You lose the memories you need to remember, but they return... I watched the video and was moved by it. However, when I recalled the great tragedies-the thousands of people who lost not only their memories but their lives-I almost cried for you, Palestine.
Especially if you've experienced that kind of relief yourself when you're sure you've screwed the pooch and you really didn't. That sweet relief hits different.
@@claudialandgraf4450 I do this kind of thing often, at inappropriate times. Sometimes I actually manage to say to myself, "Just leave it.", and I do. Other times it feels compulsory to do it right then. Not good.
This was a fantastic short! Thank you for sharing it. The only thing you missed is re-entering the house at least 3 times because you forgot your glasses, phone, wallet, hat, coat, bag you meant to bring, etcccccccc haha :)
The opening… checking to make sure everything is off… the way a strangers words feel like heavy criticism… the toothpaste on the jacket… all the notes… so much of this… thank you
The entire range of emotions this sent me through: anxiety, stress, relational empathy, frustration, relief, annoyance, grief, excitement. I felt like I was watching myself TRYING.
Yes! This is me just trying to get to work, doing a job that I'm overqualified for but still fail at because I do things like forgetting to lock the back door when I leave work! But I'm trying...
Yeah the whole time I was thinking of all the times I’ve had similar things happen… even thinking an appointment was earlier 😂 … Also in that boat, missing when someone delays a meeting to another day. I show up to the meeting wondering where they are-then discover they messaged me earlier telling me they needed to postpone or cancel… always a relief because I probably wasn’t ready the first time anyways 😂😂
Oh man, at the beginning, when she stopped and was just standing there, I knew exactly what was going on and I could narrate exactly what was going on in her head…which was “what was I doing?”…and she blew out the candle for the second time, and I felt like I was watching me…I’m a guy, but this hits home hard! The school stuff got me straight tearing up, cuz I too was that kid…
This needs to be a network series!!! Please Please Please 🙏 I was diagnosed at 68 yo; imagine spending your entire life believing you’re somehow broken.
Thanks for this, Sharon. I would love that. I'm so happy you got your diagnosis when you did, and also sorry it took so long. Mine was thinking I was "stupid" and "crazy". Thanks again for watching. xx
I was 40 when I was finally diagnosed. This was at a time when adult ADD was just being recognizedhat was recognized as a possibility. It was after the birth of my second daughter who had a years long extended version of the terrible two's. That's when the cracks starting appearing in my ability to manage raising kids, a large home 10 miles from town, pets, plants, cooking, cleaning, laundry, kid's activities, etc. and a spouse who traveled frequently. I stumbled across an article on adult ADD and realized this could explain my entire life. Unfortunately, I believe my now ex husband did not, or would not believe ADD was real. Therefore, he became increasingly critical and eventually walked out.
That bit Where she piles up the things that she needs to have together before she leaves the house. I thought that was normal. I do it every morning. It's so true to life. I don't know how other people manage to leave the house so quickly.
100000%. I don't know how anyone does anything quickly. It seems like NT people do things in sequence or in the same way every time...without distractions? And don't get caught up in details or worrying. It's wild.
@@linachristopoulou8670 I would like to say sometimes I say all those things out loud when I am trying to rush out the door, the amount of times I talk out loud to myself because I am struggling to sort through all my thoughts! Crazy how true this is!
wow I didnt think that was a ADHD thing. I always have like 10 things in my hands before leaving even though I carry a big bag. I dont understand why I cant just place the phone, key, wallet inside the bag but have to carry them with my hands 😂
The word "TRYING" reeled me in. I was diagnosed with ADD at uni, at the age of 46. The diagnosis put my whole past into perspective. I have had 30 jobs. I was finally starting to accept my diagnosis and feel more empowered, when I visited my sister who`s a mental health nurse and she decided to tell me that I just need to try harder. And that I can do things if I really want to. Wtf?!!!!!!!!!!.... This video strikes a cord! It shows the reality of what many of us have to deal with on a daily basis.
Try harder pressuposes you have had it easy. People often don't understand the plight of others but rush to invalidate as they probably habitually invalidate and minimize themselves regularly.
1000%. I got "TRYING" tattoo'd after I made the film as a reminder, and have been offering myself more compassion since making the film. I'm sorry that happened with your sister. You're not alone. Thanks for watching and sharing 🥲
...and most of all, saying it in our own heads 💔 But so many peiple don't _quite_ believe that ADHD is actually real -- even those closest to us -- and so it starts to feel like maybe they're right. The "why can't I do things like everyone else?" tape plays on and on in my head. I'm 55 😢
I got a "Trying" tattoo of the title card after I made the film, and was seriously considering getting "Doing" instead. By trying, we are doing. The potential thing is exhausting. Sending hugs and thanks for watching.
@@camez2345 Totally. I've felt I'm "stupid" and "crazy" for so long. Even reading these comments has been a trip, but I'm so glad I've been in therapy for a while and built my self confidence so I can discern what is true and what isn't. You're not alone and you got this. And happy you're part of the Trying Fam :')
Yikes this is everything. Lack of control on the expressions, the anger flares, forgetfullness, the fighting to be taken seriously, the overthinking, the notes everywhere, the second guessing of oneself and others doing it, the nervous ticking, the compulsive need to check everything FOR SURE, the gas situation, bringing things you don't actually need because you think you MIGHT need it because you are forgetful and it might just save you... The things that fall through the cracks so easily and having to live with needing to push them to the side... Wow this was it all.
You nailed it. This was my first "real" script I've written, and it's something I'm really proud of. Everything was extremely intentional in how the story was being told with what I knew and learned at the time (almost 4 years ago!) Thanks for this and for watching. 🦢
@@sluhbrek wow love that/this! the authenticity really shone through, you made your experience so accessible to others, Love that you were 'intentional' about it, great word! thank you and awesome to see you be so equally thoughtful in your replies to your viewers/subscribers.
@@carolinelong1 thank you 🥺 I later learned I had adhd myself, it's been a wild ride. Making this film has changed my life for the better. So grateful for the communities surrounding it. 💚
Imagine someone who has ADHD but hasn’t been diagnosed. There are many people who have these issues and symptoms that don’t understand why they’re so different from others. Everything they do is a complicated task. Bravo to the writer of this story and the amazing actress who plays her part so convincingly.
Thank you for this. As the writer and actor, seriously, thank you. I personally know dozens of people who have watched this film and gone on to get diagnosed and research adhd. The fact that "Trying" has changed people's lives has made me understand my purpose here in this life. :')
My mum and I have a deal where she messages me “I did it!” in the morning to confirm she did her workout and remind me to exercise and if she misses her workout then I don’t have to do it either haha
The moment I was thinking, "is this me???" her phone showed her name.. Megan.. which is MY NAME. What the heck. I relate to this so much, it gives me chills.
Also go by Meg, have applied for a teaching position at the school I graduated from teaching digital scripture. I have Autism and a big imagination. I felt so connected to this character and her struggles!
I was about to type this!!! I was finally diagnosed at 38, I'm in my early forties now. Somehow being "older" now has made my ADHD so much worse. 😳 Thank you so much for making this short film!! I'm going to send it to my neurotypical best friend immediately!!
Augh this is too relatable, started tearing up. The oversharing about personal stories with random strangers and not realizing it. The difficulty in controlling emotions. The difficulty of remembering to do things, the constant fight to avoid distractions.
This is so accurate. I cried when she said, "Thank you for your time, Mrs. Hazel." The lifelong, unrelenting cycle of lifting yourself up and then rock-bottoming yet again because you're such a f-up. People without ADHD will see this as the story of a nervous, disorganized, insecure, quirky but loveable goofball who can't quite adult. People with ADHD will squirm and tense up when the toothpaste drops, when the keys aren't there, when she has to tell her friend that she messed up yet again... It's so real it hurts. Congratulations and thank you for making this 🙏
You absolutely nailed it. It's been fascinating reading through the comments on this. Thanks for watching and for this reflection. Means a lot to me. xx
I CRIED! Actually cried.. This is my story, too. After a decade of nomadic jobs that took me around the world, I became a teacher. My desk area around my desk was always a disaster. My piles had piles. But my lessons were super-fun and engaging! I became the teacher I wish I had! Yeah, my desk area was a mess, but I won three Teacher of the Year awards for making learning fun, and for students learning a lot. Just like our protagonist here, my lessons were very creative, and I worked to connect them to all students. In my class, we'd spend the first few weeks doing activities where students learn about the/their brain. ADHD kids were my favorite. Yet, what works for them, works for ALL students. But my lessons were specifically created with ADHD kids in mind. I'm recently retired. I just moved to another state, and had to get a formal ADHD diagnosis again, as a senior citizen, since I couldn't get my records from decades ago. I'm sending a link to this video to several friends. Thanks for making and posting on RUclips. 🌟❤🌟
@@ShellBAtoms this made ME cry. Wow. Thank you so much for sharing and for all you've done as a teacher, and for supporting all of your students how you have. I love hearing that what worked for your adhd students worked for everyone...I think this needs to be in a teaching course somewhere. My heart is swelling. Thank you for watching, sharing, and being you 💚
The interviewer/teacher sound so much like my own mother. Im 41 years old. I wasnt diagnosed with ADHD until a week before my 40th birthday. It made so much sense. It exlained everything about my childhood. I told my mom right away. She basically rolled her eyes at me. She still criticizes my every move and frequently reminds me about how much of a failure i am. 🙃
Wow 5*58. The candy bar, the Llama and flower - all the details. Then the fellow on the bike and her humorous retort with his Fck You - cinema verite on a whole chaotic, real level. The hope that there is still time to get to the appointment.
Oh, meant this as a general comment, but it looks like a reply to your comment. Ironically, by some coincidence, while marvelling at this film, with the thought that there is also family dynamics to consider. The pressure to perform, to be dismissed and totally be a person non grata, and when reaching out, being met with hostility. So sorry your mom talks to you like that. Imagine her internal dialogue as a virus. You are a beautiful creation. Don't let anyone clip your wings. It does get better. What is working for me is simplifying, and much time outdoors... But the chaos is always there in my mind....
Omg I have never watched something and identified with it so much before. I AM LITERALLY AN ART TEACHER with ADHD and I struggle with it every single day. Thanks so much for representing my struggle and everyday disfunction so accurately!!!!
YOU ARE MEG!! I always knew Meg had to be an art teacher. There just felt like no other option. Thanks for watching and for your amazing work educating with art 🥲
Your editor did a great job! I can feel the stress and urgency as Meg rushes around and then the significance of Meg defending herself at the interview.
Thanks, Livy. Our editor Austin absolutely nailed it. The opening sequence is my favorite scene. I spent the most amount of time writing the interview scene, I always wonder if I'd do what Meg did in that position myself.
This was supposed to be a comedy in many ways, but I cried through the entire thing. The pain, shame, and disgust in yourself for constantly feeling like you can't do anything right is so overwhelming. I loved this. I genuinely feel seen.
Tears in my eyes. This is so relatable. I became a nanny as I felt that I could help those who are more sensitive and more “difficult” to understand (because people lack knowledge), it was in training to be a Montessori teacher and focusing on a more neuroscience based approach that I finally understood that I too belong to the category of autism and adhd. I suffered, trying, for about 30 years before I understood why I am the way I am. A beautiful unorchestrated mess ✨ And I wouldn’t have it any other way. Sadly the world judges us for being different and while we make accommodations for them all day every day - others in the world do not. Here’s hope to a more inclusive and caring future 💞
Thanks so much for watching and sharing, seriously. This means so much to me and everything you're speaking on is so important. A beautiful unorchestrated mess!
I really needed this today! I was spiraling in shame as I am desperately trying to meet a deadline for my work that comes up once every 2 years, after a helpful someone said “maybe next time start it sooner”…(great unsolicited advice, Mr. Neurotypical!)…except I’ve taken the week off from work to jump through the hoops and keep getting sidetracked by a million small to large fires. ADHD is hell. I wish my life was as organized as hers, well, maybe I was in my 20’s…it is way worse in my 50’s, at least she was diagnosed prior to menopause, it’s incredibly good info to have. ❤ This definitely captured the feelings of the struggle.
You've got my support. When is the deadline? Maybe it can help: 1. take a step back 2. simplify 3. prioritize 4. visualise + if possible get external help / delegate and / or say no or postpone things that are coming into your way until this deadline. You've got this 🤗❤✨
100%, Jen. Us on the crew for this film were also adhd'ers (though we didn't know it at the time...wild story) and ended up staying up all night...the night of a holiday...to get the deadline done for our first screening of the film. It didn't happen, and I had to spend a whole lot of cash to move things around and eventually get it there. Experienced long-term burnout after that, which caused me to take a break from making projects altogether. I wish there was a magic wand to make it all better. My heart's with you.
It IS hell. And Menopause was absolutely the worst struggle! Everything came crashing down and I nearly took my own life. I’m still here with a lot of support from family, friends and therapy. Understanding our weaknesses and triggers is really helpful though. I’m learning for myself how to stay out of that high stress zone which always sends me into overwhelm mode and task paralysis. Just do what you can and celebrate even the smallest achievements! Mr Neurotypical wouldn’t last a week in our shoes.
Yeah for me too, especially because she said it to one of her old teachers who didn't know what she had back then. I've actually daydreamed about telling my past teachers why I was like that.
@@mikeskybrowserboth my parents were teachers, neither recognized I had ADHD growing up. Both have said recently, 'it seems like everyone has ADHD now' with zero concept of the irony of STILL not seeing what has presented in their own daughter her whole life.
I’m always telling people this too. It’s like they don’t understand us, but at least saying it, helps them understand a tiny bit. But in reality they will never understand the struggles. Only people who have been through it, understand.
Beautiful! Criminally underrated. Perfectly captures the whole experience. From stress to imposter syndrome, to oversharing and having to constantly explain ourselves to the stereotypes that follow us all our lives. So well done! ❤
@@luftigfrei you nailed it. Thanks so much for watching. A lot of love, care, introspection, research, and collaboration made this film possible. So happy you enjoyed it!! 💚
This is me. I'm late for everything no matter how hard I try. I literally suck at everything, I can never keep appointments straight, but somehow I remember past events better than anyone else I know. My only strength is my level of attention to detail if were being positive.. the negative of that is getting hung up on them far beyond what's reasonable. I also have OCD that makes me believe I'm always faking something, even though I'm not. Heaven forbid I get a concrete answer for what's wrong with me.
@CDMButterfly No, I don't think you understand. When I say "wrong," I mean it is deeper than just having quirks or not fitting in with society or my peers. When i say there is something wrong with me, I mean that the way my brain works makes it really hard to function and execute like a normal person, to the point that I can't hold a job or have meaningful intimate relationships.. (well, that might be trauma related) but I struggle too much on a daily basis to be able to believe there's nothing wrong with me. Thank you for being kind, though.
I relate to the details/perfectionist thing so much. one example from my personal experience: I used to work a lot with Excel at my old job. the amount of time I would spend on spacing out the cells ✨perfectly✨ to my personal standard of acceptance, choosing the ✨right✨ colors for the outlines or the size of the letters or really ANYTHING minuscule like that, was insanely ridiculous... 😂 like girl, just create the table and put in the data, it's NOT THAT SERIOUS 😭
:') I feel that! But when I don't do it, I can't work on it bc my brain goes: "noo that's so uglyyyyyy you can't deliver this! Noooo I don't want toooooooo whyyyyyyy - oh no, the word is too long, I need to fix the whole design!!" 😆😆 On "how to ADHD" there was this advice to always play "ADEQUATE ADEQUATE!" in your head, so perfectionism gets the reminder it's not wanted :')
The part with the running out of gas and having a conversation with the guy putting the gas in the tank who says “when the gas gauge is low…” and she’s engaging with him like she has all the time in the world to talk. Then catches a break discovering the interview is at 1 and then wastes time in the car nervously asking for advice from her mom… I was one 20 minutes late for an interview and still got the job! I never thought I’d ever be on time for work all that energy spent on every distraction and still leave the house with my jacket 1/2 on and shoes on without putting my heels in them. If you know , you know and it’s so difficult and beautiful at the same time. Thanks for the short, it was great
This really made me feel seen! the chaos, the double checking, the thinking you’ve got everything covered. The overwhelming emotions. The oversharing. Appearing disheveled, the loudness of the ticking clock and how seconds feel like hours and just when you’re about to snap they walk in the door.
Reading the comments on the impact the movie has on people’s lives makes me cry with joy and hope. This is the magic of a story. The magic of the courage to tell a story. Thank you, Sam!
That thing when you create rituals, like always putting your keys in the front right pocket but then sometimes you put them in a different pocket and have a panic attack because your keys are just gone in your mind... I don't know if I've eaten food today. Except I might have eaten deviled eggs or that was yesterday. Do any of you remember the original Transformer toys? Die cast metal, rubber tires. They were SOOOO cool.
I cried 3 times the first 5 minutes I relate to this so much. So many accurate little details about living with ADHD. I cried a few more times until the end. The gratitude and relief when she got the job after all the emotional upheaval and inner turmoil. Her students will love her and she will love her job and be good at it, I predict. As an unmedicated ADHD TK/K teacher who stresses myself out and cries in the car often, thank you.
Wow. Thank you, Celeste. Yes to all of this. Based on personal experience! Thank you for watching and sharing, and for doing what you're doing with the kiddos. You're awesome. 🥺
I don't have ADHD. I was really surprised by all the sticky notes and the double checking everything. That would be very tiring. I did relate to feeling frustrated at the strangers comment but I personally wouldn't have shared so openly the history of the painting. It's nice that she was so open with him though.
My neurotypical friends who have seen the film assumed the story was a once-in-a-while occurrence (which they related to), versus an every-day occurrence. That seemed to be the biggest distinction. I still have to defend the film, almost 4 years after I wrote it. Sigh.
Aw man, this is so sweet. Thanks, Katie. I've put it up on down on Vimeo and RUclips, but almost 3 years after the premiere, it's fascinating that it's popping right now. Thanks again for this 🥲💚
This short film made me cry so much. 😭 It's so relatable to me. Nowadays, I'm almost sure I'm AuADHD (I'm just diagnosed with autism) as, finally, I can't keep masking even with me anymore. Living alone, working and having some duties at the same time is truly tiring mentally and physically. I can't pretend to be the perfect student/girl as I'm used to. My life can be sum up in a word: chaos. Congratulations for your video. You are an awesome actress and storywriter!! ❤
Wow. Thanks so much for this and for sharing, hon. You just made me realize more deeply that I'm still carrying the "perfect" thing even though I've been working to shed it. You're awesome. And thank you :')
@sluhbrek I understand you. It's perfectly normal, we have learnt from childhood that we need to overcompensate every aspect of us that doesn't follow the norm or, in other words, be different from we really are. Anyone teached us how to be ourselves, so we're walking the only path we know although we deserve another one. Maybe should we create our own definition of what's to be a great girl with our own words? At least in my case, when I try to stick to a new habit, what I found best for it is replacing a habit to another one instead of creating a new one from scratch (I mean creating something completely different from what exists). So, regarding this, redefining should be better than trying to shed a part of ourselves. Consequently, we are not bad designed, so we should be loved as we love and accept neurotypical people the way they are. We are loveable. P.S.: I've being working towards accepting me since I watched your video. 💕💕 Thank you for answering me. Have a wonderful day!! 😍
@@MovidasMatematicas I love all of this. Absolutely love the re-define. Going to sit with this, this week 🥺💚 so happy to hear that. You're AWESOME! Xoxo
i am only just realising i dont have an anxiety disorder, im not hyper around people for no reason, its not normal to have 15 trains of thought at once, everybody doesnt hate me, that procrastination and leaving everything till last minute isnt laziness...its that i have undiagnosed adhd. Going to book to see a specialist as it explains last 30 years of disasters in my love, friends and relationships life 100%
Wow. Thank you for sharing this. I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression right before writing this film in 2021, and then didn't realize I had adhd and got a diagnosis until late 2022...it's so wild how these things manifest. This film has been instrumental in so many people learning about adhd, there's so much still to learn and explore about it and bringing awareness to it. Wishing you the best on your journey. xx
The bruise you notice and have no idea when you got it (but at the same time, know it could have been from any of one thousand chaotic moments you’ve experienced earlier in the day!) The struggle to leave the house with everything you need, no matter how early you plan or even having prepared some of what you need the night before! Spills, knocks, scrapes- things that feel inevitable not unusual like it seems for most other adults. And yes, the over sharing and timelessness with strangers! Amazing video, wish I had watched it sooner. Thankyou for the understanding you are bringing to the world ❤
Watched this with my daughter who has ADHD (as do half my siblings and my husband). She related to it immediately. So glad RUclips stuck this in my recommended videos list. I sure hope I can do a good job supporting my brilliant neurodivergent kiddos well. School stinks.
Wow. Thanks so much for sharing this. I made a mini doc in 2023 on a young student with ADHD, and was so impressed with the amount of support his parents gave him regarding his schooling, and how many more options there are today to support ND kiddos. Not enough, in my opinion, but there's some sort of progress. 💚
I truly related to this so much. The entire beginning sequence- perfect. And watching it again, the moment realizing that she actually CAN do the interview and was panicking for no reason. Been there!! And just the gradual progression of intensity. All the feels ❤️
This is one of the most relatable things I have EVER watched and I’m a teenager. I’m not trying to get a job or anything like that. I’m just trying to get through life. And honestly, this is what it feels like. I’m not diagnosed with adhd and I still don’t know if I have it but I’m starting to feel like I actually might.
10000%. Thanks for watching and could be something to look into. I was diagnosed at 27 and it changed a lot for me as far as mindset. Ultimately, all of our brains work differently, so figuring out what works for us is really the journey of life.
Jeez. This was perfect. I do not own a car so I skipped the part w car but otherwise everything here is so damn me. Adhd people are like a chest full of gold but everyday we lose a key to it. Thank you for this!
I've experienced someone telling me the things the interviewer told her... And I froze in embarrassment without knowing what to say. I should've stood up for myself.
I so get it. When I wrote it (almost 4 years ago), I knew I wasn't strong enough to do what Meg did. After working on my self confidence the past few years, I think I would now. Sending hugs and powerful vibes for the next time you're faced with something like this. You got this. xx
And that’s precisely the problem, isn’t it? We learn that we can push the boundary and push the boundary and push the boundary… until finally the boundaries break over and over and over again. True story: I never used to be late anywhere until Waze and the like. This is because I always had to plan to be at least half an hour early everywhere because I couldn’t estimate travel times AT ALL. Now that I have apps that estimate travel times, I mess up all the other time estimations and am late almost all the time 😭
@@karadecker8764 I was just thinking about this the other day. I usually have my phone open and navigating to my destination on Google maps while I'm getting ready, so I see what time I'll be arriving as the clock ticks. Problem is, I cannot grasp the amount of time it will take me to get my bag, shoes, get to my car, and then park and walk to the location once I get there, which can be easily an extra 5 to 20 minutes. SMH!!!
@@sluhbrek Exactly! I wonder if I were to stop using navigation apps to plan and just go back to trying to always be there way early and read or something for 15-30 minutes would at least not make me late. Plus, I’d get back into reading again! (Or be on the phone all the time still but at least not late 😏) But these are the things that are important to mention when being late Dx’d. “No, I wasn’t always late as a child because I had STRATEGIES and was ALWAYS WAY EARLY because I have NO SENSE OF TIME 😁🥹🙈”
I cried because i felt deeply about living this exact kind of day. Before i was diagnosed, i thought i was an irresponsible and unworthy person, even though i was trying so hard, i just couldn't get it together.
I totally get it. I've felt stupid, and crazy, for so long. You're not. We're not. I've been trying (trying heh) to give myself so much compassion these days. Not being able to do xyz doesn't make us bad, our brains just work differently. Sending you hugs.
I feel very seen by this. This is a fantastic short film, and a very accurate depiction of living with ADHD. As an artist with ADHD, who always “has her head in the clouds” this was cool to see.
YES TO THIS. I can also recommend loving yourself. I didn't when we shot this (over 3 years ago), and it's amazing seeing the difference between then and now...including getting a diagnosis. This comment made my day. Thank you.
This played on loop for about 20 years could easily be used as a autobiographical documentary of my life. I find myself wanting everyone I know to watch it in the hope they might better understand me... But at the same time wanting them to never see it, because if they do, they might realise how much I've kept from them everytime they've asked if I'm ok.
I so get it. It's been interesting figuring out who to share with...I've finally reached a point where I share with everyone, because I know now that I'm not broken. Just me. Sending hugs, and thanks for watching
Looool I have ADHD diagnosis but this video hit me more than a diagnosis. I REALIZED what I always do by watching her, and realized that, no, it was not "everyone".
It’s hell 🙁 I have chronic illness now as well, making me extra high maintenance. Understanding executive function more and getting support as a child could have made so much difference in preventing burnout as an adult.
I so get it. I'm so happy you know at this point in your life what your needs are, but I know that doesn't make them feel any less intrusive. You're not alone. Sending hugs.
Totally. Getting my diagnosis, mixed with INCREDIBLE self love and compassion, therapy, and other ND friends...I've finally started to think maybe I'm not insane. And all these comments :')
not me crying at the revelation that the appointment was at 1 lmao... definitely happened to me a few times in life. I've also shown up to work on days off before. it doesn't happen as frequently anymore because I set up appointments in my calender with multiple reminders, plan the trip the day of or the evening before and then also check the time like 40 times before ultimately heading out. I still struggle with being punctual though when it comes to repeating responsibilities like work or school. I frequently miss my bus or train, ESPECIALLY on days where I get up earlier than normal because my brain for some reason equates that to "well, since we have more time available today, that means we should also waste more of it by idk... maybe start doing the dishes for no reason at all 5 minutes before leaving, so we can ultimately still miss the bus that we would have 100% caught otherwise and arrive at work even later than usually 😊" I'm so angry at myself every single time 😅 so many other details in this that I can relate way too much to... the stopping in my tracks because I forgot what I was about to do, the check list of what I need to bring with me, again the unnecessary last minute "activity" that could easily wait until I'm back home instead of leaving on time, the messy apartment, the unwarranted self doubt/imposter syndrome, the tears of frustration with yourself... I've been medicated for about 2 years now and it does help with emotional regulation and being able to sit through 6 hours of class everyday without losing my mind. but I'm still struggling heavily with procrastination and the upkeep of my surroundings aswell as my health and self care. it's rough out here... this movie is a beautifully accurate depiction of it though. and it is somewhat comforting to know that I am not alone with this.
Wow. Thanks so much for sharing all of this. Nailed it on the head. "Leave earlier" is not a thing and I want to show this to so many people. We truly are trying our best. I also relate to meds...it's been interesting figuring out if/how they fit into my life. I'm ultimately living my dream of working for myself full-time, but now I have no accountability or structure...and it's a struggle. Constant figuring out of what works or us. Thanks again for watching and being part of the Trying Fam :')
I saw this a while ago and its always been in the back of my mind. I'm an AuDHDer and this is so damm relatable and really well done. Just saw this pop up on my home page again and had to do a double take because I thought this had like a million views. Insanely underrated. Keep at it!
Dang. This really means a lot to me, thank you for sharing and for watching. Had to take a break from the "Trying" world for a bit hence the low profile, but definitely more to come. Million views right around the corner 😤
SO GOOD. Laughed, cried, laughed, sobbed - screeched... Had to stop watching in a few spots, hit way too close to home. Watched again and now again. Sooooooo good. So good. Thank you for putting this into the world! So good.
Thank you so much for this. I spent 37+ years masking so much, I didn’t know I had ADHD or what it even was until 2020 when I started seeing more videos on it, and my friends and I started realizing we all had it in common. Medication helps, but only if you remember to take it! For those newly diagnosed, please know you’re not broken. Having ADHD is like being a cool mutant on X-Men-we all have different abilities that enhances everything we do in our lives!❤❤
Love love love this. I made this whole film...and still didn't know I had adhd. But I think my soul did. 1000%. Every single person's brain works differently in this world...us adhd'ers are lucky enough to have a community to relate to :')
Chills! Watching this brought tears to my eyes, very validating and surreal, I'm amazed at how common these super specific experiences are. Thank you Sam for bringing the sensitivity and understanding and making it enjoyable!
Dang, thanks for watching and for this comment, Briony. A lot of time and care was put into making this, and I'm glad it comes off the way you mention. 💚
I started to cry and become overwhelmed after the interview because I’ve had those conversations with teachers and then completely burst out crying of happiness once the email at the end. I felt so seen in so many ways and would adore this to be a tv series, so many emotions and it was all so relatable
Thank you so much for this, seriously. It means so much to me. Thank you for watching and understanding...I'm thinking of making a part two seeing Meg in action. Maybe her on a good day with a few more laughs than tears
Oh mu gosh, it's like you told my story... Finding a job is so hard for me, that I always end up working on my own, but I'm a bad entrepreneur, so I'm trying to learn business stuff so I can do it better next time. Job interviews have always been a big anxiety trigger, and always made feel frustrated in the end. Never got hired, only temporary things, in a testing mode, and when the test period ended, they never called back. I'm 35 and still live with my mom. Hope I can work on my own, this time as a one-on-one dog trainer and a freelance illustrator
I so relate to this. My whole life I've wanted to be an entrepreneur and work for myself, not have to answer to anybody...now that I'm finally here, it's been extremely difficult to do tasks I can't find the motivation to do (even ones that could make me lots of $). Something I'm trying to focus on is really prioritizing the tasks that I enjoy doing and I'm really good at. There's a market for everything. Dog training and illustrating are awesome paths. You've got this.
This video described the difficulties I live with every day in a way I have never seen, or thought of, or heard before! Thank you Sam. Thank you for this. It was hard to watch at times but only because the accuracy was so absolutely incredible. You are amazing and I’m so glad I found this video today. I feel less misunderstood. Thank you 💜🩷💜
Soooooo true I’ve rushed just to be early too I’ve rushed to be at the wrong place and I’ve rushed just to find out it was the wrong day so now I just wake up at 5 am to be overly prepared just to find out I forgot something
I started crying after you were validating yourself in the interview!! To go from the crushing feeling of Mrs. Hazel scrutinizing to that was a great feeling!
@@sluhbrek I couldn't not watch. I'm an extreme case of ADHD to the extent it causes chronic pain, so I had to see it because relevant, lol. It was a lovely film and I agree, Edith did a great job too.
@@sluhbrek I'll be okay. Thank you for being empathetic. And I really do appreciate the hightlight of how frustrating ADHD can be for those of us who have it. Awareness like that changes minds and changes lives.
I felt all of this especially forgetting the cup of coffee. All the anxiety over what other adults wanted. But especially that she was at her calmest with the child and I wanted to cheer yes she is the person you're looking for to be an elementary school art teacher! Brilliant short film
You nailed it. The more visually colorful scenes are when Meg can be herself and not worry so much about masking, the more mutely colored scenes are the opposite. Thanks for watching :')
@@WillowRowley-d1j Well, with 8 billion people on this planet and a circle of acquaintances of 100 people, the probability of not having heard something is 100: 7999 999 999 900. So it is not surprising not to have heard something and this statement only proves one thing: that someone who says something like that is mathematically illiterate.
I am probably at least the three hundredth person to say OMG I RELATE SO HARD The fidgeting, the sticky notes, the inability to just get a "simple" task done. Sitting in the car crying yup. Been there. Thanks for sharing 51 and diagnosed last year
I'm crying my eyes out for how accurate this is...plus having people see the struggle and dismiss it is just soul-crushing. I used to be a teacher and have been unemployed for so many years now, a job interview is my worst nightmare. I honestly don't know how I'm ever going to get a job or survive...
Unusual sounds in the night, of water especially or what sounds like water. I'll sit and listen out as if I'm listening to someone breaking-in, eyes in the direction of the sound I haven't worked out yet what it is. More often than not, it will turn out to be the clock or something completely ok, but it sends my head in a spin with panic in a nano-second. On constant high alert, until I realise it's something completely innocent - and "breathe".
@@sluhbrek 100%. I think this aspect is mire to do with being on high alert 24/7 as a child for years and years - imprinted now on my psyche - find it hard to feel safe
I so get it. Check it out and see what comes up. I didn't get diagnosed until a year after I made this film and I was like what...whole life changed. Which was the point of making this film!
😊 Very nicely done Sam - from start to finish! I was immediately captivated by the logistical hurdles, emotional landscape, and tension that felt very real to me as one with ADHD. You also did a nice job presenting the additional barriers of stigma, misconceptions, and misunderstandings of ADHD.
Thank you so much, Frets! So happy to you related to it and enjoyed the film. A lot of heart when into making this film by the team, so we really appreciate it. Keep an eye out for the next version… :)
This is me - I forgot to put gas ⛽️ in my car and was on the side of the road, mixed up times, over talks, sensitive AF, over thinks everything , worries about my age, apartment is a mess, and trying to hold in my anger when someone trash talks unaware that I have ADHD…I felt her pain when she told off the interviewer about her past. So relatable.
@@bellaladonna 💯💯💯 wow, thanks for this Bella. That scene was inspired by the time I ran out of gas on the PCH, 2 hours late to my dad's birthday dinner, after a day stuffed full of work, meetings, and appointments. Glad this film can accurately represent the journey, so others can understand what's going on for people with adhd like us. Thank you for watching and for sharing 🫶
That was AWESOME!! 👏🏼 Between us I’m amazed there are still sticky notes left in the world. 😆😂 They really work! 🙌🏼 (And this is also why I have my phone on silent mode when I do the dishes or work...) And, beautiful artwork. Truly. Congrats on the ‘Job’ - those children would be lucky to have your character teach and really SEE them for themselves. (I wrote SO many lines for “I will not talk in class”. You have no idea! 😜 Then, as an adult, I got PAID to talk and connect with people. Go figure! ) 😉 Encouragement of natural gifts ~ not punishment folks. 🙃 Thank you for this video. Very affirming. ❤❤❤
This video helps me understand ME a bit more. Now to get a dr to see what I see within/from myself. Me, myself and I are ALWAYS together.. they should take into a count that I know me BEST!! YA KNOW?!?
Man, thanks Eileen. This comment is so inspiring to me. The artwork was done by all ADHD artists :') it's so funny...I've been thinking of getting into public speaking! You'e awesome. Thank you for watching and sharing 🥺💚
So much I relate to! The forgetting appointment times, no matter how often I've looked at my calendar including multiple times the day of. Guess we're just meant for more important things. 🤷
This is accurate, except most people in your life are mean, not supportive and encouraging like her boyfriend and mom. They are cruel. They admonish you for not “planning better” or for “not paying attention” and snap at you to hurry up and shame you for making THEIR lives harder
Worse they think there helping. They think that they are doing something amazing by yelling, scolding,etc. I just need that support. That's it. The scolding makes it worse
Honestly, I've made it a point to prioritize relationships with other ADHD'ers for this reason. I lived with a neurotypical partner and it was not good. Here's to more people in our lives who love and understand us.
This video makes me feel seen and heard! You have thoughtfully and even poetically portrayed so many core struggles of people with ADHD/Neurodivergence. Your portrayal of reminders strewn about your living spaces made me look around mine and ask myself where I need more of those! I'm 44 and live with a profound sense of failure and unworthiness, and on the flipside of that I have a deep love and appreciation of people's stories and work in mental health which is my 'art class'...working on a crisis line is an outlet to support people feeling seen and heard and allows me to be resourceful and creative in my thinking. I don't know if that sounds weird in that context, but I have always loved language and have always valued authenticity and have tried to marry the two in every role I have had the privilege of working. Like so many people with ADHD moderation is a struggle so the only outlet I feel I am contributing meaningfully to, is often making me burn out and it gets my best rather than the other relationships in my life (with exception of my kids/husband, but that's not even being fully honest with myself and an area I am continuing to work on. Friendships and extended family fall off my radar at an embarrassing rate sometimes. I rarely remember to charge my phone and once lost all my phone contacts and was dreading/resigning to the 'fact' that these relationships were now gone cause the phone is a hub that stores reminders (in picture form - which i loved that you included your gas can photo!) Any how I am glad I came across this video/page. I'm grateful you used this platform to share a message about a ADHD which still has a long way to go when it comes to stigma/judgment from others. I grew up when this wasn't even acknowledged, I was diagnosed at the same time as my son in 2018. My son is bright and articulate and funny and awesome and his grade 1 teacher (when he just turned 6) called me on his birthday telling me that he 'made fun of someone's art' or said something that was perceived as this (feedback from teachers I remember all too well with myself, when my jokes were taken to be offensive)...anyway the principal called my son's behaviour "disturbing" on his f*cking birthday! He was at an academic school which gave him homework EVERY NIGHT, and he was 5 for the first 2 months of grade 1. He was spelling words frontwards and backwards in SK. But he also seemed to love swear words as much as he loved other language and this always seemed to keep him on the 'outs'. He didn't go around swearing at everyone but he loved villians and acting out intense characters. Any how I didn't expect to write all that, and if you have ADHD I don't expect you to read all that either ;) I think this video gave me validation and I wanted to validate my son in the same paragraph. He's almost 14 now and he's a bright, scattered, high energy, sensitive, musical kid. He started drum lessons approx. 5 months ago and was insistent on playing challenging rhythmic beats. He taught himself 'Toxicity' in like a week which is a grade 7 level song apparently. He just keeps amazing me, and the part in the video with the teacher made me want to praise the crap out of my kid. I have 2 wonderful children, my daughter is 11, not sure if she has ADHD, lots of indications she might, but I've chosen to not go looking for it. She's still her and she loves school and hasn't needed testing at this time. She's one of a kind too, but I have talked your ear off, and I appreciate this platform again and anyone who can relate to the examples you shared or even that I shared too. xx
@@carolinelong1 hi Caroline, thank you so much for watching and for sharing your insights and experiences as a parent, and as a human. Sounds like you're a pretty awesome and amazing person too...love what you're doing with your work, your complex levels of awareness, and vulnerability. You're the reason I made this film, so thank you for being you, and being here. Welcome to the Trying Fam 🥲🫶💚
COMMENTS SPOILER ALERT: Don't read the comments until you've finished the film! Spoilers galore! 😅
Ha. This is probably the only video I've watched without reading the comments at the same time in my life. ( because of your post.) ❤❤❤🙂🙂🙂🙂
Thanks for the reminder
It was a challenge, but I succeeded! Thank you for your wonderful representation of adhd..that was me! 🤗
You lose the memories you need to remember, but they return... I watched the video and was moved by it. However, when I recalled the great tragedies-the thousands of people who lost not only their memories but their lives-I almost cried for you, Palestine.
😥
THE RELIEF I FELT AFTER “Isn’t the interview at one? Don’t you do Pilates at 11?” OH MY GOD
Me too
Especially if you've experienced that kind of relief yourself when you're sure you've screwed the pooch and you really didn't. That sweet relief hits different.
😭😭😭💚💚💚 (based on real-life experiences SMH)
@@Lego_bruuuhhh
From my own experience: try to incorporate whiteboards into your life, they are your best friend.
@@sluhbrek Which no-one else would believe - we're the only ones who know it.
The urge to correct a spot on the painting to get it finally right. Because details matters - even when its not the "right" time to do it.
🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯 (help lol)
@@claudialandgraf4450 Yip
@@claudialandgraf4450 yes!! Probably why I am late for so many things! What if I forget to do it???
Yes! As an artist I have so many moments like this.
@@claudialandgraf4450 I do this kind of thing often, at inappropriate times. Sometimes I actually manage to say to myself, "Just leave it.", and I do. Other times it feels compulsory to do it right then. Not good.
This was a fantastic short! Thank you for sharing it. The only thing you missed is re-entering the house at least 3 times because you forgot your glasses, phone, wallet, hat, coat, bag you meant to bring, etcccccccc haha :)
The opening… checking to make sure everything is off… the way a strangers words feel like heavy criticism… the toothpaste on the jacket… all the notes… so much of this… thank you
The keys...the coffee that got left 😅
Thanks, Danee. I lot of care went into make this. Really appreciate you watching.
@@MichellePrice007 literally 😭
If I had a dollar for every time I’ve gotten toothpaste on the only top I can comfortably wear and start chucking a tantie.. millionaire
The entire range of emotions this sent me through: anxiety, stress, relational empathy, frustration, relief, annoyance, grief, excitement. I felt like I was watching myself TRYING.
Yes! This is me just trying to get to work, doing a job that I'm overqualified for but still fail at because I do things like forgetting to lock the back door when I leave work! But I'm trying...
@Anne-za I feel you. Hang in there. You're doing your best and your best is OK.
🥺 I so get it. Thank you for watching, and thank you for Trying (aka doing). Sending hugs. xx
Yeah the whole time I was thinking of all the times I’ve had similar things happen… even thinking an appointment was earlier 😂 … Also in that boat, missing when someone delays a meeting to another day. I show up to the meeting wondering where they are-then discover they messaged me earlier telling me they needed to postpone or cancel… always a relief because I probably wasn’t ready the first time anyways 😂😂
Oh man, at the beginning, when she stopped and was just standing there, I knew exactly what was going on and I could narrate exactly what was going on in her head…which was “what was I doing?”…and she blew out the candle for the second time, and I felt like I was watching me…I’m a guy, but this hits home hard! The school stuff got me straight tearing up, cuz I too was that kid…
The clock ticking so loud too.....ugh i just FREEZE.
Nailed it on the head. You're not alone. Thanks for sharing 🥲
Yes. And the hand tap. I DO that.
Ditto. I was thinking: "I really don't appreciate that the filmmaker shot that first scene in my house without me knowing..."
This needs to be a network series!!! Please Please Please 🙏
I was diagnosed at 68 yo; imagine spending your entire life believing you’re somehow broken.
I am about your age and was just diagnosed. I figured I was.
Me too
❤❤❤
Thanks for this, Sharon. I would love that. I'm so happy you got your diagnosis when you did, and also sorry it took so long. Mine was thinking I was "stupid" and "crazy". Thanks again for watching. xx
I was 40 when I was finally diagnosed. This was at a time when adult ADD was just being recognizedhat was recognized as a possibility. It was after the birth of my second daughter who had a years long extended version of the terrible two's. That's when the cracks starting appearing in my ability to manage raising kids, a large home 10 miles from town, pets, plants, cooking, cleaning, laundry, kid's activities, etc. and a spouse who traveled frequently. I stumbled across an article on adult ADD and realized this could explain my entire life. Unfortunately, I believe my now ex husband did not, or would not believe ADD was real. Therefore, he became increasingly critical and eventually walked out.
That bit Where she piles up the things that she needs to have together before she leaves the house. I thought that was normal. I do it every morning. It's so true to life. I don't know how other people manage to leave the house so quickly.
Wait ... That isn't normal? o.o How do "normal" people do it?
I think they do it the morning before- OVER RATED
100000%. I don't know how anyone does anything quickly. It seems like NT people do things in sequence or in the same way every time...without distractions? And don't get caught up in details or worrying. It's wild.
@@linachristopoulou8670 I would like to say sometimes I say all those things out loud when I am trying to rush out the door, the amount of times I talk out loud to myself because I am struggling to sort through all my thoughts! Crazy how true this is!
wow I didnt think that was a ADHD thing. I always have like 10 things in my hands before leaving even though I carry a big bag. I dont understand why I cant just place the phone, key, wallet inside the bag but have to carry them with my hands 😂
The word "TRYING" reeled me in. I was diagnosed with ADD at uni, at the age of 46. The diagnosis put my whole past into perspective. I have had 30 jobs. I was finally starting to accept my diagnosis and feel more empowered, when I visited my sister who`s a mental health nurse and she decided to tell me that I just need to try harder. And that I can do things if I really want to. Wtf?!!!!!!!!!!.... This video strikes a cord! It shows the reality of what many of us have to deal with on a daily basis.
I wasn't dx until 52 yrs old.
44 here.
Try harder pressuposes you have had it easy. People often don't understand the plight of others but rush to invalidate as they probably habitually invalidate and minimize themselves regularly.
1000%. I got "TRYING" tattoo'd after I made the film as a reminder, and have been offering myself more compassion since making the film. I'm sorry that happened with your sister. You're not alone. Thanks for watching and sharing 🥲
@@sluhbrek❤
The title is so perfect.
I genuinely feel like my whole entire life is just me trying and hearing everyone tell me about my unused potential. 💀💀
...and most of all, saying it in our own heads 💔
But so many peiple don't _quite_ believe that ADHD is actually real -- even those closest to us -- and so it starts to feel like maybe they're right. The "why can't I do things like everyone else?" tape plays on and on in my head. I'm 55 😢
I got a "Trying" tattoo of the title card after I made the film, and was seriously considering getting "Doing" instead. By trying, we are doing. The potential thing is exhausting. Sending hugs and thanks for watching.
@@camez2345 Totally. I've felt I'm "stupid" and "crazy" for so long. Even reading these comments has been a trip, but I'm so glad I've been in therapy for a while and built my self confidence so I can discern what is true and what isn't. You're not alone and you got this. And happy you're part of the Trying Fam :')
Yikes this is everything. Lack of control on the expressions, the anger flares, forgetfullness, the fighting to be taken seriously, the overthinking, the notes everywhere, the second guessing of oneself and others doing it, the nervous ticking, the compulsive need to check everything FOR SURE, the gas situation, bringing things you don't actually need because you think you MIGHT need it because you are forgetful and it might just save you... The things that fall through the cracks so easily and having to live with needing to push them to the side... Wow this was it all.
You nailed it. This was my first "real" script I've written, and it's something I'm really proud of. Everything was extremely intentional in how the story was being told with what I knew and learned at the time (almost 4 years ago!) Thanks for this and for watching. 🦢
@@sluhbrek wow love that/this! the authenticity really shone through, you made your experience so accessible to others, Love that you were 'intentional' about it, great word! thank you and awesome to see you be so equally thoughtful in your replies to your viewers/subscribers.
@@carolinelong1 thank you 🥺 I later learned I had adhd myself, it's been a wild ride. Making this film has changed my life for the better. So grateful for the communities surrounding it. 💚
Imagine someone who has ADHD but hasn’t been diagnosed. There are many people who have these issues and symptoms that don’t understand why they’re so different from others. Everything they do is a complicated task. Bravo to the writer of this story and the amazing actress who plays her part so convincingly.
Thank you for this. As the writer and actor, seriously, thank you. I personally know dozens of people who have watched this film and gone on to get diagnosed and research adhd. The fact that "Trying" has changed people's lives has made me understand my purpose here in this life. :')
My mum and I have a deal where she messages me “I did it!” in the morning to confirm she did her workout and remind me to exercise and if she misses her workout then I don’t have to do it either haha
This is a wholesome idea!
I love this lol 😭
The moment I was thinking, "is this me???" her phone showed her name.. Megan.. which is MY NAME. What the heck. I relate to this so much, it gives me chills.
Get out that's so wild 😭 that just gave ME chills. You were meant to see this. So glad you did.
Exact thing happened with me when I saw “Fischer” (my maiden name)!
So rude 🤣 my name is Megan also and this is my life
I was shocked to learn that too! ADHD and Megan is a strong correlation apparently! 😂
Also go by Meg, have applied for a teaching position at the school I graduated from teaching digital scripture. I have Autism and a big imagination. I felt so connected to this character and her struggles!
I have never felt so seen or represented in a movie ever. Thank you for your amazing work.
@@samanthacampbell375 thanks, fellow Samantha. This means more than you know. Hopefully more where this comes from 💥
I was about to type this!!! I was finally diagnosed at 38, I'm in my early forties now. Somehow being "older" now has made my ADHD so much worse. 😳 Thank you so much for making this short film!! I'm going to send it to my neurotypical best friend immediately!!
Augh this is too relatable, started tearing up. The oversharing about personal stories with random strangers and not realizing it. The difficulty in controlling emotions. The difficulty of remembering to do things, the constant fight to avoid distractions.
🥺 you're not alone. Welcome to the Trying Fam :')
This is so accurate. I cried when she said, "Thank you for your time, Mrs. Hazel." The lifelong, unrelenting cycle of lifting yourself up and then rock-bottoming yet again because you're such a f-up.
People without ADHD will see this as the story of a nervous, disorganized, insecure, quirky but loveable goofball who can't quite adult. People with ADHD will squirm and tense up when the toothpaste drops, when the keys aren't there, when she has to tell her friend that she messed up yet again... It's so real it hurts.
Congratulations and thank you for making this 🙏
Welp. I almost got through this video without crying, then this comment. 😭 it’s so exhausting ona spiritual level
You absolutely nailed it. It's been fascinating reading through the comments on this. Thanks for watching and for this reflection. Means a lot to me. xx
I CRIED! Actually cried.. This is my story, too.
After a decade of nomadic jobs that took me around the world, I became a teacher.
My desk area around my desk was always a disaster. My piles had piles.
But my lessons were super-fun and engaging! I became the teacher I wish I had!
Yeah, my desk area was a mess, but I won three Teacher of the Year awards for making learning fun, and for students learning a lot.
Just like our protagonist here, my lessons were very creative, and I worked to connect them to all students.
In my class, we'd spend the first few weeks doing activities where students learn about the/their brain.
ADHD kids were my favorite. Yet, what works for them, works for ALL students.
But my lessons were specifically created with ADHD kids in mind.
I'm recently retired.
I just moved to another state, and had to get a formal ADHD diagnosis again, as a senior citizen, since I couldn't get my records from decades ago.
I'm sending a link to this video to several friends. Thanks for making and posting on RUclips.
🌟❤🌟
@@ShellBAtoms this made ME cry. Wow. Thank you so much for sharing and for all you've done as a teacher, and for supporting all of your students how you have. I love hearing that what worked for your adhd students worked for everyone...I think this needs to be in a teaching course somewhere. My heart is swelling. Thank you for watching, sharing, and being you 💚
The interviewer/teacher sound so much like my own mother.
Im 41 years old. I wasnt diagnosed with ADHD until a week before my 40th birthday. It made so much sense. It exlained everything about my childhood.
I told my mom right away. She basically rolled her eyes at me. She still criticizes my every move and frequently reminds me about how much of a failure i am. 🙃
Just know that you're not a failure. I'm very sorry that your mother has treated you that way
There's nothing wrong with you. Your mother sounds like a narcissist.
Ok, got to 1*56. Would like to send this out to so many. My heart goes out to this character/younger self. It does get better, imo.
Wow 5*58. The candy bar, the Llama and flower - all the details. Then the fellow on the bike and her humorous retort with his Fck You - cinema verite on a whole chaotic, real level. The hope that there is still time to get to the appointment.
Oh, meant this as a general comment, but it looks like a reply to your comment. Ironically, by some coincidence, while marvelling at this film, with the thought that there is also family dynamics to consider. The pressure to perform, to be dismissed and totally be a person non grata, and when reaching out, being met with hostility. So sorry your mom talks to you like that. Imagine her internal dialogue as a virus. You are a beautiful creation. Don't let anyone clip your wings. It does get better. What is working for me is simplifying, and much time outdoors... But the chaos is always there in my mind....
Omg I have never watched something and identified with it so much before. I AM LITERALLY AN ART TEACHER with ADHD and I struggle with it every single day. Thanks so much for representing my struggle and everyday disfunction so accurately!!!!
Music teacher with ADHD 🙋🏻♀️ and SAME
YOU ARE MEG!! I always knew Meg had to be an art teacher. There just felt like no other option. Thanks for watching and for your amazing work educating with art 🥲
@@MaestraJ truly meant to be. I teach kids theatre. Art + teaching =
The finger flicking while trying to reboot is insanely accurate...
Yes!!
Yes!!
:') 💚
Reboot!!! finally have a word for this. ty!
Your editor did a great job! I can feel the stress and urgency as Meg rushes around and then the significance of Meg defending herself at the interview.
I cried when she cried. The lion painting tho 🔥❤
Thanks, Livy. Our editor Austin absolutely nailed it. The opening sequence is my favorite scene. I spent the most amount of time writing the interview scene, I always wonder if I'd do what Meg did in that position myself.
@@gettingintrospective 🥲🥲🥲
This was supposed to be a comedy in many ways, but I cried through the entire thing. The pain, shame, and disgust in yourself for constantly feeling like you can't do anything right is so overwhelming. I loved this. I genuinely feel seen.
@@ILuvThunderclan I know. It's a wild ride (the film, and life 🥺). Thanks for watching and being part of the Trying Fam 🥲💚
I used to say to my mom “I’m trying” and she would reply “yes, very trying”. So this title resonated with me.
🥺💚 I knew the title of the film before I wrote it, because it nailed so much. Got a tattoo of it, too. But trying, we are doing. Sending hugs.
❤
Tears in my eyes. This is so relatable. I became a nanny as I felt that I could help those who are more sensitive and more “difficult” to understand (because people lack knowledge), it was in training to be a Montessori teacher and focusing on a more neuroscience based approach that I finally understood that I too belong to the category of autism and adhd. I suffered, trying, for about 30 years before I understood why I am the way I am. A beautiful unorchestrated mess ✨ And I wouldn’t have it any other way. Sadly the world judges us for being different and while we make accommodations for them all day every day - others in the world do not. Here’s hope to a more inclusive and caring future 💞
Thanks so much for watching and sharing, seriously. This means so much to me and everything you're speaking on is so important. A beautiful unorchestrated mess!
Damn. It may just be that I’m starting my period soon, but this got me crying harder than the movie.
love this - "A beautiful unorchestrated mess" - love the ownership in that statement
I really needed this today! I was spiraling in shame as I am desperately trying to meet a deadline for my work that comes up once every 2 years, after a helpful someone said “maybe next time start it sooner”…(great unsolicited advice, Mr. Neurotypical!)…except I’ve taken the week off from work to jump through the hoops and keep getting sidetracked by a million small to large fires. ADHD is hell. I wish my life was as organized as hers, well, maybe I was in my 20’s…it is way worse in my 50’s, at least she was diagnosed prior to menopause, it’s incredibly good info to have. ❤ This definitely captured the feelings of the struggle.
You've got my support.
When is the deadline?
Maybe it can help:
1. take a step back
2. simplify
3. prioritize
4. visualise
+ if possible get external help / delegate and / or say no or postpone things that are coming into your way until this deadline.
You've got this 🤗❤✨
100%, Jen. Us on the crew for this film were also adhd'ers (though we didn't know it at the time...wild story) and ended up staying up all night...the night of a holiday...to get the deadline done for our first screening of the film. It didn't happen, and I had to spend a whole lot of cash to move things around and eventually get it there. Experienced long-term burnout after that, which caused me to take a break from making projects altogether. I wish there was a magic wand to make it all better. My heart's with you.
It IS hell. And Menopause was absolutely the worst struggle! Everything came crashing down and I nearly took my own life. I’m still here with a lot of support from family, friends and therapy.
Understanding our weaknesses and triggers is really helpful though. I’m learning for myself how to stay out of that high stress zone which always sends me into overwhelm mode and task paralysis.
Just do what you can and celebrate even the smallest achievements! Mr Neurotypical wouldn’t last a week in our shoes.
I have neither family nor friends so i dont look forward to menopause as am audhd person...@@sharonhinds4808
The number of people who comment on the relatability of this film will be very interesting! Nailed it, beautifully
It's honestly surreal. I made this back in 2021, but it's just now really expanding to the public. Thank you for this, and for watching 🥲
This film literally made me cry and it is pretty much everything I go through with ADHD and have gone through my entire life
🥺 sending hugs. Thanks for watching and you're not alone. xx
This would be a particularly bad day for a normal person. But for an ADHD-er, or similar challenges, it's every day
Exactly. This is the biggest distinction to make to neurotypicals. What a ride.
The part where you blurt out “I have adhd” really hit me hard. I have no idea why!!
Yeah for me too, especially because she said it to one of her old teachers who didn't know what she had back then.
I've actually daydreamed about telling my past teachers why I was like that.
@@mikeskybrowserboth my parents were teachers, neither recognized I had ADHD growing up. Both have said recently, 'it seems like everyone has ADHD now' with zero concept of the irony of STILL not seeing what has presented in their own daughter her whole life.
I’m always telling people this too. It’s like they don’t understand us, but at least saying it, helps them understand a tiny bit. But in reality they will never understand the struggles. Only people who have been through it, understand.
I was really close to telling my last interview that I have autism.. I didn't, and I'm thinking maybe I should've.
@@jkardi9803 that must've been tough. It seems many teachers don't know what to look out for.
Thanks Samantha!
Thanks for watching! :)
Beautiful! Criminally underrated. Perfectly captures the whole experience. From stress to imposter syndrome, to oversharing and having to constantly explain ourselves to the stereotypes that follow us all our lives. So well done! ❤
@@luftigfrei you nailed it. Thanks so much for watching. A lot of love, care, introspection, research, and collaboration made this film possible. So happy you enjoyed it!! 💚
This is me. I'm late for everything no matter how hard I try. I literally suck at everything, I can never keep appointments straight, but somehow I remember past events better than anyone else I know. My only strength is my level of attention to detail if were being positive.. the negative of that is getting hung up on them far beyond what's reasonable. I also have OCD that makes me believe I'm always faking something, even though I'm not. Heaven forbid I get a concrete answer for what's wrong with me.
Oh sweetie, nothing is wrong with you.
@CDMButterfly No, I don't think you understand. When I say "wrong," I mean it is deeper than just having quirks or not fitting in with society or my peers. When i say there is something wrong with me, I mean that the way my brain works makes it really hard to function and execute like a normal person, to the point that I can't hold a job or have meaningful intimate relationships.. (well, that might be trauma related) but I struggle too much on a daily basis to be able to believe there's nothing wrong with me. Thank you for being kind, though.
@@kCuFfication
Can you drive a car?
I relate to the details/perfectionist thing so much. one example from my personal experience: I used to work a lot with Excel at my old job. the amount of time I would spend on spacing out the cells ✨perfectly✨ to my personal standard of acceptance, choosing the ✨right✨ colors for the outlines or the size of the letters or really ANYTHING minuscule like that, was insanely ridiculous... 😂 like girl, just create the table and put in the data, it's NOT THAT SERIOUS 😭
:') I feel that! But when I don't do it, I can't work on it bc my brain goes: "noo that's so uglyyyyyy you can't deliver this! Noooo I don't want toooooooo whyyyyyyy - oh no, the word is too long, I need to fix the whole design!!" 😆😆
On "how to ADHD" there was this advice to always play "ADEQUATE ADEQUATE!" in your head, so perfectionism gets the reminder it's not wanted :')
The part with the running out of gas and having a conversation with the guy putting the gas in the tank who says “when the gas gauge is low…” and she’s engaging with him like she has all the time in the world to talk. Then catches a break discovering the interview is at 1 and then wastes time in the car nervously asking for advice from her mom… I was one 20 minutes late for an interview and still got the job! I never thought I’d ever be on time for work all that energy spent on every distraction and still leave the house with my jacket 1/2 on and shoes on without putting my heels in them. If you know , you know and it’s so difficult and beautiful at the same time. Thanks for the short, it was great
You nailed it. Thanks for watching, Cecilia. And glad you still got the job :')
This really made me feel seen! the chaos, the double checking, the thinking you’ve got everything covered. The overwhelming emotions. The oversharing. Appearing disheveled, the loudness of the ticking clock and how seconds feel like hours and just when you’re about to snap they walk in the door.
10000%. Welcome to the Trying Fam. :')
"Trying" is such a good title. The fear that I'll forget to remember to do the most basic of things is the bane of my existence.
10000%. I knew the title before I wrote the film, born out of the midst of a quarter life crisis on top of everything else 🤩
Reading the comments on the impact the movie has on people’s lives makes me cry with joy and hope. This is the magic of a story. The magic of the courage to tell a story. Thank you, Sam!
Thanks, Beca 🥲 it's surreal connecting with so many in the community, still, all these years later. Thank you. 💚
That thing when you create rituals, like always putting your keys in the front right pocket but then sometimes you put them in a different pocket and have a panic attack because your keys are just gone in your mind...
I don't know if I've eaten food today. Except I might have eaten deviled eggs or that was yesterday.
Do any of you remember the original Transformer toys? Die cast metal, rubber tires. They were SOOOO cool.
YUPPP. Relatable. 🥲
Я ставлю еду в микроволновку и думаю, что я уже поела. Нахожу еду испорченной на следующий день.
I cried 3 times the first 5 minutes I relate to this so much. So many accurate little details about living with ADHD. I cried a few more times until the end. The gratitude and relief when she got the job after all the emotional upheaval and inner turmoil. Her students will love her and she will love her job and be good at it, I predict. As an unmedicated ADHD TK/K teacher who stresses myself out and cries in the car often, thank you.
Wow. Thank you, Celeste. Yes to all of this. Based on personal experience! Thank you for watching and sharing, and for doing what you're doing with the kiddos. You're awesome. 🥺
I really need to talk 5o someone who's not adhd and see how they see this because it's 100% life for me.
I want to see trauma-free neurotypical versions of this, with thought bubbles to understand how one might experience a day like that without adhd.
I don't have adhd but I can still identify with all of this.
I don't have ADHD. I was really surprised by all the sticky notes and the double checking everything. That would be very tiring. I did relate to feeling frustrated at the strangers comment but I personally wouldn't have shared so openly the history of the painting. It's nice that she was so open with him though.
My neurotypical friends who have seen the film assumed the story was a once-in-a-while occurrence (which they related to), versus an every-day occurrence. That seemed to be the biggest distinction. I still have to defend the film, almost 4 years after I wrote it. Sigh.
@@RachelRiner I agree. I want to see this too.
One year later and you’re still reaching people all over. 💕 I just saw this pop on my feed and it makes me feel so seen. Thank you. 🙏🏻
Aw man, this is so sweet. Thanks, Katie. I've put it up on down on Vimeo and RUclips, but almost 3 years after the premiere, it's fascinating that it's popping right now. Thanks again for this 🥲💚
This short film made me cry so much. 😭 It's so relatable to me. Nowadays, I'm almost sure I'm AuADHD (I'm just diagnosed with autism) as, finally, I can't keep masking even with me anymore. Living alone, working and having some duties at the same time is truly tiring mentally and physically. I can't pretend to be the perfect student/girl as I'm used to. My life can be sum up in a word: chaos.
Congratulations for your video. You are an awesome actress and storywriter!! ❤
Wow. Thanks so much for this and for sharing, hon. You just made me realize more deeply that I'm still carrying the "perfect" thing even though I've been working to shed it. You're awesome. And thank you :')
@sluhbrek I understand you. It's perfectly normal, we have learnt from childhood that we need to overcompensate every aspect of us that doesn't follow the norm or, in other words, be different from we really are. Anyone teached us how to be ourselves, so we're walking the only path we know although we deserve another one.
Maybe should we create our own definition of what's to be a great girl with our own words? At least in my case, when I try to stick to a new habit, what I found best for it is replacing a habit to another one instead of creating a new one from scratch (I mean creating something completely different from what exists). So, regarding this, redefining should be better than trying to shed a part of ourselves. Consequently, we are not bad designed, so we should be loved as we love and accept neurotypical people the way they are. We are loveable.
P.S.: I've being working towards accepting me since I watched your video. 💕💕
Thank you for answering me. Have a wonderful day!! 😍
@@MovidasMatematicas I love all of this. Absolutely love the re-define. Going to sit with this, this week 🥺💚 so happy to hear that. You're AWESOME! Xoxo
This resonates so much. I got a job teaching art to kids. Best job I’ve ever had. Fits me to a tee.
Incredible. You are Meg! There was no other job for her, in my opinion. Thanks for what you're doing for the kiddos :')
i am only just realising i dont have an anxiety disorder, im not hyper around people for no reason, its not normal to have 15 trains of thought at once, everybody doesnt hate me, that procrastination and leaving everything till last minute isnt laziness...its that i have undiagnosed adhd. Going to book to see a specialist as it explains last 30 years of disasters in my love, friends and relationships life 100%
Wow. Thank you for sharing this. I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression right before writing this film in 2021, and then didn't realize I had adhd and got a diagnosis until late 2022...it's so wild how these things manifest. This film has been instrumental in so many people learning about adhd, there's so much still to learn and explore about it and bringing awareness to it. Wishing you the best on your journey. xx
Me, me, me 😭
The bruise you notice and have no idea when you got it (but at the same time, know it could have been from any of one thousand chaotic moments you’ve experienced earlier in the day!)
The struggle to leave the house with everything you need, no matter how early you plan or even having prepared some of what you need the night before! Spills, knocks, scrapes- things that feel inevitable not unusual like it seems for most other adults. And yes, the over sharing and timelessness with strangers!
Amazing video, wish I had watched it sooner. Thankyou for the understanding you are bringing to the world ❤
Wow. Thanks so much for this, Alice. Happy to have you in the Trying Fam :')
I am a man with ADHD and you made me feel seen! Lots of love-Mike
Thanks, Mike. Wrote this film almost 4 years ago and have learned a lot since then (including my own adhd diagnosis). Really apprecaite it.
Mixing up the time of appointments, the frustration of messing up AGAIN, the anxiety. Yup.
Truly. Sigh.
Watched this with my daughter who has ADHD (as do half my siblings and my husband). She related to it immediately. So glad RUclips stuck this in my recommended videos list. I sure hope I can do a good job supporting my brilliant neurodivergent kiddos well. School stinks.
Wow. Thanks so much for sharing this. I made a mini doc in 2023 on a young student with ADHD, and was so impressed with the amount of support his parents gave him regarding his schooling, and how many more options there are today to support ND kiddos. Not enough, in my opinion, but there's some sort of progress. 💚
I truly related to this so much. The entire beginning sequence- perfect. And watching it again, the moment realizing that she actually CAN do the interview and was panicking for no reason. Been there!! And just the gradual progression of intensity. All the feels ❤️
Thanks Christina 🥺 100000%. We can do hard things, the leading up to them is sometimes the HARDEST part. Thanks for watching hon. xoxoxox.
This is one of the most relatable things I have EVER watched and I’m a teenager.
I’m not trying to get a job or anything like that. I’m just trying to get through life. And honestly, this is what it feels like. I’m not diagnosed with adhd and I still don’t know if I have it but I’m starting to feel like I actually might.
10000%. Thanks for watching and could be something to look into. I was diagnosed at 27 and it changed a lot for me as far as mindset. Ultimately, all of our brains work differently, so figuring out what works for us is really the journey of life.
Jeez. This was perfect. I do not own a car so I skipped the part w car but otherwise everything here is so damn me. Adhd people are like a chest full of gold but everyday we lose a key to it. Thank you for this!
Dang. This is so interesting and thoughtful. Thank you for watching :')
I've experienced someone telling me the things the interviewer told her... And I froze in embarrassment without knowing what to say. I should've stood up for myself.
I so get it. When I wrote it (almost 4 years ago), I knew I wasn't strong enough to do what Meg did. After working on my self confidence the past few years, I think I would now. Sending hugs and powerful vibes for the next time you're faced with something like this. You got this. xx
I like that this one had a happy ending. It’s hard so see so many with unhappy endings.
Me too. We can live beautiful and fruitful lives. :')
You can go real far after the gas icon blinks. It's all about experience.
From one icon blinker stretcher to another 🫡
And that’s precisely the problem, isn’t it? We learn that we can push the boundary and push the boundary and push the boundary… until finally the boundaries break over and over and over again. True story: I never used to be late anywhere until Waze and the like. This is because I always had to plan to be at least half an hour early everywhere because I couldn’t estimate travel times AT ALL. Now that I have apps that estimate travel times, I mess up all the other time estimations and am late almost all the time 😭
@@karadecker8764 I was just thinking about this the other day. I usually have my phone open and navigating to my destination on Google maps while I'm getting ready, so I see what time I'll be arriving as the clock ticks. Problem is, I cannot grasp the amount of time it will take me to get my bag, shoes, get to my car, and then park and walk to the location once I get there, which can be easily an extra 5 to 20 minutes. SMH!!!
@@sluhbrek Exactly! I wonder if I were to stop using navigation apps to plan and just go back to trying to always be there way early and read or something for 15-30 minutes would at least not make me late. Plus, I’d get back into reading again! (Or be on the phone all the time still but at least not late 😏) But these are the things that are important to mention when being late Dx’d. “No, I wasn’t always late as a child because I had STRATEGIES and was ALWAYS WAY EARLY because I have NO SENSE OF TIME 😁🥹🙈”
@@karadecker8764 EXACTLY!!!!! Yes to all of this. Inspired. Let's do it, comrade 🫡
The funny thing is, before I was diagnosed, I thought I was simply 'multi-tasking'! 😂
@@arabellacox oh my god YES! 😂
@@sluhbrek 😂🙂🤪🤔🙈
I cried because i felt deeply about living this exact kind of day. Before i was diagnosed, i thought i was an irresponsible and unworthy person, even though i was trying so hard, i just couldn't get it together.
I totally get it. I've felt stupid, and crazy, for so long. You're not. We're not. I've been trying (trying heh) to give myself so much compassion these days. Not being able to do xyz doesn't make us bad, our brains just work differently. Sending you hugs.
This is criminally underrated. Is this inspired by your experiences?
It is. Though I didn't know I had ADHD until 1 year after we wrapped shooting the film...🫠 next up is the series version.
@@sluhbrek Wow, that's quite the incredible coincidence! I'm suspecting, myself.
I feel very seen by this. This is a fantastic short film, and a very accurate depiction of living with ADHD. As an artist with ADHD, who always “has her head in the clouds” this was cool to see.
Wow. Thanks so much for sharing, Emma. Welcome to the Trying Fam :')
Yes, that's me and I really love myself. I can really recommend loving yourself
YES TO THIS. I can also recommend loving yourself. I didn't when we shot this (over 3 years ago), and it's amazing seeing the difference between then and now...including getting a diagnosis. This comment made my day. Thank you.
Would love to see more "episodes". Enjoyed it a lot, sent it to my husband he had to laugh so hard, too.
@@ghenderson6717 curious to see if more will come, too. And omg @ your husband!!! 😂💚
This played on loop for about 20 years could easily be used as a autobiographical documentary of my life.
I find myself wanting everyone I know to watch it in the hope they might better understand me...
But at the same time wanting them to never see it, because if they do, they might realise how much I've kept from them everytime they've asked if I'm ok.
I so get it. It's been interesting figuring out who to share with...I've finally reached a point where I share with everyone, because I know now that I'm not broken. Just me. Sending hugs, and thanks for watching
Looool I have ADHD diagnosis but this video hit me more than a diagnosis. I REALIZED what I always do by watching her, and realized that, no, it was not "everyone".
DANG. this hits me right in the chest. Thanks for watching, Jean.
It’s hell 🙁 I have chronic illness now as well, making me extra high maintenance. Understanding executive function more and getting support as a child could have made so much difference in preventing burnout as an adult.
I so get it. I'm so happy you know at this point in your life what your needs are, but I know that doesn't make them feel any less intrusive. You're not alone. Sending hugs.
I've never, ever felt so understood.
🙂 elated to hear this, Laurie.
It explains why many of us become recluses as we get older - conforming, constantly apologizing, worrying. It’s all too much. I need peace to be me.
Totally. Getting my diagnosis, mixed with INCREDIBLE self love and compassion, therapy, and other ND friends...I've finally started to think maybe I'm not insane. And all these comments :')
not me crying at the revelation that the appointment was at 1 lmao... definitely happened to me a few times in life. I've also shown up to work on days off before.
it doesn't happen as frequently anymore because I set up appointments in my calender with multiple reminders, plan the trip the day of or the evening before and then also check the time like 40 times before ultimately heading out.
I still struggle with being punctual though when it comes to repeating responsibilities like work or school. I frequently miss my bus or train, ESPECIALLY on days where I get up earlier than normal because my brain for some reason equates that to "well, since we have more time available today, that means we should also waste more of it by idk... maybe start doing the dishes for no reason at all 5 minutes before leaving, so we can ultimately still miss the bus that we would have 100% caught otherwise and arrive at work even later than usually 😊" I'm so angry at myself every single time 😅
so many other details in this that I can relate way too much to... the stopping in my tracks because I forgot what I was about to do, the check list of what I need to bring with me, again the unnecessary last minute "activity" that could easily wait until I'm back home instead of leaving on time, the messy apartment, the unwarranted self doubt/imposter syndrome, the tears of frustration with yourself...
I've been medicated for about 2 years now and it does help with emotional regulation and being able to sit through 6 hours of class everyday without losing my mind. but I'm still struggling heavily with procrastination and the upkeep of my surroundings aswell as my health and self care. it's rough out here...
this movie is a beautifully accurate depiction of it though. and it is somewhat comforting to know that I am not alone with this.
I could have written your whole tardiness paragraph & have explained it to many past employers. Ugh!
Wow. Thanks so much for sharing all of this. Nailed it on the head. "Leave earlier" is not a thing and I want to show this to so many people. We truly are trying our best. I also relate to meds...it's been interesting figuring out if/how they fit into my life. I'm ultimately living my dream of working for myself full-time, but now I have no accountability or structure...and it's a struggle. Constant figuring out of what works or us. Thanks again for watching and being part of the Trying Fam :')
This made me cry
Never have I ever related to anything more ❤
Whew. Thanks for watching and commenting, hon. Welcome to the Trying Fam
I saw this a while ago and its always been in the back of my mind. I'm an AuDHDer and this is so damm relatable and really well done. Just saw this pop up on my home page again and had to do a double take because I thought this had like a million views. Insanely underrated. Keep at it!
Dang. This really means a lot to me, thank you for sharing and for watching. Had to take a break from the "Trying" world for a bit hence the low profile, but definitely more to come. Million views right around the corner 😤
A year later and this arrives to me.
So crazy the pop it's got right now. Welcome to the Trying Fam
How much more relatable could this get?
This is exactly me 85% of the time.
Thank you so much.
Jeez. I know. Thanks for watching and welcome to the Trying Fam :')
SO GOOD. Laughed, cried, laughed, sobbed - screeched... Had to stop watching in a few spots, hit way too close to home. Watched again and now again. Sooooooo good. So good. Thank you for putting this into the world! So good.
Phew. Thank for this, seriously. And for coming back. And sharing. Appreciate you. 🥺💚
Thank you so much for this.
I spent 37+ years masking so much, I didn’t know I had ADHD or what it even was until 2020 when I started seeing more videos on it, and my friends and I started realizing we all had it in common.
Medication helps, but only if you remember to take it!
For those newly diagnosed, please know you’re not broken. Having ADHD is like being a cool mutant on X-Men-we all have different abilities that enhances everything we do in our lives!❤❤
Love love love this. I made this whole film...and still didn't know I had adhd. But I think my soul did. 1000%. Every single person's brain works differently in this world...us adhd'ers are lucky enough to have a community to relate to :')
Chills! Watching this brought tears to my eyes, very validating and surreal, I'm amazed at how common these super specific experiences are. Thank you Sam for bringing the sensitivity and understanding and making it enjoyable!
Dang, thanks for watching and for this comment, Briony. A lot of time and care was put into making this, and I'm glad it comes off the way you mention. 💚
I started to cry and become overwhelmed after the interview because I’ve had those conversations with teachers and then completely burst out crying of happiness once the email at the end. I felt so seen in so many ways and would adore this to be a tv series, so many emotions and it was all so relatable
Thank you so much for this, seriously. It means so much to me. Thank you for watching and understanding...I'm thinking of making a part two seeing Meg in action. Maybe her on a good day with a few more laughs than tears
Oh mu gosh, it's like you told my story... Finding a job is so hard for me, that I always end up working on my own, but I'm a bad entrepreneur, so I'm trying to learn business stuff so I can do it better next time. Job interviews have always been a big anxiety trigger, and always made feel frustrated in the end. Never got hired, only temporary things, in a testing mode, and when the test period ended, they never called back. I'm 35 and still live with my mom. Hope I can work on my own, this time as a one-on-one dog trainer and a freelance illustrator
I so relate to this. My whole life I've wanted to be an entrepreneur and work for myself, not have to answer to anybody...now that I'm finally here, it's been extremely difficult to do tasks I can't find the motivation to do (even ones that could make me lots of $). Something I'm trying to focus on is really prioritizing the tasks that I enjoy doing and I'm really good at. There's a market for everything. Dog training and illustrating are awesome paths. You've got this.
This video described the difficulties I live with every day in a way I have never seen, or thought of, or heard before! Thank you Sam. Thank you for this. It was hard to watch at times but only because the accuracy was so absolutely incredible. You are amazing and I’m so glad I found this video today. I feel less misunderstood. Thank you 💜🩷💜
Wow. Thanks so much for sharing this, J. It truly means so much to me. Welcome to the Trying Fam. You're not alone.
@@sluhbrek 💜❤️💜❤️💜
Soooooo true I’ve rushed just to be early too I’ve rushed to be at the wrong place and I’ve rushed just to find out it was the wrong day so now I just wake up at 5 am to be overly prepared just to find out I forgot something
Dang, totally. It's such a wild journey finding balance or what works for us on any given day. Sending huge. You got this.
I started crying after you were validating yourself in the interview!! To go from the crushing feeling of Mrs. Hazel scrutinizing to that was a great feeling!
I almost cried when she got the text to offer her the job.
I get goosebumps every time. Edith our composer nailed it with music, too. Thanks for watching :')
@@sluhbrek I couldn't not watch. I'm an extreme case of ADHD to the extent it causes chronic pain, so I had to see it because relevant, lol. It was a lovely film and I agree, Edith did a great job too.
@@exDivinityFPS thanks for this and for sharing, and so sorry about the pain it causes you. Sending you healing vibes 🥺
@@sluhbrek I'll be okay. Thank you for being empathetic. And I really do appreciate the hightlight of how frustrating ADHD can be for those of us who have it. Awareness like that changes minds and changes lives.
I felt all of this especially forgetting the cup of coffee. All the anxiety over what other adults wanted. But especially that she was at her calmest with the child and I wanted to cheer yes she is the person you're looking for to be an elementary school art teacher! Brilliant short film
You nailed it. The more visually colorful scenes are when Meg can be herself and not worry so much about masking, the more mutely colored scenes are the opposite. Thanks for watching :')
woman + adhd + art teacher.
Isn't that a little too feminist? Both can also apply to men.
Don't think I've ever heard something be described as "too feminist" before, but here we are.
@@WillowRowley-d1j
Well, with 8 billion people on this planet and a circle of acquaintances of 100 people, the probability of not having heard something is 100: 7999 999 999 900. So it is not surprising not to have heard something and this statement only proves one thing: that someone who says something like that is mathematically illiterate.
There was no other job for Meg when I was writing her (imo). Glad you feel seen 🥲
I am probably at least the three hundredth person to say OMG I RELATE SO HARD
The fidgeting, the sticky notes, the inability to just get a "simple" task done. Sitting in the car crying yup. Been there.
Thanks for sharing
51 and diagnosed last year
Thanks so much for watching and sharing. A lot of time and care was put into making this what it is. Welcome to the Trying Fam :')
Just WOW! Thank you so much for this awesome film ❤
Thanks for watching :') 💚
I'm crying my eyes out for how accurate this is...plus having people see the struggle and dismiss it is just soul-crushing. I used to be a teacher and have been unemployed for so many years now, a job interview is my worst nightmare. I honestly don't know how I'm ever going to get a job or survive...
10000%. It's a big, nuanced experience. You have community here. You will succeed. Just need some fine-tuning with our brains. xx
Unusual sounds in the night, of water especially or what sounds like water. I'll sit and listen out as if I'm listening to someone breaking-in, eyes in the direction of the sound I haven't worked out yet what it is. More often than not, it will turn out to be the clock or something completely ok, but it sends my head in a spin with panic in a nano-second. On constant high alert, until I realise it's something completely innocent - and "breathe".
Interesting how our thoughts manifest in our brains...and can also exhaust them.
@@sluhbrek 100%. I think this aspect is mire to do with being on high alert 24/7 as a child for years and years - imprinted now on my psyche - find it hard to feel safe
Wow. I’m 40 and just realized I should talk to a therapist about this. I’ve just been white knuckling it and burning out cyclically my whole life
I so get it. Check it out and see what comes up. I didn't get diagnosed until a year after I made this film and I was like what...whole life changed. Which was the point of making this film!
😊 Very nicely done Sam - from start to finish! I was immediately captivated by the logistical hurdles, emotional landscape, and tension that felt very real to me as one with ADHD. You also did a nice job presenting the additional barriers of stigma, misconceptions, and misunderstandings of ADHD.
Thank you so much, Frets! So happy to you related to it and enjoyed the film. A lot of heart when into making this film by the team, so we really appreciate it. Keep an eye out for the next version… :)
Oh God! That’s so real.
Welcome to the Trying Fam :')
I cried allthe way through. It's so accurate 😢
Aw, man. Thanks for watching, and hugs/sorry. Appreciate you, you're not alone. 💚
This is me - I forgot to put gas ⛽️ in my car and was on the side of the road, mixed up times, over talks, sensitive AF, over thinks everything , worries about my age, apartment is a mess, and trying to hold in my anger when someone trash talks unaware that I have ADHD…I felt her pain when she told off the interviewer about her past. So relatable.
@@bellaladonna 💯💯💯 wow, thanks for this Bella. That scene was inspired by the time I ran out of gas on the PCH, 2 hours late to my dad's birthday dinner, after a day stuffed full of work, meetings, and appointments. Glad this film can accurately represent the journey, so others can understand what's going on for people with adhd like us. Thank you for watching and for sharing 🫶
Made me cry, I identify so much
@@user-zg4fb5kc9t you're awesome. Thanks for watching and you got this. 🫶
Thank you! My son is 14 and we are just realizing that he has ADHD - videos like these are sooo helpful.
Wow. SO happy to hear this. Welcome to the Trying Fam
ARE U KIDDING ME??? THIS IS SO GOOD
🥲🥲🥲 thank you for watching. Jeez.
Loved the story, the cinematography, the editing, the music, the locations, the costumes, the AAA guy, the mom and principal
All STELLAR parts of this film. So, so proud of them and everyone who was a part of making this. Thanks for sharing and watching :')
That was AWESOME!! 👏🏼 Between us I’m amazed there are still sticky notes left in the world. 😆😂 They really work! 🙌🏼
(And this is also why I have my phone on silent mode when I do the dishes or work...)
And, beautiful artwork. Truly. Congrats on the ‘Job’ - those children would be lucky to have your character teach and really SEE them for themselves. (I wrote SO many lines for “I will not talk in class”. You have no idea! 😜 Then, as an adult, I got PAID to talk and connect with people. Go figure! ) 😉 Encouragement of natural gifts ~ not punishment folks. 🙃
Thank you for this video. Very affirming. ❤❤❤
This video helps me understand ME a bit more. Now to get a dr to see what I see within/from myself. Me, myself and I are ALWAYS together.. they should take into a count that I know me BEST!! YA KNOW?!?
Man, thanks Eileen. This comment is so inspiring to me. The artwork was done by all ADHD artists :') it's so funny...I've been thinking of getting into public speaking! You'e awesome. Thank you for watching and sharing 🥺💚
@@FaeryMoon555 10000%. I SO GET THIS. I didn't realize I had adhd until 1.5 years after starting to write the film...life is weird. YOU GOT THIS!
Wow. I am 53, just diagnosed last year and this is so realistic. Very well done.
Wow, congrats on the diagnosis and for watching. Welcome to the Trying Fam :')
So much I relate to! The forgetting appointment times, no matter how often I've looked at my calendar including multiple times the day of. Guess we're just meant for more important things. 🤷
Honestly...I keep saying if I had a personal assistant, my life would be complete. Manifesting. xx
Yes!🎉
I felt so seen in this! Thank you!
@@lisajackson605 welcome to the Trying Fam 🥲🫶
This is accurate, except most people in your life are mean, not supportive and encouraging like her boyfriend and mom. They are cruel. They admonish you for not “planning better” or for “not paying attention” and snap at you to hurry up and shame you for making THEIR lives harder
Worse they think there helping. They think that they are doing something amazing by yelling, scolding,etc. I just need that support. That's it. The scolding makes it worse
Honestly, I've made it a point to prioritize relationships with other ADHD'ers for this reason. I lived with a neurotypical partner and it was not good. Here's to more people in our lives who love and understand us.
This video makes me feel seen and heard! You have thoughtfully and even poetically portrayed so many core struggles of people with ADHD/Neurodivergence. Your portrayal of reminders strewn about your living spaces made me look around mine and ask myself where I need more of those! I'm 44 and live with a profound sense of failure and unworthiness, and on the flipside of that I have a deep love and appreciation of people's stories and work in mental health which is my 'art class'...working on a crisis line is an outlet to support people feeling seen and heard and allows me to be resourceful and creative in my thinking. I don't know if that sounds weird in that context, but I have always loved language and have always valued authenticity and have tried to marry the two in every role I have had the privilege of working. Like so many people with ADHD moderation is a struggle so the only outlet I feel I am contributing meaningfully to, is often making me burn out and it gets my best rather than the other relationships in my life (with exception of my kids/husband, but that's not even being fully honest with myself and an area I am continuing to work on. Friendships and extended family fall off my radar at an embarrassing rate sometimes. I rarely remember to charge my phone and once lost all my phone contacts and was dreading/resigning to the 'fact' that these relationships were now gone cause the phone is a hub that stores reminders (in picture form - which i loved that you included your gas can photo!)
Any how I am glad I came across this video/page. I'm grateful you used this platform to share a message about a ADHD which still has a long way to go when it comes to stigma/judgment from others. I grew up when this wasn't even acknowledged, I was diagnosed at the same time as my son in 2018. My son is bright and articulate and funny and awesome and his grade 1 teacher (when he just turned 6) called me on his birthday telling me that he 'made fun of someone's art' or said something that was perceived as this (feedback from teachers I remember all too well with myself, when my jokes were taken to be offensive)...anyway the principal called my son's behaviour "disturbing" on his f*cking birthday! He was at an academic school which gave him homework EVERY NIGHT, and he was 5 for the first 2 months of grade 1. He was spelling words frontwards and backwards in SK. But he also seemed to love swear words as much as he loved other language and this always seemed to keep him on the 'outs'. He didn't go around swearing at everyone but he loved villians and acting out intense characters. Any how I didn't expect to write all that, and if you have ADHD I don't expect you to read all that either ;) I think this video gave me validation and I wanted to validate my son in the same paragraph. He's almost 14 now and he's a bright, scattered, high energy, sensitive, musical kid. He started drum lessons approx. 5 months ago and was insistent on playing challenging rhythmic beats. He taught himself 'Toxicity' in like a week which is a grade 7 level song apparently. He just keeps amazing me, and the part in the video with the teacher made me want to praise the crap out of my kid. I have 2 wonderful children, my daughter is 11, not sure if she has ADHD, lots of indications she might, but I've chosen to not go looking for it. She's still her and she loves school and hasn't needed testing at this time. She's one of a kind too, but I have talked your ear off, and I appreciate this platform again and anyone who can relate to the examples you shared or even that I shared too. xx
@@carolinelong1 hi Caroline, thank you so much for watching and for sharing your insights and experiences as a parent, and as a human. Sounds like you're a pretty awesome and amazing person too...love what you're doing with your work, your complex levels of awareness, and vulnerability. You're the reason I made this film, so thank you for being you, and being here. Welcome to the Trying Fam 🥲🫶💚
@@sluhbrek 🥰