You're in emotional survival mode, caused by stress, too much information and overwhelm. Managing those emotions becomes your priority, leaving little energy left for taking action. It's a rut ADHD people fall into. And of course thee last thing you want to deal with, on top of all that, is going for an ADHD diagnosis.

LOL I'm in my mid 50s and I know it's gotten MUCH worse since menopause. Add to that my recent DV trauma and no wonder I'm overwhelmed, right?

I *did* manage a little bit - made the appointment for the tires, got the 80's Alt Rock blasting and did the dishes and vacuumed...

That's all the physical stuff for now... back to creativity mode. If I can take a break and let my "other brain" have some fun, even coloring...that seems to help.

I just keep telling myself..."How do we eat a whole elephant?....one bite at a time!"

nobody can do it but ME! *whew*

Once you get started...

Yes, no wonder you're overwhelmed. My heart goes out to you. It happens unfortunately to too many of us. It happened to me. Therapy helped me through it too. I'm a different person now than I was before, much wiser and resilient. You are strong. I wish you healing and joy.

I know you posted it for FirstLight, but it's absolutely what I need right now!

I haven't been formerly diagnosed with ADHD, but I'm positive I have it. I figured it out when my daughter was in elementary school and was showing all the classic symptoms of the hyperactive kind of ADHD (couldn't sit still to save her life, etc.). Her teachers complained about her behavior but didn't seem concerned beyond that, so I took matters into my own hands and had her evaluated. And guess what? I was absolute right!

While reading up on ADHD in order to help her, I realized that the description of the non hyperactive type of ADHD fit me to a T. I never had problems being still and quiet in school, but I had a VERY hard time keeping my attention focused on what was going on in class at times. As long as I was interested and engaged, I did great, nut when things got boring and repetitious, it was almost impossible to keep my mind from drifting away. Where my daughter got in trouble for not not able to be still and quiet, I got in trouble for "not paying attention."

And boy, do I EVER have that overwhelm thing in spades, but until now I didn't connect it with ADHD. I think this website is going to be a big help. Thanks again!

You are most welcome!

I'm a big believer in serendipity. It happened that way for me too. The lighbulb went off after reading something. I am also the inattentive type. Exactly as you described yourself, I can hyper-focus like there's no tomorrow IF I am interested or passionate about something. Or on deadline. But give me something boring or meh and I'm gone off to my own world. My Mom is still trying to teach me to cook our ethnic food, 60 years later! It just doesn't register.

My youngest son is more the hyper-active type with inattention. I can relate to your challenges with your daughter. But there is so much more knowledge and help now, fortunately.

There is a lot to learn and it's an adventure. I still fight overwhelm but am getting better. Not so much in the last 2.5 weeks of course but this too shall pass.

Wish you well! Remember, our hyper-focus is our secret weapon!

Frozen in fear, anxiety