I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.
– Douglas Adams
ADHD in Adulthood: How Did I Get This Far Without Knowing?
During the pandemic, the boundaries between work and home changed for many of us. Our living spaces became offices, and familiar routines disappeared. For me, that disruption brought some longstanding challenges into sharper focus.
I’ll be transparent: there was a point when my life felt like pure chaos.
My paintbrushes ended up on my work desk. Kitchen forks somehow found their way into the bathroom sink. And, for the love of God, I couldn’t seem to get down the road without realizing I had forgotten something.
I was frustrated, agitated, and worried. I remember wondering whether I might be experiencing the early stages of dementia. The forgetfulness felt unsettling, especially when I was used to managing a demanding career.
It Started With a Giant Leaf Bag
One day, I went out to my shed, grabbed one of those gigantic paper leaf bags, and brought it into the house.
I started clearing out each room. There was too much stuff, and I felt overwhelmed by all of it. I wanted fewer things to sort through, fewer distractions, and a little breathing room.
When I finished, I felt as though a weight had lifted.
Decluttering hadn’t answered every question, but it helped me notice how much my surroundings affected my ability to feel settled and focused.
Looking Back at What Had Helped Me Succeed
As I reflected on school and work, I began noticing the supports I had built into my life.
School provided schedules, assignments, and deadlines. The financial investment helped keep me accountable. My career brought clear responsibilities and situations that required immediate attention. I often found it easier to focus when a task felt urgent, and the next step was clear.
I had also developed systems to keep myself organized. Those systems evolved as my responsibilities changed—and they continue to evolve today.
A late diagnosis can help explain patterns that were present much earlier. ADHD begins in childhood, although it may go unrecognized until adulthood. Familiar routines and supportive environments can help someone manage difficulties for years; changing demands can make those difficulties more noticeable.
My Home Held Some Clues, Too
Once I understood more about my ADHD, some of my choices at home made sense.
I have glass-front cabinets and prefer storage that lets me see what I own. Dressers have never worked particularly well for me. Once something goes into a drawer, I can forget it’s there.
Then, one day, I open that drawer and discover things I haven’t seen in months. Surprise—it feels like my birthday!
Visibility helps me remember what I have and where it belongs. Too much visible clutter, however, can overwhelm me. I’m continually finding the balance between keeping things accessible and giving them a clear place.
And then there are the clocks.
There is hardly a room in my house without one. I’ve liked clocks for years, but they also serve a practical purpose: they help me notice the passage of time and stay aware of what comes next.
Find Systems That Fit Your Life
My experience will not look exactly like yours. Some people benefit from open storage; others need clear surfaces. Some prefer paper calendars, while others rely on phone reminders.
It can help to reflect on a few questions:
When has staying organized felt easier?
What routines or reminders were supporting me then?
What changed when things became more difficult?
What small adjustment could make daily life more manageable?
Forgetfulness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating can also have other causes, including stress, sleep problems, anxiety, depression, and medical conditions. New or worsening symptoms deserve a professional evaluation rather than an assumption that they are ADHD.
For me, understanding my ADHD gave me a new way to look at my experiences. I could recognize the effort behind my accomplishments and understand why certain systems had helped.
I’m still learning and adjusting. But now, when something isn’t working, I have a better place to begin: understanding what I need and building support around it.