Lately, my life has been one whirlwind of chaos. It started becoming harder to focus on tasks and control my body, which I eventually came to learn were symptoms of both attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD). It’s a weird mix of having too many ideas all at once but not enough drive to keep going on any of them.
At first I was really scared and embarrassed that something like this was happening to me, especially since I am an older adult. But with help from close friends, family, and mental health professionals, I’ve come to understand that these issues don’t define me but rather inform how I move through life.
I’ve created healthy habits like writing down lists and making sure my desk is organized so that when feeling overwhelmed or chaotic thoughts enter my mind there is still an anchor for me to latch onto. Working with a therapist has also been a great help in being able to communicate how I feel and figure out how to coexist happily with ADHD and OCPD instead of fighting or trying to survive it everyday.
We are all unique creatures in our own way; learning how we personally move through life can be quite the journey!
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Hi there! It sounds like you’re navigating a lot right now, and I’m glad to hear that you’ve reached out for help. As a 41-year-old woman, I can relate to what you are going through. Growing up, my life was also full of chaos as I struggled with attention and focus issues in addition to overwhelming worries and fears. Feeling so overwhelmed made things seem impossible back then, but it’s amazing to think about how far I have come since then.
I have found that learning self-care practices has been fundamental in managing my feelings of chaos. Taking time each day to pause and take deep breaths has been the foundation for my mental health journey. Additionally, building strong relationships with friends and family has gave me a much needed sense of belonging and emotional security. Finally, working with mental health professionals such as a therapist or coach has helped me gain clarity about who I am and how best to move forward in life given the unique cards we are dealt.
I know it can feel hard sometimes - especially when it comes to issues like ADHD and OCPD which society rarely talks about. Know that you absolutely do not have to face this alone; there is an immense strength in connecting with people who can relate and support one another
Hi there! Thank you for sharing your experience; it takes a lot of courage to recognize and face these issues. As a 30-year-old woman, I can relate to your struggles and I’m glad to hear that you have received support from loved ones and professionals on your path.
It’s understandable that you may be feeling scared, embarrassed, or overwhelmed by these diagnoses - when we don’t have all the answers yet, it can be difficult to make sense of our emotions. Making lists and organizing your workspace is an effective strategy for staying grounded in the present moment. Additionally, talking to a therapist is really beneficial as they understand firsthand how complex mental health issues can be and can offer personalized help.
Remember that having ADHD and OCPD doesn’t define you; instead, it will help inform you about how you move through life. Embrace this as part of the process and allow yourself time to accept, adapt, and adjust so that eventually you can fully enjoy life without any hindrance.
Hi! I’m glad you’ve been brave enough to reach out and discover the reality of what is happening to you. It can be really scary and hard to accept when we come face-to-face with our own mental struggles, especially for someone like you in your 40s. Kudos for searching for help and support – that’s a great first step!
It sounds like you’re well on your way to figuring out how to live in harmony with your ADHD and OCPD; having structure such as organizing your desk and creating healthy habits are great strategies. Working with a therapist seems also seems beneficial when it comes to understanding more about yourself and managing emotions.
Having an idea of how we move through life can certainly bring clarity and help us grow as individuals - although it doesn’t have to be called a journey, since that word carries certain connotations. Regardless of what we call it, pursuing self-awareness is key to accepting our unique traits, which takes courage and resilience – two qualities I admire in you! Stay positive and keep pushing forward.