How to Stop Feeling Broken – You’re Just Different
Have you ever had that sinking feeling that you’re not quite right? That somehow, you missed a memo on how to “human” correctly?
Maybe you’ve been told you’re too sensitive, too intense, too quiet, too loud, too much—or not enough.
That feeling of not fitting in can be overwhelming. It can convince you that you’re somehow broken.
But here’s the truth: You are not broken. You’re just different.
And different is NOT a flaw.
What Feeling Broken Really Means
That “feeling broken” sensation often comes from years of internalising messages that something about you needs fixing.
For many neurodiverse people, that message starts early: at school, in social groups, in work environments built for a different kind of brain.
Feeling broken isn’t really about who you are. It’s about how you’ve been made to feel.
When the world isn’t designed with your way of thinking, feeling, or sensing in mind, it can wear you down.
But your differences – your sensitivities, your focus, your perspective – aren’t errors. They’re signals of a mind that works uniquely.
Reframing “Broken” as “Brilliant”
Let’s flip the narrative.
What if those things that make you feel broken are actually signs of brilliance?
🌱 Struggle in noisy environments? That might mean you have finely tuned sensory awareness.
💡 Need time alone to recharge? You may process deeply and feel more than others.
✨ Communicate differently? That’s not a flaw—it’s another form of fluency.
The world needs all kinds of thinkers, feelers, and beings. Your uniqueness might just be the perspective someone else is longing to hear.
How to Start Healing That Feeling
If you’re stuck in the cycle of feeling broken, here are a few gentle steps to help shift that story:
- Notice the narrative
Pay attention to the inner voice that says, “I’m too much” or “I don’t belong.”
Whose voice is that? Often, it’s not yours. - Seek spaces that celebrate difference
When you find places—online or in real life—where people get you, it’s like a deep exhale. Community matters. - Speak kindly to yourself
Start small: “I am doing my best.” “There’s nothing wrong with me.”
Let those words begin to soften the edges. - Recognise your strengths
Make a list of what you do well—not just achievements, but traits: creativity, compassion, pattern recognition, perseverance.
Start to celebrate you. - Get support
Whether it’s a coach, therapist, mentor or trusted friend –
Being seen and heard by someone who understands can be powerful.
You Are Not Broken—You Are Becoming
If no one has told you lately: there is nothing wrong with you.
Yes, the world can be confusing, harsh, and overwhelming. But you? You are still whole.
You’re allowed to feel tired. You’re allowed to feel lost. And you’re allowed to rest.
But please don’t mistake being different for being broken.
Because in your difference lies your depth, your strength, and your quiet brilliance.
Share your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear your reactions, thoughts and feelings.
