Unhealthy Attitudes

Attachments imply several behavioral changes. They can become harmful to the sufferer and their next of kin. They are typically included in OCD-Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

An attachment turns malignant when obsessive.
Repetition quickly destroys self-awareness, the stairway to Addiction.
When we are addicted, we can’t refrain from repeating the same destructive behavior over and over again.

What differentiates destructive behavior from rewarding behavior?
Examples are the most eloquent: reciting the Rosary is a rewarding Prayer. Drinking a bottle of whiskey a day is a destructive process.

Recreational substances release massive amounts of dulling chemicals.
These substances are not reuptaken by brain cells and require a new booster to kill emotional and physical pain.

Finally, the ‘Forget-Effect’ secures all addictions in the long-run, characterized by Self-denial and Euphoria.
Long-time addicts cannot recall the painful Withdrawal Syndrome, but the induced Euphoria only, as far as under the influence.

New rehabilitation works in making subjects on withdrawal meet with subjects on euphoria. Addicts have strong camaraderie in favour.
A lengthy evidence-based approach, though promising．

The Neurotypical must start by looking at Addiction as a Illness, not a Crime.
Remember: Addiction is not selective.

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Movies and Books in Autism

Autistics have specific fixations and dread new scenarios. The pathology is a potential way to addiction.

Autistics outlive movies and books very personally.
Speculation is they lose track of reality.

It’s very important to select the appropriate entertainment in autism.
I myself am haunted by visual and written material which I came up with in my adolescence.

Neurotypicals would talk of ‘self-identifying’, although it can go far beyond for autistics, to the extent of ‘addictive trauma’.

Addictive trauma has many implications and is very complex.
As you see, there are two conditions combined, Addiction and Trauma.

It is well documented the connection between PTSD and Addiction.
The abused tends to become the abuser in adult life.
Stress is the traumatic component.

How does this manifest in autism?
Disassociation, paranoia, depression, fiction-outlive, time-paralysis, obsession, loss of self-control.

I’m more oriented to the future, a delusion to a lesser extent still, we can ‘envision’ the future, not see it.

The neurotypical will ‘plan’ the future. 
The delusional will see it.





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Goal-setting and Motivation

Burnout Recovery

Back to Burnout, there are no alternatives: I mentioned Nervous Breakdown-former Burnout-to a teenager who was literally lost in translation.
My guess is the Seniors forgot old terminology as result of short-term memory onset, while the Elderly never memorized new vocabulary all at once.
Luckily, it is very unlikely for a 90 yo to experience Burnout from watching young ladies in the park.

I said in my previous post that the main symptom of Burnout is not accepting our limitations, henceforth shutting down all efforts to accomplish.
It’s either top or bottom, no in-between.

The Workplace can push us over the edge: that’s when Honesty and Integrity come to rescue when we strive for the best.
Shutting down is self-defeating.

Setting our goals is the most effective antidote to Burnout.
Goals are normally aligned with personal gifts.

There are several types of Burnout, although we are always accountable.
I had my trial with Burnout. 
My ADHD diagnosis saved me from progressing to MDD.
When we strive, there is no space for Envy, therefore Overwork and Burnout.

Now, after all the reprimanding, I am aware that we’re living in an Image Society where Titles count more than performance: don’t stand the chance, better a good Radiologist or Nurse than a Doctor without confidence.

In my experience, Patience, Perseverance, Motivation, Goals, Medication, were my recovery strategies from Burnout, supported by Professionals.

The above is intended to sharing, since I am still learning from mistakes.
Happy to learn from you too.
You count.


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Emotional exhaustion

There is not yet a diagnosis for Burnout, although the syndrome is fully understood. As of today, Mental Health professionals have no options but to include Burnout in MDD.

Burnout is a word invented by Dr. Internet, recently, former Nervous Breakdown. Another example of how Social Media are messing up in Medical.
Languages are no-longer mandatory, Grammar is now referred to as Keywords. Search Engines rely on the trendiest expressions created by Influencers-no qualifications required- in their Search Rating.
No one is typing Nervous Breakdown anymore. 
Burnout has become a popular definition of Exhaustion between teenagers.
MDD and Burnout have a different genesis, though nearly same symptoms.
MDD is involuntary, characterized by Serotonin-deficiency, Hopelessness and Despair. 
Burnout is always self-inflicted upon Sleep-deprivation, Competition, unrealistic Expectations, Envy, pushing us over our Limits.
Limits are not derogatory, i.e. we can be a better paramedic than a physician. 
In fact, Limits are personal Gifts. We have given Limits the synonym to Inferiority.
Experienced nurses know more than junior doctors…
Higher salaries are the main reason for Envy. Unfortunately, our society is Title-oriented, rather than Skill-rewarding.
Think for a moment: what is more important, Money or Wellbeing?

When we push ourselves over our limits, we burn out.
In other words, we don’t accept us．

Social Media only portray successful entrepreneurs.
Do you know that farmers and seafarers are at the forefront of sustainability?
Nobody is unworthy, only the lazy are.

To conclude, Depression is the result of long-term Chronic Stress, treatable pharmacologically.

Burnout is the Loss of Motivation for feeling used, kind of Impostor Syndrome. The sufferer is oftentimes overly proud, narcissistic, self-centered, delusional.
There’s no specific pharmacological treatment. Rest and Counseling work in raising awareness in the individual.
Failure to co-operate leads to MDD.
Self-acceptance is the best cure.
We are all uniquely gifted.




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Latest Technology

Staying up with society is the main trigger of Projection. The Present is virtually invisible in this day and age.

The Present is the only Reality, ironically the most difficult to live in.
In our digital world, the Present travels relentlessly.
We buy the latest model of smartphone when the updated version is already in the making… and if we are comfortable with an old device, we are deemed lazy and antisocial.

Technology is enslaving us.
Even so-called ‘geeks’, are having a hard time keeping up with technology.
The ‘Now’ is the new ‘Tomorrow’. 

Language is the key sign of the time.
Customary questions the likes of “What are you doing”, are put in a “What are you going to do” context.

The trend is all the more pronounced in traditional technological societies like Asia, where I live: the ‘Conversation starter’ is always “What will you do here?!”, rather than “What do you do here?” 
Routinely unnerving to me, prompting to snap sarcastically as  “I’ll eat dinner, tomorrow this time…”, to the horror of my Asian wife, shooting me at eye-point. Masking is definitely not my thing, proudly so.

We can’t afford to let go of the guard.
Obviously, someone is benefiting from all this, media giants to start with.

The pressure is almost unbearable, although I refuse to conform.

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Neurodivergent Human Rights

Neurodivergents have a hard time displaying dignity. They are often misunderstood as apathetic.

We all have a dignity, although we often don’t pay attention to it.
We subconsciously disregard dignity in people we dislike or when overcome by anger.

“Do you have a dignity?!” is a stereotypical verbal insult when we are angry at someone.

Dignity is the most humble component of personality, not something to be exhibited.
We must see dignity in our neighbour.
When deliberately displayed, dignity becomes pride.
The winning result is knowing how best to display our personality.

In essence, dignity and pride shouldn’t be displayed, though mutually acknowledged.
Only this way we’ll develop empathy.
Empathy must be displayed towards everyone.

Unfortunately, we re heading to an increasingly individual society.
The good news is that empathy is contagious and never hurts.
Learning good listening skills is a key-step forward towards Empathy.

Empathy is always dignifying and respectful, especially towards the Neurodivergent.
The strongest antidote to discrimination in every social setting.
I should add Empowering too.
Some ‘Neurodiversity-friendly Employers’ are starting to see the real potentials in the Neurodivergent with selected vacancies.
My hope is for a Neurodivergent-friendly society.
Still a long way to go, though increasingly advocated.



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Hypersensitivity in Autism

Autistics cannot read facial expressions?!

I am very sharp at understanding body-language.
I observe facial expressions carefully when I speak, in so easily anticipating counter-outputs.

Neurotypical/Neurodivergent relationship

My wife is often embarrassed by not being able to hide her personal feelings with me. I understand within seconds if her smile is staged or genuine.
Sometimes it helps, others it causes friction. 
Not always, we want to disclose our innermost emotions.

My response is launching in an exhaustive sixth-grade, out of concern: “ Something happened? Are you depressed, angry, worried………?!” 

Until she lets out a desperate “Enough! Bugging me”.
The good news is that she appreciates my concern later on, and thanks me.

I believe the best strategy for a good neurotypical/neurodivergent relationship,  is making use of diversity in balancing emotions.




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My ways are not your ways

You are worthy. Always be open to new opportunities. Your commitment is your success. It will bear fruit in due course. Never stop searching.

In the midst of a nasty hurricane.
What better way to enter a new week and season…

I’m angry and overwhelmed. 

I m suffering at the hands of man. 
We are responsible for recent natural disasters.

I love nature.

It breaks my heart to see how man messed up with Nature, since it is my ultimate refugium peccatoribus, Latin for ‘Refuge of Sinners’.

I want to live and work in contact with nature, not in a booth embedded in a tower-block. 
Spoken like an urban animal… all my life I lived in big metropolises with the fake illusion of a more opened society, just to clash with competition and discrimination.

Surely, there are more opportunities appealing to the young, in a big city.
Healthcare may offer more options.
Culture as well.

I perused all of the above, only nature can carry on my process of healing at this stage.

As a Christian, I know God has a plan for each one of us.
But in His time… that could be the bad news… there is no time for God.

A Priest once told me: 
“Let go of all your heart s desires and make space for Him. Every time you awake is because of Him. You wouldn’t awake anymore should He have no more plans for you on this earth. Even an apparently mindless day to you, it is meaningful to Him.”

We have given a bad name to things like Waiting, i.e. Laziness.
What’s wrong with dedicating the whole day to prayer? Surely NOT wasted time. 
Truth is, I am more fruitful after a so-called ‘unproductive day.’
A regular working-day could turn out unproductive.
As far as you try your best, it’s not! 
A good manager will see your commitment. 
If they don’t, it’s not part of God’s plan for you and new doors will open.

That s how I m learning to discern my Time as an AUdhd man.
Definitely not a wasted day, despite the merciless weather.



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Revenge and Forgiveness

Neural Pathways are activated in Forgiving. 

Forgiveness has two ethical antonyms, Moral Relativism and Moral Absolutism, the former Cultural, the latter Universal. The commonality is that Forgiveness is not only a Free-Will as previously thought, but the outcome of Brain-circuitry, mainly through Emotional Amyloid Activation. Since the Amygdala is part of the Autonomous Nervous System, voluntary Activation turns into Overdrive with inconsiderate, potentially harmful, vengeful consequences towards the offender. Any feeling of Revenge must be addressed to Professionals who will contact Law-Enforcement, should the threat become intentional. The new definition of Forgiveness is letting go of Revenge. Past Hurt will lurk indefinitely in long-term memory however, erasing Revenge promotes Peace and Recovery.

So, can we still talk of Forgiveness in lay terms?

On a further level, has Forgiveness ever existed? Surely not, as redefined these days in psychology. Christianity has always defined Forgiving as  “Commanding your offender to God”, to signify that it is ultimately His exclusive responsibility. “Commanding” is all He asks from us, yet even Commanding seems insurmountable when we are consumed by Revenge.
By refusing that context, we have coined the stereotype “I will never forgive!”, whereas Commanding would be the correct term.

Basically, both psychology and religion are affirming the same concept: Relinquishing resentments.

Moral Relativism vs Moral Absolutism

The practice is aggravated by two different cultural models: Moral Relativism and Moral Absolutism. The terminology speaks for themselves. Relativism is an individual choice. Absolutism is a universal choice, leaving no room for personal opinion, a dogma linked primarily to Biblical teachings, the way to go for practicing Christians. Relativism is primarily of Agnostic origin, leaving free interpretation of what is right or sinful, strongly cultural. 
No judgement here, you know what works best for you, the goal is Relinquishing Anger.

The Brain Processing of Anger

MRI scans have shown the formation of new Neural Pathways in subjects during Commanding, a process named Neuroplasticity, meaning Brain-Rewiring.
Letting go of Revenge showed decreased Amyloid activity, promoting Emotional Regulation and Empathy in a general sense of wellbeing.
Conversely, angry subjects showed an overreacting Amygdala, resulting in feelings of counter-hurting, violence and generalized rage.
I understand Revenge doesn’t heal overnight, though Willingness is a start.

Let go of your anger

New Neural pathways start forming the very moment we are set to relinquish, making the journey gradually easier.
Everybody can do it, once we understand the Benefits over Retaining.
Counseling may be mandatory in heavy traumatized patients in the initial stages.
Family and friends should be empathetic and encouraging, avoiding unnecessary pressure. Giving testimony is the most powerful tool, Evidence is never triggering and strongly engaging.

Overall, be a good Listener and Witness.

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Buffering vs Multitasking

Buffering has multiple meanings. 

In Mental Health, it refers to positively Tricking the brain.
When all attempts fail, we are left wondering about how legitimately “cheat subconsciously” an inattentive brain.
This is Buffering in psychology.
The practice may seem unethical at first glance, whereas it ultimately benefits subjects with Attention Deficits.

ADHD is the primary symptom taken into account in Attention Deficits.
The ADHD brain never relents by processing multiple thoughts at once, not so differently from neurotypical Multitasking.
The challenge is, the neurotypical acknowledge the inadequacies of multitasking, though ADHDers fail in long-term Memory Storage while excel in short-term Information Storage.
Unfortunately, we have seen that Information is quickly forgotten.

Premium Learning is storing permanently one Memory at the time.

Stimulant medication is the first intervention in ADHD, though with its limitations: Stimulants wear off after 6/8 hours average, resulting in inattentiveness’ Rebound symptoms.

Psychologists are finding extra evidence of Music in neural activity.

Music connects the body with the mind, activating Motor Neurons, with a high potential of Rewiring, Music Therapy. 

Dance is the most visible expression of music, since it stimulates nerves at subconscious level without interfering with attention. Quite the contrary, Music proves to enhance concentration.
We can communicate through music.

In ADHD, neutral techno/upbeat sounds would remove distractions, contrary to the logic of multitasking in the neurotypical.
The reason Music does not account for Multitasking and Distraction is due to the Subconscious perception of the brain, in so doing, acting as Cerebral-vacuum for Conscious Intrusive Thoughts.

The trial was performed in ADHD students, showcasing Subject-Focus and long-term Memory Storage in a musical context.
In addition, Study-participants reported Reward and Relaxation.

I tried the method on myself successfully, henceforth I’m confidently confirming the efficacy of Music Buffering in ADHD.
I would like to hear from you in the Contact form.

Thank you and stay tuned.



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