Struggling to Express Myself

Hi! I have anxiety and Autism and I know talking can feel absolutely impossible sometimes. I am learning sign language and I like to use art, writing and non verbal communications like nodding or head shaking. Sometimes I use music too. ❤️

I feel that way often, not the exact same but I tried being selectively mute for a while. It didn't go great but I can't give better advice

this sounds incredibly relatable to me, although it may not be the same issue. sometimes, talking is so draining, it’s so much effort to try and make sense to other people, while not embarrassing myself somehow at the same time. and sometimes i just feel tired deep inside, i feel like i could never speak again. a lot of my peers assume i am being rude or an upset with them, so i am forced to make small talk. it’s so tiring.

I feel that way too, especially when anxious or overwhelmed.

I used to struggle with this as well. Using a notebook and writing down what you need to say helps so much. It gives you time to think about what you are going to say and you can erase anything you want at any point. I’ve gotten better at not using my notebook as much but I 100% recommend it :)

Maybe start writing in a journal. It helps me🙏

I'm autistic and writing is my preferred method of communication (including text messages, etc). Talking and listening to others talk is extremely draining. With written communication, I can take in a little at a time if I need to and respond when I'm ready. I also feel that I can't really express myself verbally the way I can if I'm writing out my thoughts. (For example, I would never be able to say all this to you in person, and when I talk to my therapist I have to write down everything I'm going to say or else I won't say anything.) I would definitely talk to or otherwise communicate with the people in your life that your social anxiety or other issues make it difficult for you to hold conversations and you would rather communicate by other means.

Yeah i particularly feel this when I'm really dissociated, from having hit autistic shutdown or other trauma reponse. I have to text anytime I want to communicate about feelings

I'm not sure if mine is exactly Iike yours but sometimes I just don't feel like talking, it's draining and too much effort. With my family i reply nonverbally with headshakes and stuff like that. But I can't do that in public settings and I haven't figured out anything for public settings though