I have spent my whole life pretending to be someone else because it’s what society wanted.

Do you understand how crushing that is?

I just came home and had a panic attack thanks to that absolutely terrifying realisation that no one knows who I am.

That at every job role, I morphed myself into who my manager wanted me to be, UNTIL I couldn’t do it anymore.

📉 Until the depression crept in.
📉 Until I was calling in sick.
📉 Until my skin was on fire from anxiety.
📉 Until my heart pounded so hard I feared a heart attack.
📉 Until I sobbed in the bathroom on breaks.
📉 Until it all fell apart.
📉 Until the mask slipped.

And at that point they would ask…

❓“What’s happened to Laura?” ❓

🔎Who is that?🔍

I don’t even identify with my name.
The word seems alien and unfamiliar.

🔎Who did YOU think she was?🔍

Because when you were looking at her that was the only time that version existed.

There is a terror that most neurodiverse people probably experience along with me, that you will find out who we truly are.

I suppose it explains the imposter syndrome we all feel.

🎭BECAUSE WE ARE ALL IMPOSTERS.🎭

Somewhere in our lives, the mask goes on and we bury ourselves deep inside, partaking in the biggest act of self-harm a neurodiverse person can do.

No wonder I feel like I’m dying every time I step into your world – it’s because every time I do, your world asks me to kill my true self.

🧠🧚🏻‍♀️

#neurodiversity #ndfairy #adhd #autism #audhd #diversity #inclusion #diversityandinclusion #masking