I have this analogy....or metaphor.....idk can't tell apart which is which. Anyway. Here it goes.
DISCLAIMER: This is mainly talking about mental struggles
Assuming we go through our life on going upwards
Like to progress we have to go up.
And well. Neurotypical people I would say either have steady upward slopes or stairs. Some more steep than others.
Either way they have a mostly steady way up. Of course it's going to get exhausting. They need to rest every now and then to keep going. Which they can do with no issue most of the time.
And for some there will be obstacles. Obstacles they might not be able to get over without the proper equipment. (Outside help). Others might get pushed down a couple of steps or fall. They can still get up and go again. And probably go even further the next try.
Neurodivergent folk on the other hand have to climb up a cliff. Rocky, uncharted and usually without any equipment. Some can do it better than others. Some have equipment and support.
Regardless you can't just rest. And eventually your body is gonna give out and fall. And you're gonna fall hard when you don't have anything to catch you...
Even with something to catch you, you will have to ascend the distance you've fallen, again. You will have to remake the progress you've lost. And that is extremely exhausting and frustrating. Because you may try over and over and over again but you just can't get past that one point you keep failing at.
And there's never really a peaceful and easy moment because you constantly have to hang on to that wall for dear life.
Even within the neurodivergent community it differs vastly. Because some have gotten their equipment very early on. Because it was recognized that they need it.
But then there's also the ones who were really talented climbers in the beginning. And maybe the beginning was easy for them. But they keep going up up up up, they can't ever rest, they can't just fix their rope and hang on for a bit to let their body and mind rest. They are hanging on for dear life and but hardly anyone can recognize that.
And for the neurodivergent people, there are obstacles too. You might get your equipment taken away, because you've done so well, surely you don't need it anymore. People might try to get in your way and obstruct your path, wanting to insert themselves into your journey. Under the ruse, they want to help. And maybe they do stretch our their hands. But they fumble and can't hold on to you or inadvertently push you, which they blame you for, because "you didn't hold on tight enough."
But with all the negativity, there are people who genuinely want to help you and don't fail. Even if it's something as small as offering their hands for you to step on or using their own resources to craft equipment that can support you. Even if it's just for a little bit. Every little bit helps, though that doesn't change the fact that most of us will need professional help.
Especially when we're already bruised and battered from previous falls.
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