Things I Didn’t Know Were ADHD 🤯
I still find new things all the time that I never realized were ADHD until I was diagnosed at 34.
-Leaving cabinets and drawers open every time I get in them.
-Letting things pile up, obsessing over it, but being too overwhelmed by the pile to deal with it.
-Always rushing. I’m forever in a hurry and always rushing everyone around me, even if I’m not late. No one is ever moving fast enough for me.
-Forgetting everything - I have very little memory of the past, and I can’t remember things day to day. I forget where I put things, what I was doing, what I was looking for, and what I need to do. I can’t remember song lyrics, movies, dances.
-Basically everything is overwhelming.
-Making all the lists, but never using them.
-Starting new projects, getting really excited about them, then never doing them again (baton, making wax melts, starting a blog, playing the keyboard, singing lessons).
-Forgetting to eat or drink, sometimes all day.
-Racing thoughts - hundreds of tabs going in my brain at once, at all times.
-Not responding to people for days or weeks because it’s just too much.
-Hyperfocusing on a project for hours or days knowing there’s way more important things to get done
Finally, forgetting what I’m doing every time I walk into a room 😵💫
Identifying these things as #ADHD and actively working on them has been a game changer 🎉
Slowing down, preparing in advance, calming down, and recognizing when it’s ADHD are 🔑 for me.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) manifests in more diverse ways than commonly understood, especially in adults diagnosed later in life. Beyond the well-recognized symptoms, many individuals experience less obvious behaviors such as frequently leaving cabinets and drawers open, allowing clutter to build up, or constantly rushing and feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks. These actions often stem from challenges in executive functioning, impacting organization, time management, and memory. Memory difficulties are a hallmark symptom for many with ADHD, including forgetting daily activities, song lyrics, or even the reason for entering a room. This can contribute to frustration and a sense of being scattered. Racing thoughts are another common characteristic, where the mind rapidly shifts between topics, making focus challenging. Conversely, hyperfocusing occurs when an individual becomes deeply engrossed in an activity to the exclusion of other priorities, sometimes for hours or days. Recognizing these symptoms as part of ADHD can be transformative. Identification enables individuals to develop personalized strategies such as preparing in advance, slowing down tasks, and learning to prioritize self-care, including remembering to eat and drink regularly. Emotional regulation tactics and mindful approaches assist in managing overwhelm and reducing impulsive reactions like rushing others. Moreover, ADHD presents uniquely in women, often leading to later diagnoses as symptoms can be internalized or overlooked. Awareness of these nuanced signs, including difficulties with project follow-through and social engagement delays, can encourage those affected to seek evaluation and support. Understanding these subtle yet impactful ADHD symptoms provides valuable insight into the lived experience of adults with the disorder. Embracing this awareness encourages compassion toward oneself and others, promoting more effective coping techniques and improved quality of life.
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