not just anxiety

[Patcher86]

I'm 51 years old, work in education, and know I'm ADHD. I have been an underachiever with avoidance habits that I'm tired of utilizing. I just want to feel like I'm utilizing my capabilities and not letting fear hold me back. I spoke with a psychiatrist yesterday and he believes my problems are rooted in anxiety. I believe my ADHD is at the root of my anxiety and depressive tendencies. I did schedule time with a therapist and I plan to address my ADHD through that. I need to be hopeful that there is a solution for me.

[JW621]

Sounds like myself.

[Patcher86 in reply to JW621]

Ive always tried to handle it myself, so I waited until now to try and get diagnosed. One televisit with a psychiatrist so far and a counseling appointment Friday. He said it was most likely “situational anxiety”. I know better but didn’t have time to argue. I’ll work on it with a counselor.

[FearIsALiar in reply to JW621]

Sounds like me too

[RCJH8610]

I taught 10 years before my ADHD diagnosis... prior to that I had been treated for anxiety and depression. As soon as I was put on a stimulant for my ADHD, my anxiety and depression was non existent and I have never felt so alive and just able to do it all. So definitely speak with your therapist about this or get a new psychiatrist that would be willing to investigate it more further.

[Patcher86 in reply to RCJH8610]

Thank you for the support. I will definitely push for more from my therapist.

[lodopo]

You are so hard on yourself. Can you learn to change your focus? Try and change your inner narrative to something loving, even if it doesn't feel right. Fight Back! You are not a flawed person at all. Do you experience rejection sensitivity dysmorphia? That can really distort your perception of yourself.

[Patcher86 in reply to lodopo]

That has definitely been a bog part of my struggles. I’m really good at helping others with improving their inner narrative, but often forget to listen to my own advice! Thanks for the reminder...💛

[lodopo in reply to Patcher86]

💜

[JW621]

I try not to dwell on thing a which brings my anxiety then leads to depression. Live for the moment !

[JW621]

We need coping skills. Our emotions are everywhere and sometimes when we overt think it brings those bad aspects of adhd characteristics.