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Failing A Levels Again……

For the past three years, I’ve battled undiagnosed ADHD symptoms while navigating A-Levels, Started a level 2022, repeating Year 12 in 2023 and still feeling trapped in a cycle of frustration. Despite reaching out for help in June 2024, the 4-8 week waiting list dragged on until now—leaving me with just one month before exams and no support in sight. Every day feels like a dead end: I drag myself to school out of obligation, but motivation is nonexistent. I can’t bring myself to study, even when others with ADHD share resources, because honestly? I. Don’t. Care. Not about revision, not about school, not even about the future I once dreamed of—studying law, starting a business—all of it feels simultaneously aspirational and exhausting. The irony is I *want* to care, but everything bores me, and forcing focus feels physically impossible. Now, staring down the possibility of dropping out before exams to repeat *again*—this time at home—I’m lost, questioning if I’ll ever break free from this limbo. My mind screams for change, but my reality feels stuck on repeat.

I hate myself, and if I’m being honest, I think I’ve fallen into depression. Back in secondary school, I was so motivated—I was excelling, pushing through, and even though I mostly got 5s, I still tried my best because without that effort, I would’ve failed all my GCSEs. But ever since starting A-Levels in 2022, that motivation has completely vanished. I think it’s because I was masking for so long during GCSEs, cramming and pushing myself to the limit, that my ADHD finally unmasked itself. Back then, I had a big goal driving me, but now, for A-Levels, that drive feels nonexistent. I’m so disappointed in myself—I used to have this fire, and now it’s like I’m just going through the motions, unable to recapture that same energy or purpose.

Reply 1

hard-working-res

I am so sorry for the way you're feeling, it can be so hard sometimes trying to keep focus when you physically can't force yourself to, trust me I definitely get where you're coming from.

I would suggest reaching out to people near you if you can and try to build a strong support network a.k.a the holy grail of discipline and pushing yourself. If you can't find anyone, there's no reason as to why you can't be that support network! It will be hard trying to push on but hey, I can tell that you have the motivation!

The only thing that matters more than waiting for the bursts of productivity to arise is to try to have discipline, try to go out to libraries etc. where other people are studying, it could create a sense of pressure that forces you to focus, try listening to continuous noises through headphones such as white noise, rain etc. Maybe have an accountability partner even online or in person.

You are not limited to your knowledge!! There's always room for your thoughts to roam around as well as learning new information, there are tons youtube videos that you could watch that teach you step by step on how to manage ADHD or symptoms relating to it.

Also don't be so harsh on yourself, there will always be a next time as long as there's motivation and a willingness to try again

You are not alone, I know so many people who struggle with ADHD and struggle with short attention spans, nobody is perfect, they still have days where even if they have coping mechanisms, they still can't focus but what matters is they still try.
I wish you the bestest of luck in life!!