[cool09]

Are mood disorders common among Asberger's?

[TheStrange]

Good question..I think depression can be in a way when the Asperger makes it hard for you to do things you would want to do like when you have trouble with change, understanding the world, perhaps the self, social things, feelings. When you feel like you can't but want to, but be faced with frustration over and over again? Then again, anyone can get a mood disorder..

[Imnotaturtle]

For me, its the stigma attached and whispers of those who don't understand me. I guess I should care less about what others think but having ASD has isolated me in many ways. I crave the same connection as anyone else but I'm often not accepted or given a chance. Everything that happens is blamed on my ASD not BC I'm human and make errors. I'm the girl with ASD. I'm sub human and less aware apparently. Hmph. Yeah, and there's no escaping this BC ignorance is everywhere. This is the most frustrating part. I accept who I am. I'm proud of who I am. But the world wants to drag me down for something that Is just part of who I am. Somehow its wrong to be who I am.

[Seek]

My child deals with it. Most people with Aspergers can experience depression due to being frustrated with how to express themselves and feeling like no one likes them. But that's a failing of those who make comments or treat you differently...not your issue. You have something you can't help. They however can help their own bias but would rather blame you than themselves.

[Talthybius]

If you have one population with no (reported) mental health problems, and then a population with an official diagnosis of at least one mental health issue, then of course within that group that has a diagnosis, there is much more likely to also be another diagnosis.

The question would be if having Asperger's rather than any other randomly selected mental health diagnosis correlates with the likelihood of also having depression.

[rrd0084]

I think there a lot of reasons for people with Aspergers to be depressed.

I know for me it was getting a hold of the feelings of grandeur and realizing that I am likely best an average person.

It also isn't easy to be told you are different I can really get into my head about social interactions and things like that and really be hard on myself over what may have been an ok interaction but not perfect.

Plus it is hard to be social since we are so narrow minded at times it takes a lot of work to be ok with different and imperfect situations.

It all boils down to being ok with who you are and building from there and realizing that life is a marathon and one that can only be run at your pace.

One thing I find frustrating is that oftentimes Aspies are incorrectly diagnosed with depression or some other disorder. With no real medication for the disorder I sometimes feel like some medication is better then none when really things like socialization and talk therapy are more helpful.

[cool09]

My severe depression had nothing to do with being hard on my self. I just have lousy genes.

[-jimi-]

I'm not a total social misfit so can't blame that. Also I'm thick skinned socially. But I'm thin skinned to life itself, stress, changes, handling things, even the anticipation of being tired can set me off. I'm not sure that makes you depressed in itself but it's a good starting point.