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Parents of adult children

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Does it get easier? ADHD?

51 replies

Changingforthisone66 · 07/04/2026 19:24

Changed my name for this because previous threads might be quite identifying. DS21, dropped out of uni. He couldn't manage himself at all in terms of getting up for lectures, laundry, cooking, managing finances etc. It was a huge eye opener and we felt like we'd failed as parents. He was diagnosed with depression but feels himself like something else is going on, possibly ADHD, and is exploring that along with counselling although I'd say the depression is still very much present. Anyway, he's now decided he wants to try again with university some distance from home. We don't want to stop him but don't see any changes on how he's living. He needs nagging to do laundry, tidy his belongings and even leave for work on time. It's exhausting. Does anyone have any positive tales of their child managing with increasing maturity and understanding of self? At the moment I can't imagine him living independently again without sinking further into massive debt and depression and feelings of failure.

OP posts:
CherryBarb · 15/05/2026 15:12

I am pleased my son is doing something he was already passionate about which helps him get up for lectures and do assignments. I think it is about harnessing enthusiasm and if that does not align with academic study then it is never going to happen. Imposter syndrome can also happen a lot because with adhd it is very all or nothing and you want to hit the ground running in everything you do; the inner self critic is there 24:7 so there is not point us echoing what is already going on in their heads. Diagnosis, meds, therapy, sleep hygiene, routine (much easier on meds), exercise (helps the depression and anxiety) and nutrition. Magnesium, zinc and p5p are particularly helpful for cognition and dopamine regulation. Me and my son takes Neurobalance by Igennus - it really helps (We take extra Magnesium too to help sleep). He went from being a night owl to a lark. ADHDers neeeeed dopamine regulation like their lives depend on it!!

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