Stress

This is a big topic. I have finally learned for myself that stress can kill you. It can also ruin the life you live beyond your own imagination.

I have been living with a hidden stress all my life because I did not know who I was and why I reacted the way I did. It was my daughter who pointed out gently that she thought I might have ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). I started watching Instagram videos about ADHD and quickly agreed. But as I watched more of them and read about the condition, I realized that I had had it since I was quite young. Discovering it at 71 was startling and really made me angry. Had I known this years ago, I would have been able to do something about it.

It was not until I had it confirmed by a professional that I started to make some decisions about my work. It was so obvious that I could not function in my position. It wasn’t built for a person with ADHD, so I obviously wasn’t built for it either.  The stress of trying so hard was incredible. I finally retired and over the course of the last few months, my blood pressure has gone way down, my blood sugar is under control and my general health is so much better. I had an inner eye bleed, which has now healed. Stress would have killed me if I had stayed.

I see so many people who are stuck in jobs or relationships that they hate, and the stress is literally killing them, but they don’t perceive it.  If the changes you want to make will reduce your stress, make them. As soon as possible. Easier said than done, I hear you saying. However, you can get help. Search for ways to make the changes happen. Be brave.