Hi everyone, I'm reaching out for support and connection as I navigate a challenging chapter in my marriage. My spouse (5 years) shows many symptoms that align with ADHD—things like high impulsivity, emotional intensity, difficulty with boundaries, and a tendency to deflect during conversations. My wife has a son with ADD, so I assume this is in the family. When I asked my wife whether she had been evaluated for ADHD anytime in her life, she answered no " to that. She is 58. Over the years, this has led to patterns where my feelings get dismissed or minimized, and small requests (like respecting communication boundaries) turn into bigger conflicts. As someone who's highly sensitive and deals with health issues (seizure disorder) exacerbated by stress, it's been exhausting—creating cycles of hope, hurt, and withdrawal. We've tried therapy, but the lack of consistent change has left me feeling unheard and unsafe emotionally.
I'm currently proceeding with divorce after much reflection, but I'm struggling with the guilt and sadness. If you're in a similar situation (or have been), how have you coped? Any recommendations for managing the emotional toll, setting firm boundaries, or finding peace during separation? I'd love to hear your stories or advice—thanks for reading and for any insights.