💬Writing It All Down Helps Me Stay Grounded💬

One of the few things that keeps me organized is my handwritten diary. I write down everything because my brain can’t hold it all. Also, I hate phone notifications - I clear them immediately. When I get texts from clients, friends, or family, wanting to plan an appointment/get together I wait until I have my diary with me before I read or respond. I'm not ignoring them, this is just my way to trigger myself to remember to respond, because I will keep going back to clear the notification and then remember.

This method helps me avoid forgetting to reply later and reduces the anxiety notifications bring me.

It’s not about ignoring people - it’s about managing how my brain processes information.

 

⏳How I wake up in the Morning and Leave on time⏳

I set multiple alarms, every 5 minutes for up to two hours before I need to leave somewhere.

Both on my phone and the Alexa. I usually turn them off quickly, but I like to have them on just in case I don't.

I like to set my alarms 2 hours before I actually need to leave the house because I like to have the time buffer I need to wake up slowly, take my medication, and get mentally ready without rushing.

This strategy helps me manage my time blindness - one of the hardest parts of ADHD.

 

📱Learning and Growing Through Social Media📱

Though I don’t use many formal resources, social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook have been invaluable. They've helped me recognize ADHD symptoms I never knew I had.

This ongoing learning has given me clarity and validation as I continue to manage my ADHD.

 

⚡The Emotional and Sensory Battles I Face⚡

Managing my emotions is a daily challenge. I often feel short tempered, frustrated by how little control I seem to have over my reactions. Sensory overload affects me strongly too, making some environments overwhelming and exhausting.

I am currently self-employed and I find that works best for me.

However, before I was diagnosed with ADHD, I was employed.

Holding down traditional jobs was tough. I believe the right environment could make a big difference, but misunderstandings around ADHD complicate that.

 

💔Living with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)💔

RSD affects me deeply. When I perceive rejection or criticism, even if unintentional, it stays with me for days or weeks. This emotional pain can be draining and isolating - something many people don’t understand about ADHD.

 

🧠ADHD Is a Complex Brain Condition, Not a Character Flaw🧠

A major struggle is the stigma. Many people without ADHD see my challenges as laziness or excuses, but ADHD is a real, complex brain condition. It impacts every part of how I live and think - and deserves understanding, not judgment.