When Anxiety Met OCD
A journey into one neurodivergent world (Buckle up)
Neurodivergent.
The word has a certain appeal to it. It conjures images of tiny neurons standing up in defiance of a programmed regime.
Except that defiance sets you apart from the status quo, making it difficult for others to understand the thought processes driving your actions. Your army of neurons makes sense to YOU. But no one knows what the hell you’re doing. And hearing “neurodivergent” creates confusion in people who don’t understand the term.
(Not to mention the added fun of psychologists coining “neurotypical” to muddy the waters. Everyone needs a label.)
The concept behind neurodivergence is that some people respond to the world differently.
Think of it this way: You hand one person a cardboard tube and another a kaleidoscope. Now ask them to look at an apple on a pedestal. They’ll focus on the same spot - but what will each describe?
Yeah — not even comparable. Neither’s wrong. They’re working with the tools they have. But have them report to an outside observer, and that individual will wonder what the hell’s going on.
So what is it like in the brain of a neurodivergent? (You know you’re curious.)
