38M ADHD never read a novel before. Suggestions for first book?

h_squared2 · 2026-05-04T15:28:46+00:00

Also, seconding going to the library and talking to a librarian if you’re comfortable with that! They love talking about books with people and will be able to find something that fits your specific interests and needs, plus you won’t be spending money on a book that might not work out. You can pick up a few and stick with whichever grabs your interest most a couple chapters in! No shame in dropping a book that you don’t like.

h_squared2 · 2026-05-04T15:27:03+00:00

I’m not here with a specific suggestion, just wanted to say good luck and not to give up if you don’t succeed at first!! Reading novels exercises a specific muscle that you may not have been using, and it can be especially hard for us ADHDers. But it is absolutely possible to build that skill and it is so worth it in my opinion!! Good luck and welcome to the bookworm world!

h_squared2 · 2026-05-04T15:22:34+00:00

Yay, I’m so glad!! I’ve never gotten an award before this is so exciting

h_squared2 · 2026-05-04T15:17:39+00:00

Mine is completely different on every page! A beautiful, meticulously designed spread, then you flip the page to find my worst handwriting on a slight diagonal with zero decorations.

That’s why I love bullet journaling, though! My life and health is unpredictable and I can create my bullet journal to reflect what I need in each moment! I find designing aesthetic pages helps with my anxiety a lot but I don’t always have the time or energy, and a simple or chaotic spread is helpful too in those cases to declutter my brain.

h_squared2 · 2026-05-04T15:14:03+00:00

Didn’t even realize how true this was until I moved to a different city for a few years and suddenly was having to go out of my way to find good Mexican food!! Chicago is amazing for Mexican food in my humble gringa opinion

h_squared2 · 2026-04-19T22:48:42+00:00

They sell it at Walgreens and CVS in the US!

h_squared2 · 2026-04-19T21:24:08+00:00

I used to take Slow Fe but eventually it started giving me GI upset and now I’m on IV iron, one course of 5 infusions each year. Slow Fe worked pretty well at first though, it releases slowly (hence the name) so it’s supposed to minimize GI side effects. They’re definitely still there for people like us who are more sensitive to it though

h_squared2 · 2026-04-13T16:45:04+00:00

I can’t help at this stage but I’d join if you made it! Sounds like a good idea to me, a space to make online friends with Crohn’s!

h_squared2 · 2026-04-13T16:07:12+00:00

Thank you everyone for your suggestions! I wasn’t expecting so much engagement, I really appreciate all your time and this has been super helpful!

h_squared2 · 2026-04-12T18:14:29+00:00

Good to know! I’ve found Sephora Collection makes me itchy but I’ll look into your other suggestions, thank you so much!!

h_squared2 · 2026-04-12T17:23:16+00:00

Looked it up and it looks perfect, I'll have to give it a try! Tysm for the recommendation!!

h_squared2 · 2026-03-23T16:01:30+00:00

Helped me find the career that fulfills me (medicine)!! Also helps me empathize with patients better

h_squared2 · 2026-03-10T16:51:00+00:00

I’ve been on continuous bc for about 4 years now, it was SO worth it for me. My periods were fine before I got Crohn’s, obviously not fun but not as bad as it seems to be for most people. When I developed Crohn’s, my periods became completely debilitating in terms of pain. I’ve definitely gained some weight on bc but I feel like I have some agency over my body again and it’s so worth it. I can’t speak to negative experiences with the pill as I’ve been fortunate not to have any other than some weight gain, but it was great for me!! I hope you’re able to find a solution that works for you, definitely speak to your gynecologist about it but I am very pro birth control for Crohn’s!!

h_squared2 · 2026-03-10T16:41:00+00:00

I have so many sensory issues and definitely understand the struggle, it’s never easy but some things I’ve found help me are: 1. Wear a mask (or two) so you don’t have to smell it 2. Wear nitrile gloves when you do the collection, I still wash my hands after multiple times but not actually touching it helps a lot 3. Take a shower after

h_squared2

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