That person holding the mask is protecting you, it is doing its job the only way it knows. Especially when masking is connected to a trauma it can be useful to address both aspects while working to find more sustainable ways of being. That’s my experience at least - I’ve learned about neurodivergence and burnout as well as complex trauma simultaneously and it seems necessary for me to have “an explanation” that covers both aspects. I’m trying to be more understanding and compassionate to myself, find ways to process my issues and figure out what the real me needs. Often it feels desperate and at the moment I feel really lonely, drawing boundaries is really hard when you’ve lived your whole life putting other people’s needs before your own. Unmasking drives people away, I’m not very good at communicating my boundaries or needs to other people and often that discussion is not encouraged either, leading to awkwardness and wrong interpretations. I carry a lot of shame with me from all the “failures” where I’ve failed to keep the mask up, usually I run away from situations at the last minute before that happens, but people tend take that as arrogance or avoidance. Unmasking, as well as processing trauma, tend to affect our relationships, I try to believe it when people say it’s for the best. We don’t necessarily want to keep those relationships or stay in situations that don’t allow us to be who we are, but I’ve yet to figure out what fills the void that’s left. Maybe that void finally allows me to have space for myself, time will tell.

I’ve found it important to spend time with other ND’s and trauma survivors, peer support groups are great. I also find comfort in watching videos on Youtube where people explain their ND burnout experiences.

You are not alone and your struggle is real. Things can change and you can learn to let go of the mask, little by little. If you don’t have access to professional support free resources can be really helpful as well. Healing takes time but it is time worth spending.

Wouldn’t it be buttiwork though?

ARISE NOW, YE TARNISHED!

Make everyone a favor and stop that someone who shat there!

Return? Both Ways?

What a cute couple! They look so happy together!

Nah, it’s called “the Revenge from Beyond”, you get it from eating Beyond burgers (or similar)

Sexy footwear you’ve got there, Donatello

I once had to lay down on the bathroom floor in a fetal position between rounds. Sweat was literally dripping. What a way to feel alive whilst expecting death!

Well said! I love your metaphor! Surfing is an interesting way to describe the process, and they do bear similarities! Also for both, I suppose, it’s crucial to “read” the environment and weather correctly - or the physical and mental circumstances. If you are already used to it things probably go a lot smoother than if you have to learn it while doing.

I don’t know what would be an equivalent in surfing, but something I’ve also learned the hard way is that the stimulants can also help focus on those unpleasant side-effects or get stuck on thoughts etc, especially when learning to navigate the effects of the drug - like when you are bicycling and there’s an icy road ahead: staring at the road, thinking about losing control and crashing instead of looking forward will most likely end up in you crashing (that’s me at least 😹).

A big risk is being cut off from a drug that works, but the dosage is wrong, just because the doctor doesn’t understand how differently people react to these drugs. For me at least it has taken a long time to find out what dose works for me, how and when I should take it, because I’ve had to find out without professional support. GPs don’t have enough understanding about the issue and complexity to actually give any advice or suggest options, and psychiatrists are really difficult to get to (especially ones that are specialized in neurodivergence).

I’m on Elvanse/Vyvanse and on a regular day I take 25mg, but if I leave home and know the day will be stressful I’ll take 40-50mg (25-30mg in the morning and the rest in a few hours). But if I’m really overwhelmed it may be too little or way too much. The small dose helps significantly with my mood and impulsivity etc but there are some unpleasant side-effects as well as potential risks I wish would be addressed by the doctor - but then again I’ll rather take this suboptimal solution than risk losing the prescription altogether, because at least this works somewhat.

My experience is that the psychiatrist initially prescribed me way too large doses even though I mentioned I’m sensitive to drugs, they just went on with the “regular titration plan”, and I believe that intensified my burnout. Another thing in here is that they’ll basically try 3 individual drugs (with maybe 3 different doses) and that’s it. If there are any issues you’ll easily get cut off the meds, there isn’t much consideration for alternatives. You’ll be lucky to try the actual ADHD meds, especially if you rely on public health care, as many are refused neurological evaluations and are stuck with SSRI’s or similar.

Why shitpost though?

There is a belief among the people who live near a nuclear test site in Kazakhstan that they’ve become resistant to radiation and in fact leaving the area is more dangerous to them than staying there.

Of course it’s just a coping strategy to these people that live in extreme poverty and have been neglected by the government, but an interesting way to deal with the situation.

Here’s an article if someone wants to read.

Where I live the police definitely shows up - to make sure nazi activities can go on undisturbed.

Before this it was anger

How about the Bermuda triangle?

I have moved twice by a bike & trailer, although both times the distance was just a couple blocks. The first time I moved all my stuff (except bed) to another flat and the second time we moved our bike shop to another location, for some heavier items we used a car. Also I’ve carried furniture on a bike, one time a pretty hefty tv table on the rack (with another person walking by and balancing it). I find it amusing that it’s possible to carry a whole table on a bike but not in a (regular) car! :D

Fap Laflatch signing in

Yea, I won’t look into it. 😂

Swimming pool drains. I panic if I get above one. No idea why. I used to love swimming/diving as a kid but I always made sure to stay as far away as I can from the drains. I didn’t go to a swimming pool for like 20 years (mostly because of body dysforia but the drains did play a role as well), only recently I’ve been to a spa - and I’m like a cat with a cucumber around the drains.

Oh, and leeches. Never want to see one of those fuckers in real life.

Also I have a fear of getting worms. One of my late cats got that type which, if in a wrong host, can travel to the eyes.