> So, yeah, I must admit that my situation includes the privileges of an extensive network formed by a long career
You should give yourself some credit for the effort it takes to do this.
> Understanding that I wasn't stuck with my lot and had a choice in my destiny was the first pinprick of light in the darkness.
This is one of the things I struggle most with. At times I feel like people can't see me and I don't really exist. Social / communication struggles keeps me isolated because I struggle to explain / ask for the help I need.
I have stopped asking for help because I'm so discouraged that either people will say no (why are you asking for help / do it yourself / you don't need help), or they will suggest unhelpful things that are gratifying for them to say (it worked for me / I'm so great so this will work / heres what you NEED to do ) but unrealistic / not applicable to me.
You should give yourself some credit for the effort it takes to do this.
> Understanding that I wasn't stuck with my lot and had a choice in my destiny was the first pinprick of light in the darkness.
This is one of the things I struggle most with. At times I feel like people can't see me and I don't really exist. Social / communication struggles keeps me isolated because I struggle to explain / ask for the help I need.
I have stopped asking for help because I'm so discouraged that either people will say no (why are you asking for help / do it yourself / you don't need help), or they will suggest unhelpful things that are gratifying for them to say (it worked for me / I'm so great so this will work / heres what you NEED to do ) but unrealistic / not applicable to me.