Current example: I’m tidying my home for a sleepover guest and my dining table has all of the hand tools from the garage and wherever else I had tucked them away. I’m cleaning them, removing rust, oiling them to prevent future rusting, and organizing them. They weren’t on the table two days ago, but IT HAD TO BE DONE.
I feel driven to put off one thing that must be done–has to be done–in favor of something that has zero urgency at all.
I know that’s a thing, so if you do that too, let’s share.
I think it’s helpful because the more I learn about what I have in common with other ADHDers, the more patience I give myself. I’d like others to learn to give themselves a break too.
Anxiety and/or depression goes hand in hand with ADHD. I’ve had chronic depression since I was a kid. Wasn’t diagnosed until I was an adult seeking my own treatment and wasn’t dignosed with ADHD until late middle age. It sounds dystopian to suggest even a rudimentary checking in for everybody to screen for neurodivergence and mood disorders in high school, but we get screened for scoliosis and vision already, at least where I am. I’m not saying diagnosis should be done by any school-visiting medical group, but recommendations for further testing if a possibilty is there–all under HIPAA for privacy of course (if you aren’t in the US, it’s a law prohibiting medical personnel from disclosing private medical history).
Anyway, I think earlier diagnosis would’ve helped us all.
@blueskiesoc: Wow, I really feel you. I’m just getting used to it and being kind to myself. Warm hug.