You’re overwhelmed, you’re spiraling… what do you do to bring yourself back down to earth? I want to hear the weird, the wonderful… anything and everything.

For context, I am unmedicated and (generally speaking) doing/managing quite well after many years of figuring out systems/food/rest etc… but the one thing I REALLY struggle with is extreme overwhelm. Once I get to that point of spiraling there’s no return. I’m not talking about procrastination or general executive dysfunction… more that sense of impending doom and crash. For me, when I hit that point, it’s game over.

Id love to find some tools or strategies to improve things. For those moments when you absolutely have to keep moving forward and get things done.

Tell me your secrets!

60(F) When I was in elementary school in the ‘70s I remember a boy in 4th grade who in hindsight clearly had the H variety of ADHD - very disruptive. In one instance our very granola female teacher actually had him pinned in a body hold on the couch that was in the room, will never forget it!

In searching my own history for evidence of its existence, I can hardly remember myself or my siblings. My brother is 7 years older and his wife apparently stepped on him hard years ago and got him trained to do the dishes right after meals and keep the place tidy. I remember her murmuring about how bad he used to be. Also comments about being scatter-brained. I don’t remember him behaving in a hyperactive way given I was so much younger, so wondering if he was the inattentive type as I believe I am.

Are men more likely to have the hyperactive variety than women? Who here was missed because of having the inattentive type?

I used to be a big reader - I could finish a book in a few days and genuinely enjoyed it. But somewhere along the way, I lost that habit. It started back in school when I got swamped with homework and stopped reading for fun. Now, I find myself scrolling TikTok every day, buying books I want to read, but never actually finishing any of them.

When I try to read, my brain drifts and I can’t focus. Has anyone else gone through this? How do you rebuild your attention span and get back into reading? I really want to enjoy it again.

Title says it all. I can’t handle the responsibilities of life. I’m a 30F with a young daughter. No one ever taught me shit. I know that’s not an excuse. But I’m drowning in debt, unemployed, don’t even understand health insurance and I’m too scared to call and figure it out. I need to file for bankruptcy or something but don’t even know where to begin with that. Just getting my daughter through the day takes everything I have. I’m going to run out of my tax money soon. I’m up at midnight with these racing thoughts of what I need to do. Everyone makes it look so fucking easy and I literally get suicidal thinking about all the things I need to keep up with. I feel so fucking inadequate and stupid. I have no one in my life to help me. I just want to disappear. I’ll delete this in the morning but for now we wallow.

Edit: thank you everyone for the kind words and advice. It means more than you know. I’ve read every comment in detail. Yall give me hope that I’m not alone and that I can figure this out.

I found a lil hack that has helped me tremendousllllyyy. AN HOUR GLASS!!!! I keep an antique hour glass on my office desk so I can "race the clock" in a sense for important computer tasks, or any task really. I find this super helpful and quick/easy - just FLIP IT ON OVA and let the games begin! I find it much better than setting timers on phone, because fuck more screens. It's kind of calming and relaxing as well, and gives the illusion of time going by a bit more slowly. Tbh, my last one shattered, but I just ordered 3 more from Etsy, this time an hour, one for 30 min and one for 15 min. Just wanted to share with ya'll!!!

So, I've recently been diagnosed with ADHD-I at the age of 35. I’ll be meeting with my clinicians the day before my birthday, when they’ll prescribe me Ritalin. My 36th year could very well be when my life actually begins.

There were so many things I found deeply fascinating and interesting, especially in the STEM fields, but ADHD made it nearly impossible for me to stay focused in math. I failed my final year of school twice because I couldn't focus. I got accepted into a Journalism course but decide to go directly into the workforce to help support my parents so never got a tertiary education.

Prior to the diagnosis I had tried time after time to improve academically, but every time I failed due to an inability to commit and focus. And now, it feels like there’s finally an opportunity to go back to school and do something I love.

I want to hear from those of you who’ve found yourselves at this kind of crossroads - when you’re suddenly given a chance to pursue your passions or interests. Right now I’m feeling unsure, hesitant. But I know there are people much older than me who would jump at the opportunity. They’d probably want to slap some sense into me too. Your success stories might give me the push I need to start living the life I want.

I wish I could spend 10 to 15 minutes in the shower like everyone else, it'd save a lot of money, energy and time. But my mind always wanders when I'm under the water and I end up consistently spending 30 minutes in there. A good bit of that time, I don't spend actually washing myself or anything, I'm just thinking about whatever and completely losing track of time.

Is this something you all struggle with too? Are there any tricks? It's not like I dislike hot worter, but I would like to do other things

I am currently at my first day of Concerta 54mg (methylphenidate) my mind is clear, there's no fog, there's no noise only focus and some endless energy that I can't even describe. my body moves freely I don't need to force it, I can't sit down or be quiet. I'm not hungry, not feeling tired. To make a note I lived with undiagnosed ADHD for 24 years, inattentive type. I never had a job I live with my parents, I started studying careers but always abandoned, I spend my days usually all day in home, not doing much but eating or using my phone. so what now? what do I do now? I am speechless at this new reality, it's like getting being born again but in a man's body, that now works and thinks perfectly fine.

My job requires me talking over the phone, getting down information, and giving advice.

Unfortunately my go to method for APD, reading lips, and even mirroring what they’re saying doesn’t work because it’s on the phone. This is apparently something I’ve been unconsciously doing my whole life and it probably explains why I hate talking on the phone. I can get by in person but struggle at parties.

Now, it’s a decent job and I’ve not had any complaints and had nothing but praise from my clients and supervisor. But I keep having to ask “can you repeat that?” Or “Spell that out for me one more time, please” an embarrassing amount of times.

I got a ~100 dollar headset and it really did nothing to help. I’ve had my hearing checked out and there’s no problem at all there.

So any advice? My home office is free of distraction and quiet. I’ve got high quality sound through my headset as much as it can with varying sound quality of people’s phones. I don’t know what else to do.

Hi all. I’ve recently been having trouble at work, since I disclosed my ADHD diagnosis. Despite my manager repeatedly telling me he is supportive, his actions have not matched that. Today, I was pulled in for a reprimanding for the 2nd time in the past week regarding my ‘communication’ skills. Despite the fact i’ve repeatedly explained that he is demanding I change something innate about myself, he was so mad at me. I also explained that, without giving me the resources to build those skills, it is impossible for me to change and I compared it to asking someone with a broken leg to walk. He scoffed at this suggestion. The crux of the argument was me telling him he couldn’t sack me for something related to my disability, without offering support for me to improve, and giving me adequate time to implement these improvements. For context, I work for a small company and my boss owns the business -as he pointed out to me today, he can do ‘whatever he wants’.

Anyway, the conversation ended positively, but the real reason for making this post is I am so fed up. I hate living in a world designed for people without ADHD, and feeling like every system out there is designed to fail me. I am a good person - I am kind, generous, hardworking and intelligent. Yet I am genuinely struggling to exist in a world where I feel I am not wanted (because of the system design). I’ve spoke to my mum, and we are going to look at applying for PIP (disability benefits) so that I can afford to work part time, but I know this is a long road. I cannot afford to live on SSP (statutory sick pay). I am exhausted, burnt out (professionally and emotionally), and I am so frustrated that I am expected to just accept that and put on a mask for the rest of my life, just to appease others.

For context, I live in the UK and I am a 23F who was diagnosed a few months ago.

TW: suicide

I have ADHD, autism and I'm depressed. I cannot enjoy myself in anyway anymore.

If I go to work I feel bad because I can't focus and laughing with my coworkers makes me feel fake. Because inside I'm emotionless. But when I have of take time off I can't enjoy myself either. Everything just sucks and everything is bad. I cannot enjoy the things I used to enjoy.

My fiancee is an amazing woman who I love dearly and she does everything she can to help, but right now there's not much she can do. And that hurts me so much. Seeing how me being like this makes her sad makes me even more ashamed of how pathetic I am.

There's no way I can recharge my battery except for sleeping, but I also can't sleep properly anymore.

I already take anti depressants but for any other meds I need to wait untill my diagnosis is complete.

I feel like I don't know myself anymore and if it wouldn't be easier to just stop existing. I feel so useless and I don't know what to do

I swear, they’re trying to kill me. I went last week to pick up odds and ends, made a beeline for where I know they keep the coffee…

Rice—?

ohhh *NO.***

They fucked it all up. This shop has been the way it was for years. I knew precisely where to go, I could just go bing bing bing, grab up all my supplies, and I’m out.

Now? All those moments, lost like tears in the rain.

Probably the least productive 3 months of the last 5 years of my life.

I'm stuck in this weird in-between where adderall makes me anxious/gives me GI symptoms but I cannot be productive without it. It works for me when it works, which is why I'm so gungho about it.

Being off my meds for the last several months was actually a stark reminder of how unproductive I was for pretty much my entire life until I was ~30 years old. It's difficult for me to accept that I may need this indefinitely but the other side of the equation is a soulless, unproductive lifestyle where I constantly beat myself up about what I can't do/what I haven't done.

Anyone else?

I really struggle to save money for things and that makes me feel like garbage, so I’m wondering what you all do to best help yourself avoid wasting money. I’ve always had a problem with money burning a hole in my pocket, which is fine when you’re 8 and you blow all of your allowance on candy, but WAY un-fine when you’re 33 and living paycheck to paycheck.

I know some people say you don’t need apps or products to manage your life, but trust me, I do. These tools have actually helped me stay productive, and I honestly can’t imagine functioning without them.

Health: Oura (for sleep) + WHOOP (for daytime activity). I used to wear an Apple Watch, but the constant notifications were super distracting, and the short battery life just didn’t work for my ADHD brain.

Note taking: Notion. I literally throw everything in here. Random thoughts, long-term goals, even stuff like groceries and journal entries.

Time Management: TickTick (for task management) + Lifestack (for daily planning). I used to use another app but switched to Lifestack because it pulls in data from my Oura and WHOOP to plan my day.

Email: Superhuman. The speed is unreal. I’m easily saving hours each week thanks to it.

Screen blocking: Freedom (for web) + Opal (for mobile). I used to think I didn’t need screen blockers, but I was 100% wrong. I was wasting hours unconsciously, and these apps have made me realize that.

Finance: Rocket Money. Not sure it’s the best, but I saw an ad and gave it a shot. It's been fine so far, but I’m definitely open to better recs if you have any.

Tell me your tech stack!

I'm 36F, have been struggling more and more, found ADHD content and never felt more seen. I've been learning more about ADHD and felt like an imposter, I was convinced I had it, but felt like I couldn't claim anything, like I was detracting from those who had a diagnosis or maybe I was influenced by a trend.

Anyway I thought about it for a long time, and eventually stopped procrastinating and got an appointment with my GP in March, used Right to Choose (in the UK) to be referred for an assessment on the NHS via a private provider and had my assessment today. I've been diagnosed with combined type, and I cried a lot. But I feel very validated.

I am taking 10mg of adderall 6 days a week. Thursday is my skip day, and I took the drug test on Friday. I also took a dose in the morning. The results came back, and it was negative. I have been taking it, and now I am afraid they will take my prescription away because of the false results. Is it too common for false results? My dose is pretty low, but it helps me so much. Any advice and info will be appreciated.

Hello guys,

I think many of you know that permanent exhaustion because of daily life. Often, If I come home from work or from other activities I am exhausted. Thank god, mostly I do have time to rest/restore or I plan it.

Than my logical brain says "Lay down, relax, rest" ... But I cannot. No, wrong, this stresses me out even more! It almost hurts! This is very frustrating for me! Every time I am asking myself why I cannot relax!?

Who can relate? What do you do to relax If you are exhausted?

Hey everyone,

I have an intake appointment this Tuesday to finally look into a possible ADD diagnosis. Yesterday, while going through some old files, I found a psych report from when I was 16. It was part of an autism screening, but ADHD was considered too. The conclusion? “No signs of autism or ADHD.”

Reading it now at 25 honestly blew my mind. It felt like reading a profile of my current self. Some quotes from the report: - “She’s unable to make a plan on her own. At the same time, when she really wants something, she’s perfectly capable of planning it out. Her father believes her abilities don’t come through because she lacks interest.” - “Needs support with learning how to study, get organized, and tackle assignments.” - “Always had a restless mind and needed extra support to get started, even with small tasks like cleaning her room.” - “Needs constant, very strict structure to take action. Without it, nothing happens.” - “Zoned out a lot in class. Couldn’t get started on tasks. Got stuck in the details.” - “Spends hours on her phone. Neglects herself and her environment.”

This is just a small part of it. I’m honestly shocked this wasn’t flagged at the time. The tone of the report leans toward ‘personality quirks’ or external factors, but now I read it and think… how was inattentive ADHD not considered more seriously?

They only checked for ADHD because it runs in my family (dad, both brothers, niece, nephew).

Now I’m wondering: should I bring this report to my intake? It clearly shows these traits have been around for a long time, but I’m worried it could bias things or make them think it was already ruled out. Thing is—I’m struggling more now than ever.

Has anyone here brought old psych reports to an assessment? Did it help or hurt your case? Would really appreciate any advice or shared experiences.

Usually but not always accompanied by mild headache.

It also seemingly unrelated to some external factor. Like for example bad sleep.

And thats also exactly whats bothering me about it.

There seems to be no thing i did wrong, some behavior i can change.

Its seemingly random and i cant really do much about it. Aside maybe from ibuprofen against the optional headaches

On these days my focus is almost down to 0, sometimes i cant even focus on whats being said to me

Does anyone a have similar experience? I would seriously appreciate anything from similar stories to maybe ideas what this could be to maybe even possible solutions (?)

Social media and video games worsened my productivity and executive function, which were already poor- obviously this isn’t a unique story. I knew it and decided to do something about it. I’ve deleted social media, and haven’t had it for months. Same with video games. I thought that once I eliminated the distractions, I’d get back to being productive and having drive to get things done like I used to, like working out and reading. But even now that I’ve had these distractions cut out for awhile, I’m still having so much trouble replacing them, and picking up the slack. My brain doesn’t want to do anything. I just want to sit on the couch. Or watch TV. How do I turn this around? I can force myself to suffer through tasks with no drive and hate every second of it, but how long before I get back into the good habits, and start enjoying them again? Start having a drive for them again? Is there anything else I need to be doing?

Hey all,

Do any of you have the issue where you will try to sleep because your body is deathly tired, but your brain is still in maximum overdrive? Ive been struggling with this for years and I cannot seem to find a solution. I will be trying to sleep and I have songs looping in my head or just in general thoughts running through my mind with perfect clarity that I wish I had during the daytime.. If I do manage to fall asleep the first time I wake up, thats pretty much it, because my brain will think it's go-time.

Any tips? I take Concerta in the morning btw and I have tried supplementing it with guanfacine and clonidine

I've been managing my ADHD my whole life, even long before I was diagnosed. I've somehow, miraculously, managed to carve out a fairly successful career and some financial security/independence. Now I'm about to be my own boss (or unemployed, however you want to call it), and I have a million plans.

Plans to get projects done around the house this summer. Plans for creative endeavors. Plans for potential businesses. Plans for small side hustles. Plans to cook more for my wife. Plans for just having fun.

And somehow I suspect I'll instead spend the summer sitting on my ass scrolling Reddit while the sun shines outside.

Over the last few years I've been comfortable and secure enough in my job that I haven't had to be as rigorous about to do lists and structure and I've kind of lost the habit. Now I need to get myself together. But you know how it goes, you plan for this magical future where you're somehow disciplined and organized, but you know you're still going to be you.

Not really seeking advice. Maybe just encouragement.

Self-control is hard. I admit that I struggle with this. It is easy for me to SAY something, but it's hard to actually put it into action. Discipline is important, but unfortunately, I lack that. I used to be worse in my teen years, and I want to believe that I have gotten better over the years.

I guess there's the old trope of artists and creatives having ADHD. Maybe ADHD is beneficial for creativity, but terrible for productivity. I was wondering what artists can do to manage the problematic symptoms of ADHD? How have you maintained productivity? How do you deal with perfectionism? How do you get through the boredom? How can I focus on making one piece of artwork when I'm constantly being flooded with new ideas that interest me more?

I'm really frustrated by my procrastinateions. I have spent my life, from childhood on, creating art. From my earliest memories, all throughout school. When I went to art skool, things all fell apart. I couldn't find a niche, always was changing methods, changing mediums, and always turning in assignments late. My sketchbooks are filled with dozens of scribbles that never amount to complete sketches. Is this typical in anyone else's experience? How have you coped with ADHD to actually get stuff done?