I’m 44 years old. One week ago today, my doctor told me I have ADHD. A physical check-up turned to a mental check-up. Only recently did I start telling my wife about the ugly things that have been happening in my head. My whole life, my mind has been learning to cope with ADHD,

but never how to live with it. Because of that, my brain became a less happy place. It started telling me how bad I was at everything. How I had no right doing or being where I was in life. And I don’t mean metaphorically. I heard my voice, in my head, telling me I’m trash.

Saying I sucked at my job. I’m the stupidest person on my job site. Getting up in the morning was so frightening, I would dry heave just forcing myself out of the house, until one morning I actually started throwing up. W/o my wife, I’m not sure I would have sought mental help.

I’m happy I did. In just the first week of medication, I already see improvement. I daydream, just a little less now. I still make small mistakes at work, but now my mind lets those go and tells me to fix it. I feel like a better road is ahead of me.

I’m excited to work with a Dr. to become the best version of myself, and I’m so excited to meet the Tony Allen I should have been my entire life. I wasn’t sure I wanted to let anyone know about my ADHD, but that would only send a message that I should be ashamed of what I am.

My ADHD and mental health are not something I will hide from. I hope this thread reaches someone who needs it. You can do it. I believe in you. #DadLife #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #ADHD