Reply To: Diagnosed last week

[brenda2691]

Hmmm… definitely helps me reflect on some of my own challenges. I think, for me, the first thing I got out of working with the psychologist that did my assessment was to stop trying to function in the same way as everyone else around me.

Self care is really important and discovering what is enjoyable and helps me feel good took priority whenever possible.

I realized I was constantly comparing myself to others who did not share my brain style. Some people are consistently disciplined and productive – how admirable and unbelievably boring! I do things in bursts and when that happens I am a machine! I know that my best focus time is mid-morning and late evening and I get way more done then. Mid afternoon I am fuzzier so I’ll avoid scheduling things then and go exercise instead.

Even just little things from day-to-day that would add up and frustrate me. For instance, keeping paperwork organized. Over and over again I would sit down and neatly organize everything into a file box, because that’s what people do. Not only could I not maintain it but I’d have trouble finding stuff when I needed it because I could think of several great categories that would have been appropriate for any one thing. I finally clued in that for me, the best personal filing system was a big box with the year written on it, toss everything in it and I would know where to find stuff. A perfectly acceptable and effective solution for me. And sticky notes everywhere. I also love my google calendar app because I alarm everything about 4 times so I don’t miss anything. And my bills are all auto-debit. Basically anything I could think of to automate the mundane so they are off my plate and done – or better yet, delegate to someone who’s better at it in exchange for something I do well.

Making a game out of rearranging stuff can provide much needed stimulation and improve function. But on those days when I’m feeling anxious but I can’t get my butt in gear to do what I’d ‘planned’ on doing, what helps my anxiety is to just do ‘anything’, to start as small as taking out the garbage or wiping a counter or going for a walk. Inevitably one action leads into another one and before I know it my productivity kicks in and I feel much better not dwelling on my initial disappointment.

Not sure if that helps but that is where I started. Simple, easy and small step to build confidence and the progress helped ease some of the anxiety.

Above all, keeping a sense of humor about has really helped.

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