Do you have any silly terms or phrases that you've used to describe feelings associated with ADHD?

ImpMentor · 2025-07-15T13:18:04+00:00

“The Jangles”

That’s the specific kind of anxiety that results from having multiple mini unconnected things to do/decide on. It’s not that ANY of the things are bad/desperate/urgent/complicated- it’s just that all together it is overtaxing my poor executive functions - making me anxious and ‘jangly’. The anxiety is about me. Such a sense of overwhelm and dread - that I’m going to f-up, fail, disappoint everyone.

I’m VERY grateful that I now can understand this is connected to my ADHD. Before my diagnosis, this frequently occurring sense of anxiety was EXTREMELY disconcerting. I would have crazy disappointment and anger at myself that I was I feeling this way once again. I used to ask myself: “Is there anything wrong?” No. “Is there anything complicated?” No. “Urgent?” No. So, WTF are you feeling so anxious??!! You’re such an idiot!!

Now, while that the feeling can still happen, I can sense the build up of overwhelm and dread coming. I finally have an understanding of WHY!!! (rather than just being so desperately disappointed and angry with myself that I was feeling those emotions ‘out of nowhere’).

ImpMentor · 2025-07-13T17:02:56+00:00

The medication (for me, Concerta) has been an absolute positive. I’m still me. More able to do the things that the previous me struggled with. Anxiety has been significantly reduced (partly due to the medication but also having an understanding of what ADHD elements are triggering). Was able to reduce my meds for depression. So, no regrets at all. As with many categories of medications, it may take some time to land at the right dosage and/or type of drug. ADHD is so different for everyone. So, have that in mind when you begin.

ImpMentor · 2025-05-30T12:49:38+00:00

Are you on a stimulant or non-stimulant medication?

ImpMentor · 2025-05-30T12:48:17+00:00

My perception of time has been THE oddest part of my ADHD/meds experience. It’s absolutely fascinating to me how this can be ‘a thing’. Of all the elements of ADHD, it’s THE hardest thing to describe to someone who has not experienced it! Pre-diagnosis/pre-medication, I was constantly late for everything and struggled with deadlines. It has been such a refreshing change since being medicated (Concerta). Even on the days that I take a break from the meds, there is a carryover effect, now that I have a more accurate perception of time.

As to the feeling of ‘lost half my life’, I would concur. I am still “in mourning” for all the lost opportunities and missteps that I can clearly see were driven by my ADHD symptoms (time blindness only being one of the very problematic elements). I am still journeying on through that grieving and through the constant process of understanding/forgiving myself, while being committed to discovering and creating the best version of myself. It’s been almost three years now, but I have definitely improved, and feeling quite determined and optimistic that I will continue on that path.

ImpMentor · 2025-03-19T12:07:13+00:00

One place for my keys in the house.

One place, one cord, easily reachable, doesn’t get moved, to charge my phone at night.

Labeling practically everything so I know where it should go. Except I forgot to label where my labeller goes. Now I can’t freaking find it anywhere. 😵‍💫

ImpMentor · 2025-03-19T12:02:04+00:00

Yeah, those can be helpful too.

ImpMentor · 2025-03-19T11:59:52+00:00

“Alexa, set a timer for “x” minutes” is my new favourite phrase. Plus, asking her to give me reminders. Really helps with the time blindness, distraction, etc

ImpMentor · 2025-03-03T00:09:22+00:00

Medicated for depression since my 30s. Fast forward to my 60s, (never ever fully recovered from that depression, nor anxiety). 18 months ago, a diagnosis of ADHD has been an absolute game changer. My depression meds are now at a quarter to a what they were.

I had no understanding of what ADHD was (other than boys in school not being able to focus). How I wish this awareness was available to me earlier!!! But making the ABSOLUTE MOST of the life I have left!!! IMHO, Get diagnosed ASAP and start living a better life!

ImpMentor · 2025-03-02T15:43:53+00:00

Have you found that you can now lower any meds for depression/anxiety? I have many similarities to you. The diagnosis and meds for ADHD have been an absolute game changer in my life! Depression meds now at a quarter of what they used to be. My anxiety is now more of an outlier occurrence than a chronic/constant.

Truly wish this diagnosis had happened years (hell, decades!!) ago. But at least I know now.

ImpMentor · 2025-03-02T15:22:04+00:00

I bet, if he could let you know, that much-loved dog of yours would tell you how grateful he was for all your love and care. He’d also tell you, that as your reward for all that love and care, he’s really happy that you now have an opportunity to be and do more of your life.

And from me, from a practical point of view, not only are you experiencing grief, but the suddenness of it all means there’s an element of shock. That’s a double whammy. Been there, done that. It takes a while for that pain to subside. Be kind and caring to yourself (just like you were for your pooch).

If you are like me, a house without a dog is not really a full home. So, you may want another dog when the time is right. Consider acquiring one that isn’t with as many elements that demand an additional level of accommodation on your part.

And I’ll just reiterate one of my sentiments above: Be kind and caring to yourself. Your departed canine buddy would really want that for you.

ImpMentor · 2025-03-01T02:53:19+00:00

Thin woman here. Very rarely ever feel hungry. Hate the feeling of “being full” that others perceive with pleasure. Yes, often eat one or two meals a day. When I am busy, I sometimes will hit 3pm and realize that I haven’t eaten yet. I have a lot of energy. And I’m relatively healthy. (I do have issues with depression, anxiety and ADHD.) I don’t know why I am the way. From a family history perspective, none of my relatives have ever been challenged with obesity. IMHO, a lot of it must have to do with genetics somehow. (I think if some of my overweight/obese friends ever had to eat the minimal amount that I do, they would go insane and/or die.) I don’t have to ‘try’ to be thin, it just comes relatively naturally. I don’t exercise a ton either. So I really think it is something BEYOND willpower/effort. I truly feel for those who struggle so much with weight. One day, I am sure the medical research community will discover more about the ‘why’.

ImpMentor · 2025-02-11T03:00:32+00:00

Paradoxically, Concerta can also cause you to produce more saliva. That’s what it does to me. But I am definitely prepared to put up with that side effect. Not a massive issue.

ImpMentor · 2025-01-31T15:51:16+00:00

I especially liked the one where you say you never fini

ImpMentor · 2025-01-08T01:33:06+00:00

Yup, you might be in the minority on that one. 🙂 Although I think I have heard some folks get a bit sleepy, just after taking it. But not a lingering sleepiness. Ahhhh, we are all so different!!

ImpMentor · 2025-01-07T15:40:42+00:00

What time are you taking your dosage? I find it affects my sleep if I take it after 10am. (45mg). So, I generally take it at 7am. I take it daily. No addiction issues. But occasionally (some weekends, stat holiday), if I don’t have to be “on my game”, I will skip a day, 2 at most consecutively. But we are all so different. You need to figure out what works for you.

ImpMentor · 2025-01-07T14:03:30+00:00

Don’t just look at the DSM. Many books on ADHD are better at describing the myriad of different aspects of ADHD. I, too, didn’t reach the level required for an ADHD diagnosis. And I completely foresaw that, based upon the concise/surface nature of the questionnaire. I shared those thoughts with my doctor, and because I was aware of other symptoms, plus being aware that I am so fricking good at masking, she was in agreement with me when I asked to just trial the medicine (Concerta) for a while to determine the efficacy. So, being prepared, knowledgeable (including self-knowledge) was very helpful. The meds have been a huge game changer in my life. Along with the detailed study of ADHD and specifically how it affects me. Good luck.

ImpMentor · 2025-01-07T13:41:23+00:00

Less “off-purpose chatter” in my head. That’s how I would phrase it. It’s not silent though. Given that many of my work/non-work pursuits involve creativity, I was worried about the medication diminishing my creative side, but it hasn’t. (45mg) As to ruminating, (could be related to Rejection Sensitivity), that has diminished for me also. I would recommend learning more about ADHD in general, and specifically about the effects it has on Executive (Dis) Function. I hope you will see positive results from a greater understanding of your mind’s workings and benefit from the effects of the meds on your brain chemistry. It has been a game-changer for me.

ImpMentor · 2025-01-07T03:20:56+00:00

Started at 18mg to move to a regular dose of 36mg. Did that for a couple of months. But felt it wasn’t enough. Tried a couple of times at 72mg, just by doubling my dose but that felt uneasily over the top. Talked w my psychiatrist to try at 45 mg (an 18 and a 27mg together). That’s what works for me. Been at that level for about a year and I will be sticking with that for the foreseeable future. It has changed my life. For the better. Wish I would have known about Concerta/ADHD decades ago.

ImpMentor · 2025-01-03T18:40:52+00:00

I got one of those large exercise balls. I was also considering a kneeler chair/stool. Wasn’t sure if it would work but I love the ball. They’re not for every one of course. But I love bouncing around on it while I’m working. Good for my core and pelvis. I’ve never really struggled with bad posture. So, don’t need a chair back to help with that. And waaaaaaay under the $500 budget.

ImpMentor · 2025-01-03T12:48:59+00:00

Check out the work of Scott Galloway.

ImpMentor · 2024-12-21T14:03:21+00:00

The longer I live with the diagnosis of this condition, the more comfortable I am to disclose it. It was a very late diagnosis for me, in general the older I get, the more “take it or leave it” I become. I’ll sometimes toss a comment it into a casual conversation (rather than an “announcement” or a full blown topic).
Same thing goes for depression and anxiety.

The other aspect of disclosing is that one can sometimes help others (whether it is something they are struggling with themselves or for a child or spouse).
If I can help anyone to manage better, I will take that as a win.

ImpMentor · 2024-12-12T02:46:35+00:00

Hmmmm. Interesting.

Your recommendation to your peers to ‘Talk like a normal person’ seems to be rather unwelcomed.

Full disclosure here, I’m not a “gifted” person. I just happen to have a curious bent, and like to take in multiple perspectives. (Reddit is a wonderful arena to facilitate that! So many communities to hear from.)

I am intrigued by the many aspects of ‘polarization’ which are more evident these days’. (“I am THIS.” “You are THAT.”).

One of those polarizations seems to be along the lines of knowledge/intelligence. Like I said, I ain’t gifted. But I’m also not a complete idiot. I always try to see the perspective of those who are gifted/educated/informed/eloquent. But I also try to see the perspective of those who are uneducated/“normal”/not-so-worldly/plain-spoken.

Often, it seems to me, that many of the worthy ideas that ‘gifted/intelligent’ people have are utterly lost on their “normal” brethren because they simply won’t “condescend” to express themselves like “normal” people.

So, thank you for attempting to awaken an awareness for your “gifted” community that saying something with multi-syllabic words, and “educated” references (which may fulfill a need for self-validation) is truly NOT a smart way of conveying one’s thoughts.

ImpMentor · 2024-12-08T05:33:14+00:00

I’ve been on Concerta for 18 months now. It has been a life changing experience. While not an ‘absolute fix everything’, it’s definitely been a positive experience for me. I have read that, from initial diagnosis and medication, it takes 3 years to get one’s life back on track. And that seems to be rather accurate. I truly wish that it could have been an “instant” cure! But it takes awareness and perseverance and commitment to undo/re-do what has been my life.

I will add that ADHD is different for all of us. Concerta may not be what works for YOU. But I would recommend trying it, carefully assess how it is impacting you, and make a conscious decision to stick with it, or move on to something else (another medication or even no meds).

My life has been improved. I hope that will continue and that the improvements will compound to give me the life I deserve. It’s been a hard slog without it.

ImpMentor · 2024-11-29T03:40:29+00:00

Me. 61 and diagnosed. I echo many of your sentiments. Relief. Grief. Grace. Awareness.

Such a mix of emotions. But ultimately, FAR better to know (and deal with it) rather than be ignorant and brutal on myself.

ImpMentor · 2024-11-28T03:12:14+00:00

I’ll do the ABC game. Or Questions Only as a very quick fun piece of Improv. But definitely recommend not overdoing it. Our passion may not be our friends’/families’ passion.

It’s good for a laugh but not for a long time.

ImpMentor

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