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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Calling all those with experience of adult ADHD

98 replies

HashtagSexy · 29/01/2022 10:43

AIBU to tell my husband that he can sort some things out for himself??

For the last six months he's been complaining every time that I ask him/remind him of something he needs to do (or that we need to do together) that he doesn't have a list and can't organise all these things. I set up chores on Alexa. Apparently that's not helpful. I downloaded an app that sends alerts and lets people know when tasks have been completed. That also was not helpful because it wasn't something he was interested in interacting with. I put whiteboards on the fridge and freezer and wrote things that needed doing on them. Not helpful. He wanted his own whiteboard with his own way of organising stuff. He wanted to put it on our bedroom door. I said OK. He ordered the whiteboard. And then it sat in its packaging for months. Today I reminded him again that a shelf needed to go up in the kitchen. Once again he bemoaned the lack of list for himself and I pointed out that he had the whiteboard but had failed to put it up and use it. He immediately blamed me, saying I had not explicitly told him to hang it on our door!

I told him that's unfair and he can't expect me to manage his whole life and his every move, nor can he expect me to know how he is feeling or what he is thinking. I said that all the other ways I'd tried to help manage this were perfectly adequate, he just didn't want to do it. He told me I'm being unsupportive.

AIBU? He's my husband, not a project, and I am not a project manager! He has so many tools to help support himself outside of all the support I actually do give. I think he's being a lazy arse and wants me to handle everything!

OP posts:
Herja · 29/01/2022 12:13

My ExH has ADHD. He made the same claims but has been entirely able to manage family life for his share of the time (40%) since we split. I do have to take charge of school, consultant, dentists (the thibgs that HAVE to happen), but he has been excellent with clubs, homework and general life.

mynamesnotMa · 29/01/2022 12:15

Yes exactly not just mine many you don't tare everyone with the same brush. hth.

ADHDkillingme · 29/01/2022 12:17

All the lists and reminders in the world don’t fix executive function.

mynamesnotMa · 29/01/2022 12:19

12:13BitcherOfBlakiven wtf does that mean. Oh so because I'm organised everyone that isn't is going to feel terrible. Grow up.

crosbystillsandmash · 29/01/2022 12:19

@mynamesnotMa

Yes exactly not just mine many you don't tare everyone with the same brush. hth.
Sorry but this sentence makes no sense but I think I get what you're saying. You've offended me and another poster has commented on your post too. I don't think your contribution has exactly helped anyone, you're just coming across as patronising and narrow minded. I find it astonishing that someone with adhd could be so unkind about others with the same condition, your original post was utterly pointless.
chocolateorangeinhaler · 29/01/2022 12:22

I'm more and more convinced I have undiagnosed adhd. It's reared it's ugly head since I started studying for a degree a year ago.
I've missed assignment deadlines, messed up at work. Tried to run the house and am failing and it looks like a bomb site most of the time. Christmas just gone finished me. My brain just said a firm NO to anything else. I would stand in the shower and cry floods of tears as I'd had enough of all the demands on me that I just couldn't organise.
I got help in the form of antidepressants and speaking honestly to my employer and uni. I'm still waiting for an assessment. I suspect I'm just one of them that's highly functioning most of the time.

I do think that with adhd or any other condition for that matter the individual has to take responsibility for finding solutions to overcome it. It's not an excuse for avoiding things.

BitcherOfBlakiven · 29/01/2022 12:24

@crosbystillsandmash the ableism from fellow women with ADHD is fucking astounding at times.

mynamesnotMa · 29/01/2022 12:24

The op wanted opinions that's my experience you don't have to be so narrow minded and patronising yourself.
Just because my process isn't yours it does not make it wrong. You contradict yourself. The deficits you refer too aren't the same with everyone. Nor does trying to infer weaknesses that can't be turned into skills.
Instead of attacking me then reflect on why you felt that you want to focus on the negatives. It isn't the same for everyone.

BitcherOfBlakiven · 29/01/2022 12:25

@mynamesnotMa

The op wanted opinions that's my experience you don't have to be so narrow minded and patronising yourself. Just because my process isn't yours it does not make it wrong. You contradict yourself. The deficits you refer too aren't the same with everyone. Nor does trying to infer weaknesses that can't be turned into skills. Instead of attacking me then reflect on why you felt that you want to focus on the negatives. It isn't the same for everyone.
In your first post you said ADHD wasn’t an excuse for him. That shows you have little understanding of how differently it presents in others.

ADHD and executive dysfunction and PDA elements are very common, are a valid REASON.

AlexaShutUp · 29/01/2022 12:27

[quote Seaography]@AlexaShutUp I found Order from Chaos and The Drummer and the Great Mountain both useful books helpful for ADHD strategies.[/quote]
Thank you. I will investigate.

VioletLemon · 29/01/2022 12:27

Has your DH asked you to get involved to this extent. It sounds like he is expressing that the prop, supports you think are helpful are actually overloading him. All of these things around the home environment might be a source of distraction and cause more difficulties. I'd get rid of all these things. He is telling you he has an idea of how to do things in his own way so it might help your stress levels if you just see how that goes. Other helpful accommodations might be having the area he is going to use as an organisation spot be as clutter free as possible. If it doesn't work his way then you'll have every right to give him a big push!

crosbystillsandmash · 29/01/2022 12:27

@mynamesnotMa

The op wanted opinions that's my experience you don't have to be so narrow minded and patronising yourself. Just because my process isn't yours it does not make it wrong. You contradict yourself. The deficits you refer too aren't the same with everyone. Nor does trying to infer weaknesses that can't be turned into skills. Instead of attacking me then reflect on why you felt that you want to focus on the negatives. It isn't the same for everyone.
I'm not attacking anyone. I'm just offended by your narrow minded and unhelpful comment. I'm staggered that you'd make such a comment about such a complex condition, that presents so differently in people.

I'm not the only one, others are offended by you too.

crosbystillsandmash · 29/01/2022 12:29

@chocolateorangeinhaler

I'm more and more convinced I have undiagnosed adhd. It's reared it's ugly head since I started studying for a degree a year ago. I've missed assignment deadlines, messed up at work. Tried to run the house and am failing and it looks like a bomb site most of the time. Christmas just gone finished me. My brain just said a firm NO to anything else. I would stand in the shower and cry floods of tears as I'd had enough of all the demands on me that I just couldn't organise. I got help in the form of antidepressants and speaking honestly to my employer and uni. I'm still waiting for an assessment. I suspect I'm just one of them that's highly functioning most of the time.

I do think that with adhd or any other condition for that matter the individual has to take responsibility for finding solutions to overcome it. It's not an excuse for avoiding things.

Have you ever filled any of the online adhd assessments? They were a turning point for dh and the start of us seeking a diagnosis. He's now medicated and doing really well, it's been life changing.
Sweetandsaltycaroline · 29/01/2022 12:31

I suspect my DH has ADHD. We've been together 20 years and i feel guilty (if he does have ADHD - he was quite non plussed when I suggested looking into it) saying its unbelievably exhausting to be the only one in the partnership who can organise, plan, think ahead, respond to emails (work and home) arrange everything to do with the kids

mynamesnotMa · 29/01/2022 12:32

I shared MY experience. Read it again.
Last time I looked this is a public forum where we share our uncensored truth. Sorry if I don't fit your narrative. Save your faux outrage.

Porcupineintherough · 29/01/2022 12:35

@AlexaShutUp you dont have to answer (obviously) but could you explain a bit more? I dont understand how something like a list or app doesnt help (and it's my lack of understanding, not a criticism of you). Is it because you forget to fill it in, or dont check it, or because it's still difficult to prioritize, or because the motivation required to do stuff is still missing? I'm trying to support a relative and its difficult because I clearly dont understand what the problem actually is.

BitcherOfBlakiven · 29/01/2022 12:35

@mynamesnotMa

I shared MY experience. Read it again. Last time I looked this is a public forum where we share our uncensored truth. Sorry if I don't fit your narrative. Save your faux outrage.
Your truth isn’t everyone’s truth and not all of us can become Mari Kondo once on meds. You stated it wasn’t an excuse. That’s what’s pissed people off.
Ponoka7 · 29/01/2022 12:36

Can you answer if he works and did he manage at mainstream school/college, how was he parented etc. Most of the men on her are piss takers. They may need some support, my adult DD, who did cope in mainstream, was medicated from a child etc, certainly has needed support, but not micromanaging like this. I know each additional need presents differently, I've got a lot of experience with SN and child protection (a lot of newly single parents who have SN/AD come into the service and are taught strategies that allow them to run a house/children but they have to put the work in themselves) , but I don't see the total helplessness in RL that is described on here.

Ponoka7 · 29/01/2022 12:37

@BitcherOfBlakiven, at the same time single parents who have ADHD aren't losing their children in droves. The OPs DH is saying that he can't function independently, in any area, that's bullshit.

Ponoka7 · 29/01/2022 12:38

That should have been 'my DD who didn't manage in mainstream school'

mynamesnotMa · 29/01/2022 12:40

Yes I have every right to be irritated by those who talk about it as a disability it isn't the same for everyone. I don't give two fustoons about how many people agree with you...what a childish way to make your point.
I gave my opinion to the op. If this was a question about terrible is adhd I'd refrain from answering but don't tell me how to think.
If I didn't have adhd I would not be able to do all I have done in my life. We have many skills and talents so take you and your pity party and stick it up your hole.

AlexaShutUp · 29/01/2022 12:44

[quote Porcupineintherough]@AlexaShutUp you dont have to answer (obviously) but could you explain a bit more? I dont understand how something like a list or app doesnt help (and it's my lack of understanding, not a criticism of you). Is it because you forget to fill it in, or dont check it, or because it's still difficult to prioritize, or because the motivation required to do stuff is still missing? I'm trying to support a relative and its difficult because I clearly dont understand what the problem actually is.[/quote]
A mixture of all of those tbh. I struggle to understand it myself tbh.

I have spent a fortune over the years on all manner of productivity tools, from lists and planners to apps and timers etc. Some of them help a bit but I am unable to use any of them effectively for a sustained period.

Sometimes it is because I forget to check them. Sometimes I forget to fill them in. More often than not, though, it is because for whatever reason I find it immensely difficult to just get started on a task. If I manage to get started at all (usually by promising myself to just do it for 5 mins, but that doesn't always work) then sometimes I can manage to carry on. It is much, much harder to get started to get started at all if I feel overwhelmed with how much I have to do - it is like stress sends my symptoms into overdrive.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not completely useless and I do do plenty of "adulting". I am the main breadwinner and hold down a demanding job (which I'm really struggling with at the moment), have managed to raise a happy and thriving teenager and carry a fair bit of the mental load at home. I keep stuff going, just. Only those closest to me realise what a monumental struggle my daily life is. I wish I knew why my brain will not do what I want it to do. My life would be so much easier.

I should add that I am currently awaiting diagnosis so not medicated yet. I have no doubt though that I have adhd.

parrotonmyshoulder · 29/01/2022 12:47

I have ADHD and its effects are so varied. Sometimes I need dh to give me tasks because I just can’t work out what to do. But I ask him to and this works. I am very demand avoidant sometimes, especially at work.
I am able to operate as executive functioner for my children, and can organise them, but not for myself it seems.
There is a lot of give and take in our house.

ADHDkillingme · 29/01/2022 12:49

Urgh I wrote a reply to @Porcupineintherough and it’s not posted! I know it wasn’t me you tagged but I’m giving my thoughts anyway.

It’s executive function. The part of our brain that makes you go and do what you need or want to do doesn’t work. So Alexa reminding you to do something doesn’t fix that. That’s why ADHD looks so much like laziness.

BeQuietBrenda · 29/01/2022 12:50

@mynamesnotMa you are very aggressive and your contributions to this discussion have not at all been helpful, your initial comments came across as sneery and judgemental of anyone with ADHD who isn't super organised. Regardless of your intent, that's how it read.

If it were just me, I wouldn't have replied to you as I would assume I had misinterpreted your tone, but as several people have now pulled you up on it I'd say you need to understand just how judgemental your initial comments were and how unhelpful that is for those of us with ADHD who struggle to be anywhere near organised.