This autistic adult explains that friends, including Christine and others at the Steam House, help them cope, and they try to join activities to get out of the flat, which can feel emotionally suffocating and trigger pacing and intrusive thoughts.

They still have bad thoughts and talk about wanting to see their mum and dad but not doing it, continuing because they feel they still have life to live.

They describe being mentally unstable but physically “okay-ish”, swinging between happiness and sadness due to memories and a sense of loss.

They become paranoid about losing friends and worry about what will happen if their current place closes, recognising a conflict between anxious thoughts and logic.

They call it constant inner turmoil and mental tiredness from fighting through each day.