this post was submitted on 15 Jan 2024
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ADHD

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I've been diagnosed by my former therapist but I feel things are getting worse these days.

I mean, I have my vape in my hand, and one second later it's nowhere to be found. Maybe it's in the bedroom where I swear I haven't been in the last 5 hours. Maybe in a bathroom cabinet. Maybe on the table but I wouldn't tell because my fuckin brain is incapable to discern any object in the middle of clutter.

Is there a strategy to remember where I've put something I was holding? It's gotten to the point that I'm getting preemptively mad when something I'm looking for is not where it's supposed to be because I know I'll have to turn the flat upside down just to find it, just to lose it again a few minutes later and/or do the same song and dance for the next thing I need.

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[–] [email protected] 34 points 10 months ago (3 children)

The best thing I did for myself is to make a place for all important things like my keys, watch, medicine, moisturiser etc. if I catch myself putting it down somewhere that isn’t the right place then I make the effort to put it in the right spot. For example: my keys, they have a hook by my door and one pocket they live in. They are never anywhere but those two places or in my hand and if I ever go to put them down and think to myself “Ill remember to move them later” I say to myself “of course you won’t remember, move them now”.

It’s helped massively and now I’m used to it it’s not hard to do. Of course I don’t always catch myself and do lose stuff but it happens less now.

Also trying to keep on top of clutter on sides, that way it’s easier to spot the thing that I’ve put down. Don’t get me wrong I have piles and piles of clutter that I will about once a year go through and have a clear out but I keep that stuff on shelves etc, not somewhere I would put down my phone for example

[–] [email protected] 4 points 10 months ago

Yeah this helps a ton. I have a bowl that I keep my keys, wallet, inhaler, etc in. Also keep certain items on my night stand.

Also, just get into the habit of asking yourself, "Am I gonna remember putting this thing here?" I am still not 100% good about this, but I've gotten much better. Admitting that you have a problem is the first step.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 10 months ago

Ok the trick seems to be able to realize I've absentmindedly put something down to do something else and catch myself before I forget. I'm gonna try and consciously paying attention to it.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago

I've had some success with this, but mostly with things I keep in my pockets. Unless I'm sleeping or bathing, it's very rare for me not to have my keys, wallet, phone, etc. on me and in the specific pockets I've assigned them to. I sometimes see other people with a more relaxed attitude towards items like that and think maybe I should chill out a little, but I know if I go down that path it'll just lead to me losing things.