Having ADHD in college and your experiences?

Experiencing ADHD in college can be quite a journey. I often find myself either deeply engaged in my studies or lying in bed, aware of the assignments piling up. I remember becoming so fixated on college that I would constantly talk about it with my mom and brother, to the point where they got annoyed and asked me to tone it down.

I agree that overthinking academic matters seems to be a hallmark of ADHD. There are days when concentration feels impossible; I want to tackle my assignments, but they no longer provide the same rush of motivation they once did. Occasionally, I do find that spark, but that often leads to mental exhaustion and a long nap afterward.

I’m curious if others share this tendency to overthink. How do you manage to reorganize your thoughts and tasks? Am I experiencing burnout? With only a couple of months left until I earn my associate’s degree, I wonder if this struggle intensifies in higher education, particularly among neurodivergent individuals.

And is it unreasonable for me to fixate on achieving an A and fear getting a B in a class related to my major? I know I’ll get comments like “Don’t worry if you’re not planning on grad school” or “Cs get degrees.”

One Reply to “Having ADHD in college and your experiences?”

  1. It sounds like you’re really navigating the complexities of ADHD in a challenging environment like college! You’re definitely not alone in feeling the pressure of hyper-focusing on certain subjects while struggling with others. Many people with ADHD experience that intense cycle of interest and burnout you described. It’s common to feel a rush from engaging with something passionate, only to find that the routine nature of assignments can feel draining and uninspiring.

    The overthinking aspect you mentioned resonates with a lot of individuals with ADHD. It’s like our brains are wired to analyze every detail, which can lead to mental exhaustion. Reorganizing your approach can help; perhaps breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks can make them feel less overwhelming. Incorporating breaks and rewards can also help maintain motivation.

    As for the fear of getting a B, remember that while striving for excellence is admirable, it’s also essential to be kind to yourself. Academia can be particularly intense for neurodivergent individuals, and it’s not uncommon for the pressure to amplify feelings of anxiety or burnout.

    A focus on an A can sometimes fuel that overthinking and stress, but it’s also important to recognize the value of the learning experience itself. It might help to shift your mindset from purely results-based to a more process-oriented one. Celebrate the achievements along the way, even if they don’t always align with the grades you hope for.

    And no, it’s not crazy to feel that way! Your passion for succeeding and wanting to get the most out of your education is completely valid. Just remember to reach out for support when you need it, whether it’s from friends, family, or mental health resources on campus. You’re almost at the finish line with your degree, and that’s something to be proud of regardless of the grades!

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