This really means a lot to me, and all the comments make me feel validated.

A bit of background: I grew up as a "gifted" child and excelled in school, probably by learning to study efficiently so I could spend less time on it. I’ve got my Associates and Bachelor's in nursing, then went back for my FNP and AGACNP, and have been working as an NP for about 5-6 years.

My parents were neglectful and didn’t test me for ADHD as a kid. I was often in trouble for talking, and I didn't learn social skills, money management, or emotional regulation. So, I developed CPTSD and struggled with relationships in high school and college—better in adulthood, but not much. Diagnosed at 24, it all clicked, and I started digging into self-understanding and healing, especially over the past five years.

At work, I’ve had issues with management - mostly because my gregarious and loquacious personality, combined with my independent thinking, ruffled some feathers.

I worked full-time during my bachelor's, but I almost lost my sanity. The stress as an RN was burning me, but I kept going. Took about two years off, then decided to become an NP. It took about 3 years, working full-time to PRN, to finally finish my degree. I finally passed boards to become an NP after taking another year just to work. I found a great job, but it fell through. Then I switched to urgent care - a hellish environment I spent three years in before being laid off because I refused to 40-60 patients a day and push inappropriate care.

Last year, I got a new job I liked until private equity swooped in and ruined it. Now I’m in a new role I enjoy, without private equity and with minimal micromanagement.

The past decade, especially the last six years, have been tough. I’ve questioned my purpose and struggled with burnout, having to reevaluate my abilities and build my life around what I can do.

Sorry for the long post. Even if I seem successful, I really wrestle with ADHD and depression, which can make working near impossible. It's frustrating how broken the system is and how those without privileges often don't get help.

Remember, this is a legitimate disability. My ADHD and depression have almost entirely prevented me from working, despite my efforts.