My Introduction .......

[Fight4Wellness]

Hi everyone, I happened to stumble on this site while aimlessly searching around online in an attempt to ease my anxieties today. I work but struggle everyday with depression and anxiety in addition to having A.D.D. This has made my life difficult. Most of my mental issues I've had my whole life. Evidently mental illness runs in my family. My sisters have their struggles and my half brother has been Autistic for many years. I was first diagnosed with ADHD when I was 4 years old. However the treatment I needed was short lived. I was on medication for 5 years before I was taken off it without doctor approval a decision that was out of my control. I already had anxiety issues by this time, and depression would later set in. It was only a couple years ago that I realized that my ADD was still an issue, talked to my doctor and got back on medication. The issues are real but a lot of people don't seem to understand them. I didn't even understand as a kid. I just knew I wasn't normal like everyone else. Over the years I would also develop a food addiction in a negative response to my depression. Thanks for reading.

[mirai]

I relate to this a lot. I like this site because everyone here knows the reality of mental illness, they've seen it through their own eyes. There's such a widespread misunderstanding of mental illness in our society and that makes it so hard trying to navigate your life - nobody understanding that the weird or rude or negative parts of me aren't me, it's horribly isolating. But here, people understand. I've found talking with other people on this site to be pretty helpful and comforting and I've only been here like a week. Message me if you ever need someone to talk to.

[Fight4Wellness in reply to mirai]

Thanks for responding to me. I really appreciate it. I didn't realize that this was a UK site before I joined but thats ok tho. Its all the same either way. I know some just don't recognize western medicine.

[Imakook]

Hi Fight4! -

I was diagnosed with ADHD about a year ago, when I was about 60! I've had it all my life and now I see that it makes sense. I also take meds for it and Depression with a capital D. I thought only meds would help/cure me. Turns out that I need to start new habits. I guess I only have to change EVERYTHING! Lol...if I didn't laugh, I'd surely never stop crying. It took my husband actually eye-witnessing me in action to slightly get a clue about what ADHD is!

It's true, nobody but medical pros get it (and many times they don't, either). I am just starting to get better with a therapists help and the website C.H.A.D.D.

I've been arming myself with organization devices, etc. because my house is so out of control in 4 or 5 rooms. One thing at a time, in increments.

Also making sure everything I need is sitting by the front door before leaving the house, because I'm always late!

Speaking of which...I have to get ready my therapy appointment. I'm already going to be late!

Welcome & hugs! I, too am from US.