As familiar as I have become with ADD and ADHD over the past few years, I am starting to wonder if I have developed stress-induced ADD.
Yeah, I know, it isn’t a real diagnosis. But I feel like I fit the symptoms to a “T”. I even googled it, but I couldn’t find anything that fit other than my favorite word, “overwhelmed.”
- Trouble concentrating and staying focused – Check!
- Hyperfocus (Hannah’s medical issues) – Check!
- Disorganization and forgetfulness – Heck yeah, big time check!
- Impulsivity – Check! (But may be ‘pre-existing’ to be honest)
- Emotional difficulties – Hmmmm, maybe.
I suck at organizing these days. I mean, I wasn’t great at it in the first place, but these days I feel completely lost and disorganized. I never really felt settled here in Vegas, even though it is coming up on a year, because as soon as I moved here we had Hannah’s severe medical issues and recovery from the moment the mediflight ambulance landed. We never unpacked this house completely nor made it a home. Very few pictures on any of the walls, things still in boxes, and very little sense of organization here.
I keep hoping that once we are in the new house and that I get to start over with a fresh, clean slate that I will be able to start getting the feeling of a better handle on my life and responsibilities because right now I feel completely lost. I have 500 things going on in my mind at a time, 100 projects or things I need to start working on, and 50 must-do things that I seem to keep forgetting to do.
I miss feeling productive. Sounds stupid, probably. But I don’t feel productive at all these days. I feel like I am always trying to catch up, cover, and just do enough to make it through to the next thing. I miss the feeling of having a ‘content’ life. You know, things in place, routine, and just a sense of organization in some aspects of my life.
I really, really hope that once we settle in the new house next month (we should hopefully close escrow this week), getting Hannah’s nursing situation finalized with a good team of nurses, and get pictures up on the walls again that I will finally be able to start focusing more on what I need to do.
Yes indeed you are under a lot of stress! Please take care of yourself by pausing and take mini-breaks. What works for me often is to set the timer every 20 minutes, take a mini-break for 5-10 mins., drink water, wash my face with cold water, and then brush my teeth, or chew gum. Next, I focus on breathing, pray, and ask God for strength to stay focused and to get back to the task I was working on. Remember, we can’t do it all, and it’s okay to ask for help. We are not perfect, we do the best that we can. I can relate in that ADD runs in my family. I have not been officially diagnosed, yet, but am on meds to help with depression and other ADD symptoms. This started in my mid/late 30’s and the day to day struggles have gotten better. I also attend Celebrate Recovery. I meet with a great support group 2xs/wk. God is doing amazing things in this ministry, and I encourage you to check it out online at Celebrate Recovery.com. My prayers for you and your family are to stay strong during these trials. Listen to music that both comforts and encourages you. I recommend KLOVE. Hang in there sweetie! Your are loved, and know that you are a child of God. Proverbs 3:5-6