A year into my ADHD diagnosis journey, and feeling confused

[arthurlewis23]

I was diagnosed with ADHD just before my 32nd birthday last spring. I remember feeling relieved that I knew what had been going on with me, but I also felt a deep sense of shame. Since then, I was laid off from my job, my long term relationship ended, and with the lack of health coverage I just got back on my prescription after 4 months without. I am starting to feel better in the day to day, and have been trying to lean into my feelings and use mindfulness, but sometimes I get an overwhelming sense of frustration and failure about past mistakes. How does everyone deal with this sense of regret about things they didn't understand before?

[PriP]

I'm sorry about you felling like that, but you are not a failure, I was diagnosed a year ago too with same age as you, It's hard, I'm always telling everyone about my diagnose, in a way I try to justify why I can't handle a few things, but it makes worse because people don't believe me or treat me differently.

I also lost my job past month and I'm just giving myself time to think what is the next step and thinking that I did my best in every situation that I feel I acted wrongly, and I try to find ways to help me not make them again.

Every one fails sometimes, people without ADHD fails too, so we can't feel like crap just because we know we have this.

I'm without meditation for a while now and I feel that I can be myself, my humor is better, but I can focus, so I'm doing what I can, that's it, we do what we can and that's wonderful!!!

[arthurlewis23 in reply to PriP]

Thanks, I really appreciate your reply.

[Kdizzle]

Hello I’m 63 diagnosed last September I can totally relate to the past thing. Sometimes I think I was better off not knowing. You could try looking at it with no emotions. I know that’s hard but if you can do it you might learn something or not just review it and leave it alone. I think we all have to grieve the past and forgive ourselves. I’m a sci-fi fan and always wanted the potion they drank in a show (no don’t remember the name but probably will in an hour or two) that took away all their emotions. You can look at things and see what’s really happening without the veil of emotions clouding your vision. So just keep going I know trying to find a sense of self and normalcy is like a roller coaster ride. I never liked the roller coaster!🤢 PS I think the show will Andromeda

[arthurlewis23 in reply to Kdizzle]

Thanks for this reply. I enjoy sci fi too and I get exactly what you mean. Everyday gets a little bit better, but I know I just have to lean into things on this journey. I don't want to turn away from dealing with things. I think I just need to be patient with myself.

[Puzzl]

A lot of us a lot of us find it difficult to adjust to the life after diagnosis at first. Then, as we learn from others with the condition(s) we slowly begin to accept ourselves and learn the little tricks that make life easier.

The best thing that happened to me after my diagnosis was going to a support group. At first I listened, then I asked for advice, then I began to give back. I haven't been able to go for many years because of scheduling but I still look back at those experiences fondly.

Each day is a new day to be loved to the fullness. I love my life now, and I never thought I would ever be able to say that.

[GabyLaw in reply to Puzzl]

This!