Mental Health
In this section, I share my personal journey with mental health. I’m being vulnerable, open, honest, and doing this without shame. It took me a long time to realize that taking care of myself had to come first, but I’ve learned just how true and necessary that is.
Since receiving my diagnoses, so much has become clearer. I’m proud to be neurodivergent. I believe we all carry hidden superpowers. We all have the quiet strength it takes to move through the world that often misunderstands us.
Mental health is the foundation of our well-being, and it deserves to be nurtured with compassion and care. If you’re struggling and need a story to relate to, I hope some of mine help you feel a little less alone. You’re worthy of support, rest, and a life that feels good to live.
Mental Health
Why Does My Brain Freeze in Social Situations?
Lately, I’ve been out of town, and there have been moments that scared me a little. I’ll be in the middle of a conversation, and my brain just draws blanks — not in a simple, “I lost my train of thought” way, but in a way where the sentence I was…
Overthinking Love: A Neurodivergent Perspective
The author expresses their challenges with dating as a neurodivergent individual who feels uncomfortable in social situations and often overthinks interactions. Their experiences have led to a protective mindset, leading to avoidance of deeper connections. They emphasize the importance of self-acceptance and finding relationships that respect their sensitivity and authenticity.
Signs Your Body Is Overstimulated and How to Cope
Sometimes I don’t notice that I’m overstimulated right away. The signs and signals start out small. A flicker of tension behind my eyes. My shoulders tightening without my realizing. A low buzz of unease that I try to ignore. Then, little by little, everything starts to feel incredibly heavy. For…
Why “Just Speak Up” Isn’t Helpful Advice
For most of my life, I’ve been told to just speak up. Teachers said it because my voice was too soft. Friends say it because all they hear are “mumbles,” even though I’m speaking in full sentences. Sometimes I genuinely wonder if they weren’t listening at all. Those three words—just speak…
Embrace Your Unique Journey: Stop the Comparison
For most of my life, I’ve lived by comparison. It’s not because I want to — it’s because my brain can’t help but go there. I’ve always felt inadequate and not up to par among my peers. I think it’s because I don’t perform like them. I don’t move through…
Unraveling the Mind of an Overthinker in Relationships
For me, when I get into an intimate relationship, I automatically know how the ending will be before it’s even begun. I’m an overthinker through and through. I overthink every minute detail about anything and everything, asking myself questions like: Could I see myself with that person every day? Does…
Reframing Flaws as Unique Strengths
The author reflects on past struggles with quietness, sensitivity, and the need for alone time, initially perceiving these traits as flaws. Over time, they embraced these characteristics as strengths that shape their unique identity. The journey emphasizes self-acceptance and encourages others to recognize the beauty in their own perceived imperfections.
Why Taking Time to Process Emotions Matters
The author expresses that silence often stems from an overwhelming rush of emotions rather than a lack of thoughts. They highlight the struggle of processing feelings and the importance of emotional safety in relationships. Taking time to understand their emotions allows for clearer, more genuine communication when they return to…
Navigating Life with AUDHD: Finding Balance Amidst the Waves
Living with AUDHD involves navigating conflicting impulses between intense passion and overstimulation. The author experiences frustration with fleeting interests, self-judgment, and a lack of energy. Receiving a diagnosis provided clarity, transforming self-doubt into self-acceptance, allowing for a deeper understanding of their complex mind and embracing their unique experiences.
Why Do I Overreact? Understanding Emotional Responses
I always feel like I overreact. Especially because my reactions don’t always stay inside. Sometimes they show up in public—in parking lots, grocery store lines, or traffic when I’m already tired and just want to be home. When I’m out running errands, I’m on a mission. I want to get…
The Push and Pull of Wanting to Be Seen
I’ve never felt fully comfortable taking up space. Not in my family, my relationships, or my friendships. Being shy and quiet has truly shaped how I live in the world. From an early age, I remember being afraid of being noticed. Afraid of all the attention that came with being seen. One of my…
How to Silence Your Inner Critic and Embrace Self-Acceptance
One thing that I’m slowly learning is just how much damage my inner critic has done to me over the years. That voice inside is relentless. It tells me that I’m worthless, useless, and a burden to the world. It critiques my every move, my every action, my every thought, as if…
The Quiet Cost of Holding it all Together
Most of the time, I keep it all together. I don’t like drama or confrontation of any sort, so I keep the peace, keep it calm, maintain a vibey flow. I put on a smile when I’m feeling down. I manage because I don’t want to let my walls down…
The Importance of Genuine Love and Appreciation
I believe the greatest gift that you could receive from someone is their love and appreciation. The word love is tossed around like a ragdoll. You have people constantly saying they love you, but do they really when their actions don’t meet their words? When I say I love you, I mean…
Experiencing Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria in Real Time
I experienced a heavy wave of rejection last night. I noticed that my close friends had gathered together for what I can only assume was a New Year’s celebration. The thing is—I didn’t get an invite. The day before, I had spoken to one of them and we’d made plans…
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“Your mental health is a priority. Your happiness is an essential. Your self-care is a necessity.”
Unknown
