I have wanted to write for a while but I either didn’t find the time or never could quite found the words to describe what I was experiencing.

There has been some good news on the health front. I never fully explained publically at the time mainly because I was trying to think positively about it and didn’t want to negatively label myself but I was on the waiting list to be tested for autism spectrum disorder and through an incredible bit of luck, I was seen almost a year sooner than expected! The outcome of that is that I do not have autism which therefore is making me consider how I was treated in my university placements over the last year if I had more support. Although I still have some issues around anxiety to work through and despite what I previously thought would be the case, I am still on the waiting list for NHS support, it has given me some hope that these may be easier to begin to resolve.

I am also picking up more shifts in hospitality and soon to start a new job selling merchandise in the next week or so and I still have mixed feelings about. I am still working through what my options are for next year as I worry about going back to something that caused me so much stress last year and although I now have the confirmation that it could be possible with the right support, I am not so sure that my personality would fully fit in that kind of profession where interacting with a lot of people on a daily basis would be a key part of the job.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope you find it helpful. As always, feel free to get in touch with any questions/feedback/comments, I always love to hear it. Stay tuned for the next instalment.

Until next time

Kathryn