New here - diagnosed at 46 and looking for people like me to speak with

[d_jemme]

Hi all! I am new to this forum. I was diagnosed with ADHD, inattentive type, at 46.

After my diagnosis, I went through a period of mourning as I looked back over some of the wreckage of my life prior to treatment - from education to career to relationships, ADHD "got in the way" of it all. And accompanying all of it was severe anxiety, along with depression caused by the chaos of my life.

Anyway - I have been working with an amazing therapist who has helped me get it together, as well as wonderful psychiatrist who prescribed Wellbutrin and a low dose of Adderall. These two medications have worked wonders for me. They've given me the ability to get unparalyzed and start addressing what wreckage I can (incidentally the Wellbutrin made for the quickest, easiest smoking cessation ever lol).

I just turned 49 and am in my senior year of college as a journalism student focused on American culture. I have a full scholarship, a 4.0 GPA, I'm happy (enough), and I've been able to pursue things that require focus that I never thought I could ever do. I have a daughter who faces the same challenges, and because I can now deal with my own life better, I'm able to be a better mom for her, too.

The one thing NEITHER of us have been able to address, however, is clutter and organization. I've been saving up money to hire a a cleaner/organizer who works specifically with people like me, and I'm writing an article about it. I am wondering if there are people here who share the "clutter" and "cleaning" challenges that I do, and whether you'd be willing to talk with me about them for a long-form journalism piece I am working on. Anonymously is perfectly fine.

If you are willing, please send me a direct message. My intent for this piece is 1000% compassionate and to create better understanding to the challenges we face, many of us in quiet, lonely shame. None of us deserve this.

[STRgirl]

I am 55, and my house is absolute chaos. I was just diagnosed ( via my own research ). Also someone who fell through the cracks for years. I am interested in sharing, but am going through the depression/exhaustion post diagnosis stage. We are still trying to figure out my meds and doses. If you are willing to be patient, give me a little time. My big adhd fault is “ blowing people off” . Thank goodness I know why now!

[d_jemme in reply to STRgirl]

Thanks for responding! I hope you get it figured your medication and dosages figured out soon! If you need some additional cleaning and organizing support, there's a *great* group on Facebook called the Neurodivergent Cleaning Crew and it's the most amazing, shame-free space - LOTS of us post our chaos messes, our before & after photos, and cleaning tips.

[ChuckMemphis]

dx at 51. Clutter and housekeeping always an issue, and made me feel “less than.” The dx has allowed me to be easier on myself.

[d_jemme]

Thank you to those responding! If you are willing to chat with me at any point please fill this out so I can start arranging times for it) - forms.gle/vH2neAxXusGGNEts9

[Distracted_Dad]

Organization is such a struggle! Over the years, I have found that it is essential for managing the chaotic symptoms of ADHD - the inside of your head is already a mess, if your environment is a mess, it definitely hurts. Having said that, I still have many challenges. Definitely willing to talk about it with you.

[d_jemme in reply to Distracted_Dad]

Thank you! I agree, the messy environment causes a LOT of grief. I get so overwhelmed I just wind up hiding from it. I've done all my organizer interviews, and right now i'm talking with medical professionals, and after that I'll be conducting interviews with my peers - so if you're still willing to talk about it and would add your best method of contact here, I'd be so grateful: healthunlocked.com/redirect...

[Linbeth]

Hi d_jemme,

I am also new to the group. I'm not sure I have great advice but I have moved several times and have downsized several times. Having fewer things helps a lot. I would say start with one small area. Do a quick sort of 3 piles--Yes, No and Maybe. Try to see that it's just stuff and stuff weighs you down. Once you have fewer items, you can label etc. It is surprising how little you really need. It may help to have someone with you to keep you company. Take breaks when you feel overwhelmed. I have problems with filing things, what to keep and such. Good luck! It's nice to know other people have the same problems I do.

Linbeth

[Myadhd]

Hi d_jemme. How are things going for you?

[LearninLife]

Hi Jemme,I'm new to this site, and see this is an older post, but I am struggling with organization as well. There are some good ideas about organization for neurodivergent people on the Tic Tok app, but I am also saving up for a cleaning consultant who has strategies for people with ADHD. I hope you were able to write your article, I'd love to hear about it!