I actually cried when I saw this article. I felt so misunderstood all my life, had no answer for I know I need to apply for jobs but I can’t do it.

Need to get evaluated and then screening test of ADD gave me 1930 and ASRS gave 99.5 percentile. I had so many constant injuries as a child even as an adult.

Rosie, how are you now? I just read your comments
today 9/24/25. I hope you are doing well. I’m praying for you.
Jackie

This is me in a nutshell!!!!

I am beginning to wonder, I looked at the symptoms and realised some of them is me to a T, I just put them down to dyslexia and that my brain is overactive and I have never learnt to switch it off.
I forever losing things or leaving things behind forgetting where I put them (even if it was just a few minutes ago), I am always underestimating how long it takes me to do something, I am only organised if it doesn’t matter, I find it almost impossible to keep my room tidy, I can’t concentrate on boring brain numbing tasks (they take me forever to do because I end up daydreaming, but found listening to music or a audio book helps), I good at making silly little mistakes for no reason (one just cost me my job), I find it hard to me serious, sad when I am feeling happy plus vise-versa and I can get very emotional (I have to wear my emotions on my sleeve).
but I am not hyper active (never have been) perfectly capable of sitting for hours with puzzle books or games or computer games. I can in fact be very lazy.

I’m writing more for my contrast. It’s weird, I was most comfortable and happy during the early stages of COVID. Life became easier, I didn’t have to interact with many people, my anxiety diminished and I was much more relaxed. All ‘social’ activities became bike rides or other athletic activities where I didn’t need to have conversations that I would later overanalyze as to why I was such an idiot for what I said and for my constant interjections. My life overall improved those 1st 18 months or so.

Then the ball dropped. Life for everyone else got back to normal. I haven’t been able to go back to the pre-COVID me who was able to fully function and thrive. I’ve destroyed most relationships I had before, my anxiety is through the roof, I’m no longer able to function in social situations. On the positive side, I’ve met a wonderful man in the past year. He’s been a big help, we’ll see where that goes. He keeps telling me he thinks all my idiosyncrasies are great and that they allow me to accomplish so much and tries to keep me positive even when I start to fall apart. No, he’s not perfect, but he really helps.

With a diagnosis, I feel empowered. I’m going to try to find meds that will work/help. I can’t go on the way I’ve been for the past 3+ years. I’m hopeful things can and will change for the better for the 1st time in quite a while. Reading others take on things and what they’re going through is also helpful. Thanks to all of you for sharing.

Hi Rosie,

I really understand how you’re feeling! I’m also a child of the 60s and I had no idea I had ADHD until the pandemic hit and I was totally isolated with just my three cats, God bless them! I live alone so no partner to help deal with it all. The result was severe depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and a total collapse of my former brain functioning capabilities. Typically, I was never diagnosed as a child and was a good student, although always late with things, a procrastinator, and a bit of a day dreamer. Women and girls, especially, learn how to develop coping techniques so that we can make our way through the world without too much trouble. In fact, I’m a university professor, but it was hard to get here, that’s for sure. Still, I did it and was managing to do a good job at everything–until the pandemic caused my brain to implode and nothing worked right any more. It was terrifying, confusing, and I was ashamed! I kept saying to myself, “Barbara!! Get it together, girl!” but the more it went on, the worse it got. Finally, a friend who had been recently diagnosed told me I had ADHD when I was describing what was going on with my brain. I did some research and, geez Louise, he was right! Of the list of 15 common symptoms, I clearly had 12! It was a terrifying realization, but after a few minutes, it became a relief to know that I wasn’t going crazy. I was already seeing a therapist for my depression and I asked her if there was anyone in her practice that dealt with ADHD, and thankfully, there was. It took a while to get in (about a month!) but after several interviews and tests, sure enough, I have a pretty severe case of Combined ADHD. My psychiatrist prescribed Adderal, which helped a bit, but the dosage was too low, so he upped it until we found a level that worked well. It’s amazing what being clear thinking can be like after so long in a daze–just miraculous!! I’m still working hard to find ways to deal with this because it hasn’t abated in this post-pandemic (hopefully) period, so I was excited to see this group and all the assistance it can provide.

The bottom line, Rosie, is that you need to keep looking until you find someone who can help you. If your GP isn’t helping, than move on to a psychological practice that offers ADHD testing and counseling. If you can’t get in right away, call another practice until you find one that can take you. You have to remember that this sudden awareness of psychological disorders like ours has exploded because of the pandemic, so you have to be patient, but it’s worth it–and keep coming here to find ways of coping now as you’re learning to deal with it. It’s not easy, but with a website like this, a community this this one, and a bit of patience and kindness to yourself, you’ll get it under control and keep it managed in such a way that you will do great! I hope this helps you and anyone else who’s just discovered that they are dealing with this condition. It’s hard to accept but we are very lucky that there is so much available to us now that wasn’t available even 10-15 years ago. Be patient with yourself, keep the faith, and remember to breathe. You’ve got this, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the moment. It will!

Take care and know that there are lots of people here who want to help. Bless you, Rosie! Keep your courage up and frustration level down, and you’ll be fine. Barbara

Hello Rosie, I’m so sorry you’re struggling with this, I can totally relate! I’ll be 55 in April and just learning about all the symptoms ~my life makes a little more sense, kinda😐 I’ve recently stopped drinking alcohol after an extender time of trauma/self medicating & the symptoms (ADHD) have seemed to have taken over or I should say I’m extremely more aware of them! Brought me back to my childhood/early adulthood Feeling anxious and lost! I’m still waiting to see my GP (in office once a week) but I do find that this meditation page helps!! https://www.theepicself.com/meditations/focus/
P.S We need you here & you are loved!! Wishing you an abundance of love & all that you need!! Stay strong!
Big {{HUG}}✌️❤️
Kat