Functioning with ADHD

[creative_writer]

Maybe I am what some have said about me

[Ru-bee]

Hey @creative_writer, hearing it's hard not to internalize those things others have said. It can be really hard not to take on things that others say about us, especially when it's been repeated, but that still doesn't make it true. I know it's common for those with mental health difficulties to be branded as lazy. I don't even know if I believe laziness exists, I feel that there's almost always something behind "laziness" 

[creative_writer]

@Ru-bee it is really hard not to internalise it all. I often find myself comparing myself to others. I struggle to leave the house and struggle a lot with household chores (can’t seem to do everything I need to get done). I feeling hopeless about gaining employment. If I can’t clean adequately or leave the house, how do I hold down employment? I know I need to manage the elevated anxiety levels at this point in time, but will that get me to “functioning category”?

[Ru-bee]

I struggle with chores too @creative_writer I know there are some people out there who find it easy to stay on top of those sort of tasks, or who even enjoy the process of chores, but they've always been a mystery to me

Managing your anxiety could be a big step towards "functioning". Anxiety can make functioning extremely difficult and can make everything seem impossible. 

I know it's so hard not to compare yourself to others, but its not a helpful thing to do. You might never be like the people who you compare yourself with, but that doesn't mean that you won't find a form of functioning that works for you, whether or not it looks like others

[tyme]

Heya @creative_writer 

[creative_writer]

@Ru-bee I don’t know how people stay on top of chores. Might also be partly to do with chronic pain. Can’t lift heavy things and move at awkward angles. I gotta sort that side of things out. Hand pain won’t help you complete chores, even if you have the motivation.

I’m taking the extra meds tonight, might give myself the leeway to sleep in. It is true anxiety makes everyone more difficult, especially if it is intense and prolonged.

It is true “functioning” is different for everyone. Some of us need accomodations, I can’t handle loud noise and bright lights. I have glasses I can use. I have noise cancelling AirPods too. I don’t know if I should get those earplugs. I used them at uni a couple of times in loud places, everything would be too loud once I took them off. Sensory sensitivities are challenging, but triggers so much anxiety and can trigger migraines. I was in the city today, not sure if all the sensory input might have made me feel worse

[creative_writer]

Hi @tyme How are you?

[tyme]

Hey @creative_writer , I'm a little lethargic (hormonal reasons), but I'm okay. I really can't complain. But it explains my headaches.

What did you get up to today? Work? Getting out?

[creative_writer]

@tyme hormones lethargy is so real. I’ve gotten hormonal related migraines. Hormonal headaches can be so painful. I hope you feel better soon. I believe I’m about to start my period next week, lots to look forward to. I got a huge chin pimple recently, I don’t usually get those big and painful ones. I’m hoping my hormones aren’t annoying like last month, my period came after 39 days. Not sure if my anxiety is connected.

I was out for job related stuff. Still trying to find employment, I’m just waiting and seeing if anything comes up. Melbourne is tricky, it’s hard to find a job as a new graduate

[tyme]

Joys of being... female?? @creative_writer 

I never realised I was 'regular' until I started using the 'cycle tracker' on iphones. It's been super handy acutally.

Helps me have an idea of why I've got my claws out and when to move away from people....