Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi everyone,
This is my very first post here on the forum!
I was officially diagnosed with autism last Monday, I knew I was, but there was something around to official diagnosis that changed me.
I have been consciously trying to continue to mask at work, people would normally see me as a bubbly, outgoing, confident individual and I didn't intend to let my work "mask" slip any time soon. However, I find myself being more blunt when answering things, and being more reserved when I would normally be super involved in group meetings. To the point where my colleagues joke about me being quiet "for once" and wondering if something is up.
I actually didn't even know I was doing anything different, I thought I just had nothing to say on the topics being discussed, but I don't really feel ready at all to discuss this with my peers or boss (even if I ever do!)
Just wondering what everyone else's experience is like with this? I have heard a lot about learning to unmask but I just haven't gotten that far yet given it is really new for me.
Thank you
After my diagnosis I felt I could lower my mask and let the world see the real "me". I was so scared when I did that for what felt like the first time, anxious wasn't in it! But it felt good. I felt like I was breathing for the first time and now I try not to mask or hide from people. I want people to know me, to understand what I'm like.
No one should have to hide behind a mask. We all deserve to be ourselves.
That's so great! Part of being diagnosed helps you learn more about what was masking and what was your true and authentic-self which is quite a liberating thing to do :)