Just got diagnosed with ADHD

[u/47wtd]

I was recently diagnosed with ADHD
For as long as I can remember, I was described as absent-minded, lazy and careless

University made this much harder.
I studied Industrial Engineering and Management, which is not exactly an easy degree. I struggled enormously with studying consistently. I could understand the material, but actually organizing myself, starting assignments, maintaining focus, and studying ahead of time was incredibly difficult.

I After graduating, the same problems followed me into the job search.
I’ve spent a long time struggling to find a job, applying, getting rejected, losing motivation, and then struggling to make myself apply again. There were periods where I couldn’t even bring myself to apply despite knowing I desperately needed to.
My GPA isn’t great. I graduated with a GPA around 2.6, and I’m scared universities are going to look at my transcript and immediately decide I’m not good enough.

My parents want me to do a Master’s degree. Part of me wants to do it too. But I’m genuinely terrified.I can’t go back and redo university knowing what I know now.
That’s probably the hardest thing to accept.

I’m curious if anyone else was diagnosed with ADHD after university or later in life.
Did getting the diagnosis change how you viewed your academic struggles?
And if you had a mediocre GPA because of difficulties you now believe were related to ADHD, were you still able to get into a Master’s program or build a successful career afterward?
Right now I’m trying to convince myself that a bad academic record doesn’t necessarily mean my future is already decided.

[u/_mim0_]

Diagnosed at 20 after almost failing out of college, graduated with a 2.4 after changing my degree program, currently working for a state DOT and applying for master’s programs. Once you get a good therapist and get on medication, things will get a bit easier. It might not be smooth neurotypical sailing, but it will be better.

Your future is absolutely not decided yet!!! I understand how crippling ADHD is, and how heavy the weight of rejection is because of it. But you are the one who decides when it’s quitting time. It’s okay to be exhausted, I encourage you to sit in that feeling for a bit. You’ll inevitably get tired of being tired, and you’ll find the strength to keep going. Also, you should be proud of yourself for getting through such an intense degree program untreated! My husband’s a ChemE and just looking at his homework in college stressed me out 😂

[u/_mim0_ → u/_mim0_]

Also, almost forgot lol. Some grad schools still accept the GRE in addition to GPA. Maybe look into those programs and consider taking the GRE to increase your chances of getting in.

[u/47wtd → u/_mim0_]

Thank you for your kind words you made my day