My ADHD Story

#ADHDstory

I was diagnosed with ADHD in September 2023 at the age of 52, after a social worker asked if I might have it based on some issues husband and I were having.

In looking into this, there is so much that makes sense. How often I would look back at things I did, even years ago, and kick myself for perceived mistakes I made... being scattered when it came to cleaning and tidying... the "doom piles" in various rooms... getting stuck when trying to get started on a project... how effective I am when things are in a crisis.... how socially awkward I am, and why professional networking was so uncomfortable for me... how hard it has been to maintain friendships... how forgetful I am.... it goes on and on.

In the time since I started looking into this, I've gone through the grief cycle, feeling sad that this is something that's "wrong" with me (even though it's not a defect), angry that it took this long to figure it out. 

Medications are proving to be a challenge. I've been on three different stimulants that didn't work (apparently they can make anxiety way worse than it is already), and am on a non-stimulant that doesn't seem to be doing a lot. My family doc has been really supportive. I've also seen an ADHD therapist, which has been helpful where understanding the condition and work-arounds and tools are concerned. I also read the ADDitude website/magazine a lot.

There is still so much to figure out and learn how to work with, but I'm getting there. And husband and daughter are learning along with me. <3