Unmasking Bullying & Mobbing

People bully others because they are different from what the bullies believe a person should be - according to their ideas of "normal." Yes, I have experienced bullying and mobbing more than enough, and to avoid this pain for others, I write articles like this.

AuDHD individuals are often introverts. We face dismissive and belittling comments, judgments, and criticism for our differences almost every day in various life situations. Can I be honest? It truly hurts.

Most of the challenges we face as AuDHD individuals stem from a deficiency in neurotransmitters, which are crucial for effective communication within our nervous systems. Our brains may produce lower levels of these essential chemicals, leading to difficulties in emotional regulation, social interaction, and sensory processing, ultimately affecting our overall well-being.

Living with neurodiversity means that we often react, speak, act, and perform differently from the majority of people due to inherent differences in brain structure, function, and chemistry. These differences, which involve neurotransmitters and neural pathways, reflect the unique ways our brains process information. Neurodiversity encompasses lifelong conditions that affect how we think, learn, and interact with the world.

Let me give you some examples on what this looks like in daily life situations:

1. Social Interaction

Social interaction can often feel like a daunting mountain to climb for us AuDHD introverts. The pressure to engage in conversations and navigate social settings can lead to feelings of anxiety and exhaustion. For me, I love meeting in small groups or just one person, sharing lunch, going for a walk, or engaging in hobbies together; however, the larger the group, the more challenging it becomes for me to navigate the social dynamics.

2. Sensory Overload

Because often our hearing is super sensitive and does not filter noises correctly, this leads to sensory overload. Sadly, not all people have compassion; some even judge me or make dismissive comments when I try to explain why I cannot go to loud restaurants. They tell me that I am ridiculous. Yes, there are those who belittle us for something we were born with, something that is not our fault at all.

3. Communication

Communication is more difficult than many could imagine. This can lead to feelings of isolation. Writing is a beautiful and healing way for me to find my voice in a society that often values the loudest and fastest. As a neurodiverse individual, I may stumble and stutter in heated moments, making it challenging for me to articulate my thoughts during arguments. This can lead others to underestimate me or assume I am less intelligent, which doesn’t reflect my true capabilities. However, when I take the time to express my feelings and thoughts in writing, it often resonates deeply with others, helping them to see my perspective in a new light.

4. Emotional Regulation

Emotional regulation can be difficult too sometimes. What people often misunderstand is that with ADHD, the one thing that is missing due to a lack of neurotransmitters is that door that keeps emotions under control. Others may judge me for being too sensitive, which adds to the challenge. In response, I try to fit in and often repress the many emotions I experience in daily life situations whenever possible. Another sad strategy I’ve adopted is to simply avoid situations where there could be too many emotions. For years, retreating into solitude has been my self-protection strategy, allowing me to avoid the painful comments others make about my sensitivity...

5. Fatigue and the need to recharge

Fatigue can creep in when the demands of social interactions and sensory experiences become too much for me. Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Because of the differences in the way the brain and nervous system process daily life situations, we simply need more time to rest and recharge. This is why I cherish those Sundays spent cuddling on the sofa with a cozy blanket; I need them much more than others do.

6. Routine Disruption

Some people say they love surprises, but we fear them. Routine disruptions can feel like a sudden shift in the ground beneath our feet. While predictability may sound boring to others, for me, it is a beautiful source of comfort. When that predictability is disrupted, it can leave us feeling insecure. I truly embrace the small rituals that bring me peace. A compassionate person who is patient and gives me the necessary time to adjust to change would be the best friend in those situations. The best are those who understand this and make plans with me 1-2 days in advance, knowing that having the time to prepare helps me immensely.

This is enough examples for today. Thank you for your patience. I share these thoughts, knowing that more information creates greater understanding, and from there, more people will be able to cultivate more compassion and tolerance.

May your day unfold gently, wrapped in moments of peace, quiet understanding, and the soft glow of compassion — for yourself and for others.

Wishing you a truly beautiful day.

With love and light, Jeanne

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