Maybe its Adult adhd?

[Not_Batman]

So i’ve come to the realisation that i could have undiagnosed adult adhd.

Why?

well, i have been struggling with attention at work for a long time, was quite the hyperactive kid, i have over a dozen projects at home that i get 80% complete then give up, my office is a cluttered mess, my shed is even worse. Racing thoughts most of the day, anxiety, depression. Loads of hobbies that get started, and never finished.

After being told by family that i’m chaotic and most likely have adhd, i started taking steps to help correct it. I went to a doctor to get a referral, but the doctor didn't take me seriously and said i just lack discipline…i have questioned the credibility of the doctor, because of comments on another subject, but i digress.

Its going to be a costly process. What advice can anyone give to someone starting the journey?

i don't want this to be another thing on the list of unfinished things.

thanks

Not_Batman

[Eagle Ray]

Wow! So interesting Not_Batman!

I'm so glad you had an amazing and knowledgeable psychologist. I think masking can be exhausting and can certainly lead to emergent behaviours and tendencies. I have long suspected (in fact know really) that I most likely have both some level of autism and ADHD. When I used to work as an education assistant it was the kids with autism I felt a natural affinity with. They made complete sense to me and I definitely felt I was more like them than the neurotypical kids and the other teaching staff who were neurotypical.

So, anyway, I'm really happy for you that you have an explanation now and a new road ahead. It will be a journey of discovery and there will be real strengths in you that you can embrace. And maybe you really are batman 🤣 

All the very best!

ER

[Not_Batman]

Thanks ER, it's a bit of a shock, but a lot of things are making sense now. Why I do certain thing, and how I do them. How I present myself at home vs at work is vastly different. Why NT folks find it hard to understand me.

The advice I was given was to take of the mask and be me. Easier said than done, particularly when it has been a coping mechanism for many decades, but baby steps.

Not_Batman

[Eagle Ray]

Hi Not_Batman,

It's totally understandable that unmasking is not that easy to do. I think many people with neurodiverse traits that come from autism, and ADHD too, have spent a lifetime masking, so it is quite an odd feeling I think to just suddenly let that go. So, yes, baby steps sounds like a great way to go as I think it has to be a gradual process as you integrate the diagnosis and relax into being your true self, if that makes sense. I can relate in a way as I have had neurodiverse patterns all my life and spent most of my life thinking I was weird compared to most other people, felt self-conscious about it and did my best to mask. So it makes a lot of sense to me. Go gently and it will be a beautiful thing, gradually allowing yourself to be who you really are.

All the very best,

ER

[Not_Batman]

Hi all.

I disclosed my diagnosis to some close friends, and while they didn't say much, it seemed like they were supportive. Shocked, but supportive.

Telling anyone at work though is probably the most difficult. I'm not ready for that yet.

I got the diagnosis in March, and since then a lot has seemed to fall apart while a lot has fallen into place. I'm now taking the steps to help with the symptoms so that I can get on track and be more productive. Fingers crossed.

Not_Batman

[Not_Batman]

I like going to the doctor and not being taken seriously, or told that I should have grown out of it. What a way to treat mental health and neuro development.

I came for a referral as noted in my psychologists assessment and didn't expect the Spanish inquisition.

Just a sarcastic rant, but it shows the level of understanding and empathy from some medical professionals.