First, I absolutely love your channel. You are so easy to listen to, and the way you present information is wonderful for processing (for a person with delayed processing, such as myself). Second, yes, masking is 100% method acting. Every time I have to present a meeting at work or over the phone, I slip into character and my voice changes, my body language, everything becomes tailored to the part that I am playing. It is exhausting and causes me great anxiety if I am having an off day or are not rested enough. Which I guess sort of ties into Carey's quote about depression. I can see where it can come off as abilist, yes absolutely, but what he is saying does have some truth to it. I notice a huge difference in my ability to function if I am undernourished and sleepy. I think what he might be trying to say is taking care of your body goes a long way in giving you the chance to live a functioning life. Ten-fold if you are neurodivergent or have a mental illness. The abilism comes from the assumption that everyone has the ability to do those things, and as with your example, sometimes (often times) that is just not possible for most of us. 💜
I could confuse people because I have horrible short term memory. Yet, I can sometimes remember the oddest things [a story someone told me] and I have some detailed memories from my childhood, even some before age 5.
This was a wonderfully thought provoking video. I saved it to rewatch for journaling later. I was diagnosed at age 49 four years ago. While I’m a long way into figuring out who I am, I have some peace of mind in understanding the root of why I felt like an alien/outsider my entire life. I also have very few memories or my life. The memories I do have seem to be through some fog, partial, like an impression rather than Ethan a solid recollection. I just know I was scared and anxious all the time. I found pleasure in books, creative endeavors, and nature/animals. I just discovered your channel, and will definitely subscribe. ❤
As a psychoanalyst I want to draw attention to the concept of „false self“ by Donald Winnicott. This feeling is by no means specific to autistic people.
Cary Grant said the same thing about "Cary Grant". He was a construct by Archibald Leach and he knew that he could never live up to the character he created. People in acting know the difference between their 'image' and their real self. That is a good thing. It is HEALTHY to recognize it is just a character because that is their professional JOB. Not the same at all as the average person doing this.(It is safer for a celebrity to have a public image contrary to what they are in real life. It protects their personal and delineates it. Jack Benny's character was supposed to be extremely stingy and overly fussy. This trait carried through his entire career however, he was really very generous. He milked the stingy characteristic. He knew it was just entertainment.)
I don’t know if I ever successfully created a character necessarily, but in figuring out how to be a human, it felt like I tried on a lot of characters, sometimes even for only a moment, and I could always feel how poorly the costume fit, but I didn’t understand why. I often saw in the reactions of others how confused they were by my behavior being out of character. But I didn’t even know what was “in character” for me. Being the quiet, kind kid wasn’t actually me, it was just a blank, non-offensive mask.
I enjoy all your videos but I think this one was exceptional. When you drop into trying to understand the little girl your description is spot on, for any of us, little anyone, about trying to establish both our identity. And history. I do agree in terms of acting and masking but I don't think any of us get the role just right in every situation. I think this may be the second layer of maskings depletion of our energy. Ie. Its not just the current performance but a log jamb of performances to improve upon. And worse, a litany of parts lost. I have been working on unmasking for a year and internally the new me is becoming understandable and valuable to me. If anything though existing as this in society is brutally more difficult than masked. But at least I am more self forgiving and I try manage my life to avoid this continual exposure.
Thanks so much, David. I'm glad you enjoyed it. In a way I wish I'd just kept this video back until next week as there was so much more I could have added to it. I'm glad you're 'getting to know' and are now understanding your unmasked self better. It's a long old process, and it's frustrating when it only begins later in life, but at least those of us who now know we're autistic are being given the chance to discover our true selves.
Wow Lizzie! This is so deep and meaningful. I totally relate to the executive functioning challenge of memory. So challenging! I am so glad you are developing a compassionate relationship with your young self, the person who went through so much. You can be her best friend! Identity. This reminds me of a comment I left on one of your previous videos regarding sharing my diagnosis with my extended family and not attending the big family Thanksgiving dinner this year. I just told everyone, and feel kind of vulnerable but at least real and more integrated. Not a "method" actor with my family anymore. It is scary, but, I think, good. So far I received one very compassionate response from a cousin. If he is the only one that responds, it will be enough. Grateful for the thought, time, creativity; research, and. especially, transparency that went into creating this video Lizzie. So grateful for YOU!🧡
Thank you so much! I was a little worried I wouldn’t convey my thoughts properly as it was all a bit rushed in the end, so your positive feedback means a great deal. 🥰 I’m so glad that telling your extended family went well, and I had wondered what the outcome was. You’ve done an extremely courageous thing in sharing your diagnosis and ultimately it’s just so much better for both your mental and physical health to be open about it (with people you feel safe enough to disclose of course). I hope you have a very happy and anxiety-free Thanksgiving next month - you deserve it! 🧡 🧡 🧡
I was diagnosed in January and have been going through the same kind of re-examination of my life since then. It's very confusing and stressful. high anxiety. Thanks for the upload. This was very helpful.
While listening to you I remembered seeing a comment by another autistic person saying "Where is my Oscar?" Us autistic & neurodivergent people play a role when we mask, sometimes our whole life, and some other people are actually paid for it! xD I guess that's why it has always been easy for me to see how a celebrity is not the character they played on the screen or the persona they are when they are in the public eye, and that we may never know the real them, even if we are a devout fan.
Thank you! It's been around a decade since I've drawn anything digitally, so this channel is really helping me get back into it (I've still a way to go though in terms of character design) 🧡
Speaking specifically from personal AuDHD experience, I agree with Carey that identity is performative: Monotropism makes autistic consciousness a very episodic experience (I'm reminded again of Minority Report, in which Samantha Morton's "precog" character, wrenched from her fugue state, asks, "Is it now?"), so, while we can conceptually understand the continuity of self as suggested by Reid, it seems that immersion in the *present* moment is the core component of the autistic self/mind (which ties in rather nicely with Eternal Sunshine on the one hand, while on the other it belies the surreal, existential horror of those moments in which we question reality/identity, e.g. Jacob's Ladder.) It's interesting how celebrities (and especially childhood acting survivors) struggle with this, given that fame is a key reward for their skill in their chosen professions. (Incidentally, both Carey and Clive Barker turned to painting after their immense successes; perhaps creativity is the psychological antidote for material wealth and success?) My autism assessment result included a possible diagnosis of SPD (which apparently is just a dated clinical misunderstanding of autism anyway), I suspect because I've long accepted that apparently autistic perception of identity as fluid (ephemeral?) rather than fixed; it isn't so much that "all the world's a stage," rather that every moment is its own role.
Many interesting thoughts here for sure. One of the few advantages of my 💩 memory is that after a few years I can watch a movie like it's the first time experiencing it, so I think Minority Report is due a rewatch 😆
@@CreativeAutistic Same, and I can only ever recall details when they're relevant to whatever I'm thinking about; otherwise it's all just a murk of vague impressions.
Great video! I think there is quite a big chance that some of the very popular actors we all know are actually autistic. Performance can function as a sort of mask. Afterall if one is masking anyways, why not turn it into a career? This being said, I absolutely do not endorse any conspiracy theories or right wing talking points, which unfortunately some of us can have a tendency to fall for in our efforts to understand the antagonistic feelings we might experience as a minority group. (Without the knowledge of our minority status and before actually realizing that being autistic in a NT world is a large factor for such antagonism). 👾
I watched a few by the same director of Eternal this year called Science of Sleep. As a crafty person I think you'd like it and there are definitely some self special interest related elements to it.
Thank you, this was an interesting video. I think the comparison between masking and acting is valid, though different. Masking would be easier with a script, but even while masking I still make mistakes, I'm misunderstood, I'm perceived as rude, or as inconsiderate though it was not my intention. If I'm trying to be at ease but still look "normal" I will make mistakes because I don't know or don't remember all the social rules or people's expectations. A script would help, if I had an earpiece and someone disguised in the background hearing our conversations and secretly telling me what to say or do. Just yesterday a friend was upset by something I did and something I didn't do, and I don't know if it's really my fault or if she was having a bad day and was over interpreting things. But now, I'm over analysing everything I said and did, and I feel bad, though it really wasn't all my fault. It's exhausting. It was nice being out with friends, but it takes a toll. I apologised, what else could I say. And I am not sure if it's better to leave it at that. Because another round of apologies would make it sound as if as I was inconsiderate on purpose. Why do these things have to be so difficult? It really is exhausting... I want to comment on your quote from what Jim Carrey said. You feel he was ableist, but considering only the facts, what he said is valid because those things can make a difference for many people who are depressed. Doctors recommend a healthy diet, sleep, exercise, etc. So they are valid advices, for those who have the means. It maybe would sound less ableistic if he had said "if you can and if you have the means", but I think it is a valid advice and should be given nevertheless. Doing at least one of those things could improve someone's life. PS: I love your art! Your drawings are so nice and full of personality. I only found your channel now and still have to watch the other videos. Thank you! 😊
I skimmed the comments, and I may have missed it, but I didn't see anyone mention that Carrey did a movie literally called "The Mask" that was about being your true self.
I've been told that I have a bad memory, but from my perspective, it is not an issue with recall but with memorizing things in the first place. For a long time, I have felt like I haven't been in control of my life and therefore the events, people and places that I was experiencing were not of my choosing. Because I did not place value on them, I did not think they were worth memorizing. For most of my life I have lived in a dissociated state where I am trying to keep the people around me satisfied, often by diminishing myself. It has felt like acting in a role that wasn't of my choosing and so my heart has for the most part, not been in it. My autistic masking has mostly been about becoming invisible. This originated from avoiding bullies in school where I believed they were an existential threat to me. Having been diagnosed only last year, I am not sure who I really am. I am not sure which parts of me are a mask and which are my authentic self. Nurturing my inner child might shine a light on that.
I'm an adult-diagnosed ADHD/Autistic person, and I'm a public school teacher. I call my classes "performances" for the exact reason you outlined in this video. If I can muster a "good performance," my students leave happy, and excited with their heads abuzz with my lesson content. If I don't have the energy to put on such a performance, I'm just gutted.
Very thought-provoking! So much to relate to. My experience as an autistic person that spent some high school years on the stage for the very ability to become someone else as well as my years as a writer being asked to promote myself and my work are being described quite aptly here. Yes, indeed I do get a lot out of The Truman Show for the reasons mentioned. I never got to see Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind but have wanted to. Ah, memory. I have an odd relationship with it. I can look back and summon up certain situations and especially words said and how they sounded but other things not so much. I was given the CPTSD label by one therapist. With the abuse I dealt with, it makes sense. Never really thought how memory plays into it though. Something to think on. That last sound bite of his seems more like the expected "celebrity spiel". I wonder just how much that was even accurate to his genuine thoughts and how much was another mask going up. At any rate, thanks for an interesting video!
Thank you for sharing, some very interesting thoughts here (and you’re probably right on Carrey’s comment - I think it was a knee-jerk reaction after being gaslit by GP’s for years offering similar ‘think positive, do positive!’ advice for both mental and physical health issues) 🧡
I think it would be really hard to be an actor. I'm not sure how old this interview with Jim Carrey is, but I know at one point he was speaking about Jesus in 2017. You might find this interesting. Wow, he has gone in the total opposite direction since then! ua-cam.com/video/KKbNkjRrDWY/v-deo.html
He's an interesting one for sure, Jenny! The video you've shared offers up a suggested video from this year where he's talking about Jesus and his faith (but I'm not religious myself and there's only so much Jim Carrey I can listen to 😜) 🧡
@@CreativeAutistic You are welcome Lizzie. it is such a small, tiny token of thanks for all the time, wisdom, and kindness you give to us! You share your heart!
Most folks have no idea jim carrey advocated for antivax! I have antivax family members and one of my favorite anecdotes to tell friends is "i met jim carrey... At an antivax rally" Funny how everyone knows about jenny McCarthy but not jim... Is that just because she was louder about it, is it because of his PR team, or a touch of sexism maybe?
Pattern recognition and inductive thinking...linking things we see, hear and read to understanding through an autistic lense. Jim Carrey has always simultaneously fascinated and irritated me. 😅
Maybe memory , (lack of access to past identity), allows autistic people to create a new identity on demand. Masking. sorry i am sure i have not expressed this though properly.
I don't agree with your interpretation of Jim Carrey being ableist with his comment about depression. He is not talking about anything on the outside but about his *own* depression and the absurdity (and pain) of having to play someone funny and never being seen for who he really is. That may feel like he's talking about the autistic struggle, but he is actually not, and we shouldn't forget that. This whole list of things that you should do to help yourself, can be read - and I think this is a fairer reading - as a prompt to everybody to pay more attention to themselves, to apply more self care. Sure, not everyone can do everything perfectly, as everyone is in a different situation. However, all of these things - a daily routine, nutritious food, enough sleep etc. - do help with depression. That doesn't mean they *cure* depression! The whole paragraph can be translated to this: "Depression [you can substitute autism although he didn't mean it] is hard enough as it is. Don't make it even harder by not caring for yourselves as well as you can." He's likely speaking from his own experience there, *not* having cared enough for himself and paying the price. What he said there is likely not meant as pointing fingers. It's actually insightful and empathic, and I believe reading an ableist attitude into it is a misunderstanding.
Some interesting thoughts here but I (respectfully) disagree on his advice for those experiencing depression (and I think the quote can only be viewed through the lens of depression, so if this came across as me somehow viewing this through an autistic lens, this wasn’t the intention as I don’t think this would make any sense anyway) I think depression at its worst is almost like a paralysis of the mind and body - well that’s how I’ve experienced it, and others I’ve known with depression too. We all know what we *should* be doing to try to make ourselves better as it’s obvious - i.e. good nutritious food, exploring nature, getting enough sleep, consuming all that’s good in the world, but depression robs us of all of these choices and decisions. Sometimes all we can do is to just get through the day alive. I agree with you in that I think Carrey is absolutely well-intentioned in his advice, and he’s no doubt trying to reach out to an ‘earlier version of himself’ but I think at the time of saying this, he’s disregarding how all-consuming depression at its worst can be. Essentially, we cannot ask an ill person to take personal responsibility for their illness, regardless of how well meaning our intentions are. Thank you for your insight though as it really demonstrates how things can be interpreted differently.
@@CreativeAutistic, thank you for your explanation. I think I get you better now. In my mind, ableism didn't apply to depression, not being a disability - but then I googled a bit, and it seems the status is actually ambiguous, depending on how chronic and bad it is. Maybe Jim Carrey had it milder back then, so that he could still try this and that? Or he has after enough time forgotten to a degree, how bad it really was? Or he carries some amount of internalized "bootstrapism" within himself, making him look for selfhelp options even when realistically there are none? I like the image of him addressing an earlier self, wanting to help, to support, to uplift. How *could* he have expressed his thoughts in a way that it wouldn't have had this invalidating effect?
@@user-nm3ug3zq1y I think the real issue is that there are still so many misconceptions around depression and exactly how debilitating it is for many people who experience it. For instance, it’s often described as a sadness, when in reality, it’s more like an absence of feelings and coherent thought, which absolutely makes it a disability. I think if someone wanted to offer any advice for others with depression, I’d be inclined to frame it around the fact that they’re not alone, depression is a normal response to trauma, although there’s not always an obvious reason to feel this way, and to reach out for support whenever the time comes that they feel able to. Just my thoughts though as there is no perfect answer to this one as it's such a complicated illness. 🧡
Such a good video. Thank you. Yes, 71 years of Second Class person. That’s relieved somewhat now that I realize my autism.
Thank you, and congrats on finding your truth 🧡
First, I absolutely love your channel. You are so easy to listen to, and the way you present information is wonderful for processing (for a person with delayed processing, such as myself). Second, yes, masking is 100% method acting. Every time I have to present a meeting at work or over the phone, I slip into character and my voice changes, my body language, everything becomes tailored to the part that I am playing. It is exhausting and causes me great anxiety if I am having an off day or are not rested enough. Which I guess sort of ties into Carey's quote about depression. I can see where it can come off as abilist, yes absolutely, but what he is saying does have some truth to it. I notice a huge difference in my ability to function if I am undernourished and sleepy. I think what he might be trying to say is taking care of your body goes a long way in giving you the chance to live a functioning life. Ten-fold if you are neurodivergent or have a mental illness. The abilism comes from the assumption that everyone has the ability to do those things, and as with your example, sometimes (often times) that is just not possible for most of us. 💜
I could confuse people because I have horrible short term memory. Yet, I can sometimes remember the oddest things [a story someone told me] and I have some detailed memories from my childhood, even some before age 5.
many thanks for getting the Descartes quote riight ❤
👍
This was a wonderfully thought provoking video. I saved it to rewatch for journaling later. I was diagnosed at age 49 four years ago. While I’m a long way into figuring out who I am, I have some peace of mind in understanding the root of why I felt like an alien/outsider my entire life. I also have very few memories or my life. The memories I do have seem to be through some fog, partial, like an impression rather than Ethan a solid recollection. I just know I was scared and anxious all the time. I found pleasure in books, creative endeavors, and nature/animals. I just discovered your channel, and will definitely subscribe. ❤
Thank you, and I can relate to a lot of what you say here 🧡
As a psychoanalyst I want to draw attention to the concept of „false self“ by Donald Winnicott. This feeling is by no means specific to autistic people.
This is very useful, thank you. I had assumed this to be the case but I wasn't aware of the specific term/concept 👍
Cary Grant said the same thing about "Cary Grant". He was a construct by Archibald Leach and he knew that he could never live up to the character he created. People in acting know the difference between their 'image' and their real self. That is a good thing. It is HEALTHY to recognize it is just a character because that is their professional JOB. Not the same at all as the average person doing this.(It is safer for a celebrity to have a public image contrary to what they are in real life. It protects their personal and delineates it. Jack Benny's character was supposed to be extremely stingy and overly fussy. This trait carried through his entire career however, he was really very generous. He milked the stingy characteristic. He knew it was just entertainment.)
I don’t know if I ever successfully created a character necessarily, but in figuring out how to be a human, it felt like I tried on a lot of characters, sometimes even for only a moment, and I could always feel how poorly the costume fit, but I didn’t understand why. I often saw in the reactions of others how confused they were by my behavior being out of character. But I didn’t even know what was “in character” for me. Being the quiet, kind kid wasn’t actually me, it was just a blank, non-offensive mask.
Thanks for sharing - I can relate to a lot of what you say 🧡
You look like Phoebe Buffet (and it's a compliment 🧡)
Ha! I don't see it myself but it's certainly taken as a compliment 🧡
I enjoy all your videos but I think this one was exceptional. When you drop into trying to understand the little girl your description is spot on, for any of us, little anyone, about trying to establish both our identity. And history.
I do agree in terms of acting and masking but I don't think any of us get the role just right in every situation. I think this may be the second layer of maskings depletion of our energy. Ie. Its not just the current performance but a log jamb of performances to improve upon. And worse, a litany of parts lost.
I have been working on unmasking for a year and internally the new me is becoming understandable and valuable to me. If anything though existing as this in society is brutally more difficult than masked. But at least I am more self forgiving and I try manage my life to avoid this continual exposure.
Thanks so much, David. I'm glad you enjoyed it. In a way I wish I'd just kept this video back until next week as there was so much more I could have added to it. I'm glad you're 'getting to know' and are now understanding your unmasked self better. It's a long old process, and it's frustrating when it only begins later in life, but at least those of us who now know we're autistic are being given the chance to discover our true selves.
Wow Lizzie! This is so deep and meaningful. I totally relate to the executive functioning challenge of memory. So challenging!
I am so glad you are developing a compassionate relationship with your young self, the person who went through so much. You can be her best friend!
Identity. This reminds me of a comment I left on one of your previous videos regarding sharing my diagnosis with my extended family and not attending the big family Thanksgiving dinner this year. I just told everyone, and feel kind of vulnerable but at least real and more integrated. Not a "method" actor with my family anymore. It is scary, but, I think, good. So far I received one very compassionate response from a cousin. If he is the only one that responds, it will be enough.
Grateful for the thought, time, creativity; research, and. especially, transparency that went into creating this video Lizzie. So grateful for YOU!🧡
Thank you so much! I was a little worried I wouldn’t convey my thoughts properly as it was all a bit rushed in the end, so your positive feedback means a great deal. 🥰 I’m so glad that telling your extended family went well, and I had wondered what the outcome was. You’ve done an extremely courageous thing in sharing your diagnosis and ultimately it’s just so much better for both your mental and physical health to be open about it (with people you feel safe enough to disclose of course). I hope you have a very happy and anxiety-free Thanksgiving next month - you deserve it! 🧡 🧡 🧡
@@CreativeAutistic 😍
I love the way you think. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
Aww, thanks for watching, Kitty 🧡
Pattern recognition and inductive thinking.. making regular connections like this is one of the joys of autism. ❤
Wow this really hit me ! What you was saying about your self . I can completely relate! Thank you for your video !! ❤
I'm glad you found it useful 🧡
I was diagnosed in January and have been going through the same kind of re-examination of my life since then. It's very confusing and stressful. high anxiety. Thanks for the upload. This was very helpful.
You're very welcome and congrats on your diagnosis 🧡
While listening to you I remembered seeing a comment by another autistic person saying "Where is my Oscar?" Us autistic & neurodivergent people play a role when we mask, sometimes our whole life, and some other people are actually paid for it! xD
I guess that's why it has always been easy for me to see how a celebrity is not the character they played on the screen or the persona they are when they are in the public eye, and that we may never know the real them, even if we are a devout fan.
Ha! If only we could be financially rewarded for our efforts too! 😆
A really thought provoking video, lizzie. I really liked your illustrations too
Thank you! It's been around a decade since I've drawn anything digitally, so this channel is really helping me get back into it (I've still a way to go though in terms of character design) 🧡
Speaking specifically from personal AuDHD experience, I agree with Carey that identity is performative: Monotropism makes autistic consciousness a very episodic experience (I'm reminded again of Minority Report, in which Samantha Morton's "precog" character, wrenched from her fugue state, asks, "Is it now?"), so, while we can conceptually understand the continuity of self as suggested by Reid, it seems that immersion in the *present* moment is the core component of the autistic self/mind (which ties in rather nicely with Eternal Sunshine on the one hand, while on the other it belies the surreal, existential horror of those moments in which we question reality/identity, e.g. Jacob's Ladder.)
It's interesting how celebrities (and especially childhood acting survivors) struggle with this, given that fame is a key reward for their skill in their chosen professions.
(Incidentally, both Carey and Clive Barker turned to painting after their immense successes; perhaps creativity is the psychological antidote for material wealth and success?)
My autism assessment result included a possible diagnosis of SPD (which apparently is just a dated clinical misunderstanding of autism anyway), I suspect because I've long accepted that apparently autistic perception of identity as fluid (ephemeral?) rather than fixed; it isn't so much that "all the world's a stage," rather that every moment is its own role.
Many interesting thoughts here for sure. One of the few advantages of my 💩 memory is that after a few years I can watch a movie like it's the first time experiencing it, so I think Minority Report is due a rewatch 😆
@@CreativeAutistic Same, and I can only ever recall details when they're relevant to whatever I'm thinking about; otherwise it's all just a murk of vague impressions.
Great video!
I think there is quite a big chance that some of the very popular actors we all know are actually autistic. Performance can function as a sort of mask. Afterall if one is masking anyways, why not turn it into a career?
This being said, I absolutely do not endorse any conspiracy theories or right wing talking points, which unfortunately some of us can have a tendency to fall for in our efforts to understand the antagonistic feelings we might experience as a minority group. (Without the knowledge of our minority status and before actually realizing that being autistic in a NT world is a large factor for such antagonism). 👾
I watched a few by the same director of Eternal this year called Science of Sleep. As a crafty person I think you'd like it and there are definitely some self special interest related elements to it.
It's a super creative film for sure 👍
Thank you, this was an interesting video. I think the comparison between masking and acting is valid, though different. Masking would be easier with a script, but even while masking I still make mistakes, I'm misunderstood, I'm perceived as rude, or as inconsiderate though it was not my intention. If I'm trying to be at ease but still look "normal" I will make mistakes because I don't know or don't remember all the social rules or people's expectations. A script would help, if I had an earpiece and someone disguised in the background hearing our conversations and secretly telling me what to say or do. Just yesterday a friend was upset by something I did and something I didn't do, and I don't know if it's really my fault or if she was having a bad day and was over interpreting things. But now, I'm over analysing everything I said and did, and I feel bad, though it really wasn't all my fault. It's exhausting. It was nice being out with friends, but it takes a toll. I apologised, what else could I say. And I am not sure if it's better to leave it at that. Because another round of apologies would make it sound as if as I was inconsiderate on purpose. Why do these things have to be so difficult? It really is exhausting... I want to comment on your quote from what Jim Carrey said. You feel he was ableist, but considering only the facts, what he said is valid because those things can make a difference for many people who are depressed. Doctors recommend a healthy diet, sleep, exercise, etc. So they are valid advices, for those who have the means. It maybe would sound less ableistic if he had said "if you can and if you have the means", but I think it is a valid advice and should be given nevertheless. Doing at least one of those things could improve someone's life. PS: I love your art! Your drawings are so nice and full of personality. I only found your channel now and still have to watch the other videos. Thank you! 😊
I skimmed the comments, and I may have missed it, but I didn't see anyone mention that Carrey did a movie literally called "The Mask" that was about being your true self.
Ha! I think someone did mention it. I think I must be the the only GenXer who's never seen The Mask.
I've been told that I have a bad memory, but from my perspective, it is not an issue with recall but with memorizing things in the first place. For a long time, I have felt like I haven't been in control of my life and therefore the events, people and places that I was experiencing were not of my choosing. Because I did not place value on them, I did not think they were worth memorizing.
For most of my life I have lived in a dissociated state where I am trying to keep the people around me satisfied, often by diminishing myself. It has felt like acting in a role that wasn't of my choosing and so my heart has for the most part, not been in it. My autistic masking has mostly been about becoming invisible. This originated from avoiding bullies in school where I believed they were an existential threat to me.
Having been diagnosed only last year, I am not sure who I really am. I am not sure which parts of me are a mask and which are my authentic self. Nurturing my inner child might shine a light on that.
I'm an adult-diagnosed ADHD/Autistic person, and I'm a public school teacher. I call my classes "performances" for the exact reason you outlined in this video. If I can muster a "good performance," my students leave happy, and excited with their heads abuzz with my lesson content. If I don't have the energy to put on such a performance, I'm just gutted.
Very thought-provoking! So much to relate to. My experience as an autistic person that spent some high school years on the stage for the very ability to become someone else as well as my years as a writer being asked to promote myself and my work are being described quite aptly here. Yes, indeed I do get a lot out of The Truman Show for the reasons mentioned. I never got to see Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind but have wanted to. Ah, memory. I have an odd relationship with it. I can look back and summon up certain situations and especially words said and how they sounded but other things not so much. I was given the CPTSD label by one therapist. With the abuse I dealt with, it makes sense. Never really thought how memory plays into it though. Something to think on. That last sound bite of his seems more like the expected "celebrity spiel". I wonder just how much that was even accurate to his genuine thoughts and how much was another mask going up. At any rate, thanks for an interesting video!
Thank you for sharing, some very interesting thoughts here (and you’re probably right on Carrey’s comment - I think it was a knee-jerk reaction after being gaslit by GP’s for years offering similar ‘think positive, do positive!’ advice for both mental and physical health issues) 🧡
The more I hear about Jim Carrey the less I wanna hear about Jim Carrey
I can understand this for sure 👍
could you please elaborate? i haven’t heard much of him so i can’t relate but very curious
I think it would be really hard to be an actor. I'm not sure how old this interview with Jim Carrey is, but I know at one point he was speaking about Jesus in 2017. You might find this interesting. Wow, he has gone in the total opposite direction since then! ua-cam.com/video/KKbNkjRrDWY/v-deo.html
He's an interesting one for sure, Jenny! The video you've shared offers up a suggested video from this year where he's talking about Jesus and his faith (but I'm not religious myself and there's only so much Jim Carrey I can listen to 😜) 🧡
Thanks!
Aww, Lisa! You really didn’t need to do this, but thank you so much! 🥰🧡🥰
@@CreativeAutistic You are welcome Lizzie. it is such a small, tiny token of thanks for all the time, wisdom, and kindness you give to us! You share your heart!
@@Dr_Lisa_Sosin 🧡 🧡 🧡
Most folks have no idea jim carrey advocated for antivax! I have antivax family members and one of my favorite anecdotes to tell friends is "i met jim carrey... At an antivax rally"
Funny how everyone knows about jenny McCarthy but not jim... Is that just because she was louder about it, is it because of his PR team, or a touch of sexism maybe?
Probably a combination of these things, no doubt 👍
Pattern recognition and inductive thinking...linking things we see, hear and read to understanding through an autistic lense. Jim Carrey has always simultaneously fascinated and irritated me. 😅
Just occurred to me...he was the star of 'The Mask' 😅
Yep, I agree - I think he's a hard one to ignore for similar reasons!
I'd completely forgotten this! 😆
Maybe memory , (lack of access to past identity), allows autistic people to create a new identity on demand. Masking. sorry i am sure i have not expressed this though properly.
It's certainly an interesting thought 👍
I don't agree with your interpretation of Jim Carrey being ableist with his comment about depression.
He is not talking about anything on the outside but about his *own* depression and the absurdity (and pain) of having to play someone funny and never being seen for who he really is.
That may feel like he's talking about the autistic struggle, but he is actually not, and we shouldn't forget that.
This whole list of things that you should do to help yourself, can be read - and I think this is a fairer reading - as a prompt to everybody to pay more attention to themselves, to apply more self care.
Sure, not everyone can do everything perfectly, as everyone is in a different situation. However, all of these things - a daily routine, nutritious food, enough sleep etc. - do help with depression.
That doesn't mean they *cure* depression!
The whole paragraph can be translated to this:
"Depression [you can substitute autism although he didn't mean it] is hard enough as it is. Don't make it even harder by not caring for yourselves as well as you can."
He's likely speaking from his own experience there, *not* having cared enough for himself and paying the price.
What he said there is likely not meant as pointing fingers. It's actually insightful and empathic, and I believe reading an ableist attitude into it is a misunderstanding.
Some interesting thoughts here but I (respectfully) disagree on his advice for those experiencing depression (and I think the quote can only be viewed through the lens of depression, so if this came across as me somehow viewing this through an autistic lens, this wasn’t the intention as I don’t think this would make any sense anyway)
I think depression at its worst is almost like a paralysis of the mind and body - well that’s how I’ve experienced it, and others I’ve known with depression too. We all know what we *should* be doing to try to make ourselves better as it’s obvious - i.e. good nutritious food, exploring nature, getting enough sleep, consuming all that’s good in the world, but depression robs us of all of these choices and decisions. Sometimes all we can do is to just get through the day alive.
I agree with you in that I think Carrey is absolutely well-intentioned in his advice, and he’s no doubt trying to reach out to an ‘earlier version of himself’ but I think at the time of saying this, he’s disregarding how all-consuming depression at its worst can be. Essentially, we cannot ask an ill person to take personal responsibility for their illness, regardless of how well meaning our intentions are.
Thank you for your insight though as it really demonstrates how things can be interpreted differently.
@@CreativeAutistic, thank you for your explanation. I think I get you better now.
In my mind, ableism didn't apply to depression, not being a disability - but then I googled a bit, and it seems the status is actually ambiguous, depending on how chronic and bad it is.
Maybe Jim Carrey had it milder back then, so that he could still try this and that? Or he has after enough time forgotten to a degree, how bad it really was? Or he carries some amount of internalized "bootstrapism" within himself, making him look for selfhelp options even when realistically there are none?
I like the image of him addressing an earlier self, wanting to help, to support, to uplift.
How *could* he have expressed his thoughts in a way that it wouldn't have had this invalidating effect?
@@user-nm3ug3zq1y I think the real issue is that there are still so many misconceptions around depression and exactly how debilitating it is for many people who experience it.
For instance, it’s often described as a sadness, when in reality, it’s more like an absence of feelings and coherent thought, which absolutely makes it a disability.
I think if someone wanted to offer any advice for others with depression, I’d be inclined to frame it around the fact that they’re not alone, depression is a normal response to trauma, although there’s not always an obvious reason to feel this way, and to reach out for support whenever the time comes that they feel able to.
Just my thoughts though as there is no perfect answer to this one as it's such a complicated illness. 🧡