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.
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
Hey @creative_writer - sounds like withdrawals maybe? Definitely difficult to contend with - I've experienced both caffeine and nicotine withdrawals and they are NOT fun. Try to take it gently and lots of distractions if you got em.
With what you mentioned in the TW - I think that this is absolutely your choice as to how you want to define it. Even if others disagree, it is not up to them how to form the story of your life. I think anyone who does disagree is simply demonstrating their lack of understanding, maybe even lack of compassion... in which case their opinions don't matter anyway. "Those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."
I also think there's good reason that we have specific terms to distinguish those acts from sexual experiences between consenting adults. Because it is absolutely not the same.
Yep, I'm with you. The effort you're putting in is incredible hun and even on the days it doesn't feel like it, you're walking the path of recovery. We're so here for it 💜
In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD
creative_writerSenior Contributor
Re: Functioning with ADHD
@Jynx I think it’s a crash, you know how people often get crashes after the effects of coffee wear off, it’s kinda like that. Maybe I’m thinking too much, but I’m anxious about the pdoc appointment, I know I can’t predict my pdoc reaction after everything that has happened and what will come out of it.
I am thinking of changing into my cosy trackpants and snuggling up, I feel cold in these compressive leggings. I need to feel warmer and safer.
I honestly don't want to consider the experiences to be sexual, but in a way I feel like I'm lying to myself. Maybe I need to work out a narrative that sits okay with me but also makes it easier to cope with this sense of loss. I wish it was easier, figuring it all out has been hard.
In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD
JynxModerator
Re: Functioning with ADHD
@creative_writer maybe have a think about what you would like out of the appt and start off by telling them that?
Oooh trackies is a good idea! Temperature just dropped, it is cosy-time for sure!
Maybe feel out some different words and phrases? Or chat to others with similar experiences, perhaps see how they define it for themselves.
In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD
creative_writerSenior Contributor
Re: Functioning with ADHD
@Jynx just not sure what to say about the relieving anxiety, depression and ADHD symptoms through substance use. Not sure how he’s going to react. It’s hard to talk about SH, I don’t think I even use a common form of SH. Creative minds are weird. I think of the most bizarre things at times. It’s a curse and a blessing.
I love my bamboo cotton blend trackies. I also love my fluffy socks, I think they’re designed for outdoors, but they’re too thick to fit in most shoes, except maybe my runners. They do keep you cozy at home, my feet are still cold due to poor circulation.
I’m in the process of finding the right words. Maybe I can explore in therapy
In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD
JynxModerator
Re: Functioning with ADHD
@creative_writer you seen him much before? Any history of judgement or stigma around that sorta thing? I think if the goal is to get support with it, it should be okay.
I love bamboo socks!! I got heaps, only downside is they take forever to dry hey! Esp in winter!
That sounds like a good plan 😊💜
In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD
creative_writerSenior Contributor
Re: Functioning with ADHD
@Jynx I have seen him for a while. I couldn’t admit to increased SI with my psych earlier this week. People start getting worried. I didn’t talk about what I have been doing to SH. I get anxious in the moment. I was shaking during the session. She does know about the substance use aspect. I’ll try to be more open in my next pdoc appointment, hopefully my brain doesn’t freak out.
My winter socks are wool blend, I use bamboo blend when it’s warmer. The bamboo cotton trackers keep me super cozy. I also prefer to avoid polyester
In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD
JynxModerator
Re: Functioning with ADHD
You tried writing stuff down @creative_writer? I find it way easier to read off a note than to try to pull the thoughts out in the moment!
Yay for cosy 😊
In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD
creative_writerSenior Contributor
Re: Functioning with ADHD
@Jynx I might try writing some stuff down. The heavy stuff is hard to talk about, but I know supports are there to help.
If I am feeling up to it, I can also talk a bit about the trauma narrative. I’ve been trying to separate it from myself, but it isn’t easy with something so personal. I don’t want it to be all that I am, it sometimes feels that way.
I know I can’t control the persistence of body flashbacks, but I want to be able to feel a bit safer within myself, maybe it’ll improve through emotional self regulation. I’m literally panicking right now, trying to breathe
In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD
JynxModerator
Re: Functioning with ADHD
@creative_writer what is helpful for you when you feel like this hun? You could jump on youtube or something to find a guided grounding/breathing exercise?
In response to: Re: Functioning with ADHD
creative_writerSenior Contributor
Re: Functioning with ADHD
@Jynx I did a breathing exercise before I went to sleep. I was super sleepy after taking my meds so drifted off okay. I hope you slept okay 💖
I’ve been feeling frustrated this morning, I know it’s best I ran out because I’m in the process of developing an addiction. It helped me regulate my emotions, and now I’m trying to find an alternative because it feels like a struggle this morning. I’ve put myself into the hole, and now I don’t know how I’ll get out
We're improving how you access SANE services, starting with Forums
You’ll soon be able to use one secure login to access all SANE services.
For added security, members are now required to log in with their email address and password - member names are no longer supported for logging in.
If you had a Forums account before 19 May 2026 and haven’t set up your new login yet, you'll be prompted to set up your new secure login when you sign-in.