[AUS] looking for advice and lived experience from ADHD honours students
So I'm about to finish my undergraduate after 7 years. It has taken me so long as I was trialling part time study + working full time, or studying full time, working part-time etc. Withdrew a semester, took another semester off. 1 x ADHD diagnosis and many life crises later and I am almost at the finish line and now I'm considering the possibility of honours.
I love learning, and i have no doubt in my intellectual capability. However, I struggle greatly with focus. I'm talking one topic in a weekly module can take me up to 10 hours and I don't even retain all of it, because I just can't stay on task. Even with removing all distractions my mind just drifts off into the f*cking ether. It has brought me to tears of frustration many times, i absolutely have the motivation and the discipline, all I ever do is study but it feels like 20x the effort for half the outcome other people seem to get.
I've tried several stimulants and none have really helped. I'm now using a new multi-modal antidepressant offbrand and its definitely helped a little but I still feel like I'm leagues behind others.
In saying that, I have a dogged determination to prove to myself I can do this, but I'm mindful of throwing myself into something that will destroy my mental health that I'm not actually capable of managing. I would love to hear other peoples experience, especially those who have struggles with focus, or sound similar to me.
Thanks so much!