Hi, I’m Josh — a Medical Student at the University of Liverpool and someone who’s learning how to survive, adapt, and sometimes thrive as a neurodivergent person navigating the intensity of medicine, mental health, and modern life.
Why We’re Called Matter and Muscle:
The name Matter and Muscle captures what this blog truly stands for: the intersection of mind and body, science and strength, and the raw realities of navigating life as a neurodivergent medical student. “Matter” represents the slightly intangible—our brains, bodies, neurons, and the very real struggles we face mentally and emotionally. “Muscle” symbolizes resilience, growth, adaptation, and strength—whether mental, emotional, or physical. It’s about transforming chaos into clarity, pain into purpose, and struggle into strength, one step at a time.
Why I Built This Site:
This blog is my attempt to turn personal chaos into something useful.
I live with:
– ADHD and Autism Spectrum traits
– Depression, fatigue, and depersonalisation/derealisation (DPDR)
– Dyspraxia and sensory overwhelm
– Chronic overthinking with a perfectionist streak
– A deep love for science, but a complicated relationship with medicine
I know what it feels like to be intelligent but burnt out, it feels like a paradox – “how can someone so apparently “able” not cope with simple daily life?” is the question I ask myself almost daily.
Who This Site Is For:
This is a space for everyone, but this being a blog I need to specify my “niche”, don’t let this list put you off if you aren’t mentioned below!
- Neurodivergent University students (STEM and Medicine being my speciality!)
- People living with DPDR, fatigue, or invisible mental-health symptoms
- Anyone questioning their path, feeling stuck, or craving purpose
- Those trying to balance intellect with identity, ambition with rest
Whether you’re clawing your way through OSCE prep, wondering if your brain is broken, or dreaming of financial independence — you’re not alone.
My Values/Key Pillars of this site:
- Evidence First – I combine lived experience with clinical knowledge
- Honesty – No toxic positivity
- No Jargon – People dance around topics too much these days, if you are a “just tell me like it is” person, you are in the right place!
- Freedom & Flexibility – Neurodivergence needs breathing room
- Compassion – Struggling doesn’t make you weak
- Personal reflections on mental health, medicine, and identity
- Guides for surviving medical school with ADHD/Autism
- Tools for building structure, routines, and meaning from the mess
- Honest takes on burnout, blogging, and building a better life
Disclaimers & Transparency:
This blog is **not medical advice!** — it’s just one med student’s perspective. Please consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis or treatment.
Some articles may contain affiliate links, always clearly marked and only for products I personally endorse.
Contact:
Want to collaborate, ask a question, or just say hi?
Last updated: April 2025