I found out I have ADHD.

Summary

Jaiden describes struggling with focus, memory, organization, motivation, and getting started on tasks after leaving home for college. Because she had been an organized, successful student as a child, she initially blamed herself for becoming “lazy” rather than considering ADHD.

Her brother’s diagnosis prompted her to reconsider. A psychologist later diagnosed her with inattentive-type ADHD and autism. Understanding the diagnoses helped Jaiden feel less self-critical and find more workable ways to approach daily tasks.

Strategies and Takeaways

• Try a smaller task as a warm-up. When a difficult task feels overwhelming, Jaiden sometimes starts with an easier one, such as tidying her room, to build momentum before returning to the original task. She notes that this doesn’t always work.
• Be less hard on yourself. A diagnosis helped Jaiden recognize that some challenges weren’t simply failures of effort and that she might need to approach tasks differently.
• Consider a professional assessment if you’re unsure. Jaiden says getting a concrete answer from a professional helped her feel less stuck. Her story is personal, not a diagnostic guide.
• Medication was a personal, prescribed choice. After discussing it with her prescriber, Jaiden tried instant-release Adderall. She says it quieted her racing thoughts and helped her focus, remember her intentions, and move between tasks. This is her experience, not a recommendation for others.
• Keep learning what works for you. Jaiden says she is still figuring out how to structure her life and improve her day-to-day productivity.

Presenters and Sources

Jaiden is the presenter. Her brother shared his ADHD experience, her psychologist provided a diagnosis and explanations, and James shared his experience taking Adderall. Jaiden also mentions specialists and research.