Thanks, a ghost!

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Omg I was the same for a long time, but as someone with one parent who wants to medicate all symptoms into oblivion, and the other insisting that ADHD is not a real condition and is just a moral flaw, it's been kinda tricky getting proper care. TwT

Here are my thoughts:

1.) If possible, get diagnosed so you are eligible for medications (apparently these reallly help, but I've heard they can exacerbate anxiety, so please do discuss this with your health provider before jumping into anything). 

2.) Getting a counsellour may also be beneficial for giving tailored advice on how to manage, and can give you lots of effective strategies and support if you find the right kind of person and are able to 'click.' A combination would likely be ideal (meds + sessions with a professional)

3.) I have a few tricks I've picked up over the years, too.

> Never do fun things before work. It sounds obvious, but to keep yourself focused it's really important 

>  20:5 minute cycles/rotations are scientifically proven to be more effective (especially for those with attention issuss, such as ADHD) than trying to force yourself to do work for hours straight. Basically, you are more productive and able to absorb and retain information best for the first and last 10 minutes of work/study. So smush them together into a 20-minute chunk. Then take 5 minutes of a breather. Then do 20 minutes of work again. You continue until all your work is done! (I often switch topics after my breaks, even if it isn't done so I can come back later with fresh ideas and restored energy in that subject.)

> Going along with the previous point, don't try to tackle this alone! Hopefully, you can depend on trusted figures in your life to help you stay on track. This might be your guardian(s)/caretaker(s), a teacher you particularly get along with, a librarian, a counsellour, older sibling(s); anyone. Have them work with you, if possible, and designate specific areas they can help with. Timing yourself with the 20:5 cycles, for instance, might need their help; maybe you'll need reminders at first and need someone to get you started. If you want to slack off and do something before work, have them hold you accountable and keep you active until you've got enough work done.

> Sometimes just fidgeting with something makes it easier to focus in, say, a lecture or class where the teacher talk a lot. Teachers might scold you (I've gotten a lot of that), but if you explain beforehand and ask to be allowed something not very distracting, like say, a stress-ball or quiet fidget-toy/device they will likely be more understanding. Doodling might also help, and I know that when I'm reading I sometimes need the stimulation of music (preferably wordless) to keep me focused. 

Anyway, hope these help out a little! Lemme know if you've got any questions about any of the things I mentioned! :) 

Lol I'm on the spectrum, have ADHD, OCD, anxiety and dyslexia and I can confirm that people sometimes assume that's my whole personality. I remember reading Percy Jackson as a young kid and feeling seen for once, but also thinking it was kind of silly how everything was actually a mystical power. Like, you have ADHD? It's because you're destined to be a warrior demigod! Can't read English? That dyslexia is actually just because your brain is hardwired to read Greek! Like, it's a nice idea, but also kinda ehhhhh. (Also, not entirely related, but I really hated how Nico was outed...)

Anyway, it is definitely an issue how neurodivergence is either made to be an entire 'personality' or globbed together as one united "issue" that shares all of the same characteristics. 

I am able to socialise (if not slightly awkwardly, I am still an introvert after all and tend to avoid too much contact), but I know other diagnosed individuals (aspergurs and other autism spectrum disorders) with essentially no social skill, and some who are extremely personable, and everywhere in between. One of the most talkative and friendly people I know is a guy with high-functioning aspergurs. It is called the spectrum for a reason, after all. 

It's also kinda annoying how so many people are like "I'm just ADHD" or "Oh my gosh, I'm so OCD" or "I'm really depressed today" when they don't actually experience it, but just have something like a bad day, or like organization/are a perfectionist, or were hyper for a little bit once. Like, it feels kinda demeaning and like neuro-appropriation? Idk if that's a thing, but it just doesn't feel good when people use it as an excuse, if you know what I mean.