Are any of you grad students? I need some help coping.

There's a few layers to this which I will explain (based on my experience):

MY SITUATION DIAGNOSIS PROS & CONS ADVICE & COPING

 

MY SITUATION I was diagnosed this past summer. I too suspected having ADHD for many years and decided I'd get tested for it before grad school so I could get accommodations if needed, meds etc. I saw this as my second chance to use my full potential at school.

 

DIAGNOSIS PROS & CONS

Pros 1) Relief. Knowing you're not just lazy and stupid and forgetful - that it's something out of your control, to an extent. 2) Access to accommodations at school (i.e. extensions, modified exam conditions, access to special equipment/ spaces, etc). 3) Access to medication (if needed).

 

Cons 1) Stigma. ADHD is highly misunderstood. 2) It heightens your awareness of barriers to access. This can be good and bad. It definitely constantly reminds you though, that nothing was made/ designed with you in mind. 3) It fucks with your mental health. Once you start reflecting, you start to wonder about everything in life and how ADHD affects it.

 

ADVICE & COPING

1) Get diagnosed while you're a student - it's probably available for free through your school. 2) Meds can be helpful - if you go this route, just make sure you leave a buffer period between starting meds and starting classes so you can adjust the dosage and adapt your lifestyle to all the challenges that come with it. 3) Meds are not miraculous; they only deal with one aspect of ADHD - they allow you to 'slow' your mind so you can focus. They don't make you less disorganized, forgetful, etc. 4) Don't ignore your mental health; take advantage of counselling if needed (again, probably free through school)

/r/ADHD Thread