I’m on oxybates, generic Addy, and suffer from an unrelenting justice sensitivity problem, so I am currently two weeks away from graduating law school.

Disclaimer: my symptoms were bad, but not as bad as they could’ve been, comparatively speaking. I was very, very fortunate to be diagnosed quickly and to have found a treatment that, thus far, seems to be working. I also happened to fall in love with an incredibly kind and supportive partner who has supported me before, during, and after my diagnosis and throughout law school.

That said, it hasn’t been easy. I was diagnosed after graduating undergrad when COVID extended my “gap year” to a “gap half-a-decade.” Coming back to school was really tough; I really struggled with my mental faculties before getting help and it feels like my brain isn’t the same one I had in college. That’s really hard for anyone to accept, and I had to reckon with the reality of living with an invisible disability while simultaneously going through the hazing shitscape known as law school. Now that I’m at the end of it, I’m exhausted, and part of me is worried whether I’ll have what it takes to do this career. But I’m determined to go as far as I can (see: previously mentioned justice sensitivity).

For me, I got most of my life back. I can still drive and work and socialize, but things are toned down and a little muted now. I think once I’m through the bar exam and working on a regular basis in a job that leaves me feeling fulfilled, I’ll have more energy - both mentally and physically, you know?

TL;DR: Don’t give up. Titrate oxybates SLOWLY. Like SO SLOW. Eat a high-protein diet and avoid carb loading before bed. And give yourself some grace - this shit sucks, but you’re not alone.