Grief + ADHD has made my energy so unpredictable. One minute I’m singing, cleaning and feeling like myself again… the next my brain is just DONE. 🫠 Please tell me I’m not the only one living life in 20-minute bursts.

7/25 Edited to

... Read moreLiving with both grief and ADHD can feel like riding a rollercoaster of energy and emotions. From my experience, one of the hardest parts is the unpredictability—just when you think you’re on a roll, suddenly your brain decides it’s time to shut down. This sensation of shifting between high-energy bursts and complete mental fatigue can be incredibly frustrating. What I've found helpful is embracing the idea of working in small, manageable sessions, often referred to as '20-minute bursts.' Instead of trying to push through exhaustion, I give myself permission to rest or switch activities when my energy dips. This aligns well with ADHD's tendency to hyperfocus briefly and then lose steam. Also, I've noticed that acknowledging the role of grief in my energy fluctuations is crucial. Grief can amplify emotional stress and drain energy unexpectedly, making ADHD symptoms feel more intense. When I feel overwhelmed, I practice mindfulness and grounding techniques to bring myself back to the present moment. The image from the OCR saying "ADHD said WE'RE DOING EVERYTHING TODAY" really resonates. It captures that impulsive surge of motivation ADHD can bring, which often leads to a sudden crash afterward, as the next image states, "ADHD changed her mind." Accepting this ebb and flow helped me avoid self-criticism and develop a gentler approach to my productivity. Incorporating regular breaks, prioritizing self-care, and setting realistic expectations have allowed me to better manage the chaos of grief plus ADHD. For anyone experiencing similar challenges, know that you're not alone—many of us are figuring it out one short burst at a time.