Tell Me You Have ADHD Without Telling Me You Have ADHD - The Signs Everyone Missed Growing Up

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I recently asked my community, "What were some signs you had ADHD that everyone missed?" Let's explore some of these today!
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[@BabyBackManiac]

I think the "but he/she has no problems paying attention to videos games" phenomenon (*see also TV, Sports, music, legos, etc) has done more to keep kids from being diagnosed by well meaning parents than probably any other thing. It really is a bummer they call it attention "deficit" disorder instead of something more accurate.

[@rosieleaverton]

It should be called something like "ARD" for "Attention Regulation Disorder"

[@robina.9402]

It always feels like the name describes what neurotypical parents/teachers are frustrated with, not the actual experience of the person with ADHD.

[@sawyersweetart1042]

@@rosieleaverton 100%. "Attention deficit" sounds like if we just acquire more attention points (or brain RAM, or whatever) we'd be fixed. We have plenty of attention, dang it, we just can't aim it as well!

[@HowtoADHD]

@Sawyer Sweet Art haha yep love that. "we can't aim it as well!" 😂

[@DaleESkywalker]

I've had it explained as *Attention to Detail Disorder,* which is not really a disorder; it's a *superpower.*

[@frisog6948]

"wait I missed what they said" * rewinds 60 seconds * 30 seconds later: "wait I missed what they said"

[@HowtoADHD]

ACCURATE

[@frisog6948]

@@HowtoADHD it's like watching video's in reverse, it's so frustrating

[@JeantheSecond]

Ugh. I use to borrow people’s notes from lectures I attended just so I could fill in the gaps from when I stopped paying attention (even though I was trying to pay attention). So frustrating.

[@thepurpledusk3381]

It can take me up to an hour to watch a 15 minute video, especially if the topic makes me want to look something up. Google and smartphones have been both the best and worst inventions!

[@butterscotchgrove6151]

Especially when I don't make the video full screen. If I can see the thumbnails of other videos, I MUST read the titles, thus missing "what they said" yet again.

[@beethovenbeats]

“Tell me you have ADHD without telling me you have ADHD” *watching hours of videos on ADHD while I have 37 other things to do that I can’t focus on*

[@GIRLintheGLOWINGmask]

And then reading comments too!!!! 😉

[@amosmo5es]

Lol

[@alexapichardo5230]

This is me literally right now lol

[@avieebvlogs8018]

Yes

[@tenglee93]

Skipping the video every other 5 seconds

[@kgilburg]

It’s really hard to find out you have ADHD at the age of 79! But it’s also comforting to know I’m not crazy!

[@godpoet1]

I’m 70 & only just figured this out.

[@showercapchats8838]

I am 66 and same same

[@angelayorkcrane5618]

63 and same.

[@truthseeker5190]

53 and same. Literally the only definition of it put out there back in the day was of a naughty misbehaving hyperactive boy who couldn't sit still in class! That wasn't me!

[@mondohdz531]

Sending love your way. I just found out now at 35. I couldn’t imagine much later.

[@maddy.8915]

One of my history teachers in high school told me he was disappointed in me at the end of the year because "I could have done so much better if I had just tried". I think about that a lot. Watching your videos makes me feel less alone but also lonely at the same time. I hope anyone reading this knows I understand you, and I am proud of you.

[@davidfleisch4163]

Maddy, I’m sorry that you experienced this

[@maddy.8915]

@@davidfleisch4163 That means a lot to me, David, thank you sm.

[@timhaldane7588]

"If you had just tried" is one of those phrases that still hurts. When you really, genuinely care, and you put your everything into something and its not good enough, and people treat you like you're letting them down for not having done more... it leaves a mark.

[@bfcmik]

My school reports were full of these comments every term. I used to want to reply that they should try to make things interesting or teach better!

[@onetwothree7627]

I didn't notice until I grew up, but I tried SO HARD in school. So hard. And I never got to where I wanted to be. I was always behind. Even though I probably spent more time on my studies than 90% of my classmates. And everyone (including me) always said, "you did so well without studying, imagine how well you could have done if you'd worked harder"

[@Azeria]

Oh here’s one: I downloaded a game today and I’m currently ranked 12th worldwide.

[@kitcat2449]

Ok that's not only adhd, that's skill

[@dps8629]

Behold, das flex.

[@CalebSpears1]

I literally got rid of my Xbox because of this. I would hyper focus to the detriment of the rest of my iLife

[@CalebSpears1]

Life, not iLife. But that’s a funny typo

[@jackdixon6681]

downloading a new gacha game, researching the bet units to reroll for, spending and afternoon doing just that, powerlevelling, looking up meta guides and future units to watch out for, building a team that works and crushing through the ranks, then uninstalling the game a week later when it becomes a daily task rather than a sudden rush.

[@amandanicole7174]

When you said “you have so much potential. Why don’t you just try harder?” It hit me like a ton of bricks. 😭

[@iroco0494]

Me too!

[@wetwilly88]

Me too. My whole life I've been label as the bad kid in the family. I haven't been diagnosed but I have every symptom for ADHD.. Sucks cause now I'm 32 with no job cause I feel like I'm a lost cause..

[@captainmaim]

yup.

[@lallydoo24]

me too i remember been a high achiever in the classroom and then how disappointed my teachers were after every test and exam. I just couldn't concentrate and focus on tests/ exams

[@eileencita]

Or "stop trying. Just do it!".

[@sulatlalaki]

"Getting distracted is NOT a moral defect." My FAVORITE thing you've said thus far!

[@dakmor65]

I was beaten almost every day when I was a kid because I couldn't focus. Unfortunately the last time gave me a brain injury so now I have terrible memory problems. I hope and pray for anyone that needs help, that they receive it.

[@staceyrileyartist7884]

😟 That is heartbreaking. I’m so sorry. 😔💛

[@jennifercartwright2360]

Oh God, I am so sorry that this happened to you. No child ever deserves to be beaten. 😢

[@starpeep5769]

wow so they gave you worse memory problems for not remembering 💀😍🤡

[@june.w.1288]

This is so sad I'm very sorry this happened to you. 🖤💜

[@cheryldueck318]

So, who else was “listening” to this while reading the comments, because you wanted to see people’s reactions to what Jessica was saying, but then realized you missed half (or more) of what she said and had to rewatch it? 😜

[@rsjh7706]

Is that a sign. I wasn’t paying attention 😅

[@Ummer]

Just at me next time

[@Shiroar]

Always.

[@avieebvlogs8018]

Yes 😭

[@HeySojo]

Busted!

[@agibson9020]

I got chills all over my body when she talked about people talking about your wasted potential and assuming it’s a moral failure. Thanks for saying it out loud!!

[@OldManSparkplug]

I memorized that speech from my parents because I heard it so often. I still hear it echoing in my head on bad days.

[@juhivarma7160]

Yes, reading in the corner around extended family! That was me.

[@patchouliodonovan9529]

Every school report I ever got said some variation of 'is a bright girl, very funny and a pleasure to have in class, sometimes easily distracted. Has a lot of potential, she just needs to apply herself'. As I got older, teachers would often trot out 'You could be a straight-A student if you applied yourself' and my retort became 'or I could continue to put in no effort and still be in the top 5% of my year group'. Always buried in a book, in English class we would read the book we would be studied out loud as a class (THE WORST THING TO SIT THROUGH). I would read ahead so I finished the book before anyone else, then be reading my own book under the desk, I'd work out which page we would be own when it was my turn to read in advance so I could jump in and read my pages without anyone noticing I was doing my own thing the rest of the time. I was a 'gifted child' also. I've been assessed twice for AHHD and told I don't have it.

[@DavidRamgobin]

This and the disorganization got me caught in a 1-2. Fighting for my life xD

[@tinoluoma1648]

Yes, I was a good student but I made lots of "careless" mistakes, didn't understand how to direct my focus (seemed like overachieving to others) and was always told I could be so exceptional if I just tried a little and well, I tried my best and just never understood why I can't try harder I was just told I should try caring about school a little by paying more attention at class

[@Tacsponge]

Loved learning, loved talking to the teacher. Never did homework. " he has many good ideas, but presentation gets in the way of understanding them"

[@Lifea16]

Same 😅😢

[@kjb-gamesandreading3981]

My elementary school librarian was considered a strict, mean woman. She was one of the only three adults in that school who actually put time in to try and understand me, because she saw me in the library, so devoted to reading the books that I chose, rather than the assigned stuff. She saw every time I "lost" or left a book at home and knew it was because I was reading or rereading books that at that point were several years ahead of my grade. She talked to me, helped me focus, gently reminded me to redirect my focus. She still greets me excitedly, asks about what I've read, a decade and then some later. The other two were a teaching assistant who had been helping kids diagnosed with autism for half a decade, and my fourth grade teacher, whom had a child diagnosed with adhd

[@kjb-gamesandreading3981]

And I've always described my thought process as "Explosive" because it starts at one small point, then goes absolutely everywhere. And my college public speaking professor loved me for it, cause it meant I could put very shorthanded bullet points and still took up the expected time or more

[@furiousdestroyah9999]

POV: You're an adult that has never been tested for ADHD and can strongly relate to 80%+ of these

[@thedoctordb5765]

I feel like these are specific yet broad points. Do we know if a "normal" adult should relate to a decent amount of these? Idk how this channel even showed up on my recommended list but curiosity had me click it lol. Maybe KZbin is trying to diagnose me.

[@AnnaReed42]

If you're relating to that much of it, I'd recommend getting tested! ADHD frequently goes undiagnosed and then people go on thinking they're just lazy or not trying hard enough, and that everyone struggles with these same things... when in reality their brains just work differently than neurotypical brains.

[@lejonlar1999]

@@thedoctordb5765 yeah me too! i was watching random videos on instagram and then videos about adhd started to pop out and then i realize most of the things fits me. right now i am thinking to going to see s psychiatrist to be sure i have adhd.

[@simmersabi]

@@AnnaReed42 im currently working to get tested because of doing research and discovering that what im going through is not "normal" and i relate to almost everything in the video. my husband and i believe i have misdiagnosis of anxiety and depression thats actually ADHD

[@AnnaReed42]

@@simmersabi Nice! Yeah anxiety and depression are often comorbid with ADHD, but the symptoms can look the same so I can see how it could be a misdiagnosis.

[@myconfusedmerriment]

“Re-buying things because I forgot where I put them.” I FEEL SEEN LOL.

[@knmonlinemedia]

Omg this 😭

[@everyporism]

Ive misplaced my glasses and lost them about 8 times its a nightmare to keep buying glasses

[@cassandra5926]

I have purchased at least 8 complete exacto kits in the last decade. I cannot find a single one...

[@jackv4612]

@@everyporism There are websites where you can prescription lenses super cheap (They're just basic plastic frames). I ended up just buying 20 pairs. Now whenever I put them down randomly and can't find them, I just pick up one of the 19 random ones sitting around the house.

[@lumiegames]

Or re-buying things because you’ve forgotten you already bought them… My housemate pulled out some butter from the fridge the other day like “you’ve put this in the door pocket - be careful you’ll forget about it and buy ano-“ (notices the second new butter pack at the front of the fridge) “yup, there we go!” I’m glad to have a housemate that understands me and knows it’s ok to keep reminding me about stuff over and over 🥲

[@drift7rs]

7:17 i’m not diagnosed, but i’ve been crying the whole video and that just made me sob

[@ironheavenz]

Oh my god the "wasted potential" speech pretty much every adult gave me, everyone calling me lazy, "the minimum effort genius" really hit hard during childhood and teen years. It's amazing and incredibly sad how we seem to struggle with stuff that is so similar if not identical. Hope the future is brighter and easier for next generations, at least we got eachother!

[@plainmarienc]

This. The wasted potential speech still pisses me off in retrospect.

[@BrickNewton]

Could apply himself more was always in my school reports. It always came as a punch to the gut as I thought I had given everything I had, plus it made my parents talk to me about how I could do better which just made me feel ashamed and embarrassed. Also my older sister always did really well at school and made it hard as they expected me to be similar.

[@amandarubio8491]

Please please please PLEASE have a shirt made that says “This is me trying.” I’ll take one in every color.

[@bethmoore7722]

You could add “so hard” to that. Everything is such a struggle, and in the 60s, they treated it like a behavioral and even a moral failing. It was so painful.

[@amandarubio8491]

@@bethmoore7722 I’m so grateful for Jessica and people like her making an effort for life to be less painful for this generation and the ones to come. My only hope is that there continues to be a growing compassion for people with disabilities who don’t know how to do any better than they are already doing.

[@mahoganyk]

I need this shirt so bad right now, so I don't have to repeat it to my mom a million more times

[@h.nicolejorgensen2077]

I would buy one too. 😎

[@kadmilossomnium]

Look for taylor swift merch. Its a song from folklore and its probably a shirt somewhere

[@Lyllie_]

Interviewer: *"Describe your life in five words."* Me: "Either Now or Not now."

[@cheeseheadflipper]

ZAP!! ZOOOM!! POW!!! CRASH!!! ZZZZZZZ!!!!

[@cassandra5926]

Either now or not.

[@zimora4422]

This is literally me

[@dancook1118]

I’m 74 and joke about the patchwork of jobs I’ve held throughout my life. Heard about my “great potential” through out my school career. Thanks for this.

[@cherismith5707]

I'm 58yo and I often describe myself to others as "the classic under-achiever" because I have many skills and talents that are obvious, and yet have accomplished so little with them, because I can't organize my thoughts in order to get/stay on track and achieve goals.

[@FromG2eminor]

Being a music major with ADD was...fun. Being in a quiet small room to practice all alone....nightmare. Im now a piano teacher and I have empathy fory ADD students. I give them strategies that work for our crazy brains. 😊

[@gwenvanderlaak5894]

Another ADD pianist🎉 I think I practiced 80% of the time by heart because getting the music sheets out of my bag was "too much effort" for some reason I still don't understand. And I still do this a lot😅

[@franfunayama]

The hyperfocus when practising for hours on end helped a lot for music performance assessments or exams 😅

[@elinek5470]

I never practiced until the day before my lessons, and it always turned out good😅 i have a very good feeling and needed some help from my teacher to make me stay focused on the music sheets. And then he always told me that i could play that part very nicely. Doesnt really help with the idea that i had to practice a lot more😅 but maybe it was alright like that.

[@Jazz-nm1kf]

Hey! Adhd guitarist that wants to learn piano here; you mind sharing some of those strategies, recommendations, or good starting points? I've tried self teaching from a book, and learning from online lessons and apps and I don't really find it stimulating enough to ever stick with long term..

[@qqOKOKqq]

​@@Jazz-nm1kf how long did it take you to learn guitar?

[@Marie-ls4nb]

“The thing that i want most from the world is for people to stop getting yelled at for things that they struggle with.” Damn….

[@kendranieuwendorp5511]

Sooooo true. This is something I want my family and even my spouse to understand. Like I literally can't help it and I'm trying sooooo dang hard, so getting yelled at for it makes it even more difficult to be successful. Like each little thing I do complete is a victory for me

[@Brandon-bc5um]

If only...

[@thecodingarchitect]

@@kendranieuwendorp5511 So relatable. What I hear a lot when I try to explain a symptom, is that it's an excuse.. or the "everyone has that **sometimes**".. But the struggle is real and it never goes away instead of suffering "**sometimes**". So instead of explaining the pattern and having the other recognize it so they can help, it ends up in discussions usually ending with the other saying "I just don't understand you/it, how can

[@autumn5852]

@@Brandon-bc5um I agree 🥲 I’ve finally ditched my last nt friend and my family because I’m done with getting marginalised and judged on my adhd traits and never seen for the actual amazing progress I’m making - by now, if they won’t take the time to understand me better, I’ve realised that they probably never will and I’m hurting myself if I continue on with these relationships, so as much as it hurts right now, I feel like this is a key to unlocking a brighter future for me

[@wetwilly88]

@@autumn5852 hang in there 👍

[@Grimmsister23]

Definitely the biggest sign for me was reading. My parents literally had to tear books out of my hands to try and get me to eat. Time was (and still is) nonexistent when I read. But because reading is thought of as a good thing for kids to do, no one really noticed. I would panic and do assignments the night before, but still do well on them. I would scream and cry about having to do dishes or call someone on the phone, both of which felt physically painful for me to do.

[@jaronimoh]

Mine is the opposite...I have the hardest time focusing to read. But I can get really into organizing and sorting things and easily lose track of time... So random I know

[@devvandyke1195]

When I was a kid I always had my nose in a book. These days I struggle to find one that keeps my interest long enough to finish it.

[@lesbiangoddess290]

Oh no. This is so me. The dishes were and still are the bane of my existence

[@natashambulo3510]

I also lose time when hyperfocused on reading

[@ChubbyVampire_]

same! my parents used to turn off the power to my room so I wouldn't spend the whole night reading, also I was not allowed a flashlight so I used my Nintendo DS as a light bc the battery lasted for ever xD

[@FAB1150]

"oh it's 7pm, I haven't had lunch yet"

[@maricchristophe]

I watched your TEDtalk and it made so much sense that I finally decided to look for help, and I was diagnosed. I suspected I had ADHD, but having it confirmed by a specialist was a relief. I didn’t think being diagnosed would make a difference, but it did. It’s as if I had spent my life wearing shoes two sizes smaller than my feet and feeling guilty for it…I just needed bigger shoes

[@missSDW]

“Literally forgetting everything that wasn’t attached to me as a kid” is one of the worst things about it.

[@leviboswell9510]

Yes! In adulthood too! But ‘a place for everything, and everything in its place’ + trackers has helped me so much

[@amosmo5es]

Still dealing with this..I lost 2 phones this month, ear buds, chargers, wallet, etc etc

[@jacquiemac2179]

I’m better (not good, just better) at keeping track of things now, as an older adult, just by forming habits (over decades) about where I put things. As a kid I must have lost at least ten sweaters a school year. We didn’t have much money so, a new sweater was a big deal. Several times I lost a shoe during recess. ONE shoe!

[@danielamaus]

That's why my purse and my keys are literally chained to my belt.

[@jacobcarter5923]

It's worse as an adult

[@maliatale]

I think my “giftedness” is what has been saving me from being absolutely useless the whole life, like thanks to my intellect I can achieve at least something like a normal human being

[@tiagobelo4965]

Eyyy, my man, I feel your pain

[@joejo4549]

I think a lot of the time it can prevent people learning study strategies when young

[@tiagobelo4965]

@@joejo4549 oh, absolutely, when you can't and don't need to study you never learn how to

[@JeantheSecond]

Same. If I was of average intelligence, I don’t know what would have happened to me.

[@lolitsdamian]

@@tropicaldisaster8135 Your school most likely has programs available to check in with. You no longer require your parents to take you seriously. You can adopt the responsibility for yourself! It's definitely hard. But don't wait for them to hear you to seek help.

[@trejodaniel]

I found your videos about a week ago, and can’t stop crying. Everything you describe feels exactly like my life. I am now 44 and I don’t even know where to start to find a “Fix” for my brain.

[@lanecountybigfooters5716]

I totally do the jumping around in conversations, forgetting what I'm actually saying at the moment, and forgetting what the question was. I also jump before the sentence ends. So spot on! These are such amazing videos. Thank you!

[@sayaelnu]

The phrase "It's either NOW or not-now." hit me so hard. I use to procastinate on so many things until suddenly at a random moment I have the biggest urge to do it NOW! RIGHT this moment! If I don't it will take ages or never happen...

[@scarabee333]

I just did that yesterday. I hadn't sorted my paperwork since mid 2019. But I HAD TO do it right then. Took me not even two hours and the normal question would be... well, why didn't I do it sooner...

[@tatututuuu3515]

I have the same moments, I can literally feel my brain being different and know if I don't do it now and the feeling goes away I'll not get it done the next days/weeks

[@bethelwillingham7129]

A friend of mine describes it as there being 2 times; now and never. That is why it is so hard when I have to tell my daughter with ADHD that she can have or do something later. I have learned how to phrase things better for her, but sometimes I forget.

[@DaleESkywalker]

I was always in my own little world, and didn't fit in anywhere.

[@LastZoneTrooper]

This hits home and is still viable today. Only people i really "fit in" with are other people with ADHD and/or Aspergers.

[@GoADHDGo]

And there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s not that YOU don’t fit in, it’s that others don’t fit in to your world.

[@RenaissanceGirl]

Same! But for me, I didn't even notice. I wasn't paying attention to it. Go figure, I guess. 😅

[@0815Tuber1604]

Are you me?

[@MsPseudonymous]

I was labeled a “brat” as a kid. My friends parents rarely liked me. I “tried really hard” my entire life. I’m in my 50’s now, I was diagnosed at 36 years old- so much made sense! I had been using ‘CBT’ most of my life without knowing that’s one of the things I used to manage my ADHD.

[@uniquechannelnames]

Big tip for those who struggle to focus during conversations: make up or think of something about the person(s), even a hypothesis that interests you about them. Maybe about their personality, why they are the way they are, what molded them into their way of living, what possible neurodivergence do THEY have? What was their past like? Stuff like that. This helps me stay focused due to interest in them as a mystery, as many people become quite interesting once you get behind the social mask. and it can actually turn me into a great listener and conversationalist, and usually ramps up my social and emotional IQ. Just a tip that sort of tricking your brain can help a lot.

[@hotcoffeewarmpages2913]

Yes, TIME BLINDNESS! I was a “gifted” kid, too, and a perfectionist about little things no one else cared about (sign #2). Also the kid with a book everywhere. And I had to go get diagnosed myself AFTER struggling with school and work for years. Oh, and drifting off in the middle of conversations or reading when I could have sworn I was paying attention… And oh my god, procrastinating on going to the bathroom! I thought I was alone on that!

[@IDK_Mr.M]

I am aware of time but i calculate what time it should take. Then wait - then have to force myself to do it or forget just before i should have

[@singingsimmers1829]

Especially being a gifted kid in school when you’re younger and so your teacher just excuses you not doing homework because you’re smart so when you actually have to do homework you’re kind of screwed

[@guacamole4258]

I could have written a reply almost identical to yours!

[@coffeeconfessor4747]

That bathroom thing.... I'm glad I'm not the only one who's body doesn't recognize literally any physical signals for anything when I'm hyper-focused on something.

[@DonnaMcMasterRiver]

At 70 I can tell you that the bathroom delay doesn’t go away; it just gets more dangerous! 😳

[@jennyreese4913]

"getting distracted is not a moral defect" Holy crap that hit me in my heart.

[@jonnivaldes5597]

I cried.

[@MaidMirawyn]

I needed to hear that so much!

[@Hoffa1337]

I wish this channel was a thing 18 years ago when I got diagnosed. I've had a very long and lonely journey on my own.

[@pauldilley8974]

The last one hits home most for me. When you're young, being disorganized or messy seems amusing. As an adult, it just begins to hurt more and more. Losing things, forgetting to pay bills, not being able to focus on work, etc.

[@taicrunch4189]

The idea that hyperactivity isn't always physical was really reassuring. It also explains my entire childhood.

[@kendranieuwendorp5511]

Meeeeee

[@TheNinnyfee]

Mine, too. Clumsiness, talking constantly, constant jitteryness, eating to calm myself...

[@laryrumiantzeff]

Same here

[@lizzieluz]

Samesies!!!

[@somewagyuenjoyer]

I was hyperactive. My life was cool.

[@asgard1913]

oh lawd, the "being gifted but only ending up as an 'average' student" describes me to a 'T'. Like, my standardized tests always put me at the 97th+ percentile in subjects that I thought were cool, but things I found hard to focus on were always average at best. A while back I was helping my Dad clear out our old house to sell and I looked through all my report cards/progress reports and 95% of them had some variation of "does not work to potential" "is incredibly smart, but doesn't try" or "seems bored during class". It's kind of a miracle I even made it out of high school untreated.

[@greatauntlizbethg9137]

...'could try harder' 🙄

[@JeffHendricks]

I had the same story. But 40 years ago, there was essentially no one who understood it or could diagnose it. I'm surprised I made it through high school without losing my sanity.

[@thumperlovinyew3528]

I got the potential lecture directly from teachers... It was hard to watch them sincerely want me to be my best but not understand it would take involvement other than telling me to just do it...

[@catcatcathamster]

I feel you. I literally had a teacher give me extra points because I made the exam 5 times and continued to get a low grade. I would study with a group but the second my mind wandered, I forgot everything.

[@commentbot9510]

I was the opposite. I could to the school work and get the grades, but the standardized tests were nearly impossible. I never had enough time and would only complete about half the questions. It wouldn’t take long for me to be bored out of my mind and find it extremely difficult to focus. The end of the ACT was just looking at graphs but I couldn’t even do it because I was so burnt out. They really think 1 5 min “break” is enough. This is why I absolutely hate the fact that the ACT and SAT are used as a way to show intelligence. What it really is is a way of showing who can go the longest without losing their mind.

[@olaftheblack2012]

One of my favorite moments in life was having a proper topic skip conversation with another ADHDer who not only followed my skips fluently, but also added in their own skips and we just got more and more excited as it went on. Beat part was the bystander watching and veing confused and asking what just happened lol. 🤣🤣🤣

[@rhondamills2621]

❤

[@AlignToDeliver]

As a 59 year old, I have coped through ever demanding jobs, but particularly struggled and had to drop out of a few really senior roles because I struggled with not being able to focus and at times over focusing. Your reference to being very bookish as a child really hit home. I’ve beaten myself for years for not trying harder (because that’s what others told me), about not knowing what I really want (everything, nothing, scary, full on). Also holding on too long before going to the bathroom. Procrastinating. Starting lots of things, but struggling to complete everything. Gosh. Would getting diagnosed be a good thing? Is that even possible at my age? Love what you’re doing and would be keen to hear your thoughts. Thanks.

[@julianmorrisco]

It is possible to be diagnosed at our age. I was, but I’m so used to myself I declined medication. I have managed to have a reasonable life despite jumping from career to career - as soon as my interest waned even a little bit I lost the hyper focus and found each job unbearable. Even when having what I consider a dream job in my early 20s which I still regret leaving when I’m in a darker moment. So you might indeed be offered medication. I said no, too little too late for me. But everyone is different. If I was still miserable about it I might have gone for it but I’ve found other tools. Meditation, lots of therapy etc. The meditation was particularly hard but I stuck at it and now I can do the guided ones - and it helps. Even things like meditation and therapy change our brain chemistry so can (emphasis on can) be as effective as medication. I hope you get some serenity.

[@Syrenia63]

I wonder about being dx'd for ADHD, ASD, and other learning disabilities such as dyscalculia etc. I am not sure where I go. Will doctors dismiss my concerns because I have managed this far? I will be 60 in 2 weeks.

[@jeishiikanzaki]

I am likely going to skip an opportunity to move up in my work because I can see myself struggling. I'm already struggling where I am for external reasons and the thought of not getting the job (rejection) or getting it and failing because I'm already having a hard time has shaken me up. I'm considering seeking a formal diagnosis because I have so many signs but have never been considered as having ADHD because I "do so well".

[@Rocknrollcure]

I was just diagnosed last year at 62. I’m really glad because it’s helped me understand my relationship problems, loneliness, and why my marriage struggled and finally fell apart last year. I take a mild dose of bupropion which has helped enormously. Now I can get through an entire hectic workday without feeling totally exhausted. There’s a lot of grief when you realize that things could’ve gone quite differently (better) if I’d known years sooner. But now I’m more forgiving of myself, and have a better idea of the life I want to live going forward. Take care!

[@johndododoe1411]

I was diagnosed in my 40s, but some professionals deny the diagnosis because I wasn't formally diagnosed in childhood . Scary being denied treatment by such boneheads .

[@thecodingarchitect]

This one really hit home. Wow. I was diagnosed at age 35. The "gifted", wasted potential, moral problem, social awkwardness, expert in procrastinating, reading in the corner and so much more.

[@SirMysticRob]

Yep. At 30, I'm just now at the point of 100% sure myself I need to get tested for ADHD after not being sure what has been "wrong" with me my whole life. It is very reassuring to see you were diagnosed at 35 so there is still hope if I do have it, it will be noted. I just wish I hadn't missed so much time by not knowing because being "gifted" has gotten in the way of understanding or noticing my hindrances from the outside. But it's nice to know I may find an answer still

[@truthbeseen7428]

You are simply perfect just the way you are!

[@MrKeychange]

Wasted potential is for the dead. Think of it as if it's in queue, waiting to be unleashed. It's never too late to access your tools. ✌️

[@lizzieluz]

@@MrKeychange that is actually a really great way to put it, I like it and I’m stealing it! 😅

[@SirMysticRob]

@@MrKeychange that's a cool way to look at it

[@Kalaydascope]

“We’re not flowers, we’re bumblebees.” Woof. This whole video hits me right in the trauma.

[@shalow2]

That is so me, a social bumblebee :)

[@fishing_with_chaz]

could not agree more very social bumble bees buzz buzz oh look something new great now i have 2 dozen new hobbies face palm

[@mynickname4884]

Exactly Stacy! I'm great at bringing people together and am seen as a social butterfly but it is not an accurate characterization. When I get home, I'm exhausted.

[@PhoenixArtz000]

i like bumblebees :D they so fluffy :D

[@rainbowstarks]

Same

[@lovellmer]

I do not have ADHD, but I LOVE your channel and your content. It's really well done. Just this weekend, I recommended your channel to a niece, and I have watched your videos trying to help my own (just grown up) kiddos with their own struggles when their dad and I didn't feel like our school system/mental health system was quite giving us the type of support the kiddos needed. I really feel inspired that there are resources for adults to get what they need to live life feeling good and productive and building a life.

[@Revjoice]

Go back to the video! Stop getting distracted and reading the comments!!!

[@cherismith5707]

😂👍🏽

[@sunburntsatan6475]

A speaker at an ADHD seminar called ADHD an "intention deficit disorder". This is very relatable, since often times I know exactly what I'm supposed to do, how I'm supposed to do it, but my intentions don't translate to actions very easily.

[@dannyl2598]

Dr Barclay said," you don't have a problem knowing what to do, you have a problem doing what you know." That was an eye opener for me. That's when I knew that this guy knew what he was talking about.

[@lonewolf4612]

I've been told my whole life that I have a motivation problem. Then, when I was in the process of finally being assessed properly to get a diagnosis, every single professional I spoke to told me "well, you're clearly HIGHLY motivated." I learned to explain that motivation doesn't connect to action for me. I think motivation and intention are two sides of a really weird coin, and my brain doesn't accept that form of currency..

[@RuailleBuaille]

I was told recently by an instructor that he had never met someone who had so many intentions and so little execution. Plans and dreams for days, but no way to put any of them in motion.

[@carliejung8408]

yeah I've watched that too and it really resonates!

[@geager2]

I think "attention displacement disorder" would feel pretty accurate

[@Tracy-xe9zu]

I'm inattentive-type ADHD, so my symptoms were missed until I was almost 27 and accidentally found an article about ADHD in adult women. Daydreaming, having incredible difficulty focusing on tasks that were boring or high-executive-function, rushing thoughts, terrible working memory... but because I could hyperfocus on things I *did* enjoy, my parents and teachers took it to mean that I *could* focus and was choosing not to. I was also always losing things, struggled with having a desk/backpack that was super messy and disorganized.

[@ginnydixon233]

My experience exactly.

[@ColorMeIn]

This is my experience.

[@zeezehlin228]

exactly what I've been going through till now

[@Adelphos12]

Why am I in this comment...

[@quincyjones5676]

Same. My psychologist says I have both 🥺🥺🥺

[@laylammorais]

8:55 I relate to this so much. I was called "random" in high school because I kept jumping back and forth in different topics and I felt so misunderstood back then. Every time I tried to explain how I felt or meant, the teasing from my "friends" became even worse. Now at 25, I'm finally getting tested for ADHD and my mom says she doesn't believe I have it due to her idea of ADHD in children (because she's an elementary teacher). I've been trying to explain to her why I need this certain medication because she refuses to even search about symptoms in women. I've been also told by a psychiatrist that I have bipolar - but it keeps me wondering if it's just a misdiagnosis for my ADHD or if I potentially have that also - I'm still getting tests done with my psychologist so it might take a while. Nevertheless, I'm glad to have found this community to read more about it and how others struggle with the same thing that I do!

[@unnotabelle]

A full year late to this video, but the stories here hit so hard that I finally decided to get tested and I officially got diagnosed a couple weeks ago! The diagnosis has honestly put so much of my life into perspective - and really strengthened my relationship with my parents now that we're finally on the same page about what's going on in my head 21 years later.

[@lilmissmai4506]

Today in class, I was pulled aside by my professor. She said “you don’t need to play this whole forgetful act just because you’re embarrassed. I know you know it because you did it earlier so dance properly please..” and it just got me so upset because I’ve just started on meds and I was really proud of how well I was remembering all of my dances. She knew I had adhd and I really wanted to tell her that I have a hard time remembering and I wasn’t embarrassed, I was actually trying really hard but I couldn’t because of my social anxiety! It made me so mad at my adhd!!!😡 I just had to get that off my chest because I haven’t told anyone about it- sorry for the long speech! I feel a little better now!😅

[@OkieCam16]

Thank you for sharing. Your words, or rather hers, reminded me of situations I still hadn't attributed to ADHD.

[@greatauntlizbethg9137]

If you feel comfortable, please tell them your ADHD can affect your memory sometimes. They probably don't know.

[@EUPHORIANIMABBA]

Sometimes imagined childish retorts can be the best/oh so fitting! Like in response to your ignorant, insensitive and unfeeling teacher, I imagine my Monkey cuddly toy rudely blowing a loud raspberry at her then turning his back to submit her to a view of his "Monkey Mooning Dance". Just pure disrespect! Hugs!

[@june.w.1288]

I feel this so much. I too get misunderstood very often and I have social anxiety as well. I'm so sorry this happened to you. Big hugs to you. Not everyone is like that teacher. There are a couple of nice people out there too.

[@GoADHDGo]

As I’ve stated many times before… conversations like this: “You ‘forgot’? How?” “I don’t know.” “What do you mean you don’t know?” “I don’t know.”

[@rahbeeuh]

Live footage of a conversation I had recently. 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@MintyVoid]

ohgod i had a whole 'i don't know' war with my mom and older sis(basically 2nd mom lol) for years, to the point where I couldn't say IDK as a response to anything. Caused an extreme emotional/physical withdrawal from my family for me that messed me with my overall emotional regulation reaaaal good. I wasn't able to have a good relationship with the two of them till I went to therapy and started to learn how my brain worked.

[@Ninjaguy1b]

That is an absurdly unfair question. "What do you mean 'how did i forget'? How do you remember things?!?!"

[@daniellereynolds8759]

I’ve had this exact conversation with my mom several times when I was a kid. She accused me of using “I don’t know” as a cop-out answer, and insisted I really DID know and didn’t want to tell her. It was very frustrating. And many of these conversations happened AFTER I was diagnosed. I don’t think she had a good understanding of ADHD when I was growing up and thought symptoms only included inattentiveness and hyperactivity, so she didn’t recognize all the other symptoms I had. I don’t think she meant to cause me so much harm, because she was a really great mom otherwise (and still is). But those kinds of comments were quite damaging to me, and my self-esteem has suffered greatly from it. At 29 I’m still trying to pick up the pieces. It sucks.

[@filthycasualobserver]

This is probably about 75% of the conversations I had with my parents growing up. I would get in trouble for forgetting, then for crying about being yelled at. I've developed a severe-and-getting-worse aversion to anyone being angry, especially men who yell.

[@EffequalsMA]

Just discovered your channel. I'm old but I was diagnosed as hyperactive back in the 70s. No real tools or help but so many of these comments hit for me. Somehow I managed to make something of myself but struggle daily with so much of what's described. The anxiety, the shame, the failure, the distraction, the disorder, the relational issues, etc.. They just put me in the learning centre for everything.

[@jessjameson285]

I feel like some of my conversations are like a game of hopscotch. I’ve jumped two or three spaces ahead of everyone else, and then I have to go back and explain the thought processes that got me there. :/

[@cherismith5707]

This is my life!!!!

[@mikaylacraghead9660]

Hard to not get mad that nobody noticed any of the obvious signs as a kid. The more I learn about adhd symptoms the more they line up with how I am and how I was, and the more frustrating it is that I'm the first one to notice or care.

[@jeng6786]

My mom knew, she just didn't want me on pills because she doesn't trust them, so she never got me tested/ diagnosed.

[@arianne2670]

Same. I can acknowledge that my parents had good intentions (and they did some things very right), but that doesn't change the fact that I struggled needlessly for most of my life and I'll probably be suffering the repercussions forever.

[@TheNightwalker247]

Yea going trough something similar right now it's completly understandable that feelings of anger resentment grief etc come up. There is a fantastic video on this channel about the five stages of grief of finding out later in life that you have adhd. The five stages of grief: denial anger bargaining depression acceptance. Haven't talked with my mum about it yet (she is a teacher and gave two recommendations for the parents of kids in her class that they have adhd and they did) but i guess it's harder to see in your own kids. I'm pretty certain my mum has adhd too ...the more i watch of this awesome channel the clearer my past and present actions/behaviours become understandble through the lens of adhd. It just feels great to finally understand myself. And to be more forgiving with myself.( my selfworth has definitly risen since) But of course there is quite a bit of resentment and anger that i hve to work trough. My mom is a waldorf teacher and is a bit alternativ so i understand why she didn't figure out she has it or that i and two of my 4 siblings prob. also have it. Btw i am 23 and apprenticing to become a farmer. It is interesting how many Neurotypical people are becoming conventional farmers and how many more neuro diverse people are on the organic and regenerativ farms. Well just had to get this out... hope this helpes with not feeling alone in this situation.

[@saal0]

@@jeng6786 the movement of stopping kids from getting labels as kids did more harm than good in my case. I think an early diagnosis would have helped me so much. Now waiting to get tested at 24.

[@jeng6786]

@@saal0 yea. I just got diagnosed and on my first try if pills at 26. I didn't know I had it.

[@MCMCristina]

The crazy amount of times I cried feeling like a failure because I couldn't do the simple things everyone was asking of me. People telling me I could be brilliant if I just tried a little more as if "trying harder" was that simple

[@TheNightwalker247]

That hit right in the feels.

[@ulrikschackmeyer848]

Jeezz IT hurts remembering

[@christinamurphy9090]

Still makes me cry. I was recently diagnosed, in my 40s, and I think my diagnosis road is still not done. Reliving the trauma is tantamount to torture.

[@r.n.4765]

Very relatable. I feel like I am alway putting in twice the amount of effort to get similar results to others. Oftentimes, I get really positive feedback, but also negative comments (or marks taken off in school/uni) due to seemingly careless mistakes, even after spending all that extra time trying to get things right.

[@burgerforcongress1001]

There's that J-word again!

[@mithrane]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making such a thoughtful, honest, real, and welcoming channel on this topic. I'm 40 years old. I've struggled with a WIDE variety of issues throughout my entire life which have lead to me losing jobs, losing friends, and even losing life-partners along the way. I've never felt "understood", and had resigned to just being a "difficult" person... a failure, as this video mentioned. I found this channel yesterday, and can't stop watching it. So much of what you've described rings true to me and my experiences. It has both bolstered my own self worth and given me cause to seek professional diagnosis to determine what, if anything, might be an underlying cause of my own struggles. Please keep being as genuine, kind, and helpful as your videos show you to be. Thank you

[@Buphido]

My "tell me you have adhd without telling me you have adhd" sign is taking three times as long for uni coursework than everyone else, yet your answers being among the best in the course, yet also hopelessly failing the exam at the end of the semester. I have done that for 5 years too many until I finally got diagnosed.

[@sarahhanley4531]

I would stay up all night reading because I would hyper focus and “forget” to sleep.

[@byrongsmith]

In my 40s and still do.

[@Mia.S13]

Yeah, my mum always gets/got mad. “How can you forget to sleep!” “It’s not that hard to just put the book down”. She also got mad because I couldn’t sleep, theres 100 different thoughts zooming through my head each and every night and she’s like “just close your eyes and count” like I forget what number I’m on because I hit a certain number and a memory related to that number comes up and now I’m thinking about that.

[@gabormegan]

Yes! Then I slept in class cuz that's when my body would shut down.

[@lylacowen8458]

I do the same!

[@belalaloca]

I am currently doing this by reading the comments on this video. I didn't watch the video because I told myself I need to sleep, so now I've been scrolling the comments for 10 minutes. I have a suspicion that I may relate to this video! I will watch it tomorrow

[@brettneuberger6466]

“I don’t understand….why would you use a pencil?” These were the words my law school professor wrote after grading my blue book exam. Unbeknownst to me at the time, my adhd had always made it difficult to transfer ideas in my mind onto paper in a quick, coherent and organized manner. With time restraints as they were, I needed a way to edit as I wrote, and ink doesn’t erase. I ended up dropping out of Law School after the first semester, believing I just wasn’t smart enough to cut it. Twenty five years later, after my son was diagnosed with ADHD, I finally had the real answer to my professor’s question.

[@joaomarcelo742]

Wow, this is exactly me. Never done a dissertation without writing it first with a pencil

[@xaiga29]

I prefer to type rather than write because my thoughts and sentences change so rapidly. Editing typed words is so much easier. The most I ever write at one time these days can be contained on a post it note

[@Kris-wo4pj]

whats wrong with using a pencil?

[@Diamanrouge]

@@Kris-wo4pj it's considered unrofessionnal, and you give the impression that the one whose going to read you doen't really matter. Pencil is NOT easy on the eyes to read.

[@jackgill7014]

I’m the same way, plus handwriting for me is insanely sloppy with pen vs pencil

[@auklett]

Just got diagnosed yesterday after years of wondering I had ADHD! Now I get to try out meds to see what might help. I’m so glad I got tested after watching your videos, thank you for what you do! 😊

[@Katbow23]

You've hit the nail squarely on the head. The unorganized and chaotic struggle is really real. And, as such, becomes inexplicable to others. I felt everything you were saying as if you were telling my life story. 🎯

[@cooky2991]

That Gifted VS ADHD balance each other out kinda hit me like a brick. I used to coast through school without doing jack and then it got to a point where I'd have to actually learn the stuff in class and pay attention and my grades plummeted ´just as I was trying to get it recognised that everything was too easy for me and I got bored. My parents didn't believe it because my brother was also bored but kept getting amazing grades (diagnosed autism, no diagnosed ADHD). I'll be getting an assessment in the near future and can't wait for it to happen

[@ayeshasatharia7746]

This was me. Up until grade 9, school was effortless. I didn’t study and got good grades. When school was a bit more challenging, I had no idea how to study and my grades plummeted

[@br4915]

I was constantly told if I just did the homework and maybe applied my self just a little I’d get strait A’s, still pretty much got strait B’s yet a few subjects did bad yet was just completely uninterested like in history periods of time just didn’t care about almost failed and the others did well

[@br4915]

Yet than in college was horrible couldn’t do the work outside the classroom

[@purplepianoist88]

Same..

[@Owlsworthy]

Good luck 🤞 you deserve to live life knowing your limitations and gifts without the hindrance of other's assumptions. Rock your life the way YOU were meant to.

[@Biscotti.]

The whole part about not fitting into a single friend group hit way too close to home. I always feel like I’m at the center of a 3-circle Venn diagram that doesn’t quite intersect. It feels lonely. Edit: While it can definitely feel lonely at times, what really helps is taking advantage of any alone time. Sure, you may find days where you feel isolated from everyone and thinking about it only exacerbates that feeling. Instead of getting stuck in a mental rut, I highly recommend finding a hobby you can enjoy on your own. You'll be able to utilize those "hyper-focused" spurts towards something that can feel really rewarding and provides a sense of fulfilment. Hopefully this optimistic spin can help anyone feeling left out.

[@jesscarolan3315]

Yes!!!! I always feel like a spectator with friends, as opposed to being a part of the group.

[@jessycastoepker]

Oooh the Venn diagram hits

[@martime]

same

[@ryan8737]

I'll be your friend buddy

[@victoriansteam1562]

I found a friend group where it actually works but I kinda feel like the other two also have adhd and aren't diagnosed lol

[@mel_loving.17]

The part where you explain it shouldn't be considered a moral issue that we're not able to focus, really made me feel validated. I started tearing up and i just have to thank you for speaking up for this community. I've gone through a really hard time at this 9-5 job, a lot of shame and anxiety I've felt for not understanding/remembering the policies of the job task. I plan to leave soon, so hope everything goes well for us Adhd-ers.

[@gclaytonlewis]

Your channel is a lot like poetry to me: I tend to avoid things that make me feel the vulnerable emotions, because just like trying to clean a room or pack, it feels like picking up one item leads to lifting the entire world. Thank you for sharing your insights, encouragement, and your vulnerability to remind us it's GOOD to show up authentically. ❤

[@Dylan_Scott]

"We're very now, or not now" -These few words literally brought me to tears because it is fundamentally my entire existence. Every single thing I do in a day is either throwing something figuratively so far in to the future that it's out of the way, or dealing with so much urgency that nothing else matters. My prioritisation is completely off the chart, I have no way of structuring tasks because I create so much urgency over the thing that is either the most rewarding or consequential at the time, rather than what fits in with a schedule.

[@desvdam]

s a m e

[@Espressoself96]

This is literally me. It's exhausting

[@gwynpeters6029]

I’ve always been super disorganized, like a complete mess. I’ve literally gotten up in the middle of the night before with a serious urge to ‘find that thing I bought the other week why can’t I remember where I put it’ and in that moment it seems like the most important task in the world. Then when I have real, actually important things to do, I can’t bring myself to even start. Until of course it hits me an hour before the deadline. It’s like my brain can’t figure out what’s actually urgent and what’s not.

[@anabel1208]

😭 Me too…it’s so overwhelming. My body can’t take the stress I put it through knowing I can be so much more organized and efficient.

[@shadowsans237]

@@gwynpeters6029 Agreed. 100% same boat.

[@krispowers2666]

A psychologist once remarked to me that "ADHDers are forever cursed by the one time they get it right". One of the signs that parents don't know how to track is this "hit/miss" rate of basic task completion, like putting dishes on the counter, or picking up toys. Parents don't know what a neuro-typical response rate might be so tend to default to "if they did it once, they can do it again". Which is logical, and is also something that ADHDers can't control on their own.

[@angelalovell5669]

!!! I was always so proud of getting 100% in an assignment or a test (pfft, it didn't happen very often) but now that I think about it, why did I think that 100% was the base minimum for achievement? Genuinely, anything less and I was like "Well... you screwed that up."

[@blindaurora]

Ok, this articulates that issue so well, as an adult achievement actually can bring on a panic attack because I will now have this standard to uphold.

[@IamSlacker]

I can't upvote this comment enough. I'm 100% programmed to aim for perfect or it's automatically a failure. It also makes it that much harder to get started on things that are difficult, not interesting, not urgent, because I'm dreading every step of the process towards a most probable fail and disappointing myself and the people in my life. How do I even figure out how to reset my programming when I built mine since I was a toddler? 🤦

[@mermaiddiyartist8119]

Exactly!!

[@Larissa_aus]

Wow, this is so true! So many people say to me, you did it such and such a time, why can't you do it again?

[@aaronotillar5667]

Long term Diagnosis. Recently got help for my symptoms. Wow such a night a day difference like I can finally feel like I am myself, and function in society. Your channel is a bright light on a sea of misconception. Thanks for this video - really hit home.

[@IdreesNajibi]

I got diagnosed at 27, 4 years ago. This video made me emotional. Super validating. I spent so much life thinking I was making "moral failures." I still do to this day, but this vid and your "How to Get Stuff Done..." vid from 7 years ago are so incredibly helpful. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@BelindaMuller]

The biggest for me was constantly being told "Just clean your room!", but feeling utterly overwhelmed because I didn't know how. Also leaving school assignments until 3am the day they were due. It was excruciating for me to feel the weight of an assignment I knew I should be working on but just... couldn't, followed by 3am panic. It wasn't seen as an issue as I still got straight A+ results.

[@lexvt3551]

This is literally me to a T 😅

[@5Seed]

I have this with my whole house now as an adult. I admitted to my Aunt that I think I'm a good mum but I'm a terrible adult. Constantly overwhelmed

[@BelindaMuller]

@@5Seed I completely relate! Now that my son's 12 (also has ADHD) we body double and complete tasks together, or talking to someone on the phone while I tidy up without even noticing is just as effective.

[@GygyMy]

Oh and if I also have ADHD.... I recognize having done what you describe her when younger (today I belong to the 'grown ups' ugh) OR I would get rid of the school assignments right away (like... during the time between two classes: the 5 last minutes of current course and the 5 I should have used to walk to the other room.. but then rushed and ran into the other class just when the door was getting closed lol... (when possible) or during the breaks (since anyway i wans't part of any "group" playing so....

[@crayolaclouds2696]

I've been on the Dean's List like 6 out of 8 terms in college but noone saw the tears, stress and panicking to complete an assignment within an hour of it being due because I couldn't make myself do the work earlier. I love the As and pretty letters telling me I'm doing great, but I hate everything I go through to get to that point.

[@Conner6742]

I remember telling my brother when we were in high school that I noticed "I don't have a circle of friends, I have a friend from each circle" Didn't know others could relate

[@chfgn]

Oh my god this was the one thing in the video that I didn’t think applied to me, but when you phrase it like that it’s exactly how I’ve always been.

[@marlaadamson1633]

"A friend from each circle." Me too. My son, doubly so.

[@kimmiecheeks10]

Yes I was the same way in high-school

[@Hunzyyyy]

THIS!!! YESSSS! I always wanted to have a group of friends, but that has never been the case! I have tons of friends that ate scattered everywhere from different groups!

[@aglae1912]

Same !! I'd never have thought it was because of ADHD ! I feel like a whole new version of my life has been offered to me, and in this one I am not "too much to keep around". What a change !

[@mrhney08]

You are a true true blessing. I had a rough day today and I came home looking for ADHD help and I’ve been watching each and every video! You are very informative 💕

[@Tikibird79]

I recently found your videos trying to narrow down what might be up with me... Not only is this so relatable but you literally talk me...

[@calliespitson5760]

Whoaaaa the “I thought everyone hated me”/“multiple friend groups” tweet really got me. I never knew that was an ADHD thing. That almost makes me want to cry, reflecting back. Woof.

[@blindaurora]

Same. We moved when I was 11, and I was 16 when I made some friends.

[@katalintimeaborsos5806]

We moved to another country when I was 3. After that I thought nobody liked me a lot. I actually was surprised that in 1st grade I got an invitation to a birthday party, as I couldn't understand that it was for me too. I thought I was just shy.

[@MorganBondelid]

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria is a real thing !!! It helps me so much to know that it’s not ME - it’s a common response to complex trauma. You’re not alone.

[@morganhough1022]

Oooh, I really feel this one.

[@noctemys]

same i felt like my friends weren't really my friends in HS and often felt so left out when they did activities and didn't include me in them.

[@cocops8]

I was twice exceptional, that’s why it took so long to get a diagnosis. I was also over emotional, indecisive, forgetful, messy and easily bored. I didn’t even realize how much of that was connected to my ADHD until recently. I would get in trouble for a lot of it too without knowing why it was all so hard to do “right”. And in terms of time management I have like…so many check lists for this week. Also, everything happened either “the other day” or “when I was about 5” regardless of when it actually happened.

[@laurensova05]

This is 100% what I experienced too! Just got diagnosed at 28.

[@cocops8]

@@laurensova05 Congrats on your diagnosis! It certainly explained a lot for me.

[@ItsAllOverXx64]

Haha “the other day” is a permanent part of my vocabulary and it’s never the other day 😂

[@alexlail7481]

@@cocops8 Amen to that!

[@arushiahmed6555]

i think i might be twice exceptional too and every time i bring up adhd with my mom she says she'll consider it but i dont think she cares, she doesnt realze that it could affect my furture does she

[@andreasmith1828]

This video is so good. It is extremely enlightening to those who need to learn how to support their loved ones with ADHD. Good job Jess ♥️

[@marytalley2571]

I'm really glad I stumbled onto this channel. Insane to feel so understood by single posts from random people I'll never really meet when no one around me ever seems to GET it. Hell, I've been looking into asd because I feel so different from how everyone else seems to function.

[@jessicajones7143]

“I should watch this because I’ve probably been faking my ADHD this whole time” I say even though I was diagnosed years ago and am currently procrastinating on 3792 projects. Additionally I’ll probably have to rewatch this because I got distracted reading the comments lol

[@rosalin24]

OH MY GOD I PAUSED THE VIDEO THINKING "I'M NOT EVEN LISTENING I'M READING THE COMMENTS" REALIZING I'M ACUALLY READING YOURS HIT HITTTT

[@shannonbooth37]

Thanks for snapping me out of it hah

[@ColorGuardGuru]

"I should watch this cuz I think I might have adhd but I could be faking it." *3 minutes in "Oh no"

[@um...nevermind8918]

Literally doing this right now!

[@mousegrey6747]

Rewound 3 times so far…

[@SockBot]

"The thing that i want most from the world is for people to stop being yelled at for things that they struggle with that they're trying not to struggle with" Oof that hit me like a truck.

[@cathybrokeit12]

I'm having that trouble with psychiatrists right now, like please stop being like 'we're canceling your apointment' for things that are very hard for us aghhh

[@nicolebacon2747]

+

[@bluyellow]

😭😭😢😭🙌👏👏👏

[@mothbythesea]

Same

[@prapanthebachelorette6803]

Yeah, totally relatable

[@gijimbo1337]

Wow, the way you explain ADHD struggles relates to me 1000% so much more than any other speaker or writer ever. You're awesome.

[@gingerrenee2913]

I am literally bawling, for the first time in my life I'm finally understanding why I feel the way I feel. Thank you so much for your content. ❤

[@marie27023]

I was a very talkative, energetic and happy child. But as I grew up, I felt more and more out of step with people. I was always at the top of the class so I wasn't diagnosed until a year ago. I knew something was strange because I have a lot of anger inside me, I have very strong emotions and I can never feel rested. Several teachers have criticized me for looking out the window, saying I was disrespectful. I also have problems with authority. I have anxiety about the future because I feel so different from people sometimes.

[@High_Gain_Pity_Party]

Totally relateable (basically my life) but I'm not diagnosed but thinking it might totally be a possibility now. Any other things that made you get checked for adhd?

[@markg445]

Still waiting on my diagnosis but it's very clearly ADHD, starting to realise how much I despise working at a desk 8 hours a day. It's killing me.

[@marie27023]

@@High_Gain_Pity_Party It's nice to see that there are other people who feel this way too! I would say that I also struggle with routine and having to sit still during the day. I also have a hard time waiting my turn in lines.

[@Y0KAl]

for me its how much i spaced out. i never thought it was a sign of anything, always thought i was just a daydreamer/thoughtful person but it would often interfere with my ability to pay attention to conversations and important things. someone would tell me something very heartfelt or vulnerable and id be busy thinking about the time me and my brother were really into beyblades or something.

[@Trintron46]

How have you managed this since you realized it was due to adhd? My boyfriend constantly zones out while I'm opening up and I don't want to get upset with him, but it does take effort to remind myself that he isn't doing it intentionally.

[@zacnorris1987]

This hits so much at home xD

[@Okaykoren1234]

@@Trintron46 I have adhd and something that I do when I zone out of a conversation is apologize and ask them to say it again (especially with my partner/close friends since they are more understanding) it wasn’t easy for me to do at first because it felt rude. But I found I feel awful when I pretend I am fully present.

[@cassandra5926]

My husband is also diagnosed and he still takes it personally when he's been speaking for a few minutes and i have no idea what he's been saying

[@Y0KAl]

​@@Trintron46 I got diagnosed very recently so I dont have much experience with that yet, but I did grow up with a brother who also had adhd. If the topic is really important to you and you really need his attention, don't be afraid to let him know that you have something important on your mind that you want to share. adding that preface makes a difference because then we are prepared. If he's playing video games or something, make him pause it and sit down with you. there should be no outside distractions. as for myself.. i try to put down my phone and look at them. It also helps when I get to engage with the conversation. The longer someone talks uninterrupted, the harder it is for me to pay attention.

[@ironheavenz]

Never saw anyone that was able to truly understand my struggles, it's heartwarming in a unique way, thanks a lot for this :')

[@NathanielJordan85]

Yooo... love your content in general, but hearing you not just cover tips and perspectives but having a break to get very real about the injustice of how the world treats ADHD folks was very real and cathartic. Thank you for sharing that.

[@jennyreese4913]

I cried yesterday in the car on the way to vote because I tried so hard to have everything organized and yet I couldn't find a document once I got in the car. It's so frustrating when you spend 3 times as long in order to organize yourself and then when it falls through it can be so hard.

[@xrockangelx]

I've done a lot of car-crying after trying so hard but failing anyway. I feel ya there. It really does hurt so much.

[@bw753]

This happened to me today!!! The frustration is just overwhelming. I hope you were ok and things will still turn out well

[@pogofuzz]

❤️ I hear you and experience this nearly everyday. I’m so exhausted from looking for things too! Especially, things I just had.😂😥. Sending hugs of love. So glad I’m not alone. It’s nice to be able to find people being open to end the stigma so we can be heard and accepted.

[@MulattoMovement]

Practice mindfulness meditation regularly and it will help you a lot

[@victoriavvc]

“We’re not flowers, we’re bumblebees.” I started crying..... I was called a social butterfly as a kid, but I never felt like that quite fit me... A bumblebee makes so much more sense.

[@scofieldvictoria]

I was a bumblebee too. Thankfully, I found my hive

[@jessycastoepker]

This was such a good analogy. I relate to it in every way.

[@estherbliek4734]

I came here for this comment :) and just Googled it to be sure, but butterflies are pollinators as well 🦋🐝. Loved the analogy!

[@victoriavvc]

@@estherbliek4734 Yes but bees are flower-loyal, which means they can have favorite flowers and that's why it hit me so hard

[@iainloveday5791]

Started watching your videos as I think my one has ADHD and this one's has made me think I also have ADHD so many of the thinks you said ring bells with me and my child hood and adult life Keep up the great work your awesome and thank you

[@MetahForeGenome]

Thank you for this... I am JUST learning that I may have ADHD and when you read the comment that got you upset about the person who said they were yelled at for things that ADHD caused...it hit me because I have children and it made me reflect on how I respond and the things I expect from them when they don't do their chores or remember the last thing I told them... Thank you...

[@settembrini3301]

So relatable! I still remember my teacher in 4th grade writing: "how can someone so smart be that lazy?" on my report and my mother writing "thats what I wonder too" beneath it. Thats probably when my anxiety about school really started. Always called messy, lazy, unmotivated etc. I hope that channels like yours spread more awareness so that kids are getting diagnosed instead of constantly shamed, bullied and criticized.

[@kittyandrews27]

Ohhhh yea got so many report cards like that!!!

[@KellyLenior]

Oofff 💔💔..

[@belindarocky961]

Oh goodness. That person should not be a teacher! Effort is not measurable by observation. Sheesh.

[@captainspirou]

I get furious thinking that the reaction people have to bad grades is punishment instead of aid.

[@candycain1001]

Owie.😣

[@heartears]

"You're so smart but you're too careless." My college professor on me getting low grades when I grasp math concepts really well but make mistakes like forgetting the "-" sign on the next part of the solution and continuing on to compute as if it was positive. I have a great job now. I still make mistakes in boring repetitive tasks (we created safeguards on it so i can identify and correct before it becomes a problem) but my boss gives me projects to work on to get hyperfocused on.

[@imaspecialgirllalala]

“you’re always getting 100s on your tests so you clearly KNOW the work, how are you STILL failing my class?? I know you know how to do the work?!” My high school math teacher lecturing me for being able to show my knowledge on test days but failing in class because I never wanted to do my homework

[@slayerbot1394]

My 10yr old daughter does the same thing. Ive been concerned with how she'll do in the future because of it. Your comment has given me more hope. Thank you

[@AFGATAL]

One day I show up to university exam, I don't have pen and asked around they neighbours didn't have so I found small tiny pencil pen head on floor and starting writing my exam, half way through the exam the professor came by and was looking in shock at me and give me pencil.

[@kendranieuwendorp5511]

The problem is that they were expecting perfection from an imperfect person. That's always been the issue for me with school

[@Soulslayer612]

@@imaspecialgirllalala Are you me?

[@mariah170]

This video literally makes me know for sure i need to go get tested for a possible adhd diagnosis. I resonated with so many things in this video and it seems now that the older I get the harder it is to cope. I love your videos!

[@DUSKKILLZ801]

I’m literally crying watching this I’ve felt so alone with this struggle thank you for the content ❤

[@krystaking1858]

"we're not flowers were bumblebees, we pollenate, we bring things from one group to another" That is so uplifting and reassuring and I didn't know I needed to hear that. I want that tattooed on my hand or something to remind me that every time I feel like I don't belong, I really just am bringing something different to the table.

[@msaijay1153]

That was a great visual for me.

[@denalraab]

Bees, indeed! Here's an ironic take on bees that seems to apply here (credit to Karl Smallwood): 'So, around 80 years ago a scientists or mathematician of some sort made a rough, mistake filled calculation that claimed bees couldn’t fly. Fast forward almost a century and scientists today are still trying to erase that mistake from the public consciousness with increasingly complex experiments to prove the simple fact that bumblebees can, in fact, fly, and that this doesn’t violate any of our understanding of the laws of physics. The fact that they even had to bother doing this when they could have simply pointed out of the nearest window, with their palm firmly planted on their foreheads, at bees flying around, perhaps says a lot about the gullibility of our species.’

[@gera_eb2588]

Agreed :)

[@Tamaresque]

I've been told by partners / close friends that I have a grasshopper mind, or a butterfly mind. Grasshopper because it jumps from subject to subject - butterfly because it flits from subject to subject. I have a huge variety of interests because of it, though.

[@PapaProne]

I did this in school. My friend group was everywhere lmao

[@Smartycatcorner]

"Does not meet her potential" is actually on a report card from my grade school days. Never diagnosed till adult. I always got lower grades because I needed more time to properly write out answers on tests due to executive disfunction yet I knew the answers. I was looked down on by family as messy and late too often. Most of what you said hits home for me.

[@blindaurora]

EVERY SINGLE ASSESSMENT!!! And being branded as "lazy" is just so awful for a kid. It makes it difficult to try or to ask for help.

[@shannonw7144]

Same here. It's on every one of my report cards that I didn't meet my potential or that I have so much potential if only I would stop daydreaming...

[@kniptheperson7084]

And scientists have proved that daydreaming is actually good and if you daydream a lot that’s a sign of intelligence... I think adhd is usually perceived as just not being able to focus but there’s so much more to it than that people don’t realize :(

[@funnybunnnies]

That's with me with a lot of assignments. Also, I struggled too... when I got into university, I also struggled. But when I pulled my tendon in my wrist and it's been an issue ever since has lead me to get extra time and access to writing everything more time lead me to realize how much it helped. My marks drastically increased and I feel like if the we were given the right tools and ADHD /other stuff wasn't as stigmatized as much would lead to a better generation for people with them. I was diagnosed at 7 but since my parents were scared my school would harm my education (cause they did even without knowing I had ADHD and force me into programs that wasn't the right fit for me).... it's lead to like constant struggles. Also the psycatrist at the time said it wasn't that bad but 😭😭 ☠💀 it was REALLY BAD but because I was a girl and my ADD wasn't as "bad" or the same as the guys.... well 😒😒😒😒

[@malabika6226]

@@funnybunnnies also i am diagnosed professionally by a doctor but my parents don't let me take meds ... And my mother beleives that there is no such thing called adhd .... Also before online study ( or before covid 19) i was a student who was getting a score of 90% in my academics but I knew I can do lot better if only I studied regularly

[@snupmadra3787]

Thank you. This is exactly what I needed to hear. I know it's not moral failing but if you don't hear it regularly you begin to revert to type. I've been really struggling at work lately and mostly the reason is that I'm not not being empathic with myself like I would with literally anybody else. This channel is gold.

[@KECOG]

I was diagnosed as a small child (4? 5, maybe?) but am now 57. I want to share that recent and hard life challenges IMMENSELY have exacerbated my ADHD, to the point where I have had to restructure my life. Most points hit home for me in this video, too! and I can fully understand the frustration you feel with the "moral failure" assumption of ADHD. I'm still dealing with that, myself. Good video!

[@carynpinkston1939]

Here's how I would tell you that I have ADHD without telling you I have ADHD: For can stay up way too late at night obsessively grinding in a video game, only to wake up the next morning and realize that I no longer have any interest in that game.

[@theminimecha5920]

"Getting distracted is not a moral defect." I almost started crying. Thank you I've had an abusive adoptive family constantly tell me that I was a bad kid and lazy. It's taken me years to understand that I'm not bad, just wired differently. Could I have permission to use that quote in a tattoo?

[@cadekachelmeier7251]

Having an abusive adoptive family sounds horrible and I'm glad you got through it. It surprises me a bit, since that's not the picture I have in my head for families that adopt. Do you mind me asking if it was a relative taking you in or if it was through an adoption agency?

[@mariak8480]

I feel you. Please know that you are not alone and also some biological parents treat their kids like this. I know this because mine did :)

[@littlebigdance]

same.

[@GBpoketto]

hey, i'm ALSO adopted by an abusive family, more specifically an abusive mother. when i was 12, i told my mom i thought i had adhd, and she snapped at me that i was FINE and nothing was wrong with me. i was lazy and not trying as hard as i should have, etc.

[@GBpoketto]

@@cadekachelmeier7251 they didn't reply yet, but i was adopted by an abusive mother and it was through the foster care system. trust me, you would think that anyone who adopts is doing it because they are prepared to love and care for the child(ren) they're adopting, but that just isn't true.

[@davidtinson5050]

Hi, thank you so much for making this video. I did not know that there are so many people out in the world experiencing what I have and giving me ways to understand it better and ways to manage my ADHD.