Coping with ADHD?

[Isla248]

Hi 🙋🏻‍♀️

After lots of counselling, I was advised that I could have ADHD and that it’s missed in girls at a young age. I was top of my class and have established a good career but after my first child, getting through life has definitely not been easy.

I struggle to concentrate most times and have the tendency to hyper focus on things - almost like an obsession!

I’ve also learnt that lots of symptoms of ADHD in women is misdiagnosed as depression or anxiety. After being a mental practitioner myself, I never thought that I could be diagnosed with this.

Does anyone have any tips, experiences/ worries to share? It might be a stretch.

Hi I’m currently going through the diagnoses process at 28! Like you I was very clever at school, managed to get a degree etc but my life is still a shit show. Zero motivation and it has definitely been blamed on depression/anxiety in the past

@YerAWizardHarry

Hi I’m currently going through the diagnoses process at 28! Like you I was very clever at school, managed to get a degree etc but my life is still a shit show. Zero motivation and it has definitely been blamed on depression/anxiety in the past

Wow! How did you feel when you first heard about it? It’s so tough and I haven’t yet seen the psychiatrist to get it formally diagnosed but after counselling with a psychologist and reading into it, it makes so much sense. I kinda feel relieved too because I was starting to doubt myself. So many great podcasts too that has helped me. I’m 31 and should have confirmation in the next month.

I used to get very angry with myself for failing to focus. Knowing it's not just laziness helps me be a little kinder.
I break things down into small tasks, write everything down, keep checking back to my lists, and sometimes user a timer - if I can focus for 5 minutes or whatever then I take a break (use the timer for the break too!)

And it's got easier for me at work as my job has changed. I used to have a few big tasks but now I have (way too many) small tasks and spend a lot of time talking to people - I actually find that easier as I often don't have time to get distracted before I'm already moving onto the next thing.

I was diagnosed this year and honestly I cope with it by giving myself a break. Spent years beating my self up about how I was and never knew why. Now I know, I just tell myself that I can't help it . I find reducing the pressure on myself helps me to actually be more productive.

I've found a wee bit of exercise in the morning has mad a huge difference to me being able to prioritise what I need to do. I can't explain it but it feels like I go onto "normal" person autopilot. When I don't do exercise I really notice the difference as do those around me 😂

@buddhasbelly

I've found a wee bit of exercise in the morning has mad a huge difference to me being able to prioritise what I need to do. I can't explain it but it feels like I go onto "normal" person autopilot. When I don't do exercise I really notice the difference as do those around me 😂

That sounds interesting! I’ll try that!

@romdowa

I was diagnosed this year and honestly I cope with it by giving myself a break. Spent years beating my self up about how I was and never knew why. Now I know, I just tell myself that I can't help it . I find reducing the pressure on myself helps me to actually be more productive.

I totally feel you! I was in that mode and I feel better knowing it’s not because I’m not capable. I also see the correlation between pressure and productivity. Sometimes it pushes me to get things done and other times, it’s creates a kind-block, where I can’t function.

@tobypercy

I used to get very angry with myself for failing to focus. Knowing it's not just laziness helps me be a little kinder. I break things down into small tasks, write everything down, keep checking back to my lists, and sometimes user a timer - if I can focus for 5 minutes or whatever then I take a break (use the timer for the break too!)

And it's got easier for me at work as my job has changed. I used to have a few big tasks but now I have (way too many) small tasks and spend a lot of time talking to people - I actually find that easier as I often don't have time to get distracted before I'm already moving onto the next thing.

I have a smart watch and the most important feature I use it for is the timer 😂 it keeps me focused and it’s a great technique. Until I shut down and daydream for the rest of the day!

How were you diagnosed? My dd suspects she may have ADHD but I’m not sure how to go about getting a diagnosis - she is 21.

@supermodel my GP was my first contact point. We went through a questionnaire and he had a long chat, he then sent me away to basically write a massive list of all the reasons I felt pointed towards me having ADHD and he compiled a referral to the hospital, including links to my previous mental health issues etc as well

I was diagnosed with autism aged 40 but I wonder about ADHD too. I would have to go back via my GP and we don't have an adult ADHD pathway in my area so no idea if I could even get diagnosed.

@supermodel I am still in the process of getting diagnosed. My Psychologist sent a referral to my GP and after a questionnaire with the GP have been referred for an assessment with the psychiatrist. You can do it privately and it’s about £650. Rip off but about a two week wait compared to the NHS.

I was diagnosed at 34. Always successful and did reasonably well at school, got a degree and a masters, but when I had DS all my coping strategies failed and I totally fell apart.

My recommendation is take the drugs . The first time I took Concerta is was mind blowing. My mind was quiet for the first time in my life. I don't even need to take them every day - just enough to get organized and keep on top of things. I feel like I found an hour within every hour.