Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

47,612Members
1,358,869Posts
1,400,000Visitors

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

251 - 260 of 714

1...25 26 27...72

In response to: Functioning with ADHD

AuntGlowModerator16 July 2025, 6:07 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

Yes, I can understand this so much. Life really is a balance of light and dark, which is so hard to come to terms with at times... but I feel like embracing it all allows us to really enjoy the good that comes our way. @creative_writer

Absolutely - this is very real for many. And when we have experienced not only bigger traumas, but 'little traumas' too, i.e.: our parents not holding space for our emotions, it builds up in the body and manifests in so many different ways. Dysregulation, inflammation, rumination, obsession - the lot! BUT it doesn't mean it's there to stay, these things can change. And I believe they will for you. It's just a matter of time and consistent support to practice new ways of relating to yourself and the world (and of course, having safe spaces to express yourself).

Can you channel some of this anger into your writing at all? 💛

In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD

creative_writerSenior Contributor16 July 2025, 6:54 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

@AuntGlow I feel like even situations where we had no control can still allow us to grow and learn. At the same time I am also cautious in defending horrendous actions, it doesn’t make it okay.

I think there is often guilt behind feeling angry with those who showered you with love growing up. I think I try to push it aside because I feel like I’m not supposed to feel it. I have those moments where it feels hard not to feel angry at the world. I have more anger attached to the SA, that I don’t know how to forgive. I know I will never receive an apology. I can forgive my parents because I know they did what they could. My mum has struggled with her own MH, that also brings trauma in itself. It’s hard for children to witness a parent overly heightened (including to the point of SI). My mum no longer is heightened as she once ones, but people learn as they grow older. Though she has never been in therapy, it was never her thing. Expressing anger is one thing, I’ve found it hard to give myself the permission to be angry. Maybe I need to give myself permission to feel, and also start to express it slowly (which can be done through writing)

In response to: Functioning with ADHD

tymeModerator16 July 2025, 9:17 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

@creative_writer wrote:
@tyme I think it’s important to surround yourself with people who see the potential in you. The deficient model of mental health needs to be replaced. Mental illness shouldn’t feel like a life sentence. People often have more to them. Language is very powerful.

Hey @creative_writer , I just saw this post. I totally agree that the medical model doesn't help.

I'm learning more and more about our First Nations people and their cultural understanding, learning and ways of life and I'm totally immersed in how they view things. The way they view things, embrace culture and see potential is so so important, no matter our culture or beliefs.

In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD

creative_writerSenior Contributor17 July 2025, 12:21 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

@tyme completely agree, medical model wasn't designed for mental health. I think it is important to recognise biological aspects to mental illness, especially mental illnesses with a significant biological component such as schizophrenia and bipolar. However, people are not their illness and sometimes people just need to feel empowered to make those further steps.

Learning about how First Nations see mental health is fascinating, it is a lot more holistic. I think it is also important to consider spiritual experiences (e.g., ghost and demonic experiences) may be the norm for certain cultures, even if they are considered abnormal in Western cultures.

Today has been rough, still experiencing withdrawal, it might be the feverfew from my migraine supplements. People can experience migraines after abrupt discontinue. Only thing is, my migraine supplement had other vitamins that I can't take before tomorrow's blood test (to get a more accurate picture of my nutrients in blood). Maybe I'll feel better tomorrow. I've had urges today, my brain is awfully foggy and I am moody, but probably shouldn't use that before the blood tests. The nutritionist wants to get a clear picture of where inflammation and nutrients are at. I'm just so exhausted and i feel sick. I don't know if I have another infection, nose feels clogged, and this stubborn yeast infection is still here

In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD

creative_writerSenior Contributor17 July 2025, 1:43 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

I just watched something and now I’m triggered

In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD

AuntGlowModerator17 July 2025, 1:46 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

Here with you @creative_writer, what's coming up for you right now? 💛

In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD

creative_writerSenior Contributor17 July 2025, 2:00 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

Trying not to bawl my eyes out rn @AuntGlow. I know it’s not healthy to hold emotions in, but it feels safer to keep it in. I feel like I’m at loss. Sometimes it is hard to anticipate triggers, I didn’t realise I was triggered until I finished watching TV

In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD

AuntGlowModerator17 July 2025, 2:18 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

That must be so overwhelming @creative_writer. I wonder if there is a way you can create a safe space for yourself (maybe with some blankets or a warm shower), so that you can allow yourself to feel what you are feeling? I really want to give you permission to cry, know that it's okay and allowed... I will be here to hold space for you. 💛

In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD

creative_writerSenior Contributor17 July 2025, 2:36 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

@AuntGlow I think I’ve waited too long, no tears are coming out now. Going under covers sounds like a good idea, it’ll help me feel safer and warm. It’s cold, it might warm up my hands and feet. My feet are cold despite wearing thick winter socks. Sometimes in life you’re exposed to what you never wanted to be exposed to, and it’s hard to move forward. The only way is forward, the past can’t be changed

In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD

AuntGlowModerator17 July 2025, 3:16 pm AEST

Re: Functioning with ADHD

That's okay @creative_writer 💛

Under the covers sounds really cozy and soothing. It is sooo freezing atm, so anything you can do to keep warm will help.

It can be really hard to move forward and to trust that things can change (you also don't want to force this or push things down either, with trauma softness is key). I am curious, do you practice any visualisation techniques or manifestation-type journaling?

251 - 260 of 714

1...25 26 27...72