autism and sense of self - is struggling with it after big social endeavors a thing?
hi everyone!
im not sure if ive chosen the right flair for this but im wondering if anyone else experiences this: do you guys ever feel like you’re losing your sense of self when you hang out with one group of people for too long? i’ve started getting this feeling after work, and i’ve been able to manage it bc my workdays are only twice a week - but i’ve noticed it in this intense friendship that fizzed out recently (this whole sense of self thing was the reason why, mostly on my end) and im writing this post up on my way home from pride, hanging out with an old friend and her friendgroup and i’m getting the same feeling.
is this a thing for anyone else? and where could it stem from? i guess it has something to do with masking and having to suppress autistic traits from a young age, but more importantly: how do you manage it or deal with it? i have some coping skills i’ve been using to manage it (engaging in special interests, talking to my family, drawing, listening to music, etc.) but i always still end up tossing and turning, or replaying the events in my head until it hurts. i guess i’m just wondering if i’m not alone or if this happens to anyone.
i hope this makes sense, and id love to hear if anyone else has any insight on this!