September 19th, 2024

Tell HN: Check for ADHD

A 19-year-old diagnosed with ADHD reflects on their struggles with impulsivity and time management, noting improvements with medication and encouraging others to consider ADHD if they share similar experiences.

Tell HN: Check for ADHD

A 19-year-old individual recently diagnosed with ADHD reflects on their life experiences leading up to the diagnosis. Initially skeptical about ADHD, they realized its impact on their life after researching symptoms. They noted that their academic success was largely due to a high IQ, which masked their struggles until high school and college, where they faced increasing challenges. The individual described a history of impulsivity, social isolation, and reliance on external pressures to achieve tasks. They often used productivity tools to manage their life, as they struggled with time management and focus. Since starting medication, they report significant improvements in their ability to complete tasks and maintain focus, expressing optimism about their freelance work. They conclude by suggesting that ADHD may have been advantageous in ancient societies but poses challenges in contemporary life, encouraging others to consider the possibility of having ADHD if they experience similar symptoms.

- The individual was diagnosed with ADHD at 19 after previously doubting its legitimacy.

- Academic success was attributed to high IQ, masking ADHD symptoms until later in life.

- They experienced impulsivity, social isolation, and difficulties with time management.

- Medication has led to significant improvements in task completion and focus.

- The individual encourages others to consider ADHD if they exhibit similar symptoms.

Link Icon 5 comments
By @fishwithwifi - 5 months
I found this YT channel really helpful for learning about and understanding my ADHD. https://www.youtube.com/@russellbarkleyphd2023/featured
By @meiraleal - 5 months
ADHD is a mental state that every human being can be afflicted.

> Since starting medications I'm doing a world better. It's absolutely amazing to be able to start a task and finish it. To just sit and be, without a thousand thoughts in my head. I'm working as a freelancer and I'm hopeful this time I can finish the project on time without staying awake for 36 hours before the deadline.

You just decide to turn off a part of yourself to better fit the yourself in the rat race.

By @thorin - 5 months
I find it concerning that changing yourself with medication is the solution, unless the symptoms become extreme. My young daughter is showing signs of this, but I would be very resistant to giving her medication if I could avoid it, at least until she could be actively involved in making that decision.
By @adhdthrow212 - 5 months
What meds do you take? I am not asking for medical advice but straterra had slightly negative effects for me and I was curious to know.