Mental Illness and Autism

I started ECT last week. My OCD had gone off the rails since my uncle died. The treatment saved the life of Judy’s son, Alex, who suffers from catatonia. I suffer from depression that didn’t respond to medication. I couldn’t think of anything but death for two years. It is already working, and I have had only four. I feel better and calmer. Definitely my Mom’s persistence is paying off. I am so relieved there are no words. 


The thing is, no one looks for mental illness in us. I’ve suffered from depression for two years - but four plus for Alex. A diagnosis of autism does not preclude mental illness. There needs to be much greater awareness in the medical profession. All this suffering needs to stop.