I think I have ADHD

[Emiloop]

Hi, I am 57 year old female. I have been unemployed for over a year mainly because I'm afraid to be around other people and an office environment triggers anxiety, depression, and I can't focus. All my life I wanted to work for my self and over the years I have spent over 60K in programs that others are successful in but I don't follow through, I give up very easily. I start things and don't finish. I finally gave up and filed for disability because the thought of being around others terrifies me. I've lost hope because I have lost interest in everything. I don't know what else to do. If it were not for my grandchildren I would end it all, life doesn't seem like it's worth living.

[skittlebit]

Hi Emiloop,

I think I have ADHD too and have had to work very hard at staying focused on important tasks throughout my life. I want to tell you not to give up. It sounds like you have no hope and that is a horrible place to be. You need a purpose in life to help you stay engaged and motivated in life. I have found that my faith has been a major motivator and gives me a reason to wake up every day. Since you are not comfortable to be around people right now I would suggest, if it sounds interesting to you, that you begin to read some scriptures. The book of John is a really good place to start. Having spirituality can really change your mental state and ultimately change your eternity. I wish you the best on your journey!

[Emiloop in reply to skittlebit]

Thank you so much for your support, I appreciate it. Prayer is what helps me and if it were not for that I don't know where I'd be. Thank You.

[Sunbreaks]

If you have Medicaid there are often mental health organizations in your area that are set up to provide a range of services, including counseling, medication management and support groups. You can consult your benefits manager about what’s available in your area. They are usually slow, so be prepared to wait. Additionally, the anxiety you’re talking about may also be due to autism. You can ask them to assess you for autism, ADHD and sensory processing disorder. People with autism frequently also have ADHD. The right diagnosis could provide you with an immense amount of relief and a whole new set of tools in the form of techniques, medications, support, etc. Good luck to you - I hope you get the help that empowers you!

[Emiloop in reply to Sunbreaks]

I never thought of autism, I'll definitely look into that. I appreciate your input. Thank you

[Holly70]

Hi- I’m 47 diagnosed adhd. I’m not a medical professional but wanted to tell you what my dr told me- ADHD and anxiety disorders go hand in hand. When you describe not finishing what you start, giving up and not following through- those are my classic symptoms. I️ can’t keep one train of thought in my head- it’s usually 50 different things at once. An office environment would totally give me anxiety because I’d be confined! Please never lose hope bc adhd is treatable and anxiety disorders are treatable. Find yourself a good Dr - mine was a wonderful psychiatrist who was adhd herself. I’ve also noticed my age and change of life hormones have made my anxiety and adhd worse. Believe this- there are much worse things to have in this life than adhd and/or anxiety. My three children are grown and adhd. Two took stimulants and one exercises two hours every day to help control his. My kids are all very intelligent and do ok in life. Please hang in there, find a practitioner and go easy on yourself!

[Emiloop]

Hello Holly70, thank you. It's nice to know that someone else also struggles with the same thing. I loose hope because I'm not able to work in an office environment and that is the only experience I have and being around people triggers all this stuff and it makes the ADHD worse, especially the older I get, so in other words even retail work I'm not able to do. I just applied for disability and it makes me feel ashamed and like a failure. I am looking for a doctor with ADHD specialty. I have to go through the county because I'm not working and don't have insurance. Thank you for the support.

[Sunny-K]

Hi Emiloop. I just lost a job. I tried to make it to the three year mark because I've never done that. But at age 55 I just lost another one just shy of the three year mark. It makes me very sad. I'm not on any social media but I thought I'd give this a try with people who might actually understand me.