My name is April, and I am neurodivergent. I’ve always felt different, struggling to fit in with friends, at school, and with family, as if there was an invisible barrier separating me from those around me. I thought I was an introvert grappling with social anxiety and negative self-talk, convinced that my experiences were unique to me. I suffered from rejection sensitivity dysphoria, interpreting criticism and rejection in ways that magnified my insecurities. These struggles led me to rely on alcohol and substances from a young age, driving me to seek temporary relief from the incessant feelings of inadequacy and isolation that lasted for a span of twenty years. Escapism would often turn into destructive behavior, which put me in unsafe situations, damaging relationships with friends and partners who simply couldn’t understand the depth of my struggles. I lost many connections as my addiction spiraled out of control, leaving me feeling even more alienated when all I wanted was to connect with my friends and family. In March 2021, I hit a turning point; it was as if a light flickered on within me, and I began my journey of healing and self-acceptance, learning to confront the realities of my life rather than escape from them. Now, I am starting to understand that being different from neurotypicals is not a weakness; it’s okay to be the round peg that doesn’t fit in the square hole of society. In fact, my unique perspectives and experiences have equipped me with insights that many of my peers lack, allowing me to appreciate the beauty of diversity in human experience and embrace myself in ways I never thought possible.
