I wanted to take a second and say thank you to everyone in my life who is supporting me as I explore an adult ADHD diagnosis. I’ve spent so long exhausted, beating myself up, and being stuck because I didn’t recognize what the problem was. The more research I do, the more I realize that what I thought was depression was at least partly ADHD. I’ve been on this journey silently for a couple of months now and have only recently began to explore it. I’ve written about my suspicions vaguely but I had a lengthy, detailed conversation about it with those closest to me over the last couple of days.

I’ve been reading everything I can find on adult ADHD and talking to some of my closest friends who are also diagnosed. I feel I have the inattentive form and frankly, am probably the poster child for it.

We’re undertaking all the interior work in my house currently, beginning with the front room. I’ve been breaking everything down into smaller tasks. I can’t explain the difference that makes for me.

Because of this approach, I’m no longer overwhelmed by it and the very clear steps I need to take are in place so I don’t go off task, get distracted, or become overwhelmed and shutdown. I’m emotional as I’m writing this because I’m realizing how frustrating I have probably been. I know I’ve been frustrating to those around me because I can’t seem to get things done. I have been very, very frustrated with myself.

Adjusting my approach to everyday tasks seems to be making a world of difference and I’m so grateful for the love, patience, and support I’m getting.

I don’t look at ADHD as an excuse for being scattered, disorganized, and unproductive, but rather a reason. I can’t address something if I don’t know what’s going on. I can make little changes in my daily life to help me better navigate everything and be more productive. Knowing what the problem is helps the people in my life have a better understanding of why I am the way I am and also helps them find ways to work with it.

I see my doctor in a couple of weeks to talk about everything but until then, I’m going to operate as though I have the diagnosis and address it with lifestyle changes. I know I have it and I don’t need a diagnosis to feel better but I do need one for meds.

I’m finding peace and calm in better understanding myself and how I tick. I’ve spent so much time worried about everyone else and helping my kids that I didn’t recognize how much I was really struggling. I’m feeling optimistic about my life improving and being able to better support my loved ones because I’m supporting myself. I don’t know if that makes sense but it does in my head so I’m going with it.

Thank you all so much for sharing your stories and experience. It’s helped me to chart a path forward. I’ll be sharing more about this journey as I go because I hope to help others who may be experiencing g the same thing.