Hi, I’m 16F and I’m pretty sure I have ADHD. And before anyone jumps in with “it’s just Instagram diagnosis”—no. I’ve done the research, taken the quizzes, read articles, even asked AI. I didn’t wake up one day and decide this is my life.
For most of my life, I thought I was just lazy, not smart enough, and cursed with bad luck. No matter how hard I tried, I could never actually do the things I needed to do. Procrastination? Losing stuff? I now have a designated “don’t lose this” spot… which I sometimes forget exists. Phone addiction? Let’s just say my screen time and I are in a toxic relationship.
Personality DLC includes:
- ADHD (probably)
- Maladaptive daydreaming
- Overthinking every possible timeline
- A sprinkle of depression
- Introvert energy
Basically, the ice cream sundae of chaos, and my brain said “yes, extra toppings please.”
Anyway—here’s the actual problem.
I want to get diagnosed. I want help. I want to feel normal for once. Is that illegal or something?
But HOW do I tell my parents??
My family is “modern” but emotionally… affection is viewed as unnecessary and emotional distance is maintained. I know if I seriously push, they’ll probably take me to a psychiatrist. But here’s the catch: my brain turns simple tasks into boss-level missions.
Normal brain:
“Tell parents → go to doctor → done.”
My brain:
Plan how to tell parents
Overthink tone, timing, facial expression, weather conditions
Get overwhelmed
Take a nap
And even if I do tell them:
Find a psychiatrist
Book appointment
Actually go (??)
Sit through diagnosis process
If no meds → therapy → more effort → more money → more brain resistance
At this point my brain is like “or… hear me out… do nothing.”
I’ve even thought about just asking for medication directly (I know, probably not how it works, but desperation makes you creative).
The main reason I’m spiraling right now: my 10th re-exam.
Last time I DON'T STUDY AT ALL (not a joke), somehow got 74%, and instead of being proud I was just confused HOW THE FUCK!!!. Now I’m trying again and guess what? SAME LOOP.
Open book → read one page → brain leaves chat.
I don’t want to keep living like this. I don’t want to keep pretending I’m functioning until life gets harder and everything crashes. I have develop strategies to hide inattentive symptoms, appearing functional until adult responsibilities overwhelm these coping skills.
So I guess what I’m asking is:
Not just advice—but your experience.
How did you tell your parents?
Was it worth going to a psychiatrist?
Or just go get meds without getting diagnosed?
Did meds actually help or just add new problems?
Even if meds have side effect it won't be as bad as my life.
Because right now, I’m stuck between “do something” and “mentally buffering forever.”
If you read all this—congrats, you have better attention span than me.