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Functioning with ADHD

creative_writerSenior Contributor07 June 2025, 6:06 pm AEST

Functioning with ADHD

How do people function while living with ADHD? I’m pretty much non-functional, it’s taking a toil on my mental health, I’m stuck in constant rumination. I try to look for a reasonable solution, but I see the unreasonable

714 replies

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In response to: Functioning with ADHD

creative_writerSenior Contributor08 July 2025, 11:40 am AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

@rav3n my eye is almost normal now, the bruising is gone. I am just grateful it was just a small infection, I think I caught it at an okay time.

I studied what would be considered full time load for two years (but it wasn’t a 100% load), it burnt me out. This year I’ve been taking it easy while I have the time. I know everything has a time and place. I am currently volunteering. There is a lot of competition and we are encouraged to keep ourselves busy, it’s just hard getting a job with limited experience. The foot in the door may be the hard part, but all we can do is keep trying. I also wish there were more part time options for graduates

In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD

rav3nSenior Contributor08 July 2025, 12:28 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

@creative_writer glad to hear your eyes recovering okay 💖

yes i hear you with the competition! it's quite tough, especially when health care industries are the ones with employees who are prone to experiencing burn out as well. wish there was more part-time opportunities out there for you. how's your volunteering going?

In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD

creative_writerSenior Contributor08 July 2025, 1:38 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

@rav3n I believe many social workers would like to work 4 days as opposed to 5 days, it is intensive work. One of my supervisors on placement did 0.9 FTE, and the other one worked from home twice a week. Volunteer work is going well so far, just started off with Lifeline. I was with Lifeline a few years ago for a bit but had to discontinue due to my mental health. I’m hoping I’m better equipped this time

In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD

creative_writerSenior Contributor08 July 2025, 5:03 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

I know I’m doing better today, but it’s still hard. The anxiety and the general malaise are still present. It’s hard not to live on guard. I always feel like I need to protect myself even though I’m safe. Sometimes I don’t even know what thoughts are going through my head, I just feel at unease. It’s hard to describe.

Not even sure what to do about yeast infection, it’s making me super uncomfortable. I took meds for it but then it came back within a few days. I suppose I’ll need to make another appointment. Antibiotics courses are super bad for yeast, not sure if that is what triggered it. I’ve had to take multiple courses of antibiotics this year

In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD

creative_writerSenior Contributor08 July 2025, 5:50 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

I’m telling myself I’m safe, but I’m finding it hard to believe it

In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD

AuntGlowModerator08 July 2025, 5:55 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

Here with you @creative_writer. Can you identify what thoughts and feelings are creating a sense of unsafety for you? 💖

In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD

creative_writerSenior Contributor08 July 2025, 6:12 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

@AuntGlow I feel like it might be trauma related. Sometimes it is hard to identify the thoughts and feelings, I sort of can disconnect with what I’m feeling in my body. Maybe I should work backwards. So I’m feeling sort of edgy and feel like I need to protect myself. I’m noticing my body feels weird now that I am thinking about it, maybe trauma is being replayed.

I’m playing with a rubber band to cope, it helps me feel something else in my body

In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD

AuntGlowModerator08 July 2025, 7:32 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

This is such a great reflection @creative_writer!

Yes - it's so hard connecting to your body when it feels unsafe... and learning to create safety in the body is where things can shift for trauma. So, I think working backwards (bottom-up) could be so helpful. The edginess and need to protect to yourself is understandable. Is there a safe way you can release energy right now or create a sense of soothing? 💛

In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD

creative_writerSenior Contributor08 July 2025, 8:12 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

@AuntGlow the rubber band helped, but now my hand hurts, probably stretched myself too much. I also have sensory toys, like those noodle things. I could try to find a good one. I think one of my noodle thingies was becoming sticky, not sure if the heat melted the glue. I also find it soothing to be wrapped up underneath my duvet and blanket

In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD

AuntGlowModerator08 July 2025, 8:53 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

Sensory toys can be great, can't they? @creative_writer

I also find being wrapped up in my blankets soothing as well.

I want to come back to the idea of creativity as your outlet - are you working on any projects or exploring any hobbies at the moment? 🎭🎨

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SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.