Always had trouble having a conversation

[Gymini]

Ever since I was very young I would get anxious and forget what I wanted to say when in a conversation or responding to someone else's comment,ect. I have always had this issue even at 60 yr young, as a kid mom would say slow down and take my time. That worked great for awhile till it happened again and again and again. It's very embarrassing when proving my case on an issue before my superiors and others, now I find out it's an adhd issue! My question is if u have this problem like I do. How do i conquer this mountain on my terms

[DesertAl]

My ADHD education began after my diagnosis at 51.

You should begin to perceive your ADD behaviors, be kind to your self this is process and it is certainly not linear. I spent most my life frustrated that people spoke to slowly, I would fight adherence to social correctness and interrupt others with disdain frustrated by there ignorance. During conversations my internal narrative was, and still tends toward believing that the other being conversant “are idiots, they frustrated me, I hit a wall when I realized, that I had been operating in my own aberrant narrative when I engaged in conversation. Cognitive therapy will provide a place to address and begin mitigating you ADHD impacts.

[wtfadhd in reply to DesertAl]

Omg!! Very well said. Story of my life. DBT helped me with this particular issue. DBT is usually used for personality disorders, but it was extremely helpful for me to manage my adhd. Like you said CBT is also helpful for lots of people. DBT is a set of skills. Once ya have the tools - CBT makes alot more sense. Just my experience. Thanks for sharing!

[Muddpuddle]

My difficulty is that, in my job (I'm 51) I'm expected to know things. But I have an array of issues with the result being that if someone wanted to debate the best sitcom from the 90's (just as an example), even though I know my shit, my brain just goes blank. In the moment, I cannot even recall any sitcoms from the 90's. Nothing. I look like an idiot which makes things even worse. So yeah, I can relate. Wish I had a solution... Still working on that one.

[MCEP20]

Story of my life! I'm constantly asked to slow down when speaking. As a result, I often make a conscious effort to slow down when speaking; however, my thoughts don't care to oblige and race past so quickly that I miss them and then draw blanks in the middle of my conversation. Then I look like an idiot even though I'm usually quite versed on the subject. Sigh. Still trying to figure out that conundrum.