Don't know how to function normally around people at work
It's right before my period is supposed to start and have been depressed and today feel incredibly moody. I'm so irritated by the people I work with all the time, but especially the week before my period.
I've never felt like I fit in anywhere (I think I'm probably neurodivergent), and it feels so excruciating when we get together for meetings remotely and we are expected to share things about ourselves.
I'm 41, don't have a partner or family (never wanted kids, don't really want or feel the need for a partner either. I've done plenty of therapy and soul searching, I just feel like I never learned how to be a person, my family (or origin) is broken and dysfunctional. I'm also mixed race (white/asian) which has always made me feel like I don't fit in and I stand out to other people as 'other'.
I always had social anxiety but with peri now I think it adds another layer of well, something. I work mostly with middle aged women. I don't understand how they have the energy to do anything. I don't really want to talk much to any of them and don't feel comfortable really sharing anything personal (have had some weird and toxic experiences with a couple people I work with), but we're expected to be at least a little bit social, and even have "connection" meetings now which I think is f*cking ridiculous, it's like forced socializing lol Part of the problem is that it's a toxic work environment and feels very phony to me and I've never been one to be able to mask for a long time.
I guess I'm looking to see if anyone can relate/validate this and maybe any tips. I really want to get a new job but I think I might run into similar issues whereever I go.
Posted Sep 2, 2025, 3:38 PM UTC