topic Re: Intro in Welcome and orientation

Intro

Guest_82801247 — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:19:58 GMT

So... hi. I'm Alysia (not my actual name lol). I feel like I most likely have ADHD, and maybe a little Autism as well. I also might be depressed, but seeing the situations that other are in, I feel that I am not allowed to be. And that's me, essentially.

Re: Intro

melodica — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:31:17 GMT

Hello and welcome to the forums. This is a great place for support, and you can be yourself here. You don't have to pretend everything is fine or mask your possible ADHD. It is a welcoming space.

Re: Intro

therising — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 20:31:31 GMT

Hi Alysia

While it can cost quite a bit to gain an official diagnosis of ADHD and/or autism, it doesn't cost anything to simply wonder 'How do people with certain traits of ADHD, autism or AuDHD (a combo) develop particular skills? How do they develop a level of self understanding that helps them manage certain things in life?'. I think it also doesn't hurt to wonder 'How do I tick naturally, while I struggle with a processor (brain) and particular types of chemistry that work in certain ways that can create great challenge at times?'. In the lead up to gaining an official diagnosis, if that's your goal, it doesn't hurt to simply wonder. In fact, it can be quite productive and inspiring.

While depression is not unusual for those who struggle with ADHD and/or autism, I think it pays to ask 'Why?'. By asking why it can be somewhat common to a degree, we can reach the realisation 'I'm not 'broken', I'm experiencing some challenges that can have some depressing or potentially depressing side effects'. As a mum to a 23yo daughter diagnosed with ADHD and a 20yo son diagnosed with level 1 autism, I'll offer a handful of challenges my kids struggle with at times. Btw, neither one of my kids face clinical depression.

Heightened sensitivity can be challenging when you're able to feel so much and feel so deeply at times. There's an art to how to feel or how to manage being a 'feeler' or a 'sensitive'. Feeling/sensing is an ability that can feel more like a curse if it's not managed strategically. Finding others who feel/sense in similar ways can be a relief
Inner dialogue can also be incredibly challenging at times and it can definitely become depressing if not managed strategically
A lack of the right kind of support and guidance can absolutely make things more challenging and lonely
A lack of really solid structure or routine that regularly includes time to achieve certain things can mean a sense of achievement isn't experienced or felt. A regular lack of achievement definitely has a feel to it
An environment like school or work that isn't designed to support people's strengths/abilities but is more so geared toward what they struggle with the most can be problematic and potentially depressing and/or anxiety inducing. Sometimes people make the mistake of questioning themself, as opposed to questioning highly questionable environmental influences

and the list goes on. Of course, there are also chemical influences too. Dopamine, serotonin and other chemical processes within us mean we can function or experience some degree of dysfunction on a physical level.

While we can be grateful for a good life or a life that is free from serious trauma, this doesn't mean we don't feel what can become depressing in our life. If we are a 'feeler' we will feel the depressing elements, whether they be physical/chemical, mental or natural or a combination.❤️

Re: Intro

Happylife — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:56:24 GMT

Hello Alysia,

A warm welcome to the forums. Thank you for sharing the challenges that you are going through.

You are absolutely entitled to feel the way you do (feeling depressed etc.) There is no ranking for everyone's individual situations or circumstances. No mental health challenge is big or small or better or worse. Each person copes in a different way.

This is a safe and non-judgemental place, so please feel free to chat if you feel like doing so, no pressure.

Here to listen and support you always...

Take care

Happylife

Re: Intro

CSB1968 — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 02:22:20 GMT

Hi there,

Well not knowing your age; and that is an important aspect as the brain is still developing into, I believe the twenties (don't quote me on that but!).

The first and most important thing to do I go to your doctor and have a chat. Whenever I knew something was up with me, I went to see my doctor, that was July 2024 and from there my journey has been from depression and anxiety to major depression then the hell that is psychotic depression (major depression disorder & psychosis).

That's my advice, speak to your doc.

Good luck.