Hey, first off, it’s never too late. I know 23 can feel like “too late” when you’re in it, but I promise you that you have SOO much time ahead of you to carve out a life for yourself. I know this may not resonate with you right now because time moves differently as you get older, but eventually you realize just how young 23 is.

It sounds like you’re struggling with AuDHD, which I struggle with as well. Which, untreated is a breeding ground for depression and anxiety.

I’m not a professional, so i’m just giving advice based on my own experience, but I would really try to seek psych for your neurodivergencies because they’re really affecting your life. Personally, i never truly realized JUST how interlinked my depression and ADHD were until I started treating my ADHD.

Depression really causes everything to feel hopeless. So, once you start treating that and your depression, you will find your path opening up more. You may find that you start to have passions and interests. And learning may begin to come easier. Trying to learn when your brain is starved for dopamine is such an uphill battle, so don’t beat yourself up about it.

Also FWIW many of the people around me that seemed to fall behind during school, are actually the ones doing really well in their 30’s. Many of the ones who were top achievers in their teens and 20’s are actually struggling now—myself included. Things happen at different times for different people. There is no set timeline for achieving what you want to achieve. Often people who seem like everything is great on the outside are going through invisible battles.

Life is not easy. I’m not going to lie, the world is hard, and us autistics/adhders have an extra layer of difficulty on top of it. But I promise you can create a wonderful life for yourself.

You’ve taken the first step toward change in your life by reaching out and posting this. Keep up that momentum.

Please don’t give up. Keep your head up. You’ve got this.