Well, you need to mask a lot. Most people are not as smart as they show themselves, and that's because of a lot of reasons, personal, social and especially political (of the government), smart people who ask questions and even do good in front of the government are problems for them. I can give detailed proof with the involvement of governments in our mental health, I've studied it for years.
That said, people love to hate. As soon as you are even a little below them, they will kick and kick you mercilessly.
I was extraordinarily smart and attractive (not so much) until this year even after years of agony and strain due to schizophrenia and abandonment - that said, a series of recent, regular tragedies have made me less so, and thus making everything far worse and unbearable.
I'm in a similar situation as you, derpsie, and I'll tell you that you need to mask a ton, also, honesty these days is punishable, unless you're strong, in fact normal healthy people do this every day, so much they don't remember when they speak truth. It's stupid, the world. Immorality and lies are the foundation of our current world.
So yes, mask your "low IQ" (again, I'm in the same situation in this context as you), appear clean and smart, NEVER BE A VICTIM. In caps cause I always followed this and this has helped me more than most people... Also, post practice the things you did when you were smarter, as trauma does take the mind's ability to think with time. Mask it with how you were when you were better, if nothing else, it will make you respect yourself. Self respect is a great tool for just getting by.
The biggest reason to painstakingly practice smartness is to have dignity and lessen suffering. This is extremely difficult and I struggle with it (for me it's opinionated philosophy + writing my books and music, of course no help) myself but when people start treating you better your dignity and health betters, only if a little bit. Myself, I wish to die every day, but a dignified death outdoes one when people want to forget you.
Also, low IQ is not really you, the entire world is reeking with pseudo intellectualism (overthinking on the most trivial things to avoid actual thinking), so what you're facing, in all truth, is not your fault in any way. It is the horrible people around you, my situation's the same. Most people don't even have proper (full) linguistic skills and their biggest wish is to do well in their office, lol. Their souls are in the green bill. It is just hatred what you're facing... The world masks itself as this beautiful place, until you start looking through, that's when you see we're just animals.
Also, write a diary, it's cliche and I didn't follow it myself until this year, write your most different and innovative thoughts and also your suffering, for when help comes as little as it is, you can fully or at least accurately express yourself.
Another thing is to face that the world is in fact evil. Also, love yourself more than anyone. What you're struggling through, in very little magnitude is faced by all of us (not being respected and heard despite your best), and to be honest most people back down and then take others' help.
Also, be strong, never give up from what you deserve.
