ADHD, Maybe?

I have numerous reasons why I started writing this blog.

1. I wanted to work on Bucket List item number 54. (Write a blog a week at least one year.)
2. I wanted to talk about this new app I’m using.
3. I wanted to talk about my sort of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnosis.
4. My son has his special education review soon, and I’m feeling anxious.
5. I’m trying to write more in general and not have red as my bullet journal color today.

Let me walk you through my brain for a moment.

There’s 4ish weeks in January. Technically, four blogs published during January should count towards Bucket List item number 54, right? Sure, technically, the dates published don’t really line up with one a week, but it’s pretty close. Which technicality should apply here? It’s my Bucket List, so I’m going to say January is a win for Bucket List item number 54. We’ll see how the rest of the year goes. I’m hopeful!

Okay, next stop.

I’ve been using this new app called Finch. When you start the app you get an egg. The egg hatches, and you have your very own pet bird. You give it a name and are tasked with raising up the little cutie.

My birds name is Sweetie. Sweetie has pink everything. She’s super cool.

The way to help your bird grow is by completing tasks that you set for yourself. Each day you complete a certain number of tasks, you earn enough energy to send your bird on an adventure.

Yes, this app sure knew how to suck me in with that word. Adventure Awaits is my family motto.

Let’s keep moving.

When your bird returns from their adventure they typically have learned something new or discovered something new. Also, the more tasks you complete, the faster your bird will return from the adventures.

Here are the tasks I’ve added:

1. Take a stretch/walk break. (8)
   • This is only for week days when I am working. I have it set as a goal to complete 8 times a day. It doesn’t have to be a certain amount of time. It’s basically just to make sure I’m moving around.
2. Drink water. (8)
   • I sometimes need reminders to drink water. I was doing better last year but slacked off a bit towards the end of the year. I have it set to 8 as a cup of water is 8 ounces and I think the recommended daily water intake amount is around 64 ounces.
3. Wash my face. (2)
   • I wish I was better at remembering to wash my face in the morning. Sometimes I’m so in a rush, I just brush my teeth and hair and run out the door. I almost always get the end of day face washing because I always wash my face in the shower.
4. Post daily journaling challenge. (1)
   • If you’re following my author Instagram page, you’ll know I’m in a 150-Day journaling challenge with my best friend. I’m posting it on Instagram to help keep me accountable and remember to do the challenge!
5. Post emotions update. (1)
   • This is part of my bullet journaling journey. I’ve been actively tracking my emotions since August of 2024. I’ve been posting it on my author Instagram, also as a way to help keep me accountable!
6. Spend time with mom. (1)
   • Sorry, mom! I know it’s probably weird to need a reminder to spend time with your mom, but I get distracted. I’m in a semi newer relationship, and his face is just so pretty, and he brings me immense joy. I end up focusing a lot of my attention and energy, that I don’t use for work and being a mom, on my partner and end up neglecting my mom. I’m trying to be better about ensuring she knows I love her!
7. Write for at least 16 minutes. (1)
   • Writing is part of my bullet journal goals. I hate seeing so much red on the page. I want to at least see orange.
8. Read for at least 16 minutes. (1)
   • Reading is also part of my bullet journal goals. I need to see anything but red!
9. Write/edit GTS. (1)
   • I’m literally posting this blog on the website, authorarielpierce.com… You would think working on my novel would be a top priority. My brain just doesn’t cooperate most days.

Are you still following me? I promise all of these things are linked.

There’s more cool things in the app, but you’ll have to check it out for yourself! It’s not totally the point of this blog, anyways. The app does cost money if you want to have access to all the things, just so you know.

On to the next.

So, how does one sort of have ADHD?

Well, I went to a psychiatrist back in 2023/2024. I mentioned some of my concerns. I completed a questionnaire related to ADHD. The psychiatrist said “Based on your responses, it does appear that ADHD would make sense,” and then never mentioned it again.

I don’t know. I guess she focused more on me saying something along the lines of, “It’s not that I want to die. I just think it would be easier than living.”

I didn’t really find anything helpful related to my experience with going to a psychiatrist, but they were nice at least, so that’s something.

I don’t say that to discourage anyone from seeking psychiatric care. It’s a beautiful service. I just don’t think I had the right medications, and I definitely didn’t have the support system I truly needed.

Anyways.

My son has a special education review coming up. I’ve written briefly about his difficulties during Kindergarten. He was diagnosed with ADHD during that school year. After moving to his new school, they reported very few concerns similar to that of his previous two schools. So, they wanted to do a full review again and meet again once completed. He’s definitely not having as many issues, but the ADHD symptoms are clearly evident based on calls and messages I’ve received.

I hear a lot about ADHD being hereditary. The Finch app was literally advertised as being helpful for those with ADHD, and I’m obsessed with it. My psychiatrist mentioned what they mentioned…

So, while I’m writing to help achieve my daily writing goal, I’m also writing with the intent to process some things.

I’ve attempted to read books related to ADHD but struggle to focus on them because they’re kinda boring and a little depressing.

I’ve sought out advice from medical providers and mental health providers to help address my son’s needs with little help.

I feel like I’m stumbling through my own creative brain, scrolling TikTok for advice from people with ADHD, and really just winging it trying to figure out how to support my son and possibly myself with this diagnosis.

Mental Health can be so confusing. Y’all don’t read my content with the expectation that you’re going to get all the answers to your mental health questions. I hope you read with the thought that someone out there is real and shares their journey with the intent that someone may be helped.

I’m going to keep doing my own research on ADHD. I may consider looking back into receiving a formal diagnosis. I will continue to advocate for my son’s needs at school and help him come up with creative ways to manage his symptoms like I try to do mine.

If anyone reading this has any suggestions on books, research, or other content to look into related to ADHD, please comment on this blog, comment on my Instagram, or send me an email to authorarielpierce@gmail.com!

Thank you for going along with my brain. Seriously, check out Finch. It’s cute and it does seem helpful. If you’re interested, I may do an update later on if it’s been truly helpful for me or not!

I appreciate anyone who read to the end! You’re an amazing human, and I hope you love yourself the way you deserve to be loved! Being a human is hard, but you’re doing great!