Diagnosed with ADHD at 33

Perhaps a controversial opinion: therapy isn’t a bad thing and we should work to remove the stigma against it.

Since my diagnosis, therapy has truly been an incredible gift in my life and I’m grateful I sought it out – so much so that I believe EVERYONE should go to therapy. There isn’t anything wrong with thinking critically about our thoughts, feelings, and actions, being held accountable, and continually working to improve ourselves.

I acknowledge that people go to therapy for myriad reasons and not all therapists are perfect, but I hope to view it as a positive if my children need/want therapy. It is so healthy and putting in the work to improve oneself can be so rewarding. It’s been life changing for me, my marriage, and my family/friends.

2 words: Loop Earplugs 🔥🔥🔥

Learning more about my ADHD (my quirks, triggers, non-negotiables, etc) has really helped me be more realistic with expectations I have of myself and has helped me find solutions to help.

A quirk/trigger: I noticed I become overstimulated with excessive background noise at home and at work, which increases my anxiety levels, heightens my stress levels, and shortens my fuse. Loop Earbuds (especially the ones specifically intended for parenting!) have been a game changer in turning down the volume of that din and my stress from it.
A non-negotiable: I am fully capable of cleaning, but doing a deep cleaning of my house (bathrooms, kitchen, etc) will take all day, thanks to my distractability. I don’t enjoy it and it is incredibly draining. Finding a place in our limited budget for a monthly housekeeper for a few hours has been worth its weight in gold. I feel less guilt/shame because my home isn’t filthy, I enjoy being in my home more, and I’m able to devote my time to more important, fulfilling things – like being with my family! This has also decreased the inequality I’ve previously felt regarding the division of household tasks with my partner.