Genre: Non-Fiction
Page Count: 200+
Published:
Potential Triggers: None
Mental Health Topics: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), ADHD, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Masking,
Divergent Mind was a book that I wasn't sure what to expect from, and expecting very little from the start ended up with me being blown away by the masterpiece of a book that this was. Very mental health forward, this book supports any and all of those advocating for mental health in some ways. It illuminates the good and bad we see in social circles today, and perhaps most importantly, where the bias lies.
From the start, it talks about "highly sensitive people" (referred to as HSPs) and how their perception of the world is. not. wrong. This is a key point because a lot of us with sensory differences or different ways of processing things are told that we need to be someone else in order to fit in, we need to hide our pains and our confusion by masking. What this book unveils is all the truths that so many of us need.
Subtitled "Thriving in a World That Wasn't Designed for You," Divergent Mind hit me with a few key points that I'd like to share, the first being summarized in that subtitle itself.
The world wasn't designed for us.
Whether or not you're approaching the world from a Biblical view or not, as a neurodivergent, the world isn't going to fit what we need. This leads me into my second point: It's up to us to be our own advocates, however hard it may be, because there are times where we will need someone to stand up for us and we'll be the only one there.
Finally, don't be afraid to learn. This is one that I embrace most readily because I love learning about this kind of stuff, but if all you know is the stereotypes and prejudices of those around you? Maybe it's time to reach outside your comfort zone and try something different. Don't be afraid to step outside every once in a while.
This book encourages difference and that's what I loved about it. It encourages neurodivergent people to live—and not only just live, but also to thrive.
Overall, I hope you got something out of this book review. Thanks so much for reading! Keep fighting, Warriors!