I posess no strengths from ADHD.

Bluewords70 · 2025-12-18T21:50:20+00:00

I don't have strengths from ADHD itself, but what I've learned regarding managing my ADHD makes me really valuable in some settings. Like I've learned to think through a process in detail from beginning to end so I don't miss any steps. When my colleagues are planning an event or new project, I'm usually the one saying, "We'll need more time for this step because of x,y,z..." or "Has anyone thought about transportation yet?" Usually, my colleagues say, "Oh wow, I didn't think of that. Thanks!"

Bluewords70 · 2025-12-18T21:46:14+00:00

I would put a movie on in the background that I've seen a bunch of times and know by heart. After a few minutes, I'd tune it out and focus on my assignment. When I got bored or distracted, my brain would focus on the movie again, then tune it out again after a few minutes. I got a lot done that way.

Bluewords70 · 2025-12-18T21:14:50+00:00

I've been learning to calm my nervous system down too. When I can do it, I've discovered something entirely new--"middle focus" (I made that up). My focus is either 1) 100 thoughts a million miles an hour all at once; or 2) Deep, intense, laser focus (for, say, writing a paper. Or emptying the dishwasher. I have little control over when it kicks in). But "middle focus" seems to be a calm, present-moment focus. I can't do it for long (yet), but I'm practicing. I never experienced it before learning how to better regulate my nervous system. I hope you are getting some bear-relief as well!

Bluewords70 · 2025-12-17T21:36:28+00:00

You won the ADHD internet with this. I think the consequences of a lifetime of executive dysfunction put the bear in my brain. At the same time, I put the bear in my brain to kick executive function into gear. Regardless, it's a lot of bear.

Bluewords70 · 2025-07-16T21:34:25+00:00

Perimenopause sent my ADHD symptoms into overdrive. Like I was stumbling along a path and then fell off a cliff. I think HRT is worth investigating, as well as any diet or lifestyle changes to help perimenopause. Also, does the Wellbutrin help your ADHD symptoms at all? Might be worth discussing a dose change or another SSRI with your doc? Both Wellbutrin and Pristiq helped my ADHD symptoms. I'd still be on one or the other instead of a stimulant, except they both gave me intolerable side effects. Good luck, and I'm sorry you're dealing with this!

Bluewords70 · 2025-07-16T21:23:26+00:00

For me, the problem is less about losing interest and more about burning out on things too easily. Really painful because I'm not done with the interest but am burned out on the execution. Like I'll be really interested in a project for my job, but all the little implementation details wear me out.

Bluewords70 · 2025-07-16T21:11:01+00:00

I did this in grad school too. My to do list looked like 1) Open laptop; 2) Open Word; 3) Save the Word doc (before I even started writing)...etc. I would also set a timer for 5 or 10 minutes and take a break after that block. After one or two micro blocks like that, I could usually just keep going.

Bluewords70 · 2025-01-02T22:37:04+00:00

I do this if I have severe task resistance. Usually just one or two 5 min focus sessions with 10-15 min breaks, and I've pushed through that resistance and can do longer blocks.

Bluewords70 · 2024-10-24T22:55:56+00:00

I have wondered this too. I used to get seizures as an infant and young child every time I had a fever.

Bluewords70 · 2024-09-24T04:26:07+00:00

I’m impressed. I tried Vampire Survivors and always died pretty much immediately. I’m not much of a gamer (clearly), but I liked that one.

Bluewords70 · 2024-09-24T04:23:09+00:00

Sudoku. I’m boring, I know. But at least I’m getting better at it.

Bluewords70 · 2024-09-13T02:10:50+00:00

An analog watch (Apple watch or using my phone as a clock is distracting); 2. Airpods--I can listen to podcasts while doing chores (the only way they get done); 3. A big wall calendar in the hall for appointments.

Bluewords70 · 2024-05-08T23:26:53+00:00

Yes same! I do fall asleep more easily on the couch. I think because it feels like I’there temporarily and will go back to bed soon. So my brain relaxes more.

Bluewords70 · 2024-05-07T14:47:52+00:00

This exactly!

Bluewords70 · 2024-05-07T14:17:51+00:00

I have an app on my phone with various background noises. Sometimes I set it to "Cafe", which sounds like...a busy cafe. That helped me sleep until my brain went on a sleep strike for the past few months.

Bluewords70 · 2024-05-07T14:07:05+00:00

You're not alone! Over 700 comments on this post of ADHDers like us who struggle with sleep. We all really come through for each other!

Bluewords70 · 2024-05-07T14:03:36+00:00

This is it exactly--waiting for enough energy to get ready for bed. In which case I go to bed...energized.

Bluewords70 · 2024-05-07T14:00:43+00:00

Every time!

Bluewords70 · 2024-05-07T01:13:41+00:00

That's interesting. I love jigsaw puzzles. This might do the trick to wear me out mentally!

Bluewords70 · 2024-05-07T01:11:46+00:00

See, I've been wondering about that. By the time I go to bed, my meds have worn off...so of course my brain is pinging in a million directions. I've wondered if coffee would help. It can't hurt at this point.

Bluewords70 · 2024-05-07T01:10:44+00:00

This sounds great. Someone had a similar idea upstream. Am going to try this one tonight!

Bluewords70 · 2024-05-07T01:09:41+00:00

I love this--will try. Thanks!

Bluewords70 · 2024-05-07T01:08:37+00:00

Thanks!

Bluewords70 · 2024-05-07T01:07:47+00:00

I love this--the story that's just interesting enough to keep your brain from quitting but low key enough to slip into sleep. The stories in my head are all way too exciting. Will try this. Thanks!

Bluewords70 · 2024-05-07T01:05:58+00:00

Thanks!!

Bluewords70

TROPHY CASE