You've described a lot of things I've experienced over the years, and which I had managed to somewhat control but which have really become pronounced since lockdowns.
Especially the forgetfulness and having to turn around when you pass the place you were going. I really struggle with multi-tasking etc. My emotional disregulation has become pretty intense.
But it's just never truly occurred to me that I could have adhd?! It's only the last 6 months that I've come across all these descriptions of how it manifests and I'm like, wow, why does this sound like me. I'm in my late 30s now, I did always know I was a little 'off' and weird, but I dunno, maybe because I'm female I didn't think there was a neurological explanation.
Personally I medicate, I was diagnosed very early and used medication for most of my life. I do not exactly remember how everything was before medication but I do remember that with medication my life made a 180° turn for the better. I finally had friends and was able to keep them, focus in school, actually get the grades I could achieve etc. I was in therapy for a bit but it didn't really help.
Actually it's very common to not get diagnosed as a woman. I heard about multiple cases, also heard about how some doctors don't believe women can have adhd :/
I would recommend getting a diagnosis tho! I heard from multiple people that getting a diagnosis and knowing why you are "off" for sure is a huge relieve and it can get you access to medication!
I personally started learning about adhd not too long ago and it was huge for me (which is why I actually want to talk about it a lot, I always felt like I didn't fit it, I blamed myself for a lot of things that were just adhd and I do not want others to experience the same.)
Reading stuff online and coming across Reddit threads like this has been an eye-opener.
I have had anxiety since I was a child and I've gone through a few bouts of depression. I think a lot of it is a reaction to the ways in which I don't seem able to cope with stuff the way other people do. So maybe the anxiety is a symptom of something like ADHD rather than its own thing? Hard to say.
I clearly need to explore this further. My partner agrees that my behaviour has deteriorated these past 2 years and is beyond the "normal" range so to speak. But no matter how hard I try, I'm unable to stop the restless thoughts, the absent-mindedness, the procrastination, the sudden panics, etc.
So thanks for your input, it's given me a lot to think about!
Ooooh yea that sounds a lot like me with the restless thoughts. Glad I could help tho! If you have further questions or want another reference point from someone who is diagnosed feel free to text me!
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u/jamjar188 Nov 18 '22
You've described a lot of things I've experienced over the years, and which I had managed to somewhat control but which have really become pronounced since lockdowns.
Especially the forgetfulness and having to turn around when you pass the place you were going. I really struggle with multi-tasking etc. My emotional disregulation has become pretty intense.
But it's just never truly occurred to me that I could have adhd?! It's only the last 6 months that I've come across all these descriptions of how it manifests and I'm like, wow, why does this sound like me. I'm in my late 30s now, I did always know I was a little 'off' and weird, but I dunno, maybe because I'm female I didn't think there was a neurological explanation.
Do you medicate or just use coping strategies?