I have a poor attitude to my health- any advice?

[SlipperyFish11]

I feel like I really need a wake up call with regards to my health. The problem is I've just never really cared about myself. I don't know how to make myself care?

Background info : I'm mid 30s and diagnosed autistic and ADHD. I also have chronic pain and have since being a child, but I don't know why. I've been obese since 2020 which has made the pain situation worse. I'm also a single parent of 3.

I feel awful daily but because I have ADHD I find simple tasks like remembering to feed myself/ drink difficult. I forget painkillers. I forget to brush my teeth so I've got dental problems. I can know I might need a drink because I've got a headache, but just can't face the drinking enough so instead I'll just have a painkiller. This fatigue and awful feeling every day isn't even enough to motivate me into helping myself. I want to shake myself and say "why don't you care?". I try thinking about my kids and what they'd do if I died suddenly but I just can't get out of the rut of my bad habits.

Has anyone been in this position that could offer advice please? I'm already on antidepressants but 20mg fluoxetine so not a lot.

There's a neurodiverse mumsnetters thread that may be worth posting there.

It's not uncommon with ADHd to find routine hard. And with autism I understand a symptom can be neglect of self care, I'm not sure why, it may be lack of interocpetion (awareness of body internally).

There are definitely strategies and tips you can do (I have ADHD) but the key is not to over whelm yourself and just make small changes bit by bit to tackle one thing at a time. Things like using an Alexa for reminders and routines (for example), there are chore charts on Amazon (for kids but I have one for my morning and evening routines). A chat with the GP and a blood test is good idea if you have fatigue. Drinking more water is actually a really good place to start as it's one thing that does make a big difference quickly. I have a large water bottle around my house that I carry round all day. It's a good visual reminder to drink.