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submitted 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) by ScoffingLizard@lemmy.dbzer0.com to c/adhd@lemmy.world

I've always made up a person to fit in. Masking has taken a toll and I hate the person I've pretended to be. That person is boring, polished, and an over achiever. Since.I was punished severely on a daily basis at 4 years old and afterwards, my true self never was known to me. Only my self who could survive.

Where do we find our unmasked real self after reaching "the big one" burnout? When your braim stops working, you're no longer functional, and the person you made can no longer be sustained, what do you do?

I'm in my 40s and it's rough.

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[-] Kyrgizion@lemmy.world 2 points 1 day ago

I've unfortunately learned that continued masking is the price we have to pay for our existence in this society. The few times I let up I paid dearly (broke down at work due to years of accumulating stress - fired. Broke down at home because of the former - almost lost my relationship. Etc.).

I'm no longer willing to jeopardize my already bleak future with it.

this post was submitted on 04 Sep 2026
31 points (100.0% liked)

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