Read on Twitter
1 year anniversary. A year ago today I got my #ADHD dx and started meds. It’s been an interesting ride since then. I’ll post some reflections on a year of diagnosis and meds later. Need to do the school drop off first.
#ADHDtwitter has been awesome and helped keep me sane at times. So many of you to mention, I’m sure I’ll forget someone and I hate anyone feeling rejected if I miss you out. So if you’re not mentioned in this thread, just assume you should be and I messed up. /THREAD/
Special mention to @DaniDonavan and @ADHD_Alien for expressing in pictures #ADHD things I didn’t even have the words for.
@blkgirllostkeys - Renée’s was one of the first accounts I came across and so much useful advise. @wellnesswmarc for giving men with #ADHD a space and seemingly always being so positive. Also @HowtoADHD great videos - one of only a few YouTube channels I actually subscribe to.
Thanks to @Finnattentive for almost single handedly motivating me to get out and walk more. If you have #ADHD and are able to get outside and walk, do it.
Thanks too to @ADHDsurprise for the sharing folks #ADHD stories, including my own. https://adhdsurprise.com/2020/04/16/adhd-voices-dan/ check them out
Thanks to all my followers and the folks I follow, my twitter family, for the likes the comments, the laughs and just being a sounding board for the random thoughts and reflections I have. No judgement, just positive vibes. We #ADHD folks don’t do twitter like normal folks
.
.
So a year of #ADHD (well actually a lifetime but only knowing for a year). What did I learn? I’m lucky. The stats on #ADHD aren’t great. Estimates suggest 30% of UK prisoners have #ADHD - far greater than the general population. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-47443263
So I’m grateful to my family and friends who unknowingly supported my #ADHD all these years. Also have to acknowledge being a straight white man has given me privilege here. As has living in a country where health is a priority and accessible (ish).
Talking of which, the #ADHD meds clearly help. It feels like the brain chaos is now outside waiting in the car, rather than banging the front door down. Still there but there’s distance. I just need to remember to take them. (Seek Drs advice before taking meds).
It’s been a journey of discovery. Learning about #ADHD from twitter and my coaches. The cognitive behavioural therapy really helped too. I’m presently learning bullet journaling and this is going ok.
It’s been a year where I feel I’m making progress. Though it’s had its low points. Mourning the undiagnosed years that felt wasted. Anger at repeated mistakes and frustrations. I guess I’m now at the acceptance stage of #ADHD.
What have I liked about this #ADHD journey. Discovering more about myself. Opening up and dropping the masking sometimes has been empowering. So I feel confident yet fragile. Also loving exploring how tech might help. Planning more and keeping things in a state of perpetual beta.
I’ve been experimenting with updating and reviewing things quarterly with the seasons. To keep things interesting. Timers are working ok and music helps. Headphones to do chores is a must. Just being kinder to myself on bad days but also pushing myself to improve.
I’ve got a few notes and reminders and things to catch myself if stuff starts falling apart due to my #ADHD. Had to use them a few times and they help.
Update: @AskADHD has been useful too. Following discussions, sharing thoughts and experiences and getting insights from the community.
