Newly-diagnosed ADHD artist thrives with creative schedule

by Denise in Washington

My diagnosis with ADHD last year at 54 years old was both shocking and relieving. I was shocked because I thought that ADD was a childhood disorder, and I was relieved because it explained some painful aspects of my life.

My biggest struggle is my work life. I always become bored with what I am doing for my livelihood. Doing anything 8 hours a day, 5 days a week is draining. I enjoy multiple jobs to keep myself interested. I am a licensed massage therapist and esthetician. It sounds crazy but working in two different locations, two days a week each, doing esthetics and massage keeps my attention. Due to the way I have to work, I pay for my own health care, and my medication is new which equals very expensive.

I am grateful that I have been able to afford treatment so far, as without medication life is much more of a struggle for me.

The one constant in my life has been my creativity. I am a self-taught artist and have always made things. Once I sit down and start working, most pieces have a life of their own and seem to make themselves with more depth and connection than I could consciously create. My dream is to support myself with my art, but I find my ADD has challenges for me that I must conquer before that happens.