So many questions

[KittyMama14]

Hello,

I'm 26-- I am just learning about my ADHD diagnosis and I feel so alone. As a child, I was on an IEP for a learning disability, back when I was younger special education is not what it is like now. Anyways, my entire life I have been extremely impulsive, irrational, often angry, always having these dreams, ideas, goals, and ambitions, would attempt to start them, and then never finish them. Let's not forget, I can't focus on anything for more than 10 minutes at a time (no seriously 10 minutes max) my entire life I knew I was "different" but I didn't know that it was ADHD, I just thought that this is who I am and I have to accept it. I thought I was depressed because I would start things and not finish them, and then I would get upset with my lack of motivation and enthusiasm. When I started working in a school is when I noticed that maybe things weren’t so normal, my social interactions with other co-workers were sub-par and my performance was at times not great. I had mentioned it to my therapist, who has me taking so many medications for depression and anxiety, which I truly do not think I have. I don’t feel depressed. I just feel sad when I can’t accomplish things as fast as others can, I feel very hard on myself at times cause I wish I could do better.

I have started the process of neurological testing and seeing a neuro-psych to get a more clear vision and plan. I’m just really hoping to get some support from this group as I’m feeling alone navigating through all of this.

Best,

K

[notanotter]

Props to you for pursuing a diagnosis and help! It’s kind of exciting for you to see if things can be really different for you. We all are here on this journey. Hello!

[BatWoman87]

You can do it! You're taking the right steps!! 👏

[FoggyMindTales]

Hi there! This is my first time responding to a post. I never actually thought I would respond to anyone or write anything on here, like ever.

You are most definitely not alone! Our stories are so similar that it was touching to me because I often feel alone too.

The anger, irritability, setting goals but feeling like I'm never taking a step to achieve them or not going at the pace of others. It's crazy exhausting sometimes.

I received interesting advice from my therapist when I find myself stuck or mentally paralyzed. She told me to stop adding more to the list of what "needs to be done" or reminding myself of the goals I have not achieved yet for a minute and to scale back, look at what you HAVE DONE towards reaching that goal.

I find it very hard to "cut myself some slack" or give myself credit where it is due, but try to remember that you're doing the best that you can, and that is enough.

As for interaction, take this last bit with a grain of salt. I find myself the opposite of you, over-revealing, telling new people too much about myself or my life, and not receiving the validation I need. I'm learning the harsh truth that not everyone is (more or less) "worthy" of your unique self. So, if you identify someone who seems relatively rad, maybe confide in them about your diagnosis and a little more about your journey. Perhaps it could turn into a beautiful co-work friendship!

Sorry, this is so unreasonably long. As I said, I'm pretty over-revealing, lol

All the best,

S