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Mp65
Community Member

Hello, Michael here from Brisbane, have aspergers and PTSD. Decided to join up as was more private than Facebook groups.

Mainly on for support. Biggest issue is lack of friends being childless at 52 and very worried if can ever go back to work seeing as 'oldies' are so hated in society. Can't believe such attitudes exist. Socially but, I can't reconcile wanting friends and wanting to be alone, it's an odd feeling.

However, I have had years of therapy of different types and it has worked overall, so it is good to reap the rewards. One example is don't have chronic OCD anymore.

Just one thing don't understand when joining the site how it goes don't use your first name but many have. I really don't see anything wrong with using it but anyway.

Thanks to BB and those that run the board. While it's not always nice to read the comments and see what people are going through, having common issues and the ability to discuss them and work on solutions is valuable. Thank you.

4 Replies 4

Guest_341
Community Member

Hi Michael😊

I'm Julie and I'm in NSW. I'm so sorry to hear that you have been struggling 😔 whilst I don't have ptsd I do have depression and anxiety and have suffered emotional abuse so I can empathise with you...

I'd love to be a support to you and anytime you want to chat I'm here😊

quirkywords
Community Champion
Community Champion

Welcome Michael,

Thanks for your comment. I agree it is harder getting a job over 50 but I don't believe oldies are 'hated' in society. I started my own business a bookshop in my late 40s and was the best thing I did as I am my own boss.

I am older than you and sure as a woman I feel invisible at times but I also feel there are many pluses to being older.

I too like being around people but also like being alone. Other people find that hard to fathom.

That is an incredible achievement not to have chronic OCD through your hard work.

There are many threads here that may interest you and you may find helpful.

Once again welcome to BB.

Quirky

geoff
Champion Alumni
Champion Alumni
hello Mp, welcome to the site and maybe I can put another side to your comment, yes as we get older our life changes, it has to, but we are the ones who have taught those of us to do what they want to do, (and yes there are times when this may annoy you, but let's put this to one side for the moment).
We are doing exactly what our elders have taught us, and so the chain continues, and no it's not nice getting older, all the things I was capable of doing, now I can't do, but I also have OCD and had it for 57 years, struggling as a child which no one knew about, but I can't cry 'wolf', I've had to accept the fact that this illness stayed with me.
I can cope with it while other people can't and I don't blame them for this, my age has mellowed me, so that's definitely a benefit being older.
There has never been a problem for me showing my face and there 'never been any restrictions on people uploading a face pic as their avatar.'
The problem which is a concern is that people you know might identify you and whether this may cause any harm or criticism towards you, for me, no it doesn't matter, I've been on this site longer than anybody else, and if friends or family login and see me, then so be it, it doesn't frighten me at all, so it comes back to you and if you're not afraid then post your name, not Mp65. Geoff.

AllDoneWithIt
Community Member

Hi Michael

I can sympathise with you being over 50 and out of work.i to am over 50 and was put of due to ill health mind you I had worked there for the previous 10 years with my bad back.

I agree there does seem to be a stigma with employing a person over 50 but I reckon and you are probably the same can out work any of these young ones with a better work ethic and pride in workmanship/

anyway I'm only new to this online thing as well but open for a chat whenever you feel the need.

good luck