Need College Advice for Managing ADHD, Depression, PTSD, and Anxiety

Something I used back when I was in high school was setting an alarm for like 15 minutes and focusing on work and then when the timer stopped I set an alarm for 5 to 10 minutes where I could just get my ADHD out of the equation and like watch a video or go on my phone on like Tick tock or like apps and like fidget around like all the shabang. And then when that time was up I would focus on my work again until I got overstimulated and took a full break. Not going to lie this also really helps when cleaning like I will set a 20 minute alarm and try and get as much cleaning as I can done in that time or I'll make a checklist for the whole day and in that 20 minutes I will be working on the checklist. And then I will set a 15 minute alarm where I can sit in my chair and just like do whatever I want. it's surprisingly effective because those 15 minutes don't turn into 5 hours and they feel way more rewarding!

talk to your teacher and explain your situation if you can, hopefully they will be understanding and will be able to put things in place for you. also my class made a group chat where we could share the homework and notes that was really helpful to me x

It's my second year in college! Here are my suggestions: - Don't hesitate to change your study/work environment. If you feel yourself having a slow day, move to a different study area. (I alternate between my dorm room and various study areas on campus.) - R&b in a language you don't understand is great if you like to listen to music while you study! The lyrics won't distract you, but you still get to listen to beautiful smooth vocals and relaxing beats. I recommend Latin and Korean r&b, which both have big music scenes! - salty snacks help activate your brain and give u something additional but hopefully not too distracting to focus on. I feel like I am more productive when I snack on Goldfish crackers while I work. Dont forget to have water on hand though to stay hydrated!

Here’s a list of what I use as a second-year ADHD college student: -GIANT dry erase wall calendar -brain dump board (sticky notes of everything I need to do) -GIANT list of 3 biggest tasks for the day on the wall (chosen from the brain dump board) -visual timer -so many phone alarms -task bracelets (can’t take them off until you’ve done the task) -little candies/snacks (dopamine boost/reward system) -reward sticker chart (track habits/feel sense of accomplishment/motivation boost) -noise cancelling headphones -ambient music (no lyrics) -so many stim toys -different chair options Sorry if that was a lot, but I really hope it helps!! You can message me if you have any questions! Best of luck this semester!

My biggest recommendation to you is to use your school’s resources! The disability office, there is probably a student success/academic achievement center or something similar, the librarians when it comes to research, etc. Even the career office, honestly. Those are the big ones. My undergrad’s academic achievement center offered tutoring, but also a lot of 1-on-1 services with the professional staff. They would meet with students as often as needed, and do like academic coaching and stuff. I did get connected with the disability office when I started college, but I didn’t get involved really at all the the academic achievement center and I really regret that. I felt like I wasn’t “struggling enough” to use their services. Like not that I thought I was too good for them but that other people needed them more so I shouldn’t use them, I didn’t deserve to. That couldn’t be further from the truth. First of all, I was really struggling lol. But also, those services are for EVERYONE, and that’s what they’re there for! No one deserves to use those services any more or less than anyone else. You’re paying for it, you’re entitled to use it. I interned with the academic achievement center my senior year, and so I got to meet all the staff members and learn all about their services and stuff. I was kicking myself for never using their services the previous 3 years, because I absolutely would have benefited from it. I always wonder what my college career would have been like had I went and gotten support sooner, because instead, I really struggled the whole way through, and there were some really difficult times. Sorry, that was long. But to summarize, my advice is get connected with the supports at your university SOON. Even if you don’t think you need it yet. Don’t try to wait until you DO need them, get connected NOW. They’re there to help you, and it will make your life so much easier! I am a recent grad, and we have a lot of similar conditions. If you have any other questions or anything, feel free to message me :) Also, if you’re not already connected with your school’s disability office, and you don’t have accommodations or anything, I am happy to talk to you about that!

Calendar, lists, agendas etc figuring out ways to stay organized and then trying to limit distractions (can use apps, plugins, timers, or change of environment like the library)