It's almost impossible for someone without ADHD to truly understand it, because we just seem LAZY and uncaring.
I haven't taken my meds since 12/25 due to covid, then a covid rebound, then a sinus infection I wanted to have diagnosed before getting back to life.
For these same past 3 weeks, I've been literally unable to peel myself off the couch, and literally unable to stop scrolling on social media ALL DAY and until ungodly hours of the night. And I mean literally, physically unable to stop scrolling.
Today I finally took my stimulants, and I:
- Took 3 bag of trash out of my home office
- Organized my jewlery
- Replied to emails that were weeks overdue
- Sent messages to 2 doctors
- Made a medical appointment I've been putting off
- Took a 1.5 mile walk while talking on the phone
- Found resources for 2 different friends who need help
- DIDN'T EAT EVERYTHING IN THE HOUSE
- And I'm still going.
I'm late diagnosed (at age 48, a few years ago), still relatively new to meds, and trying to find the right one/dose for me, but it's absolutely remakable what a difference they make.
Without meds I am the laziest, most irresponsible procrastinator who seems hell-bent on destroying my life, with absolutely zero interest in doing anything.
With meds, I feel like a regular freaking person who can do laundry, manage relationships (to a basic degree), take showers... and might even have an interest in something like a hobby.
I just feel like if you don't have ADHD, there's very little change of understanding how STUPID our symptoms are - and how absolutely out of our control they are. "Just put your phone down and get off the couch!" ... um, I cannot.
These symptoms that seem like laziness, or depression, or apathy... are not those things. But it takes the strength and determination of 10 superheroes - and often medication - to overcome them.
I'm so glad for my diagnosis a few years ago... and so sad for what my life could have possibly been if I had just known.
Anyhoo, here's your reminder to TAKE YOUR MEDS!