Choosing the Hard Path: My Autism Diagnosis, Medication Journey, and Why Healing Isn’t Linear

Choosing the Hard Path

There comes a time in your life where you have to make the hard decision: do I keep going down the path I’m on just because it’s familiar? Or do I take the path that might actually help me—no matter how unknown or scary it feels?

That was where I was a couple of months ago when I finally decided to get assessed for autism. When I started seeing a therapist again. When I met with a psychiatrist for the first time. When I began taking an SSRI and anxiety meds—ones that, if I didn’t truly need them, could have seriously harmed me. Let that sink in.

But here I am. It’s August 2nd, 2025. Honestly, I didn’t think I’d live to see this day. And nearly didn’t—more than once. One of those times was by my own hands. I know, right? Messed up. But hey, I did just say I’m on meds. Dark humor helps sometimes.

I want you to know—it does get easier. Not perfect. Not some magical Hollywood moment where the clouds part and you become a brand new person. That’s the kind of sugarcoated BS neurotypicals love to slap on everything.

But it gets bearable. You’ll be able to breathe. Your mornings will feel lighter. The meds? They’re not a miracle. They’re a tool. Just like therapy. And like any tool, you still have to do the work. You have to want to see the sunshine—not just the rain.

To anyone out there struggling: keep going. You’re not alone in this fight. I see you.