clean, arranged in a particular order or done a certain way. Or, how many times I’ve seen phrases like ‘Obsessive Cat Disorder’ on mugs or prints. Or, how often I’ve been frustrated by people declaring they wished they…

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