David R.Y.W. Chapman
@d-chapman.bsky.social
Author of The Adventures of an Introvert book series.
https://linktr.ee/the_adventures_of_an_introvert
https://linktr.ee/the_adventures_of_an_introvert
Pinned
I'm new here and I would like to connect with kind-hearted people. My posts will focus on social #anxiety, #mentalhealth and #neurodiversity. I will document my struggles in everyday life, including making small talk & overthinking everything!
Would this be of interest to anyone?
Would this be of interest to anyone?
I'm mentally preparing myself for the chaos of the festive season!
Everywhere we go, there will invariably be large crowds, dazzling lights, loud and jarring noises competing against each other, and the expectation that everyone must be jolly because it's Christmas
#neurodivergent #AuDHD #anxiety
Everywhere we go, there will invariably be large crowds, dazzling lights, loud and jarring noises competing against each other, and the expectation that everyone must be jolly because it's Christmas
#neurodivergent #AuDHD #anxiety
November 30, 2025 at 9:45 AM
I'm mentally preparing myself for the chaos of the festive season!
Everywhere we go, there will invariably be large crowds, dazzling lights, loud and jarring noises competing against each other, and the expectation that everyone must be jolly because it's Christmas
#neurodivergent #AuDHD #anxiety
Everywhere we go, there will invariably be large crowds, dazzling lights, loud and jarring noises competing against each other, and the expectation that everyone must be jolly because it's Christmas
#neurodivergent #AuDHD #anxiety
I survived another Halloween! Constantly fearing a knock on the door and having to interact with strangers (even if they are just little kids) is agonising for someone with a mind like mine. It leaves me unable to relax all evening...
#halloween #anxiety #neurodivergent #AuDHD #ActuallyAutistic
#halloween #anxiety #neurodivergent #AuDHD #ActuallyAutistic
November 2, 2025 at 9:33 AM
I survived another Halloween! Constantly fearing a knock on the door and having to interact with strangers (even if they are just little kids) is agonising for someone with a mind like mine. It leaves me unable to relax all evening...
#halloween #anxiety #neurodivergent #AuDHD #ActuallyAutistic
#halloween #anxiety #neurodivergent #AuDHD #ActuallyAutistic
We spent an enjoyable few hours in Port d'Andratx 🇪🇸⛵️ It is regarded as one of the most picturesque places in Mallorca, and one that is favoured by celebrities...
#mallorca #andraxt #travel #holiday #neurodivergent #ActuallyAutistic #adhd #AuDHD #anxiety #neurospicy
#mallorca #andraxt #travel #holiday #neurodivergent #ActuallyAutistic #adhd #AuDHD #anxiety #neurospicy
October 10, 2025 at 6:26 AM
We spent an enjoyable few hours in Port d'Andratx 🇪🇸⛵️ It is regarded as one of the most picturesque places in Mallorca, and one that is favoured by celebrities...
#mallorca #andraxt #travel #holiday #neurodivergent #ActuallyAutistic #adhd #AuDHD #anxiety #neurospicy
#mallorca #andraxt #travel #holiday #neurodivergent #ActuallyAutistic #adhd #AuDHD #anxiety #neurospicy
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! 🥮
This is, of course, one of the most important celebrations in Chinese culture. The full moon on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunisolar calendar coincides with the mid-Autumn harvest...
#midautumnfestival #family #happymidautumnfestival #fullmoon #mooncake
This is, of course, one of the most important celebrations in Chinese culture. The full moon on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunisolar calendar coincides with the mid-Autumn harvest...
#midautumnfestival #family #happymidautumnfestival #fullmoon #mooncake
October 6, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! 🥮
This is, of course, one of the most important celebrations in Chinese culture. The full moon on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunisolar calendar coincides with the mid-Autumn harvest...
#midautumnfestival #family #happymidautumnfestival #fullmoon #mooncake
This is, of course, one of the most important celebrations in Chinese culture. The full moon on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunisolar calendar coincides with the mid-Autumn harvest...
#midautumnfestival #family #happymidautumnfestival #fullmoon #mooncake
That one-pint feeling🍺🧠 I have never been a big drinker, and I'm not fond of the whole getting wasted for fun part of our culture, but lately I have realised that a small amount of alcohol calms my mind.
cont...
#neurodivergent #ActuallyAutistic #AuDHD #adhd #anxiety
cont...
#neurodivergent #ActuallyAutistic #AuDHD #adhd #anxiety
October 4, 2025 at 6:44 AM
That one-pint feeling🍺🧠 I have never been a big drinker, and I'm not fond of the whole getting wasted for fun part of our culture, but lately I have realised that a small amount of alcohol calms my mind.
cont...
#neurodivergent #ActuallyAutistic #AuDHD #adhd #anxiety
cont...
#neurodivergent #ActuallyAutistic #AuDHD #adhd #anxiety
Pre-holiday challenges completed this morning:
Survived journey to airport with chatty taxi driver ✅️
Avoided a lifetime of shame and regret due to my hand luggage containing prohibited items ✅️
cont...
#neurodivergent #ActuallyAutistic #AuDHD #adhd #anxiety, #holiday #travel
Survived journey to airport with chatty taxi driver ✅️
Avoided a lifetime of shame and regret due to my hand luggage containing prohibited items ✅️
cont...
#neurodivergent #ActuallyAutistic #AuDHD #adhd #anxiety, #holiday #travel
October 3, 2025 at 5:55 AM
Pre-holiday challenges completed this morning:
Survived journey to airport with chatty taxi driver ✅️
Avoided a lifetime of shame and regret due to my hand luggage containing prohibited items ✅️
cont...
#neurodivergent #ActuallyAutistic #AuDHD #adhd #anxiety, #holiday #travel
Survived journey to airport with chatty taxi driver ✅️
Avoided a lifetime of shame and regret due to my hand luggage containing prohibited items ✅️
cont...
#neurodivergent #ActuallyAutistic #AuDHD #adhd #anxiety, #holiday #travel
Friday's blood donation was the culmination of a year-long journey involving anxiety and self-sabotage.
Last year, I donated plasma once a fortnight. This gave me an opportunity to do something positive on a regular basis... until my anxiety got the better of me...
#neurodivergent #AuDHD #anxiety
Last year, I donated plasma once a fortnight. This gave me an opportunity to do something positive on a regular basis... until my anxiety got the better of me...
#neurodivergent #AuDHD #anxiety
September 28, 2025 at 8:36 AM
Friday's blood donation was the culmination of a year-long journey involving anxiety and self-sabotage.
Last year, I donated plasma once a fortnight. This gave me an opportunity to do something positive on a regular basis... until my anxiety got the better of me...
#neurodivergent #AuDHD #anxiety
Last year, I donated plasma once a fortnight. This gave me an opportunity to do something positive on a regular basis... until my anxiety got the better of me...
#neurodivergent #AuDHD #anxiety
Whenever it feels like the world is full of negativity and division, giving blood serves as a reminder that we can all do something to help others.
It was heartwarming to see plenty of donors, each doing their bit to aid a stranger in need...
#giveblood #nhsblooddonation #givebloodnhs
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It was heartwarming to see plenty of donors, each doing their bit to aid a stranger in need...
#giveblood #nhsblooddonation #givebloodnhs
(1/3)
September 26, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Whenever it feels like the world is full of negativity and division, giving blood serves as a reminder that we can all do something to help others.
It was heartwarming to see plenty of donors, each doing their bit to aid a stranger in need...
#giveblood #nhsblooddonation #givebloodnhs
(1/3)
It was heartwarming to see plenty of donors, each doing their bit to aid a stranger in need...
#giveblood #nhsblooddonation #givebloodnhs
(1/3)
Happy 80th #birthday to my dad! 🎊🎂8️⃣0️⃣
It's hard to believe that my father is 80, but he's not your typical octogenarian. He still takes part in athletics competitions; just a few weeks ago, he won a couple of gold medals 🥇
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It's hard to believe that my father is 80, but he's not your typical octogenarian. He still takes part in athletics competitions; just a few weeks ago, he won a couple of gold medals 🥇
(1/3)
September 22, 2025 at 7:07 AM
Happy 80th #birthday to my dad! 🎊🎂8️⃣0️⃣
It's hard to believe that my father is 80, but he's not your typical octogenarian. He still takes part in athletics competitions; just a few weeks ago, he won a couple of gold medals 🥇
(1/3)
It's hard to believe that my father is 80, but he's not your typical octogenarian. He still takes part in athletics competitions; just a few weeks ago, he won a couple of gold medals 🥇
(1/3)
Have I just broken the society's number one rule? Never let people know of our existence! 😬
We rarely go out, socialise or leave our comfort zones. Meetings last a matter of minutes, but we spend weeks replaying any conversations in our minds...
#introvert #ActuallyAutistic #ADHD #anxiety #AuDHD
We rarely go out, socialise or leave our comfort zones. Meetings last a matter of minutes, but we spend weeks replaying any conversations in our minds...
#introvert #ActuallyAutistic #ADHD #anxiety #AuDHD
September 14, 2025 at 8:37 AM
Have I just broken the society's number one rule? Never let people know of our existence! 😬
We rarely go out, socialise or leave our comfort zones. Meetings last a matter of minutes, but we spend weeks replaying any conversations in our minds...
#introvert #ActuallyAutistic #ADHD #anxiety #AuDHD
We rarely go out, socialise or leave our comfort zones. Meetings last a matter of minutes, but we spend weeks replaying any conversations in our minds...
#introvert #ActuallyAutistic #ADHD #anxiety #AuDHD
My mind is a strange, unpredictable beast. One moment I can be obsessed with something ("You must spend every second of the day focusing on this because it is the most important thing in the world!"), then all of a sudden I have absolutely no interest in it...
August 31, 2025 at 8:52 AM
My mind is a strange, unpredictable beast. One moment I can be obsessed with something ("You must spend every second of the day focusing on this because it is the most important thing in the world!"), then all of a sudden I have absolutely no interest in it...
Watching the victory parade for the Lionesses made me think about how uncomfortable I would have felt in that situation (not that I can imagine myself achieving anything like that level of success)...
#anxiety #neurodivergent
#anxiety #neurodivergent
August 3, 2025 at 9:13 AM
Watching the victory parade for the Lionesses made me think about how uncomfortable I would have felt in that situation (not that I can imagine myself achieving anything like that level of success)...
#anxiety #neurodivergent
#anxiety #neurodivergent
Happy birthday to my mum!
I am eternally grateful for her unconditional love and support. Mum was my biggest cheerleader during my journey through the education system...
I am eternally grateful for her unconditional love and support. Mum was my biggest cheerleader during my journey through the education system...
July 19, 2025 at 8:38 AM
Happy birthday to my mum!
I am eternally grateful for her unconditional love and support. Mum was my biggest cheerleader during my journey through the education system...
I am eternally grateful for her unconditional love and support. Mum was my biggest cheerleader during my journey through the education system...
Happy birthday to my big bro! This photo was taken in 1991!
When we were younger, he was the quiet one, while I was the exuberant kid. This changed by the time we were in secondary school, as I became withdrawn and extremely shy, whereas his confidence blossomed...
#happybirthday #neurodivergent
When we were younger, he was the quiet one, while I was the exuberant kid. This changed by the time we were in secondary school, as I became withdrawn and extremely shy, whereas his confidence blossomed...
#happybirthday #neurodivergent
July 12, 2025 at 8:40 AM
Happy birthday to my big bro! This photo was taken in 1991!
When we were younger, he was the quiet one, while I was the exuberant kid. This changed by the time we were in secondary school, as I became withdrawn and extremely shy, whereas his confidence blossomed...
#happybirthday #neurodivergent
When we were younger, he was the quiet one, while I was the exuberant kid. This changed by the time we were in secondary school, as I became withdrawn and extremely shy, whereas his confidence blossomed...
#happybirthday #neurodivergent
During our time in San Sebastián, we watched a beautiful sunset. I find that slowing down to observe the natural world, even when it is something so ordinary that it happens every day, has a soothing effect on my mind. I should make more of an effort to do this on a regular basis 💚
#mentalhealth
#mentalhealth
July 2, 2025 at 7:32 AM
During our time in San Sebastián, we watched a beautiful sunset. I find that slowing down to observe the natural world, even when it is something so ordinary that it happens every day, has a soothing effect on my mind. I should make more of an effort to do this on a regular basis 💚
#mentalhealth
#mentalhealth
Something can appear to be one thing when it is really another. This photo may seem like it was taken in Santorini, but it was snapped in Egypt. Likewise, someone can give the impression they are confident and carefree even though they lack self-belief and are affected by #anxiety
#neurodivergent
#neurodivergent
June 21, 2025 at 8:18 AM
Something can appear to be one thing when it is really another. This photo may seem like it was taken in Santorini, but it was snapped in Egypt. Likewise, someone can give the impression they are confident and carefree even though they lack self-belief and are affected by #anxiety
#neurodivergent
#neurodivergent
I have come to accept that I enjoy things in my own way. At concerts, for example, nearly everyone else will sing, dance and generally show enthusiasm, whilst I remain my quiet, reserved self...
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#neurodivergent #ActuallyAutistic #AuDHD #ADHD #anxiety
(1/4)
#neurodivergent #ActuallyAutistic #AuDHD #ADHD #anxiety
June 14, 2025 at 8:29 AM
I have come to accept that I enjoy things in my own way. At concerts, for example, nearly everyone else will sing, dance and generally show enthusiasm, whilst I remain my quiet, reserved self...
(1/4)
#neurodivergent #ActuallyAutistic #AuDHD #ADHD #anxiety
(1/4)
#neurodivergent #ActuallyAutistic #AuDHD #ADHD #anxiety
I'm either unable to maintain concentration or I become so zoned in that everything else gets blocked out. There's no middle ground.
Recently, I've been too focused on one task, to the extent that it's all I think about from the moment I wake to the time I go to bed..
(1/3)
#neurodivergent
Recently, I've been too focused on one task, to the extent that it's all I think about from the moment I wake to the time I go to bed..
(1/3)
#neurodivergent
June 1, 2025 at 9:51 AM
I'm either unable to maintain concentration or I become so zoned in that everything else gets blocked out. There's no middle ground.
Recently, I've been too focused on one task, to the extent that it's all I think about from the moment I wake to the time I go to bed..
(1/3)
#neurodivergent
Recently, I've been too focused on one task, to the extent that it's all I think about from the moment I wake to the time I go to bed..
(1/3)
#neurodivergent
I often fall into the trap of thinking that I don't experience burnout or struggle as much as others...then I realise that I have just shut myself off from the world for a month...
(1/2)
#ActuallyAutistic #neurodivergent #AuDHD
(1/2)
#ActuallyAutistic #neurodivergent #AuDHD
May 31, 2025 at 10:01 PM
I often fall into the trap of thinking that I don't experience burnout or struggle as much as others...then I realise that I have just shut myself off from the world for a month...
(1/2)
#ActuallyAutistic #neurodivergent #AuDHD
(1/2)
#ActuallyAutistic #neurodivergent #AuDHD
We usually associate procrastination with unpleasant tasks, but I often put things off when good things are on the horizon. The prospect of achieving success can cause me to over-analyse everything and find reasons to delay proceedings, which can hold me back...
(1/3)
#anxiety #neurodivergent
(1/3)
#anxiety #neurodivergent
April 20, 2025 at 8:55 AM
We usually associate procrastination with unpleasant tasks, but I often put things off when good things are on the horizon. The prospect of achieving success can cause me to over-analyse everything and find reasons to delay proceedings, which can hold me back...
(1/3)
#anxiety #neurodivergent
(1/3)
#anxiety #neurodivergent
I haven't posted anything for about a month. This is not because I have been going through anything unpleasant, but I have been struggling to manage my time.
I have been fixated on my latest venture, to the extent that I have neglected everything else...
#adhd #neurodivergent
(1/2)
I have been fixated on my latest venture, to the extent that I have neglected everything else...
#adhd #neurodivergent
(1/2)
April 19, 2025 at 7:31 PM
I haven't posted anything for about a month. This is not because I have been going through anything unpleasant, but I have been struggling to manage my time.
I have been fixated on my latest venture, to the extent that I have neglected everything else...
#adhd #neurodivergent
(1/2)
I have been fixated on my latest venture, to the extent that I have neglected everything else...
#adhd #neurodivergent
(1/2)
Today is our 7th wedding anniversary. Looking back at the footage of the big day, you can see how anxious I was. Making my speech was one of the most nerve-racking experiences of my life. You can see that my hands were shaking...
(1/2)
#neurodivergent #ActuallyAutistic #AuDHD #anxiety
(1/2)
#neurodivergent #ActuallyAutistic #AuDHD #anxiety
March 23, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Today is our 7th wedding anniversary. Looking back at the footage of the big day, you can see how anxious I was. Making my speech was one of the most nerve-racking experiences of my life. You can see that my hands were shaking...
(1/2)
#neurodivergent #ActuallyAutistic #AuDHD #anxiety
(1/2)
#neurodivergent #ActuallyAutistic #AuDHD #anxiety
Following on from yesterday's post, in the evening the tradesperson returned to the house next door. Our kitchens face each other and there is only a low fence between them. When I was doing the dishes, I looked up and we momentarily locked eyes 😳
(1/2)
#neurodivergent #overthinking
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#neurodivergent #overthinking
March 13, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Following on from yesterday's post, in the evening the tradesperson returned to the house next door. Our kitchens face each other and there is only a low fence between them. When I was doing the dishes, I looked up and we momentarily locked eyes 😳
(1/2)
#neurodivergent #overthinking
(1/2)
#neurodivergent #overthinking
Today's example of #overthinking occurred when a tradesperson who is working on the house next door was sat in his van outside my house. Illogically, his presence stopped me from charging my phone (the socket is near the window) and from bringing the bins back in...
#neurodivergent #anxiety
(1/2)
#neurodivergent #anxiety
(1/2)
March 12, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Today's example of #overthinking occurred when a tradesperson who is working on the house next door was sat in his van outside my house. Illogically, his presence stopped me from charging my phone (the socket is near the window) and from bringing the bins back in...
#neurodivergent #anxiety
(1/2)
#neurodivergent #anxiety
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