Reply To: In my 50s and starting to wonder

[That Guy with ADHD]

Hi Sarah,

I thought I had it at 52 and was diagnosed with the combined subtype of ADHD at 53. While I have yet to find medication that works for me I can at least put a label on it and try things that don’t require a doctor (i.e. Diet and excersize). The doctor that diagnosed me wasn’t surprised at all that I was there as he had seen many people our age come through and test positive. I can relate a great deal to what you have been going through with the exception of the reading part as I also have dyslexia which has made it challenging to read especially long texts or novels. I don’t have any close friends anymore. They drifted away as I got married and started my family. I also suffer from a low self esteem and I don’t know how people would want to be with a loser like me so I don’t try. While I know I have been sucessful in my life I can’t shake the feeling that I am not living up to my potential. I hear people tell me I am wonderful and smart but have a hard time believing it. When I mess up I would say I’m sorry but after a while people start thinking that I don’t realy mean it because I inevitably do it again. I also suffer from episodes of depression like now. I also was treated by psychologists and physicians who tried to help me for many years but did not see the signs of ADHD. I went through two group sessions on CBT which I found helpful but soon after the course ended I would drift back into my old routine. The way I see it if I do nothing I am doomed to continue as I have in the past. If I embrace the diagnosis and accept my condition then I at least have a chance at a new normal. Does that make sense?

I think being tested is a wise decision and wish you all the best.

Your Friend
Richard
AKA That Guy with ADHD

• This reply was modified 6 years, 6 months ago by That Guy with ADHD.

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