When being yourself is not enough
“Just be yourself” they say. “Just be you and everything is going to be okay”. I wish it was so simple. It is difficult to navigate in a world that is not created for people having sensory processing difficulties. A world not created for People living in almost constant sensory overload state. People like me cant just turn of their senses and start living “normally”. The world feels so busy sometimes. the current society is build for people who are not freaked out by loud cars or other unexpected noises.
“be yourself” they say but when trying to find a job you are not given the same changes than everyone else. you get feedback about things you cant change. If i could get work done quicker i would do that, if i was able to navigate in strange city alone i would do that and if i could learn things the first time i would do that.
it is difficult to explain why loud noises make me feel uncomfortable. why i sometimes froze completely and can`t get myself saying anything,why drunk people cause me to panic. Why music is often too loud or why i still cover my ears with my hands as a way to protect myself in an uncomfortable situation. Or why i cant focus before finding out what is the cause for some random noises i hear.
It is difficult to navigate in a world when your own experiences are so different to everyone else. when you were born with sensitive nervous system that constantly scans your environment and sends sensory input to your brain that is sometimes quite difficult to understand and can make you feel overwhelmed.
I have skills that i could use to give back to the society, but finding a job when you need more support is difficult. You are not given a change to show what your are good at only because of something you have no control over. We cant choose the challenges we are born with.
we cant just stop needing that support when facing new situations. we cant undo the need for clear instructions.Some of my close friends have special needs and that has never been a problem for me. I would never judge someone for something they were born with and cant change and yet you hear so many stories of others not being able to be them self´s because of the fear of being judged by others.
People who happen to be born with disabilities,sensory processing difficulties,learning disabilities, ADHD,autism or any other special needs are not looking for attention.
We are just looking for our place in a world that is made for people having “normal” sensory experiences. I wish someday every single one of us is enough and we are all given the same changes. I also wish there were more companies wanting to give work opportunities for people that need little more patience and guidance but are as valuable employers as everyone else.
Meanwhile we have to get our stories and different perspectives heard. Being silent is not going to create a change in society. Maybe we can all think some ways to make this world a little better for others living with an invisible conditions and just try to understand each other. Even if you are able to live a normal life quite comfortably someone close to you might need a little support. Please, don´t judge instead listen and try to understand. There is enough space for all off us. ❤
