Quote:
Originally Posted by Susie Q Roo
To some extent, yes.
But, it's always been this way with me, not just now. The huge tasks I've accomplished in life (like shutting down my life in Ohio to move down here, something full of excitement and longing for me) took superhuman effort. Even for things I know I will enjoy, or tasks that I truly WANT to do or finish, I procrastinate and have to force the motivation. I do have to concede that this time of year does make it worse - when it's hotter than blazes and just raising an eyebrow makes me sweat, I'm not motivated to begin much of anything, much less finish it. But even inside in the AC, I can look around and see 100 little things I need to get to, or have already stopped in the middle of doing, and I might get (back) to them or I might not. It embarrasses me and frustrates me, but it's true. However, deadlines are my friends. I'll have everything taken care of (or at least better hidden!  ) before I leave for the states in a few weeks, simply because I feel I have to. It'll involve a hundred tricks I've learned to fool myself into submission, but I'll get it done and will be exhausted when I reach my destination.  |
You have neatly described a few of the "coping mechanisms" that intelligent adults with undiagnosed ADD/ADHD have adopted to manage daily living, employment, etc. Although some adults are not as fortunate and struggle holding on to jobs in the workforce, etc.
Bottom line is this - if you do think you are suffering from adult ADD/ADHD, then the answer (in my book) is relatively straightforward - consult with a psychiatrist about it. Living down there you might want to wait until your next trip north to do this. I have a couple of books I can recommend, but my guess is that they'll just reinforce what you already suspect (or know). So then the real question arises - what are you prepared to do about it if it does turn out that you have adult ADD/ADHD?
You can certainly choose not to medicate and undertake to become more organized and such, perhaps hiring help for certain tasks (cleaning, laundry, etc). But IMHO, if "self-help" techniques like time management skills, organizational skills, and hired help were the answer - you would have self-corrected by this time in your life. Right?