Newly diagnosed

[RachealCR]

Hi, I’m a 32 year old female that just got diagnosed with ADHD. Apparently, I flew under the radar because (even though I waited to do everything until the night before it was due, had anxiety, hated school, and interrupted people a lot including my teachers) I made good grades in school. Since I had my daughter two years ago, a lot of my issues (forgetfulness, loss of concentration when bored, talking too much, clumsiness, etc.) have gotten a lot worse. I’ve since gotten in trouble at work for being disruptive (like I was a child), and I feel like no matter how quiet and reserved I try to be, if I have one off day, everyone starts in on me. Today, I had a coworker pull me aside to tell me some people were complaining that I was too distracting for them to work. (I had a bad afternoon last week where I’ll admit to being very hyper and talkative), but I corrected by listening to headphones the rest of the week and not talking. It’s just really frustrating to feel like a naughty child again! Does anyone else have these problems?

[ZoeyHarper]

I feel for you, RachealCR! My husband has just been diagnosed at age 49, and I have seen all the things you describe over the last 12 years without realising it was ADHD. We're both in a phase of trying to find out all we can, and in that process we are also finding out that we've developed a few good management strategies. But also: We have heaps more learning to do. Have you seen How To ADHD on Youtube? That's a good place to start learning more about why your perceptions of your actions differ from your workmates. Best of luck!

[RachealCR in reply to ZoeyHarper]

No, I hadn’t, but I’ll check them out! I’m very freshly diagnosed, and I’m still coming to terms with it. I never thought I had any issues and that everything was just my personality quirks. Of course, it all makes perfect sense now. I’m one of those unfortunate women who’s issues got worse with motherhood. I also suffered from Postpartum depression and anxiety after giving birth. It’s been a rough few years, but now that I’m in therapy and on good depression meds things are a lot better.

[ZoeyHarper in reply to RachealCR]

Great to hear. I had PND, and even without ADHD that's a rough ride. There's a lot to learn, but knowledge is power!

[iBusyBrain]

I would not say more than you have to, but be direct with your coworkers. Simply say that you want to respect everyone's work and do not mean to offend anyone by interrupting others or talking fast. I would simply say something vague like you have some "personal challenges" and they are welcome to approach you. I suggest setting some parameters around what will help them interact with you--get them to make suggestions. Put them to work to help you!

[cjnolet]

Forget the stigma. Be urself. Especially if you are a female with the hyperactive type, it means you’ve been given quite a Gift.

I’m 34, I talk a ton. My vyvanse makes me talk even more and I think it’s because it hides the social anxiety that the last 32 years have given me.

I was beating myself up upon being diagnosed as an adult (I’m a PhD student now but I almost failed completely out of grade school.) I was the picture of the ADHD disruptive shithead kid that would compulsively disrupt class doing things that I shouldn’t have. In 9th grade I kicked my science teacher in the butt in front of all the students!

Anyways, my point is that, though it’s got some drawbacks, I understand the world deeper than most people around me and my ideation abilities and overactive thinking have really caused me to surpass coworkers and fellow students on many occasions.

After the initial shock of the adult diagnosis wore off and I got my self confidence back, I realized all the time I’ve spent doubting my life and trying to live what others call “normal” has only held me back. I hope you are able to build up the confidence to love who you are and not internalize other people’s bullshit opinions.

[RachealCR in reply to cjnolet]

Thank you! I’m really trying. If I had known I had this in college, I would have picked a different career field.

[Faithfull in reply to cjnolet]

It's the only thing left me ADHD forget every one else to true

[Fib200]

Im 32 male they diagnosed me with adhd 3 months ago im also having trouble at work it sucks they are still trying to figure out the right dose for me i wish i would of known i had this a long time ago.

[donbasally]

Girl, I feel you! If you can, get your hands on a short book, "This is Your Brain On Joy." It's a quick read, and has some good strategies, as well as just letting you know we're not freaks. Dr. Amen (he's online) has helped a lot with the correct supplements. God bless you!