My experience with being perceived as “high-functioning” is so negative because it primarily comes from the sacrifices I make at the cost of my health in order to keep up with social expectations
I have to actively choose between taking care of myself and fulfilling responsibilities because I don’t have energy for both (I usually wouldn’t even call it a choice given that adult life especially isn’t the most forgiving)
Anybody else?
I hear you! You are most likely not alone. In fact, today I needed to take a mental health sick day because I just couldn’t face putting on a social performance today. The sacrifices you and I have to make to not only keep up with social expectations but to have to keep “adulting” every day are real, tangible, and difficult. The amount of mental energy that it takes to mask and function in a world not primarily designed for our existence is staggering.
Adult life is very unforgiving and especially to people with disabilities and hidden disabilities.