S-T-R-E-S-S, this I believe is something that keeps building and getting worse every single year. In some cases, this is a beneficial thing because I don't think I could've finished any college paper or something for work without it. There are many times when I wished I did things a little sooner than the 'last minute'. My bad habit though seems to get the best of me because without the stress of getting something done on time, it may never happen. I try to put self-imposed deadlines for all my work and there are times when it works, but not all the time.
A recent article talked about stress in the work place, it talks about how you look at your own approach to the job and how you should adapt to the changes that take place. The problem with this idea is that change is very difficult for me with my Asperger’s. It goes on to suggest that I "gain control" and "get physical" which all sound great, but I'm in a job (teaching) were control is a constant struggle, especially where there is little support. I want to get more physical, but time always seems to be my enemy. I used to play all kinds of sports, but now those days seem to be long gone. I have to admit that when I visit San Diego, I get to be out a lot, but here in Kansas City it's more difficult to get out with the constant change in weather. They had some nice ideas, but I would have to change occupations for any of this to happen. (And of course, not have Asperger’s!)
More times than not, I'm usually having to turn to the only thing that seems to help suppress my stress level...medication. It seems like ever since I've been on a special medication that allows me to be more aware of my surrounding; I've had to find ways to keep myself calm through the difficult times in my life. The highest point has to be from work, but not only there alone. Sometimes, a new situation might happen at home and I'm not prepared for it so I'm having to take a magic pill to get me through it. (Sometimes, that doesn't always work.) The overall issue with stress and Asperger’s is what it can do to the mind. Unfortunately, the stress can take a person with autism down a deep dark road that no one should ever go, but that is big problem; and worse, it can stay in the head for a long time. (I'll probably speak on this in more detail later because it deserves its own piece in this blog.) Needless to say, it's a constant battle and there are no winners. It seems like the best advice I can give on something really helpful is to give it over to God. I know it may sound simple, but you'll find it's a little harder than it seems. So for anyone who is autistic...don't give up. Our mind will tend to make it out worse than it really is.
Song of Inspiration [Check it out on iTunes!]:
Song: "Again"
Artist: Flyleaf
Album: Memento Mori
Here's a video that my wife shot when we were at the Topeka Zoo. I put this in for a little laugh to help deal with the stress!
(You can also check this out on YouTube!)
A recent article talked about stress in the work place, it talks about how you look at your own approach to the job and how you should adapt to the changes that take place. The problem with this idea is that change is very difficult for me with my Asperger’s. It goes on to suggest that I "gain control" and "get physical" which all sound great, but I'm in a job (teaching) were control is a constant struggle, especially where there is little support. I want to get more physical, but time always seems to be my enemy. I used to play all kinds of sports, but now those days seem to be long gone. I have to admit that when I visit San Diego, I get to be out a lot, but here in Kansas City it's more difficult to get out with the constant change in weather. They had some nice ideas, but I would have to change occupations for any of this to happen. (And of course, not have Asperger’s!)
More times than not, I'm usually having to turn to the only thing that seems to help suppress my stress level...medication. It seems like ever since I've been on a special medication that allows me to be more aware of my surrounding; I've had to find ways to keep myself calm through the difficult times in my life. The highest point has to be from work, but not only there alone. Sometimes, a new situation might happen at home and I'm not prepared for it so I'm having to take a magic pill to get me through it. (Sometimes, that doesn't always work.) The overall issue with stress and Asperger’s is what it can do to the mind. Unfortunately, the stress can take a person with autism down a deep dark road that no one should ever go, but that is big problem; and worse, it can stay in the head for a long time. (I'll probably speak on this in more detail later because it deserves its own piece in this blog.) Needless to say, it's a constant battle and there are no winners. It seems like the best advice I can give on something really helpful is to give it over to God. I know it may sound simple, but you'll find it's a little harder than it seems. So for anyone who is autistic...don't give up. Our mind will tend to make it out worse than it really is.
Song of Inspiration [Check it out on iTunes!]:
Song: "Again"
Artist: Flyleaf
Album: Memento Mori
Here's a video that my wife shot when we were at the Topeka Zoo. I put this in for a little laugh to help deal with the stress!