[shawaka]

Hi
I have been doing a lot of self reflection lately and trying to see if ADHD may be an issue. Or other. Age 46. Male.

Always felt out of the ordinary. I felt that people accepted me, but didn't want to include me. In my younger years I was very shy. Became more social in high school, but only with a small group of friends. Never have liked anything that involved the word 'team'. Very independent.

I have always been a calm person. But my mind would always race. Lose interest in things that required my attention unless it interested me. Hated classes unless I had an interest in the subject.

Grew up in a supportive family. Raised by my step father and mother. Would visit with biological father, but was really uncomfortable. He is very religious. Have since pulled away from much contact as I got older.

Have depression issues.

Have experienced spiritual awakenings and shifts later in life. But not a religious person. This actually has helped me quite a bit. Helps quiet the mind.

Have alway had trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. Takes at least about hour. Sometimes shorter. Sometimes longer. Sometimes hours. Wake up a lot. Always been an early riser.

Married with a son (20) and daughter (18). Feel that I have not been the best father, though they are good, smart and grounded people.

Work successfully in a creative field.

I just always feel strange. Like there is something wrong with me or the world. I am sure A LOT of people feel like me. But I just feel the need to seek.

Thanks

[lowinmood]

you sound normal to me, perhaps it's just the world.

there is nothing abnormal about being your own person and being independent, people accepted you and you had a small group of friends at school, you were shy, a lot of people are.

you get bored easily, and your mind thinks of other things when something doesn't interest you, sounds like an intelligent mind to me, not an abnormal one.

current work is successful.

But you do say your depressed, and often we view ourselves and the world a lot more negatively, sounds like your depression is making you feel 'less than' you actually are.

Try not to put a label on yourself like ADHD, as it sticks, and sometimes people become that label, depression comes and goes, counselling like CBT can really help depression.

[shawaka]

Thanks for the reply. Much appreciate it.