Thank you for sharing your experience and feelings being a mom. Your article gives me a glimpse of the intense feelings you have throughout your pregnancy and after. I love that you maintain your sense of awe and wonder, and that your kid's sensitivity keeps that alive in you. The world is messy, and so are human relationships. As much as some people wish for everything to run on logic, it just doesn't work that way. Also, just because some of us are neurodivergent or highly sensitive, doesn't mean we don't belong to this beautiful and messy world ;-) In fact, the world needs us whose inner world and perceptions are different from the "main stream" to move forward and to expand in depth.
Thank you so much, Louisa. I almost feel like my sense of wonder is a non-negotiable part of me. Sometimes it actually kind of knocks me off balance and I wish I *could* just accept things as they are. The world is just so crazy and illogical and it's hard to ignore how wild it is... do you feel that way as well? I agree the world needs us quirky folks to see things differently -- I was just talking about it this week when I was explaining why ADHD is a gift not a disorder! <3
P.S. of my previous comment (below): I feel that "pathologization" of the unique traits and inner experiences is not helpful at all. We must find a way to express them without stigmatization.
Oh yes, Mikhal, I can totally relate! All my life, I've been trying to figure out this one wild world we live in and this one wild life we are given. I do think that our unique traits can be a gift if we accept them--and ourselves as we are. They can even serve us well. I explore this very topic in the post I just published today. I invite you to check out the tool I mention as it might shed new light into the fabrics of this chaotic and messy world we live in 🤪😉🤗
Ooh I can't wait to read your newest piece! And I agree about the problems with pathologizing... While having a diagnosis helps me get treatment, I don't love the word 'disorder' in ADHD. I much prefer neuro-difference. I mean, it's not something that's *wrong* with me. It's something my brain does differently.
Yes, the whole diagnostic/labeling of mental health conditions as in the DSM was meant to be used among psychiatrists to exchange clinical observations and notes. It was never meant to be used among patients or laypeople let alone in a stigmatized and dismissive way. But as things turned out, the pandora's box was open, and the rest is history. However, it's never too late to turn the tide by advocating for ourselves about our differences and educating the world about the beauty of differences. If we can reframe what people consider "wrong" vs. what's "normal," then the world will be a much better place, and there will be a much better chance of healing and recovery for those of us who struggle with our mental health challenges and struggle to be accepted. This interview by @curedbysarahfay gives us hope.
Thank you so much for sharing this interview!!! And I agree so, so much. After all, so much of what's "normal" is just one more societal construct! Here's to healing and loving ourselves 💖
Thank you for sharing your experience and feelings being a mom. Your article gives me a glimpse of the intense feelings you have throughout your pregnancy and after. I love that you maintain your sense of awe and wonder, and that your kid's sensitivity keeps that alive in you. The world is messy, and so are human relationships. As much as some people wish for everything to run on logic, it just doesn't work that way. Also, just because some of us are neurodivergent or highly sensitive, doesn't mean we don't belong to this beautiful and messy world ;-) In fact, the world needs us whose inner world and perceptions are different from the "main stream" to move forward and to expand in depth.
Thank you so much, Louisa. I almost feel like my sense of wonder is a non-negotiable part of me. Sometimes it actually kind of knocks me off balance and I wish I *could* just accept things as they are. The world is just so crazy and illogical and it's hard to ignore how wild it is... do you feel that way as well? I agree the world needs us quirky folks to see things differently -- I was just talking about it this week when I was explaining why ADHD is a gift not a disorder! <3
P.S. of my previous comment (below): I feel that "pathologization" of the unique traits and inner experiences is not helpful at all. We must find a way to express them without stigmatization.
Oh yes, Mikhal, I can totally relate! All my life, I've been trying to figure out this one wild world we live in and this one wild life we are given. I do think that our unique traits can be a gift if we accept them--and ourselves as we are. They can even serve us well. I explore this very topic in the post I just published today. I invite you to check out the tool I mention as it might shed new light into the fabrics of this chaotic and messy world we live in 🤪😉🤗
Ooh I can't wait to read your newest piece! And I agree about the problems with pathologizing... While having a diagnosis helps me get treatment, I don't love the word 'disorder' in ADHD. I much prefer neuro-difference. I mean, it's not something that's *wrong* with me. It's something my brain does differently.
Yes, the whole diagnostic/labeling of mental health conditions as in the DSM was meant to be used among psychiatrists to exchange clinical observations and notes. It was never meant to be used among patients or laypeople let alone in a stigmatized and dismissive way. But as things turned out, the pandora's box was open, and the rest is history. However, it's never too late to turn the tide by advocating for ourselves about our differences and educating the world about the beauty of differences. If we can reframe what people consider "wrong" vs. what's "normal," then the world will be a much better place, and there will be a much better chance of healing and recovery for those of us who struggle with our mental health challenges and struggle to be accepted. This interview by @curedbysarahfay gives us hope.
P.S.S. check out this podcast episode interviewing Sarah Fay... so many gems about the mental health system:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1nXPsCkGtDTu6m22wYOh4B?si=QuUubuD9QK-OgKl3jVkRsw
Thank you so much for sharing this interview!!! And I agree so, so much. After all, so much of what's "normal" is just one more societal construct! Here's to healing and loving ourselves 💖