• Replies 4 replies
  • Subscribers 71 subscribers
  • Views 56 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Newly diagnosed AuDHD at 41 – it's a lot to take in!

AMC

Hi, I'm new here and would love to connect with people who have similar experiences. My assessment report came through on my birthday just a few weeks ago. 

I'm a writer so I feel like I should be able to express what I'm feeling and what I'm looking for by reaching out here, but it is proving more difficult than I thought it would be...

I was lucky to be able to go private for a diagnosis (of autism and ADHD), and the experience was very affirming. It has helped me to make sense of so many negative experiences in my life, especially in work settings where I have often been misinterpreted and viewed as difficult or abrupt. But as well as relief, I'm feeling overwhelmed and burned out, especially because I also deal with health problems and chronic pain. Not to mention the neverending responsibilities of parenting and work (the work that pays me and the passion projects I wish I could spend all my time on).

So yeah, it's a lot. I'm consciously trying to slow down because I have a tendency to over-function and try to do too many things at once only to crash out. 

I guess I would just like to hear other people's experiences that I can relate to, because I've so often felt different and broken and as if I exist in a universe of one person, even when I'm surrounded by people.

And if there are any other non-binary people here, say hi – my NB identity is a relatively new realisation for me so I'd love to hear from you.

Parents

  • Good morning from America, AMC!

    Congratulations on your diagnosis! Don’t worry, it’s normal to have mixed feelings post-diagnosis. Like I recently told another user, there’s a term we use around here called “grelief,” or grief/relief. That’s a normal experience to have.

    I’m a writer, too! Though I do more music composition than I do novel writing. I don’t really like sharing what I make, especially since a lot of my novel writings are horror related and I’m afraid of scaring/hurting someone lol.

    Ah, that’s exciting that you have discovered that you are NB! I hope that realization has brought you some self-acceptance. I’m not NB myself, but I can imagine that is a huge thing to come to grips with.

    I hope that you continue to understand yourself more! It sounds like you’re on the right track!

Reply

  • Good morning from America, AMC!

    Congratulations on your diagnosis! Don’t worry, it’s normal to have mixed feelings post-diagnosis. Like I recently told another user, there’s a term we use around here called “grelief,” or grief/relief. That’s a normal experience to have.

    I’m a writer, too! Though I do more music composition than I do novel writing. I don’t really like sharing what I make, especially since a lot of my novel writings are horror related and I’m afraid of scaring/hurting someone lol.

    Ah, that’s exciting that you have discovered that you are NB! I hope that realization has brought you some self-acceptance. I’m not NB myself, but I can imagine that is a huge thing to come to grips with.

    I hope that you continue to understand yourself more! It sounds like you’re on the right track!

Children