At what age did you embrace your ADD/ADHD mentality..."I'd like to say SUPER POWER!"

[MrsKlco]

I have a question...at what age did you become humble and embrace your ADD/ADHD mentality? OR are you still working on it? I was in my 40's when I was able to. I feel that if I was diagnosed earlier it wouldn't have taken so long. Id love to share the story of the sweetest little lady that changed my life.

[mtn-runner-29]

I was diagnosed for general anxiety disorder and Adult onset ADD (last fall) at 28 years old. However, not sure I’ve fully embraced the scope of it yet. I did some work with my counselor, took a time management class, and started taking an SSRI for anxiety. Those things helped me establish routines that I had a very difficult time trying to get going before—-WIN! Routines helped cut down on my decision making time.

I thought I would try going off my SSRI a few weeks ago, anticipating my routines would hold. Let’s just say...the wheels came off sooner than expected 😕

I guess I have been in denial of how much my anxiety/lack of executive functioning skills affects basic tasks in my life. And I’m working on how much I want to accept it?

Interested to hear your story!

[MrsKlco in reply to mtn-runner-29]

Thank you for responding...to be honest, it took me years to embrace the way I think. At 35, I had changed my carrier and being a newbie at my work was disastrous for my anxiety, depression, and all the ADHD stuff (not being able to prioritize, late with work, moving my office too often, etc.) (Yessss run on sentence--I can see Mrs. Cary now 5th grade--anyway) But as I felt that there were certain "things/accommodations" I needed, I asked for sometimes the craziest things-- the more it helped others w/out ADHD!!

For example, I have a white board in my office and if I have a difficult client, I can walk, pace, and write out their needs, how to help, etc. Also, getting pics of my clients helped (I teach, up to 40 clients at a time, by the time I got to my office, I cant remember who said what w/out their picture. Finally, setting on my butt, for me is not good. I have to stand and think. (brining me back to college algebra hell!--I could only do my work standing--so thankful for my prof. for allowing me to do that)

I was listening to a TED talk the other day about ADHD ( highly recommend for motivation) and she talked about "thinking out side of the box" She said, "I don't even have a box." That, to me was brilliant, time after time my coworkers are so easily stuck on an issue(s). Ideas for me are flying all over... there are so many different perspectives. (Sometimes it will take me a day or, heck in the middle of the night--BRILIANT) I just keep a pad of paper by my bed and jot down what I'm thinking, then sleep like a baby.

So over time, I have gained respect from my co-workers and my clients love me. I am fun, and it takes a lot to keep me down. Not to say that I don't have my moments, then I "squirrel" and my mood is better.

I feel that being true (advocate) for yourself. First understand your limitation and then concentrate on what your naturally talented at, and the rest will come.

Myself--NOT GOOD at math and the other stuff I have written about. But I am not trapped in feeling like an idiot any more. DONE with that crap.

Probibly way too much info, but I feel that if I can embrace my mentality then my children (2 of 3 with ADHD ) will be supported and properly nurtured to their full potential. Not tortured and bullied like I was at school and at home. It was horrible!

Have a great day and write back soon. I'm interested in your progress and I can and will support if you need it.

Renee