i was crying about 5 minutes ago over exam stuff (1 wa3, 2 FAs and 1 chinese spelling this wednesday!!) until i realised i might have just brought it upon myself. i mean i cant pay attention in class, usually during lessons i would try to pay attention but 3 seconds later im staring at some weirdly shaped shadow on the wall or daydreaming about a comic i might never release. and honestly i thought i was the problem because its usually those classes like amaths, social studies and chemistry, subjects i despise, when this happens, but recently ive been experiencing the same for the classes i enjoy such as biology and geography lately i cant even do things i used to love doing like drawing or making notes. i saw a post on twitter (i think) a month ago with a tweet going along the lines of “why is it that i cant even do the things i want to do” and the comments all replied with adhd. like i get that adhd is not necessarily a bad thing (dav pilkey, author of captain underpants and dog man has adhd) but its definitely a hindrance but a 8 years ago my mother brought me to a psychiatrist to check if i had adhd or not and the results came back adhd-negative so i really dont know if i actually have adhd or im really just the problem
Hey @levi_isagirl what you’re describing: the zoning out, the loss of motivation even for things you enjoy, the feeling of being stuck between wanting to do something and being unable to start. Those are real, valid struggles, and you’re not making them up or being lazy. You’re exhausted, under pressure, and dealing with a lot, emotionally and mentally. That alone could be enough to explain why things feel so hard right now.
The fact that you’re still trying to care, even when it feels impossible, says so much about your strength, even if it doesn’t feel like strength to you. You’re not broken. You’re trying and that matters.
Hey @levi_isagirl , I’ve read through your post and it sounds like you’re finding it hard to concentrate on things you want to do (classes, drawing, making notes) and you’re worried about what the problem is since you got tested negative for ADHD 8 years ago.
It’s okay to feel confused about it. Being unable to do things despite enjoying doing them is not just laziness or a problem with you — there may be something more complex at play here.
I think it may be helpful to seek a re-test for ADHD or any other underlying medical condition at the psychiatrist, as your symptoms might have progressively worsened over the years.
Alternatively, you can try certain techniques to manage your difficulties in the meantime. One example is a token reward system, where you encourage yourself to concentrate on a task in exchange for a reward. If you still find difficulties concentrating despite such efforts, then it may be good to pay the psychiatrist a revisit. Hope this response helps and we’ll be more than listen if you’re open to sharing more! Jiayou!
Dear @levi_isagirl
Thank you for writing in and reaching out for help in figuring out what to do.
I gather how frustrated you are feeling, and understandably so with you finding it hard to focus and enjoy activities you used to enjoy. I believe you are facing a lot of stress and being pulled from all directions. This is causing overwhelm.
I encourage you to take small consistent actions and steps to overcome your current state of being stuck. May I suggest the following to rebuild focus:
-Pick one target topic to focus on.
-Use Pomodoro method. Start by allocating 15 minutes to focus on that topic.
-After 15 minutes, take a short 2 minute break and resume another 15 minutes of uninterrupted study. During this study time, reduce distractions by putting away your phone, etc.
-Do a short recall of what you learnt after every 15 minutes study block.
-Try out some test or quizzes to assess your learning.
-Record what you accomplished.
-Repeat.
By breaking down study targets to bite sized pieces, I believe it will be more attainable.
I also encourage you to set aside time for enjoyable activities such as drawing. Slowly, I believe you can rediscover the joy and satisfaction they bring you.
Please know that your worth isn’t measured by perfect attention or perfect results.
As for ADHD, just like what @crispycreme shared, you may want to discuss with your parents on doing a re-test, in view of the current symptoms you are experiencing.
Despite it all, please keep going. I believe with steady and consistent actions in the right direction, you will see the desired progress.