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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]It sounds like she had underlying autism, OP.

I know people will excoriate me because they're tired of hearing about this particular neurodivergence, but my family is rife with it, my kids have been diagnosed, my husband is autistic, we've talked to psychologists and read so much on the subject... and she has a lot of typical red flags :

1. personal hygiene issues, 
2. seeking socialization but not managing to have best friends or stable boyfriends, 
3. and being let go from jobs.

It may look like depression, but I bet you anything that the underlying uatism is what's actually making her struggle.  She needs to be evaluated and then to talk to a therapist who specializes in treating people with autism.

Now on top of that, perhaps there's weight gain and depression caused by hypo-thyroidism, for example. Hypothyroidism is very common, particularly in women. She needs complete bloodwork to check for all sorts of medical issues.[/quote]

I agree with this. I saw autism in the Op's post right away. Seeking out soft, stretchy clothes (thrifting clothes is common among parents of some autistic kids with sensory issues since they are worn-in) and hygiene struggles are often the result of sensory issues and could also be demand avoidance. Being really overexcited and eager to date but not even attempting to date would make sense. Autistic women are often very aware of social norms and socializing and interested in both, but may struggle to actually execute.

She sounds like a nice and decent person who could have benefited from the kind of intervention and support she would get if she were a child now. I think you need to consider if she would find a conversation about potential autism validating and empowering or if it would hurt her feelings and make things worse. Some people feel better with answers and others feel trapped.[/quote]

This is also my guess, coupled with exhaustion from masking (+ perhaps other medical issues). I would ask her about that app and use that as an entry point. Clearly the fact she has the app means she's somewhat self aware.[/quote]

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