Thriving with ADHD and OCD: How I Embraced My Self Diagnosis and Found My Path to Success

I've always noticed that I get easily distracted. Throughout my life, especially since entering adulthood and the workforce, I've been someone who makes lists. I don't rely on my phone; instead, I prefer using a pad of paper or a notebook as my go-to solution. Having a collection of used books, random papers, and the constant quest for a great pen has been a part of me for a long time.

When we were growing up, after school, our mother would give us a list of chores. Once we completed a chore, we would mark it off with a check mark to indicate to her that it was done.

Now I use that tool regularly, not to know what chores my children have accomplished; but to keep myself in check as a Mom/Human. This is not only used for bills, appointments, and soccer practices/games... I access my lists for my daily chores, jobs, and weekly/monthly farm projects.

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

It is normal for children/adults to have trouble focusing and behaving at one time or another. However, children with ADHD do not just grow out of these behaviors. The symptoms continue, can be severe, and can cause difficulty at school, at home, or with friends.

A child/adult with ADHD might:

• daydream a lot

• forget or lose things a lot

• squirm or fidget

• talk too much (for others)

• make careless mistakes or take unnecessary risks

• have a hard time resisting temptation

Types

There are three different ways ADHD presents itself, depending on which types of symptoms are strongest in the individual:

• Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: It is hard for the individual to organize or finish a task, to pay attention to details, or to follow instructions or conversations. The person is easily distracted or forgets details of daily routines.

• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation:The person fidgets and talks a lot. It is hard to sit still for long (e.g., for a meal or while doing homework). Smaller children may run, jump or climb constantly. The individual feels restless and has trouble with impulsivity. Someone who is impulsive may interrupt others a lot, grab things from people, or speak at inappropriate times. It is hard for the person to wait their turn or listen to directions. A person with impulsiveness may have more accidents and injuries than others.

• Combined Presentation: Symptoms of the above two types are equally present in the person.

Because symptoms can change over time, the presentation may change over time as well.

ADHD in Adults

ADHD can last into adulthood. Some adults have ADHD but have never been diagnosed. The symptoms can cause difficulty at work, at home, or with relationships. Symptoms may look different at older ages, for example, hyperactivity may appear as extreme restlessness. Symptoms can become more severe when the demands of adulthood increase.

I have never actually been diagnosed. The signs are very apparent. I believe I am a "high functioning" version of ADHD due to a nice pinch of OCD.

I know I have a problem concentrating which results in these lists, multiple calendars and reminders...my OCD gets a kick and ends up saving the day because I can not handle moving on to another project unless I know one has gotten to a manageable or complete level.

What is OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a long-lasting disorder in which a person experiences uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions), engages in repetitive behaviors (compulsions), or both. People with OCD have time-consuming symptoms that can cause significant distress or interfere with daily life. However, treatment is available to help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

In my 20s, I often found myself arriving late to work. Despite leaving 20 minutes early to ensure punctuality, I would close the garage door, watch it shut, drive 20 minutes to the expressway, and then panic just before the on-ramp, fearing the door hadn't closed. Although there was nothing in the garage and the house was in a safe area, my mind wouldn't allow me to proceed to work.

In my current home, not having items in their designated spots in the cupboard, classroom, or kitchen causes me significant anxiety.

My OCD has me labeling, re organizing, and sorting our cupboards that were well cleaned just months previous.

Knowing that the item I need for the next task on my list( for my ADHD brain) is not accessible makes me just want to stop. It's like trying to drive your car for the day but being on empty in your gas tank. Then I just give up on the task because I have just spent 40 minutes trying to find the scissors, or good writing pen, or laptop cord.

I get on this high for days on end feeling really great and proud of the goals we made reality. Then after days of accomplishing goals or a big farm project that took 3 days...I have a sleepy brain and physical body breakdown day. Im not talking about a mental breakdown. Im saying my brain is so tired from being hyper focused that I literally NEED the break.

I know that sometimes others have days where they just lay in bed all day and zone out the world because it is too much. Sometimes I wish this was my go to just because it seems way more relaxing; but as my teenage daughter has

reminded me...."It's like you literally don't have an off switch or a chill button"

  My "break" might involve a day spent playing outside, a marathon of family movies, or a day out of the house so I don't have to physically face tasks.

I easily get sidetracked by "side tasks/quests." If I'm in the kitchen making breakfast, I might notice the dishes need washing, but then realize the towel I need is dirty, prompting me to start a load of laundry. I return to the kitchen, remind myself to unload and reload the dishwasher so it can start, then rush back to the eggs in the pan—thankfully, just in time to prevent overcooking. I serve the kids, head to the bathroom cupboard for clean towels since there are none in the kitchen, which leads to cleaning the bathroom. Then I remember to use the bathroom, notice the soap is empty, refill it, leave the room, and circle back to the kitchen to retrace my steps and recall what I needed—oh yes, the towel. Back to the cupboard, focus...then the kids finish eating, so I clear their plates, get them started on school, and finally eat my cold eggs. As for coffee, it's been reheated multiple times every day for the past six years. lol

The above paragraph is a very small section of what my brain goes through multiple times a days. I left it as a run on sentence for days on purpose so you really get a grasp of what it is like.

My husband and I, being different individuals, have distinct ways of thinking. It reflects our understanding of each other that we've learned over time to take turns as the "project manager." Sometimes, I assign him a project entirely to avoid my OCD tendencies from micromanaging, as I've already gone over the plan multiple times in my mind. At other times, I take the lead for a few hours because I've mentally mapped out the most efficient path to complete the project by our deadline. My OCD is also beneficial for tasks like remodeling. It allows me to redraw, plan, and create purposeful spaces for small items, ensuring I'm completely certain before we start any construction or demolition.

This is why lists are crucial. For major projects, I don't allow myself to proceed to the next task until the previous one is finished. Once the goals are met, the daily routine generally flows smoothly with only minor bumps along the way. Although this can occasionally be challenging and make me feel unsettled, I believe it might be a blessing... perhaps my brain is my superpower.

What is your super power? Wilson Wonders