Autism and holidays

OceanDreaming

Hi. I'm a first year student at uni and I'm autistic and we break up for Spring Break this week and I'm terrified. I don't want my routine to change, I don't want to go home because I like the quiet and convenience of my uni room, and I don't want to have to worry about essays so far away from uni. There are some positives about going home and getting a proper break but right now all I can think about are the negatives. I don't know whether to talk to someone before I go or whether to just struggle through the anxiety and sadness of these last few days before going home.

shannon_164

hey @OceanDreaming 🙂

that sounds really difficult! it makes complete sense that the change in routine and environment would feel overwhelming, especially when your uni room gives you the comfort and structure you’re used to. maybe it might help to talk to someone before you leave, whether that’s a friend, a tutor, or someone who can offer support, just so you don’t feel like you have to carry all of this alone? even just saying it out loud might make it feel a little less heavy!

it is also ok to feel the way you do. transitions are hard, and you don’t have to force yourself to focus on the positives if that’s not where your mind is right now. maybe you could think about small ways to bring some of your uni routine home with you, like setting up a quiet space or planning some familiar activities?

whatever happens, you’ll get through it, and you’re not alone in this - we are always here for you

OceanDreaming

@shannon_164 Thank you!! I spoke to my tutor briefly and they said that I could email them during the holidays which is really helpful. Doing familiar activities at home seems like a good plan and I’ve made a list of some that I can do.

Sian321

Hey @OceanDreaming , how are you? I noticed your post here and wanted to check in. I wonder whether you have gone on break yet, and if so, how is it feeling?

We're all here for you if you wish for any support!

Invisible_me

Hey @OceanDreaming just saw this and this is so me, your first sentence. Same I hate holidays and braking up from school, work for half term, publuc hols etc like its breaking my routine! And the stress kike everyone's happy of breaking up getting a rest etc I'm llike I don't want rest I want need routine!! And I'm like it doesn't matter if people say follow similar routine because that simple ain't possible if your used to being school between 8-4 weekdays you can't just turn up to school that's closed.

I do get you. I have autism too.

OceanDreaming

@Sian321 I know I am quite late replying, life got kinda busy! Spring break was difficult at times, especially in the first week, but I went out a lot which at least meant I couldn't spend too much time dwelling on anxiety, and then I went on holiday with my grandparents and cousin which was a lot of fun. I'm starting to get worried about summer break now, but coming back to this post and remembering that spring break actually had a lot of positives is helping me feel more hopeful. Sometimes my anxiety just feels so overwhelming...

OceanDreaming

@Invisible_me I'm so glad I'm not alone in this feeling!!!! I hope you're doing okay and manage to find ways to make breaks more bearable