Ancestors

Written by Rachel McDove on 2025-01-20 at 07:33

So I did copy and paste an #introduction over, but I thought a proper introduction might be nice too....

Hi, I'm Rachel!

I'm 43. I grew up in Shetland with my parents and 3 younger sisters. Moved to Glasgow at 18, then to East Lothian with my wife 9 years ago. We live just outside Edinburgh now, with our ludicrous staffy, Fester.

I have a "classic"* case of undiagnosed autism that caused me decades of mental health problems. In and out of work, education, and therapy...(continues below)

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Written by Rachel McDove on 2025-01-20 at 07:37

Getting diagnosed changed my life. I've been able to get off antidepressants for the first time in 20 years, insomnia has largely abated, I don't grind my teeth in my sleep any more (incidentally SSRIs make this worse, just one of many fun side effects).

I experienced a horrendous autistic burnout after college, the first year was OK, second year broke me, even with accommodations. I'm largely recovered from it now, but between that and trauma therapy this last year, my brain has been mince...

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Written by Rachel McDove on 2025-01-20 at 07:42

I'm only just starting to feel human again after like 3 years of constant exhaustion, intense emotion, and just utter brain fog.

I studied massage, and have done a couple of wee courses in creating and leading meditation, somatics, being trauma sensitive, and more. My hope/aim/goal is to make these types of therapies more accessible and interesting to my fellow neurodivergent folks through special interests and an individual's specific needs. Still working on my own wellbeing for now though!

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Toot

Written by Rachel McDove on 2025-01-20 at 07:49

I'm a big old geek, reading and TV are and always have been a huge part of how I self regulate. I mostly love sci fi, and some fantasy. My birthday party every year is a rewatch of the extended Lord of the Rings films and stuffing our Hobbit faces....this year marks the 20th anniversary of the Hobbit's Tea Party!

I love Futurama, Star Trek, Bob's Burgers, Taskmaster, ATLA, Green Wing, Stargate (especially Atlantis!), and so much more.

I loathe bigotry, ignorance, selfishness, and capitalism...

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Descendants

Written by Rachel McDove on 2025-01-20 at 07:50

So yeah, hi, this is me. Or at least the parts that pop to mind right now! (I also massively overuse exclamation points, as indicators of enthusiasm and/or lightheartedness!)

I'd love to get to know you all better, feel free to share something about yourselves!

Hope you all have a fabulous day 💜

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