Daily Recovery Check-In: Where Is My Mental Health Today?

By: Sunday Kapesi

March 12, 2025

“I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in rehab at 40 years old. The last three years have been a journey of discovery, growth, and acceptance. I must say, it’s incredible who I am today — ADHD-abled — compared to the man I was before diagnosis: ADHD-disabled due to ignorance, self medicating and misunderstanding.”
Sunday Kapesi

The Reality of ADHD Burnout

My type of ADHD, which often swings between hyperactivity and inattentiveness, sometimes feels like my brain is racing at 100 km/h. After a packed day yesterday of assignments, social engagements, and emotional connections, I woke up this morning completely drained. Getting out of bed felt impossible. For many of us with ADHD — especially those with mood regulatory challenges — when dopamine levels crash, they really crash.

Public Miseducation (“Perception”) vs Private Knowledge (“Perspective”)

People might call this laziness. It’s not. This is ADHD burnout — my body and mind’s way of hitting reset. I’ve learned that rest isn’t weakness; it’s necessary. And when my motivation returns, I move mountains.

Grace Over Frustration

Today, I choose grace over frustration. I rested without guilt because I know it fuels my recovery. A few extra hours of stillness this morning led me to a powerful turnaround — cleaning my space, and even proceeding for a 30-minute run. Now I am elated, feeling charged up and preparing for my studies later in the day. All it took this morning was giving myself permission to pause.

IMPACTFUL ACTIONS: Daily Tips for Recovery

For anyone navigating ADHD, addiction, or mental health struggles, here are some practical techniques:

• Practice self-awareness: Learn your triggers and energy patterns.

• Use cognitive behavioral techniques: Challenge negative self-talk and reframe rest as productivity.

• Set realistic expectations: It’s okay to take breaks. Rest is progress, too.

IMPACTFUL RESOURCES:

• TED Talk: “The Power of Vulnerability” by Brené Brown

• Book: “Driven to Distraction” by Dr. Edward Hallowell & Dr. John Ratey

• Podcast: “ADHD Rewired” with Eric Tivers

Impactful Call to Action:

To professionals, addicts, and anyone on a mental health journey — stop mistaking burnout for failure. Honour your need for rest. Build spaces where rest and recovery are seen as strength. And if you haven’t yet sought a diagnosis or support — what’s stopping you?

Conclusion: My Mental Health Today

Where is my mental health today? It’s healing — healing gracefully. After giving myself those extra two hours of rest, I’m now re-energized and ready for the day. Sometimes, grace is the most productive thing we can offer ourselves.

So I’ll ask you — where is your mental health today?

For Recovery