My ADHD Journey

I have been avoiding this subject because I was not ready to put into words how finding out I had ADHD at 70 changed my life. I retired recently and that really clarified for me how much ADHD affected me all my life and to learn to manage it and appreciate it.

Instagram posts brought the disorder to the attention of my daughter, who mentioned to me that she thought I might have it. I started searching for ADHD and quickly found I agreed with her. Like many people the title of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder seemed wildly wrong. Most think hyperactivity is physical, like the children who cannot seem to sit still. But in many adult cases it is hyperactivity of the brain. Once I realized that, I was a believer.

I am not at all physically active. In fact, it is difficult for me to stand up for very long. But my mind goes one hundred miles a minute, even when I sleep. Staying on point when talking to people is also difficult for me. I am interested in what they have to say, usually, but slow talkers are a challenge. I will jump in and finish sentences for them. How kind of me! This and interrupting have been a major challenge, but I am getting better.

I struggle to start things, especially if I am not interested in it. Doing chores like taking a load of clothes through the entire process of washing, drying, folding and putting them away, etc. This usually is a project of several days. However, if I am interested I can concentrate and am able to  plow through, staying up all hours.

I have always known I can see patterns in things other people could not. Realizing that is a superpower of ADHD was the first time I saw the upside. Now I recognize all kinds of things that I have benefited from, as well as my employers. But collecting plus sides is not useful when you are faced with a situation that does not fit your pluses and exaggerates your downsides. Now that I am retired this is no longer an issue. However, as I look for a volunteering opportunity, I am evaluating my strengths and taking into consideration what I cannot do. It is so freeing.

I wanted to talk about this so that anyone who is questioning whether they are also ADHD may feel comfortable enough to find out. I did meet online with a therapist, who was not able to diagnose me, but was able to confirm the tendencies I had did point to ADHD. I do not really need a diagnosis unless I am interested in medication. I am not. I am working through this myself with occasional reading material or video.

I would like to find a group to talk to about the issues, as they arise, because I think that would be immensely helpful.

If you think you may have ADHD or any other mental condition, I urge you to seek professional advice. It can change your life.