Before I discovered that I have ADHD, I didn’t realize how many symptoms had been part of my life all along. I never paid much attention to the constant whirlwind of thoughts racing through my mind. It felt normal to me—just the way my brain worked. But looking back, I see how deeply it affected my relationships, communication, and emotions.

In conversations, I often struggled to be understood. When people asked me questions, I’d expand too much, adding more details than necessary, yet somehow missing key pieces of information. I’d jump from one thought to another, trying to connect the dots in my head, but leaving others confused. They’d ask me the same question again, hoping for clarity, but I’d continue adding more, thinking I was being helpful—when in fact, I was making it harder to follow. I’d leave out important details like dates or forget to complete my sentences. People grew frustrated, and some even thought I was lying because my answers seemed inconsistent or incomplete.

Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you try to explain yourself, people just don’t get it? Or that your words are trapped in your mind, struggling to come out the way you intend?

I wasn’t trying to be evasive. I genuinely thought I was giving all the information I had. But my mind wasn’t focused—it was already racing ahead, juggling a thousand thoughts. It felt like standing in a crowded room, trying to grab the right words out of the air while everything moved too fast. I could feel their impatience, their frustration, and it only made me more anxious, more flustered, and less able to give the clarity they needed.

It wasn’t just about answering questions. When I asked questions, people often didn’t understand me either. I’d get frustrated, my emotions bubbling over—my signing would speed up, my face turning red, my expressions becoming distant. I’d react impulsively, blurting out things without thinking, sometimes hurting the people I cared about. Not because I wanted to, but because my emotions felt overwhelming, like a wave crashing before I could process what was happening.

Have you ever said something in the heat of the moment and immediately wished you could take it back? Or felt like your emotions were stronger than your ability to control them?

When I felt down, I’d try to fill the emptiness by shopping, spending money without thinking it through. My mind was always racing with “what ifs,” overthinking every detail, spiraling into worry. I’d lose control of my emotions, crying over things that seemed small—or not even knowing why I was crying at all.

Do you find yourself overthinking, stuck in a loop of “what ifs,” or feeling overwhelmed by emotions that seem out of proportion to the situation?

Discovering I have ADHD didn’t just give me a label—it gave me understanding. It helped me see that these struggles weren’t personal failures or character flaws. They were symptoms of something I didn’t know I was living with. Now, I’m learning how to navigate my thoughts, emotions, and relationships with more self-awareness and compassion. It’s not easy, but it’s a journey I’m grateful to be on. Because understanding myself is the first step to healing—and to connecting more honestly and clearly with the people around me.

What have you discovered about yourself that helped you see your struggles in a new light? How has self-awareness changed the way you approach your relationships and challenges?