Living with ADHD?

I want to reach the point of acceptance and understanding, but I feel like my life has become ADHD. Every single moment is panicking to make sure it doesn't 'get me'. My ADHD has become more of a constant stress over every moment. Steps to help? Mindfulness techniques? I want to live with it not battle it like an enemy. Any help or ideas is appreciated. Seems like since I've begun to see my ADHD and be accountable, the more it becomes my daily task. It's not something I have, it's something I am. I think this community will get what I mean. Thanks folks. You're all very appreciated for your strength and courage to be here for others.

[Emerald-Eyes]

I know it’s harder for us, but if you could try noticing what your natural habits are, or what encourages you to do things that really value able. I learned I’m a natural piler. I need something faster with less steps so unlidded boxes Or flip top as it’s easy open assist me. For papers as I put them in the box, they are already naturally filed in date order with most current on top. Except for a few pair of really special shoes, all mine go in an open box. I can use the lip edge to flip off my shoes. All my most used ones end up on top.

If I know I’m having company, it makes it easier to get my house more pulled together. It becomes a beat-the-clock type of activity that gets me moving and getting it over with sooner.

What are some of yours? Can you use the same concepts in other areas.

[Hidden]

Hi there.

I'm sorry, I won't refer to you as Mr Nobody. You have a clear voice and opinion, and I want to honor that.

First of all, welcome to the tribe! I know you posted before, but I missed welcoming you I think. Or I don't remember...

You know what its like when you buy a car model that's new for you. All of a sudden you see the same car everywhere? ADHD is like that, too. When you gain that awareness, you see it everywhere and in everything you do. I remember the feeling. After a while it normalizes. But the early days of awareness make us hyper-vigilant, and if you're used to beatings (mostly self-inflicted) then you are going to go for it for a while. I used to say "if you want me to be black and blue, just criticize me a little and give me a bat... I'll take care of the rest." Do you relate?

To be fair, if you take an inventory of what you received and what you lost in your customized ADHD trim package, you may eventually decide you wouldn't trade it in. But at first we are more likely to notice the more bothersome aspects of it. Hang in there.

One recommendation and I'm done for now: start a rainbow list of things you've experienced or done that you appreciate from as far back as you can remember. Can you think of anything you're proud of, a moment of success, and time of gratitude or amazement?

Reach out any time. You are not alone!

Will

[Beadart]

Oh, I SO understand! For at least a year after I realized I have ADHD (10 years ago at age 52!) I was scrutinizing everything I did and how I reacted to everything to decide whether it was an ADHD symptom. Not looking for it to “get me,” but trying to understand how ADHD affects my life. That specific knowledge helped a lot when I finally got a doc to listen to me about having ADHD.

When my brother thought I was focusing too much on ADHD symptoms, since he knows at least 3 men with it who never mention ADHD, my answer was that this is brand new for me and they have known for years and have developed ways to deal. Plus, they may well be taking meds.

As Plenti42day said, that normalizes. Please consider doing something like the rainbow list, it helps your self-esteem so much to consider all the good things you do or have done.

You didn’t mention whether you are getting some counseling support? This forum is good, but a personal counselor can help you sort out all those feelings. I love my weekly “talkie” dates!

Good for you on reaching out, and good luck.