The Day My Struggles Were Given a Name: My Story of Facing Adult Developmental Disorders
1. Introduction:
The reason I decided to write this article
Among those reading this, there may be others who, like me, feel that "life is somehow difficult."
I hope this reaches even one such person.
It is with that thought in mind that I am writing this article.
This is a record of my realizations and my journey of facing my diagnosis of a developmental disorder as an adult.
2. The Trigger for Realization:
The "struggle" I had always felt
Since I was a child, I had a vague feeling that I was "out of sync" with those around me.
I was bad at reading the room, and my conversations often didn't click.
I would become extremely focused on one thing, or conversely, get distracted by trivial matters and miss appointments.
Even after entering the workforce, the struggle continued.
・Unable to read the room, leading to trouble with workplace relationships
・Unable to stop in-app purchases, leading to repeated trouble on my smartphone
・Carelessly forgetting promises made to family
・Repeating the same mistakes over and over
"Why can't I live my life well?"
That thought was always in my heart.
3. Diagnosis and Aftermath:
The difficulty and relief of facing a developmental disorder
I was originally seeing a psychiatrist for the treatment of depression.
While talking about the difficulties I was experiencing in my daily life during consultations, the doctor pointed out the possibility of a developmental disorder.
When I received the diagnosis, I remember feeling more "relief" than shock, strangely enough.
Because the struggle I had always felt was finally given a "name," I was finally able to accept myself a little.
Fortunately, I have an understanding wife.
How reassuring it is to have someone who says, "It's okay as it is."
Also, while receiving support from visiting nursing services, I am organizing my small daily worries together with them.
4. Me Now: Days of living while finding ways to cope
A developmental disorder is not something that disappears like magic.
However, while finding "my own ways of coping" little by little, I have become able to live more calmly than before.
For example,
・Since I forget appointments immediately, I set notifications on Google Calendar and make notes of appointments right away.
・When my mind gets cluttered, I organize my notes with Google Keep.
・On days when I am sensitive to sound, I use earplugs to control my environment.
These small adjustments have made my life much easier.
5. Conclusion: To those who are struggling in the same way
If you feel like "I'm no good" right now, there is something I want to tell you loudly.
You are not alone.
I, too, have spent my days struggling and feeling confused in the same way.
I would be happy if this experience could be even a small hint for you.
If you resonate with this, it would encourage me if you could let me know your thoughts by clicking "Like."
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