Rediscovering the ‘Me’ Amid Anxiety, ADHD, and Inner Turmoil

Amid anxiety, ADHD, and inner turmoil, my mind feels like a noisy room full of unruly guests, all shouting at the same time. It’s like my thoughts have no manners—they just keep interrupting. It’s frustrating and overwhelming. They pull me away from… something. But what is that something? And who is the “me” they’re pulling away from?

Earlier, I tried doing simple math in my head; 2 * 2 = 4. But in that moment, the numbers felt alive, buzzing like restless energy. ADHD, OCD, intrusive thoughts—call it what you will—it was chaos. No structure. No peace. Just noise.

And in the midst of it all, a question echoed louder than the thoughts: Who is me?

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

– Psalm 34:18

Intrusive Thoughts Amid Anxiety, ADHD, and Inner Turmoil

Intrusive thoughts don’t ask permission. They don’t knock. They arrive uninvited and loud, disrupting whatever calm existed before.

For those of us with ADHD, anxiety, or even OCD, this chaos feels familiar. It’s as though our minds amplify the noise, leaving no room for stillness. Every task, every moment of peace, becomes a battleground for our attention.

These thoughts can be so convincing, so demanding, that they seem to define us. But do they? Or are they simply pulling us away from something deeper?

The Drift—What Are We Being Pulled From?

Intrusive thoughts have a way of creating distance—what I call “the drift.” They pull us away from things that truly matter:

  • Focus: They steal our ability to be present in the moment, whether it’s listening to a loved one or finishing a task.
  • Peace: They fill the quiet with noise, robbing us of rest and stillness.
  • Purpose: They distract us from what we’re meant to do—our faith, our relationships, our personal growth.

The drift feels so subtle at first, like a gentle current. But over time, it leaves us lost, wondering where we’ve gone and how to find our way back.

The Question—Who Is Me?

In the chaos of intrusive thoughts, a deeper question arises: If I’m not these thoughts, then who am I?

The Bible gives us a clear answer. Genesis 1:27 reminds us that we are made in God’s image. Psalm 139:14 declares that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. But when the noise gets loud, it’s easy to forget these truths. Instead, we start to believe the chaos defines us.

Here’s the reality: You are not your thoughts. You are the observer of your thoughts, the soul God designed with love and purpose. The “me” you’re searching for is not lost; it’s just buried beneath the noise.

Rediscovering the True ‘Me’ Amid Anxiety, ADHD, and Inner Turmoil

Faith as an Anchor

Scripture serves as a lifeline when the noise becomes overwhelming. Romans 8:16 says, “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” This means our identity is not tied to our struggles. It’s anchored in God’s truth.

In moments of clarity, I’ve felt the Spirit reminding me: You are mine. The noise is not your master—I am. These reminders have helped me separate myself from the chaos and rediscover the peace that comes from being rooted in God.

Actionable Steps for Finding Peace

  • Label the Thoughts:
    Recognize them for what they are—just thoughts. Say to yourself, “This is noise, not me.”
  • Grounding Practices:
    • Recite a favorite Bible verse, like Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.”
    • Practice deep breathing or journaling to quiet your mind.
  • Seek Stillness:
    Create intentional moments of silence, whether through prayer, meditation, or stepping away from distractions.
  • Engage with God’s Word:
    Spend time reading scripture that reminds you of your identity. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” Let these words affirm who you are.

Hope for the Reader

If your mind feels like chaos, you’re not broken. You’re human. And the “me” you’re searching for is still there, waiting beneath the noise.

You are not alone in this struggle. The Bible is filled with stories of people wrestling with identity, fear, and doubt—yet God met them in their chaos and brought clarity. He can do the same for you.

The peace you long for isn’t out of reach. It’s already within you, placed there by the One who created you. You just need to uncover it, one quiet moment at a time.

Conclusion: The Rediscovered ‘Me’

So, who is “me”?

It’s not the chaos. It’s not the noise. It’s the quiet strength beneath it all—the part of you that God created with love and purpose. That “me” is still here, unshaken by the storm, ready to guide you back to peace.

As you journey through the noise, remember this: You are not defined by the struggle. You are defined by the God who made you and calls you His own. Lean into that truth, and let it lead you back to the stillness where the real “me” resides.

Faith Meets Reality: A Final Encouragement

Even in moments of doubt or chaos, faith can serve as your compass. You’re not meant to fight this battle alone. Psalm 34:17 reminds us, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.”

So cry out, let Him hear you, and trust that He will guide you through the noise. The rediscovery of “me” starts here, with one small step toward faith and peace.

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About me

Eli Divert

Eli Divert is the creator of DivertMind, a blog that helps adults with ADHD, racing thoughts, and anxiety find peace through faith.

Drawing from his own journey, Eli shares simple tips and Bible-based wisdom to help readers manage intrusive thoughts and build a stronger mind.
Learn more about me on my About Page.

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Have a question or want to connect? Reach out via email at eli@divertmind.com or follow me on social media.