You may hear us talk about Masking. It is something our body did to shut down our NeuroDivergence. Our internal radar was turned off and all this happened without us knowing. So we could keep going without distress, avoid being bullied and fit in.
This sounds good yes?
No. Our body holds the pain anyway. It stores it up. It comes out other ways.
So as late diagnosis NeuroDivergents it is not natural to listen to our body and pain. It is not our habit to recognise what happens in our bodies. For some, it just is not possible at all.
Add to this the fact that Society pushes and pushes for productivity. Employers and education, alike. Monitoring and limiting sick days. Pressure to return. Praising 100% attendance. Shame and questioning when people are ill. Proof of illness. Praise and glorification of a 'tough' attitude and high pain threshold. Technology stopping us from 'switching off'.
This level of pressure and demand encourages NeuroDivergent Masking. Our Brains hyper-focus on superspeed at the best of times.
So please start looking after each other. Stop and check whether we are each ok and encourage self-care. Take the pressure off and show care and Love for each other.
Please. You matter.
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