Am I Struggling with Mental Health, or Could It Be ADHD/Autism?

It’s not unusual to wonder why you’re finding life more challenging than those around you. Maybe you struggle with focus, feel easily overwhelmed, or notice your moods dip more often than you’d like. You might be asking yourself: “Is this depression or anxiety… or could it be ADHD, autism or another form of neurodiversity?”

This is such an important question, and the truth is, the answer isn’t always straightforward. Mental health difficulties and neurodiversity can look very similar on the surface, and they often overlap. Let’s gently explore the differences and where they might cross over.

Understanding Mental Health Difficulties

When we talk about mental health challenges like anxiety or depression, we’re usually describing a change in how we think, feel, or cope that causes distress in daily life.

Anxiety might look like racing thoughts, restlessness, or constant worrying.
Depression can bring deep sadness, low motivation, or feeling “numb.”
Burnout often shows up as exhaustion, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

These conditions are often situational, triggered by stress, trauma, grief, or ongoing pressure. With the right support, people often see improvements over time.

Understanding neurodiverse conditions such as ADHD and Autism

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and autism are neurodevelopmental conditions, meaning they’re lifelong differences in how the brain processes the world. They aren’t illnesses to “fix,” but rather natural variations in how people experience life.

ADHD often involves challenges with attention, focus, impulsivity, and organisation.
Autism may include differences in social communication, sensory sensitivities, and a preference for routine.

Unlike mental health conditions that may come and go, these are usually present from childhood, even if they weren’t recognised at the time.

Where They Overlap

Here’s where it gets complicated: ADHD, autism, anxiety, and depression can look very similar. For example:

Difficulty concentrating might be ADHD… or it could be anxiety or depression.
Social exhaustion might be autism… or it could be the result of social anxiety.
Emotional overwhelm could belong to all of the above.

On top of that, many people who are neurodiverse also experience anxiety or depression, often because navigating a world not built for them can feel exhausting.

Questions to Gently Ask Yourself

These aren’t diagnostic tools, but they may help you reflect:

Have I noticed these struggles since childhood, or are they more recent?
Do I find comfort in routine and struggle with sudden changes?
Is my difficulty focusing linked to specific stressful situations, or is it always there?
Do I feel different in how I process social interactions or sensory experiences?

Why Clarity Matters

Understanding whether your challenges are rooted in mental health, neurodiversity, or both can help you access the right kind of support. For some, that might mean counselling, medication, or lifestyle changes. For others, it may mean seeking an ADHD or autism assessment and finding community and resources that celebrate neurodiversity.

Final Thoughts

If you’re reading this and recognising yourself in both descriptions, you’re not alone. Many people discover later in life that their struggles weren’t “just anxiety” or “just depression”, but part of being neurodiverse.

There’s no shame in exploring this further. Whether your difficulties come from mental health challenges, neurodiversity, or a mix of both, you deserve support and understanding. Reaching out to a professional can be the first step in gaining clarity and finding what works best for you.