Michelle Marques, an Autistic and ADHD writer, discusses her experience with depression, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, and navigating authenticity as a cultural minority. Topics include the hidden costs of ADHD for high achievers, differentiating depression from burnout as a neurodivergent person, and strategies for managing mental health. Michelle's insightful journey sheds light on the complexities of neurodivergent identities and the importance of self-compassion.
Recognizing neurodivergence helps in destigmatizing and understanding unique challenges faced by individuals with different brain wiring.
Self-acceptance and understanding of neurodivergence can evolve through research, identification of shared experiences, and societal reflection.
Struggles with intersectional identities like being black, neuroqueer, and neurodivergent highlight challenges of code-switching, communicating authentically, and navigating societal biases.
Deep dives
Understanding Neurodivergence
Neurodivergence is characterized by brains wired differently from the norm, leading to unique experiences. Acknowledging these biological differences helps destigmatize and understand the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals.
Discovery of Neurodivergence
Realization and acceptance of neurodivergence can occur at different points in life. A personal journey reflected how initial denial of being neurodivergent, influenced by societal misconceptions, eventually led to self-acceptance and understanding through research and identification of shared experiences.
Navigating Intersectional Identities
Intersectional identities, such as being black, neuroqueer, and neurodivergent, present complex challenges of code-switching, societal expectations, and safety concerns. Negotiating cultural norms, direct communication styles, and personal authenticity amidst systemic biases highlights the ongoing struggle and importance of self-acceptance in various environments.
Navigating Medication and Mental Health Stigma
The podcast discusses the importance of considering the pros and cons of medication for mental health, highlighting the need to balance risks and benefits. It touches on the generational stigma surrounding mental health issues and the impact on seeking help. The conversation emphasizes the individual's choice in seeking medication despite fears and stigmas, promoting the idea of not unnecessarily suffering when effective medication is available.
Experience with TMS Treatment for Depression
The episode delves into the speaker's experience with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for depression treatment. It outlines the decision process to try TMS after medication challenges, detailing the procedure and personal outcomes. The discussion covers the financial implications of TMS treatment, highlighting the effectiveness and personal transformation experienced. It also explores the challenges of accessing and committing to TMS sessions, showcasing the importance of routine and support during the treatment.
In this week’s episode we are thrilled to chat to Michelle Marques about her experience with depression and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, plus a million other things. Michelle is an Autistic and ADHD writer with a background in journalism and a Master’s in African American studies. Her writing and research focuses on gender, sexuality, race, neurodiversity, and pop culture.
We chat about:
Michelle’s experience of learning about her neurodivergence and the hidden cost of ADHD for high achievers.
Codeswitching, the privilege of authenticity, and intersecting identities as an Autistic person and as a cultural minority.
Michelle’s experience of depression and how she differentiates between depression and burnout as a neurodivergent person.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.
Things Michelle has found helpful for managing her mental health.
You can find Michelle’s writing on her Substack “Neurodivergent Black Girl” and you can follow her on Instagram @michellemar.ques.
Update! An American psychologist has reached out and let us know that TMS can be covered by Medicare in some cases in the USA. Here's some more information on that.
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