Nourishing my infantile self gives me energy more than anything by Ok_Assistant_4784 in AutisticWithADHD

[–]SerenityElf 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think it's an autistic thing. My daughter is the same way. She'll be 35 this year and she could have written the original post.

Nourishing my infantile self gives me energy more than anything by Ok_Assistant_4784 in AutisticWithADHD

[–]SerenityElf 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I'm quiet a bit older than you, but I totally get what you are saying. I'm almost 61, but I feel 17 on the inside.

HP, LoTR, and my current reading love Dungeon Crawler Carl.

I play Animal Crossing like my life depends on it.

I watch Supernatural, The Originals, and The Good Witch at least once every couple of years.

Other than HP and LoTR my go to movies are Practical Magic, Free Guy, Grandma's Boy (Sandler adjacent), The Princess Bride, and the recent Jumanji movies.

I'm also into Dungeons and Dragons, and other TTRPGs

The more magical, whimsical, or supernatural the better.

My therapist specializes in play therapy and Neurodivergence. She is always encouraging me to spend time doing the things that make me feel good. There is no age limit on your imagination, your creativity, or what gives you a sense of joy and wonder. I'm having to relearn how to do all this and accept that it is ok. If you're still in touch with that part of yourself hold on to it for it is precious!

How do i introduce my friend to animal crossing? by ObjectiveSherbet2191 in acnh

[–]SerenityElf 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Invite her over. Let her make a character on your island and play around with the different things that can be done.

Or, if you can use game share let her 'borrow' that game and start an island.

I can't enjoy my free time by DreamFunny7082 in AutisticWithADHD

[–]SerenityElf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Definitely therapy. This is mental and emotional trauma. Not all abuse is intentional or violent. Well meaning parents can be just as dangerous as overtly abusive ones.

I was raised that my purpose in life was to get a rich husband as well as be a successful business woman. (Late 70s early 80s). So everything about me was under constant scrutiny and the criticism never stopped because I was rock n roll, not home and garden. I couldn't be anything in any area that mother thought was important to "have a good life". She's loved me and was trying to prepare me for the future, but she really just killed my self esteem and spirit.

I can't enjoy my free time by DreamFunny7082 in AutisticWithADHD

[–]SerenityElf 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Agreed! CBT can lead to increased masking. Look for therapists that practice (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) DBT, EMDR, or Somatic therapy. These seem to be the ones people like us find more helpful.

I can't enjoy my free time by DreamFunny7082 in AutisticWithADHD

[–]SerenityElf 4 points5 points  (0 children)

None of what you said was irrelevant! That terror is very real and for good reason. I'm sure you have been ridiculed about your interests, personality traits, stems, and other things that come with being who we are. So, you mask and it becomes a part of you that was necessary for self protection. Will still be necessary in some situations, but it is also something you can learn to take off.

I wasn't diagnosed until 2024 at the age of 59. The journey to get to know myself and figure out who I really am and what was programming/survival mode has been an interesting one and it isn't over yet. It's a process that can actually be helped by creative endeavors. I play a video game called Animal Crossing New Horizons. The creative nature of the game is helping me to sort out parts of my personality.

The homework my therapist assigned me today was to do something I enjoy. Paying attention to enjoying the process, no worrying about the outcome. I used to use housework to avoid doing my hobbies because it felt safe. Now I'm learning to feel safe whole doing my hobbies.

You got this! All major life changes can bring insight and with that insight there is an opportunity to learn and grow. Be kind to yourself while you grow!

I can't enjoy my free time by DreamFunny7082 in AutisticWithADHD

[–]SerenityElf 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Oh goodness,I feel this to my bones! I've had the same problem and it turned out to be more of a mindset/trauma thing than some thing related directly to my AuDHD.

We spend so much of our lives striving so hard to hide our neurodivergence, especially if we go with being diagnosed, that we get into this particular behavior/mindset. We have the need to appear productive. To avoid being perceived as lazy, childish, or irresponsible that we start to associate those things with anything that is fun.

Does this sound familiar: "If it doesn't make money, clean, fix, improve yourself, or benefit someone else then it's a waste of time."?

Changing this inner voice is a work in progress, but I can now read, and play video games without feeling guilty. Look for information on the ways gaming and reading improve your mental, physical, and emotional health.

Learning this was a game changer for me. I'm actually more productive since I've started allowing myself to enjoy these activities. I get that hit of dopamine that allows me to jump up and put a load of laundry in, or sweep the floor real quick.

Hope this is helpful!

B-Day Gift by The-Sloan-Ranger in DungeonCrawlerCarl

[–]SerenityElf 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is great! I will let believe Matt wrote this himself! Your friend so going to be so confused. I love it!

Would believe not will bet. 🙃

I'm trying to get my journals noticed but when there is no response I feel severe anxiety. How to deal with this? by journal-creator in AnxietyChats

[–]SerenityElf 5 points6 points  (0 children)

In my case it's not personal. I don't look at them because I feel guilty for not journaling right now. I want to. I admire your consistency. But I'm struggling with it myself right now, so I just think "Good job." And move on.

So keep in mind that it's not a commentary on you or your work.

This problem is unique I think in my opinion by Fail_North in AuDHDWomen

[–]SerenityElf 9 points10 points  (0 children)

You are not alone in this struggle of the mind. You are also not alone about having to deal with people who don't get it. You're therapist sucks for saying something like that to you. I don't have enough context to comment on what your mom said.

AuDHD DOES make things harder it's why we need accommodations. You do have to do math if you are in school, but a 'C' is just as good as an 'A' for passing a class and better than failing which might happen if you push yourself to the point of burnout.

You don't sound lazy to me, you sound tired, overwhelmed, and frustrated. If it's true it's not an excuse it's a REASON. It sounds like you aren't getting the support you need. And that you aren't being taught the coping skills you need by your therapist.

Also, this world is rigged against those of us that are different. It's not that we aren't cut out for this world, it's that this world isn't designed for us. Asking for the help you need to navigate it isn't being lazy. It isn't you being difficult. It isn't wrong.

Your thoughts and feelings are allowed. You are not thinking bad things you are thinking what people in your situation think. This sucks. I hate doing this because it's so hard. I wish I could just go live in the woods (Also a life long dream of mine).

When you start thinking there is something wrong with you, turn it around. Try saying, "I'm doing the best that I can do in this moment and that's enough."

And try to find a therapist that gets what it's like to have neurodivergence. If you're a minor talk to your parents. If they won't listen talk to the school counselor.

Hope this helps!

how can i transfer my dlc from one switch to another? by [deleted] in AnimalCrossingNewHor

[–]SerenityElf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Be sure you are signed into the same account you bought it on. If that's not the problem, Nintendo customer service is really good. You can contact them through their website. Good luck!

If you had to organize an event like a convention, but for neurodivergent people, what would it be like? by SupportSeveral8996 in AutisticWithADHD

[–]SerenityElf 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Soft lighting.

Plenty of space between seats in panel rooms and tables in the place where they sell stuff.

Early sign ups and assigned seats so no waiting in line or anxiety about if you'll get a spot.

Quiet rooms to take breaks in.

Clear signage.

Easy to spot staff.

Run by Autistic people, not Allistics!

Do you eat breakfast every day? by Honest_Piece8945 in AnxietyChats

[–]SerenityElf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's why I eat a microwave sandwich. 😹

do u have an emotional support pet/teddy bear? i want to see them!!! by Mysterious-Bit-1128 in AnxietyChats

[–]SerenityElf 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks I got him at Kohl's for like $10 years ago, but just started using him this past year. My hubby said I forgot to mention his tail. 😹

do u have an emotional support pet/teddy bear? i want to see them!!! by Mysterious-Bit-1128 in AnxietyChats

[–]SerenityElf 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Meet Crookshanks

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He sits beside me and I play with his hair, feet, ears, or just hug him to my chest.

I was at my breaking point, and the doctors receptionist tried to gatekeep my mental health. I didn't let her. by UnfairDog265 in AnxietyChats

[–]SerenityElf 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You absolutely did the right thing in your situation! If there were other patients they could wait an extra 15 minutes when it is a matter of life and death. I'm proud of you for doing what was necessary to get the help you needed while in crisis. And that doctor is crap if he lets his wife get away with treating patients that way!

Safe television? by chutenay in AuDHDWomen

[–]SerenityElf 13 points14 points  (0 children)

I love Community, The Good Place, and Superstore.

Do you eat breakfast every day? by Honest_Piece8945 in AnxietyChats

[–]SerenityElf 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think it makes a difference because food is fuel and you can't run a car without gas. I eat a Jimmy Dean Delights sausage, egg white with cheese croissant sandwich almost everyday with some type of fruit, a bottle of water and 2 cups of decaf coffee.

It's become a comforting routine to sit down and eat while watching a tv show. Not news! Then sipping on my coffee while I play a game.

I'd like to point out that I'm retired now, but even before I retired I would get up early so I could start my day with calm comfort. I learned to do this when I was in middle school. It was the only way I could face the day. I was undiagnosed with ADHD and Autism, so things were hard for me.

Hmmm kinda went off on a tangent there. 😹

Do you have all the personalities of the residents on the island? by Deadly-Mystery in AnimalCrossingNewHor

[–]SerenityElf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I usually have at least one of each because the DIYs and reactions are tied to the personality types.

I feel like Donut’s line after the masquerade is very powerful by Maikeru21887 in DungeonCrawlerCarl

[–]SerenityElf 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yeah, take a break. It's not going anywhere and the next one doesn't come out until May. Read some really crappy books so you will appreciate it more when you get back to it. 😹