• idiomaddict@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    27
    ·
    17 days ago

    Honestly, this could be a good metaphor for people who have internalized harmful coping mechanisms as “part of who they are” learning to heal.

      • idiomaddict@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        13
        ·
        17 days ago

        Oof, even better. My parents (undiagnosed autistic and ADHD) way overcorrected as a coping mechanism and tried to create the same reaction in their kids. My siblings and I had to do a lot of unlearning, and some parts of it still feel inseparable from who we are.

          • idiomaddict@lemmy.world
            link
            fedilink
            arrow-up
            12
            ·
            17 days ago

            Well, first make sure you’re constantly masking because people won’t like you if you’re not sociable and polite, even if it means that you’re so overstimulated that you have zero patience with your loved ones. Then, worry about everything all the time so that you don’t forget important things. Lastly, if there’s a way to sacrifice your own needs to better fit with society, make sure you always do it- I avoided being late to my short-contract job less than 80km away by leaving three to four hours early, even though it fucked my sleep up.

            • sakuraba@lemmy.ml
              link
              fedilink
              arrow-up
              5
              ·
              17 days ago

              I started my 30s recognizing these issues and I’m still unlearning and relearning and unlearning and…

              • MrShankles@reddthat.com
                link
                fedilink
                arrow-up
                4
                ·
                17 days ago

                Late 30’s here, and I recently accepted enough to allow myself to try and unmask a little. Didn’t even know I had one, thought I was just anxious. It’s scary trying to be myself, ngl. Feels nice, but also makes me nervous just thinking about it. It’s wild

    • MrShankles@reddthat.com
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      3
      ·
      17 days ago

      Look at this hotshot, learned how to reframe negative thinking. “Ohhh, look at me! Therapy was therapeutic for me”… lame

      /s if not obvious, love you