I have high functioning autism and ADHD so I know my brain is wired funny but I often question my emotions because if I’m feeling sad I tell myself to stop being sad and I start feeling happy. while that probably is a blessing in my mind I keep asking if anything is real if emotion can be changed with a thought. this coupled with the fact I often strongly dislike myself and tell myself that I only feel sad or other negative emotions because I want attention or something just couples for an exiting spiral. I just want advice evin if it’s “your dumb and need to ride it out.”
Hey @user2196, thank you for sharing! Here’s something for you to ponder over:
- do emotions need to be classified as good/bad? after all, aren’t we as humans designed to feel these?
- is there a reason why you don’t let yourself feel certain emotions? are you worried that you may feel said emotion for a prolonged period of time which could ruin your mood etc.?
From my perspective, it sounds as if you may be disguising and hiding your true emotions as a defense mechanism. It may help if you were to identify these emotions instead of ‘burying’ them away. Allow yourself to feel what you need to feel and don’t be ashamed of it. One of my friends uses this to help him when he is feeling one of those “unexplainable” emotions and I hope it can be of help to you too!
Dear @user2196
Thank you for reaching out and sharing with openness. What you’ve shared is honest, and pls know you are certainly not dumb. What you’re feeling is real, and it makes complete sense that you’re trying to make sense of it all — especially when your emotions shift quickly or feel hard to trust.
Living with high-functioning autism and ADHD means your brain experiences the world — and your inner world — in beautifully complex and sometimes overwhelming ways. You mentioned how you can feel sad and then tell yourself to stop, and suddenly you feel happy again. That might seem confusing, but it doesn’t make your sadness any less real. It just means you’ve learned ways to cope and adapt quickly — even if that comes with a lot of self doubt.
I believe that is the inner voice that says, “you just want attention” although it’s not the truth. That’s a negative and critical thought that shows up whenever you’re struggling. But did you know that thoughts are just thoughts. They can be intense, convincing, even loud — but they are not always true. You don’t have to believe everything your mind tells you, especially when it’s being unkind.
I believe in such instances, you are trying to navigate emotions that are real, even if they feel tangled or unclear.
If it feels okay, I encourage you to practice a little self-kindness when such harsh thoughts come up — to gently remind yourself that it’s okay not to have it all figured out. It’s okay to feel things deeply, and to want to understand those feelings better.
Once you feel safe to, talking with a therapist who understands neurodivergence can be helpful. The intention is seek help in building trust in your own emotions, and for you to learn how to care for yourself during these trying periods. The therapist can equip you with soothing skills, practise grounding and help you raise awareness on coping better.
Do take heart and remember that you are not your worst thoughts. Instead, I see a thoughtful, self-aware person who’s doing their best to understand a complicated inner world — and that deserves compassion, not shame.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Do continue to reach out here whenever you need to. 
(post deleted by author)