I had an interesting journey with my ADHD, unlike most of the other people I've met who had it. I was diagnosed fairly young (some time <10 years old), because

I had an interesting journey with my ADHD, unlike most of the other people I've met who had it. I was diagnosed fairly young (some time <10 years old), because my mother is a pediatrician, did research into my behavior, saw signs, and had me diagnosed by a doctor. For most of my life up until my late teens, I was on a regular regimen of stimulant ADHD medications (in addition to the other structure imposed on my life by middle+high school and living at home). I did very well and got into a top public university. Once I left for college though, my life fell apart. I had no one to make sure I was on a schedule and taking my meds. I basically quit taking my meds, struggled to attend class & do assignments, and nearly flunked out of school a couple times. I loathed myself. I thought "what good am I, if I can't function without the pills?" This was a toxic mindset, but I stuck to it through college and for a few years after. I think the only thing that saved me from total ruin was the fact that I found tech work so engaging that it never felt like a chore to me, and I was able to succeed despite my false start. Being off the meds forced me to develop a lot of coping mechanisms I never learned as a kid. I externalized a lot of my executive function into reminders, calendars, and habits. I cut away all unnecessary tedium in my life. I became addicted to coffee, because (surprise!) stimulants helped my symptoms & dealing with life in the workforce. About a year ago though, I decided to start on meds again. They aren't a silver bullet for me of course (the real silver bullet all along was having my mom's structure and support in my life), but they help a lot and I can notice the difference. It's so much easier to deal with necessary tedium when I have the meds in my toolbox again. I don't feel the need to be on them 24/7 (probably a good thing), but it's nice to know I can take them and not feel shame about it anymore.