Category: mental health

  • Seeking Answers: My Second Diagnosis

    Seeking Answers: My Second Diagnosis

    The author reflects on their neurodivergent journey, recognizing symptoms of ADHD alongside autism. They confront decision fatigue, societal stereotypes, and the impact of addiction on their identity. Through sharing experiences, they aim to offer hope and support to others.

  • Confronting the Silent Struggles

    Confronting the Silent Struggles

    The author reflects on understanding their neurodivergent identity, transitioning from hopelessness to hope through community support. They emphasize the importance of acknowledging mental health struggles to prevent isolation and highlight the role of shared experiences in healing.

  • Finding Truth in Recovery: The Interplay of Autism & Alcoholism

    Finding Truth in Recovery: The Interplay of Autism & Alcoholism

    Vanessa reflects on her journey of understanding her neurodivergence rather than solely identifying as an alcoholic. Her autism diagnosis reshapes her self-perception and reveals the complexities of her addiction, marking a path toward self-acceptance and healing.

  • Hope & Hopelessness: To Lose All Hope of a Better Future

    Hope & Hopelessness: To Lose All Hope of a Better Future

    The author reflects on the complexities of living with autism and recovery from addiction, acknowledging feelings of hopelessness while also finding hope through writing and community. This journey of self-discovery reveals gratitude amidst grief, highlighting the importance of acceptance and presence in navigating life’s challenges.

  • My Dark Mornings 

    My Dark Mornings 

    9/8/2024  Dread.  Doom.  Fear.  I wake. My eyes still closed. Shut to the world yet. Anxiety floods in. I don’t know why. Immediate dread pitted in my heart, rooted down to my stomach.  This is where it lives, here this doom, its home is inside me.       Intermingled with my mind yet lacking logic,…

  • The Importance of Mental Health in Recovery: Breaking the Silence

    The Importance of Mental Health in Recovery: Breaking the Silence

    Vanessa emphasizes the criticality of discussing mental health, especially in recovery circles, where it is often suppressed. She challenges society’s discomfort with the topic, highlighting the impact on overall well-being. Advocating for open dialogue, she shares her personal journey to encourage others to seek support without shame.

  • To Validate Oneself

    To Validate Oneself

    This journey of self-discovery as an autistic woman has brought insights on trusting oneself, handling others’ opinions, and recognizing the significance of one’s own experiences. The author navigates the emotional rollercoaster and emphasizes the importance of honoring one’s unique path, despite conflicting external influences.

  • The Long-Awaited Breakthrough

    The Long-Awaited Breakthrough

    The author reflects on a profound emotional release after completing self-assessments, realizing her undiagnosed autism shaped her unique experience of the world. This newfound self-awareness emphasizes the need for sharing inner experiences and validating personal encounters with life.