As a neuro-divergent (a term used to describe someone who suffers from multiple mental disorders), I am sometimes completely appalled by the ignorance of some neurotypicals (a term used to describe people without mental disorders). Here I have complied a list of things that I have either heard from neurotypicals, or have felt personally as someone who suffered from anxiety and depression in high school, as well as OCD carrying on into college.
1. "Oh my god, I'm so OCD."
Yeah, sure you are. Is it because you like a clean room?
2. "You don't seem *insert disorder here*!"
What, did you expect me to have it written on my face? Plus, that makes "mentally ill" sound like an insult, when really, it just makes me unique.
3. "Wait, what do the voices tell you? Are they telling you to kill people?!"
No, definitely not. Where'd you get that stereotype? A television show?
4. When your senses are overloaded.
The teapot is squealing while my phone is ringing, and the alert for the washing machine is sounding off.
5. When plans are cancelled.
Sometimes stepping out of the house makes me want to crawl back into bed.
6. When you get out of bed and through the work day without having a panic attack.
Some days are just lucky days.
7. Intrusive Thoughts and Where to Find Them.
Sometimes they just come out of no where hit you like a ton of bricks... or a stop sign.
8. Is this a symptom, or does everyone experience this?
Honestly, I didn't know intrusive thoughts were neuro-divergent until three years into my Obsessive Compulsive diagnosis.
9. When winter drives your mood down through the floor.
It's cold, but why should that make me sad and less productive?
10. Washing your hands for a long period of time and getting funny looks from others.
Can't we all just mind our own business in the lavatory?
11. Avoiding real problems and obsessing over the "what if"s.
I mean, why worry about homework when someone could magically pick the lock to my highly secure apartment building, find my apartment and then break in?
12. ... and then remembering your mental illness does NOT define you.
You're your own person, your illness may shape you, but it does not define you.
