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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

GlistenSenior Contributor10 July 2025, 12:52 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

@creative_writer @rav3n me and my family are testimony to the fact that we are diagnosed gluten intolerant, but do not have celiac disease.

If we don’t avoid gluten we get to experience a full body hangover and size 18 pants 👖

In response to: Functioning with ADHD

rav3nSenior Contributor10 July 2025, 1:14 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

@creative_writer ohh hopefully you get some answers soon! i haven't done an allergy test either but i think i should soon... i just don't like the idea of getting pricked!

yeah it's definitely tough but my dermatologist has been helpful. wish visiting a derm was cheaper tho 😅

love that! have you ever considered applying for those writing contests/submissions? i remember a few years ago, there was a call out for writing submissions under the topic of 'Growing up Asian in Australia', which sounded interesting.

@Glisten it's so hard avoiding gluten!! 😅

In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD

creative_writerSenior Contributor10 July 2025, 1:35 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

@Glisten I feel like both celiac and non-celiac gluten intolerance is more common in those who are ND and have MI. It is very uncomfortable, cause waist size to jump up dramatically. Probably one of the reasons why I have body image issues. I’m trying to go gluten free now. I also do acknowledge physical and mental health symptoms will take a while to ease.

@rav3n allergy tests sound so uncomfortable, but can give you so many answers. Derms are so expensive. I have so many questions, and issues like dryness and skin irritation, but it’s too expensive. Im winging it with skin and hair care.

I could consider applying for submission, and haven’t looked into it much. Going gluten free can definitely be challenging, I’ve been trying to decrease my intake since Monday, but today may be the first day where I’m totally free. I’ve been eating a lot of brown rice lately and been finding it a lot more gentle

In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD

rav3nSenior Contributor10 July 2025, 1:52 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

@creative_writer that was me too, i was winging it with skin and hair care! i've found qv (the ecezma friendly one) really helpful for dry skin - at the start i had to moisturise multiple times a day but after a week, it got better. also la roche-posay ones have been really good too but they're pricier. my derm said "less is more" so i've tried to keep my skin care routine simple.

hair's a tricky one... do you oil your hair? i feel like there's so much mixed information about oiling and hair care out there, i'm just experimenting as i go now!

i like brown nice, i have it once it a while. hope the gluten reduction helps - i'm heading off soon, hope you have a lovely weekend and enjoy your birthday celebration!! 💖

In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD

creative_writerSenior Contributor10 July 2025, 2:49 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

@rav3n I get dry spots on my face, I’ve been using a balm to soothe it, it works, but maybe I need to use it more often. I think those areas need more moisturising, maybe too many tissues and it’s been cold in Melbourne.

I do use oil and lots of other stuff. I need multiple products to keep it from drying and becoming straw like. My hair is super frizzy too.

Brown rice is a good alternative to bread. It does take a while for symptoms to disappear after gluten exposure. It’s not like lactose intolerance that’s resolves relatively quickly. I’m still convinced it may be explaining some of my symptoms, potentially contributing to mental health distress, fatigue and physical pain. Feeling pretty shitty right now mentally and physically, but I think I need to be patient.

I will speak to you when you’re next on 💖

In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD

creative_writerSenior Contributor10 July 2025, 4:12 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

I suddenly feel faint and unbalanced. How do I get up and do something to keep my mind off trauma?

In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD

Ru-beeModerator10 July 2025, 4:33 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

Hey @creative_writer Are you still feeling a bit stuck and unable to get up to get your mind off of things?

In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD

creative_writerSenior Contributor10 July 2025, 4:43 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

@Ru-bee I’m still feeling faint, not sure how to feel un-faint, not sure if it’s period related. I think I’m starting to space out. I feel like it happened to someone else. I’m just under the covers right now in bed, it’s cold. My hands are freezing

In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD

Ru-beeModerator10 July 2025, 5:23 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

Do you sometimes find that you feel faint on your period @creative_writer?

I also get freezing hands, I don't think I have great circulation. How do you think taking some gentle movement would feel? It might help to feel a bit more present and get some blood flowing to your hands too. Since you're in bed it could be something like some pmr, tensing your muscles

In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD

creative_writerSenior Contributor10 July 2025, 5:53 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

@Ru-bee I often experience weakness even outside of period, but my period can contribute to that weakness. I need to get more blood work done next week, it has to be done after my period finishes.

I don’t think I have great circulation either, I can do a bit of pmr. I feel like I’m supposed to eat soon, just have to wait for the rice to be done

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Aboriginal flag

Torres Strait Islander flag

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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.