The mourning for what could have been, that’s a heavy weight. And the shame of not being enough for others expectations. I’ve been very lucky in that I found something to study with enough structure and novelty that got me through college, but it was not what I started out with. I didn’t even realize about the ADHD until the depression got bad enough to seek help in my 30s (after a year of not working and somebody helping me to make my first appointment) and the psych noticed all my coping mechanisms fit. She got me assessed and medicated. That came with its own challenges, but it made a world of difference in my relationships, my hobbies, self care, etc. That would be my biggest recommendation if you’re not already, to get on meds (also, apologies if you’re just looking to vent and not for advice). It won’t fix everything or give you back what you’ve lost, but it can make things more manageable. And if you’re like so many others that can’t afford to seek professional help, then many find some relief with nicotine and caffeine.
Thanks, it’s good to be heard. I am medicated, but that only gets me from completely nonfunctional to nail biting my way through life. Unfortunately I’m not able to use caffeine either, low amounts are ok, but anything more than a cup of tea leaves me extremely depressed, tired, and physically ill. After a lot of research (actually reading academic papers, not YouTube, lol) I’ve just started cautiously experimenting with micro dosing and it could very well be the placebo effect, but it seems to be working a little better than my meds. Of course it’s illegal as all hell where I am and if I get caught I can kiss my job goodbye forever.
The mourning for what could have been, that’s a heavy weight. And the shame of not being enough for others expectations. I’ve been very lucky in that I found something to study with enough structure and novelty that got me through college, but it was not what I started out with. I didn’t even realize about the ADHD until the depression got bad enough to seek help in my 30s (after a year of not working and somebody helping me to make my first appointment) and the psych noticed all my coping mechanisms fit. She got me assessed and medicated. That came with its own challenges, but it made a world of difference in my relationships, my hobbies, self care, etc. That would be my biggest recommendation if you’re not already, to get on meds (also, apologies if you’re just looking to vent and not for advice). It won’t fix everything or give you back what you’ve lost, but it can make things more manageable. And if you’re like so many others that can’t afford to seek professional help, then many find some relief with nicotine and caffeine.
Thanks, it’s good to be heard. I am medicated, but that only gets me from completely nonfunctional to nail biting my way through life. Unfortunately I’m not able to use caffeine either, low amounts are ok, but anything more than a cup of tea leaves me extremely depressed, tired, and physically ill. After a lot of research (actually reading academic papers, not YouTube, lol) I’ve just started cautiously experimenting with micro dosing and it could very well be the placebo effect, but it seems to be working a little better than my meds. Of course it’s illegal as all hell where I am and if I get caught I can kiss my job goodbye forever.