For folks newly struggling with executive dysfunction, or low motivation, attention span, organization:
Hi! I lived with undiagnosed ADHD until I was 36, then I was diagnosed with cPTSD. What you’re feeling now is a normal response to trauma! You need to rest. Really.

Trauma is commonly defined as “too much too fast,” an event which changes fundamental aspects of your life and threatens your survival. This is that! Your brain is processing this new overload at all times, all levels at 40-70% CPU. You might not be aware of it.

But you will feel it in the form of limited mental space—little to no patience, energy, or capacity for more than basic survival tasks. Welcome! You’re processing moment to moment. I’ve been here since 2015. It really sucks. I really struggle, especially as a mom and grad student

If you struggle to start tasks, organize tasks, organize your workspaces (inbox and desktop too!), communication, or concentration, you may have undiagnosed ADHD, especially WOC—we’re usually treated for depression or anxiety, a common side effect of ADHD stress and overwhelm.

This rapid transition to a pandemic emergency and stay at home situation, combined with any trauma, stress, conflict, or grief you’ve faced as a result of this rapid lifestyle change is overloading your brain in ways you’re not aware of, from how you process time, socialite, etc.

People who struggle with PTSD/ADHD are in a state of constant information overload, which is why their “productivity” is limited. On top of changes in sleep patterns, diet, hygiene, activity, sunlight, etc. this has profound effects on your mental health (now imagine prison!)

You really need to stop pushing right now. Right now. That deadline, meeting, project, task is less important than your mental health. Don’t feel obligated to adjust, show up, or labor at any capacity.

If you feel called to do something else, do it. Anything—bread baking, astrology, bingeing shows. Let go and let yourself. Your brain is showing you what it needs to heal—an activity that can let it process info in the background. It might not feel like you’re grieving. You are.

If this thread helped you, please consider Medicare 4 All, CV-19 rent cancellation, housing for all, raising minimum wage, prison abolition, the abolition of ICE, full amnesty, and wealth caps, or at the very least, taxation. You’re not well because of unchecked capitalism. Thx!