ADHD confirmed, now what?

[Maladicta]

Hi everyone,

I had a private assessment for ADHD this afternoon and have been told I definitely meet the criteria for primarily inattentive with some hyperactive traits.

I'm really not sure what to feel. The dr asked me about my reactions to the examples we talked about while completing the Diva and if I felt it had materially affected me or just a little. Tbh I feel numb. I can see all the way through my 49 years of life how this has impacted on so many aspects. It makes so much sense.

At the moment I'm signed off due to stress and high anxiety, caused directly by the impact of the ADHD on my ability to undertake and complete the admin and organisational parts of my job - I teach in a special school. I have some CBT sessions starting soon which will hopefully help my manage my reactions to things but it all just feels too much atm.

Is there anything any of you did or read or could suggest to help make sense of how to process a new diagnosis and how you moved forward.

Thanks so much!

Have you been offered any medication? This is the thing which will make the most difference with adhd. CBT is of limited benefit because it can't alter the way the brain wiring works.

The consultant said starting meds while my anxiety is so high could be counter-productive so should try to lower that first. If I can't, he is willing to try different ones to the usual first ones.

Well I read lots if articles, followed lots of Instagram accounts etc and that helped me realise and recognised all the ways it was impacting me.

I could then start writing down all the things I have issues with, and begin to think if what I needed to help make those areas better.

I presented a few things to my boss and explained any changes / help that would be beneficial and work. which made things a lot easier. and then the same with my partner..

started outsourcing everything I could too, such as cleaning, dog care, easy cook meal delivery etc and it's been a lot better.

Congratulations! I prefer the term ADHDifference.

Follow Joe James the autistic photographer (he's also ADHDifferent) on Facebook.

Ask if they can prescribe an SSRI to take the heat out of the anxiety.