Thanks a bunch. I'll make an appointment for tomorrow and see how it goes.
I was recently diagnosed with ADHD and just realized how it's affected my life
- Thread starter Hylian7
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Thanks a bunch. I'll make an appointment for tomorrow and see how it goes.
Astral/H3X
Member
I have ADHD, and as a person who is trying to get into a leadership role... Its difficult. Are there any non medication ways to alleviate it? I can mostly function normal, I'm *somewhat* normal that is, but I do still have many issues with keeping track of things, remembering things, etc... I can focus on *a* thing, so long as I tell myself to do it, but... I can't remember shit.
And I would hate to use medication. I would love if there's a way to train my mind around it.
EDIT: I do not feel depression or any emotional problems, aside from the occasional "why cant I get this right" rut. I want to know how to train my mind to work around it, or find out how to work my workflow around it.
And I would hate to use medication. I would love if there's a way to train my mind around it.
EDIT: I do not feel depression or any emotional problems, aside from the occasional "why cant I get this right" rut. I want to know how to train my mind to work around it, or find out how to work my workflow around it.
I am in a leadership role and I deal with similar struggles. I posted some advice earlier in the thread here: http://m.neogaf.com/showpost.php?p=165768983
computers putin'
Member
I've experienced alot of symptoms others here have described. I've thought I might have adhd for a couple of years now, and this thread has encouraged me to go get tested for it.
Zeyphersan
Banned
Gonna try and get diagnosed soon, and improve on my eating habits/general fitness. The symptoms throughout the thread sound all too familiar to me, and the lack of drive or the ability to concentrate is definitely a major contributing factor to my dropping out of college
Incredible that you listed the part with the music. Today is the first day that I put my headphones on and listen to music (very quiet, but I can hear it and don't disturb anyone). Guess what? I've completed more work today than these last two days combined and I am totally focused.
Now I just have to tell my boss that I will have to do that sometimes and that it helps me.
Reading this thread, I plan to get myself retested for ADHD (diagnosed when I was a child) and see what my options are. Now I can't do this for the next few years due to the country I currently live in, but when I return to the states, I'm going to stop avoiding seeing a mental health specialist and get examined. I've experienced a lot of these symptoms you all mentioned. Even though I did quite well in school, it was at times hell to study for classes (and I can't have that problem for my masters).
David Incorporated Esq.
Member
These are all great ideas in general. My mother was an ADD/ADHD counselor for a while and she found that most people with mild ADHD were able to cope using behavioral changes alongside a recognition of their faults/strengths. She ended up being a "Here's how you get your shit together" counselor instead of a "take these pills" counselor, and she had fantastic success with it.
I've used ideas similar to what you wrote to good effect through my life, and it's astonishing how much of an impact little reminders are. Google's reminder system especially gave me a huge boost to my awareness and cognizance of things I had to keep on track.
Sometimes, though, medication is just plain required. My brother is severely ADHD and is two completely different people when he's on and off his medications. He's an absolutely brilliant person, but cannot at all keep it together without medication.
Raptomex
Member
I've had it my whole life. The one thing I never understood, especially as a kid, is why they deem it a disorder. My view on it seems to be that "normal" people can't handle or understand it so they drug us up to help us "focus". I honestly think our brains just work differently. Regardless, if you need take something for it, ask your doctor about Vyvanse. It's leaps and bounds better than Adderall. It's a smooth transition in and out, clean, and doesn't ruin your appetite. Things I've discovered about being ADHD, especially now that I'm an adult
- We can multitask better than most
- Everything is funny. Some think I'm crazy because I laugh at everything. Laughter is healthy and fuck them.
- I can easily entertain myself.
- Energetic. Is that really a bad thing?
- We can multitask better than most
- Everything is funny. Some think I'm crazy because I laugh at everything. Laughter is healthy and fuck them.
- I can easily entertain myself.
- Energetic. Is that really a bad thing?
biggersmaller
Banned
I was "diagnosed" with Inattentive ADHD in high school. My issue not being I can't pay attention to the details, rather I pay attention to everything to the point of distraction and getting lost. The air conditioning humming, the trees out the window, the posters on the wall, patterns made in a brick wall...they all pulled me out of the task at hand.
I worked my ass off and graduated high school with a 2.0 and college with a 2.0 (taking 3 years to get a 2 year degree). It's still a dark secret for me as everyone assumes I'm very "smart." Out of college I got a job at the HQ of a Fortune 500 financial institution as a phone broker after passing the Series 7 with a 70% (the minimum passing score at the time). I worked my way up to being a manager in the legal department despite the job requiring a 4 year degree. After 9 years at the Firm I was fired after having 2 kids for the same reasons as the OP.
On principal, I have and still refuse to take meds, as I see ADHD as a personality trait more than a medical "problem." In principal, I dislike the idea of taking medication to only align yourself with society's expectations. It's like forcing every kid to lift a certain number of weights or rebuild an engine to pass high school. Some kids simply aren't built that way.
I have found a much simpler (however lower paying) gig now and have never been happier as I excel in my role. My wife and I know I will probably be at the ass end of the corporate totem pole for my life, but what we realized is that just because I can't look at legal documents or spreadsheets for 12 hours a day on top of managing my meetings doesn't make me less of a man.
I worked my ass off and graduated high school with a 2.0 and college with a 2.0 (taking 3 years to get a 2 year degree). It's still a dark secret for me as everyone assumes I'm very "smart." Out of college I got a job at the HQ of a Fortune 500 financial institution as a phone broker after passing the Series 7 with a 70% (the minimum passing score at the time). I worked my way up to being a manager in the legal department despite the job requiring a 4 year degree. After 9 years at the Firm I was fired after having 2 kids for the same reasons as the OP.
On principal, I have and still refuse to take meds, as I see ADHD as a personality trait more than a medical "problem." In principal, I dislike the idea of taking medication to only align yourself with society's expectations. It's like forcing every kid to lift a certain number of weights or rebuild an engine to pass high school. Some kids simply aren't built that way.
I have found a much simpler (however lower paying) gig now and have never been happier as I excel in my role. My wife and I know I will probably be at the ass end of the corporate totem pole for my life, but what we realized is that just because I can't look at legal documents or spreadsheets for 12 hours a day on top of managing my meetings doesn't make me less of a man.
This is true when it comes to most disorders. However, what's modern life when you can't connect with the general population?
I like my disorder but that's because liking my own way is part of the disorder, not because it is something positive when trying to just have a regular life.
You sadly can't change everybody, it's easier to tweak yourself just enough to fit in.
Raptomex
Member
I wouldn't say ADHD makes it hard to connect with the population. You're just energetic with a short attention span. It doesn't makes you an outcast. I understand some disorders make it difficult for people to connect and understand but I wouldn't say this is one of them.
I can understand people who have a serious mental issue or are considered "slow" (I hope that's the appropriate term as I'm not trying to be offensive). I can see how those individuals may not be able connect with others in the traditional sense but ADHD is nothing like that. That's why I get confused on the "disorder" part because it's not. To be blunt they essentially want you to calm down. Basically; "here are some pills to shut you the fuck up".
I want to get a formal diagnosis and get some meds, but man, finding a psychiatrist that specializes in ADHD around the Atlanta metro area is a drag, especially when so many of them don't take insurance. One practice actually listed that as a POSITIVE. What the hell. I've found one that accepts my insurance, but she's in Atlanta, and I live and work in the Roswell area. I'd be willing to make the trip, but I'd rather go somewhere closer if possible. Anyone in this thread live around here and have some recommendations?
Joe Shlabotnik
Banned
It's a disorder when it substantially and negatively affects your life. I mean that's pretty much the definition. OP apparently lost two jobs because he can't focus enough to avoid making mistakes.
If that's not a problem for you then that's not a problem for you.
Cross posting this from the mental health thread.
Can anyone comment on declining effects of adderall xr?
Week 1 was amazing, and my concentration was amazing. It's week 3 and concentration is almost back to how it is off of the meds. It's better on the meds than off but while week 1 was amazing I would describe week 3 as just ok.
Week 1 was amazing, and my concentration was amazing. It's week 3 and concentration is almost back to how it is off of the meds. It's better on the meds than off but while week 1 was amazing I would describe week 3 as just ok.
You build tolerance to stimulants. It's why taking breaks from Caffeine is a good thing - with the way it works, you can reset back to zero. Not sure if it works for all of the stimulant ADHD meds though.
I crashed out bad 2 months after daily use twice in a row on Adderall/ritalin. I can't take them on a daily basis.
gulfamashraf
Member
Just wanna chime in and say thanks op and posters who have discussed the symptoms. As at times one cannot identify the issue until its being discussed. Again thanks for the discussion and god bless.
TsunamiOfSwagger
Member
You are not worthless, seriously it may take time to realise that, but things do get better. I have been low so many times, to the point where I can't see any other way apart from ending it. But, I realised life goes on. I am glad I choose to carry on.
Marion Cobretti
Member
If you have ADHD, you shouldn't be taking wellbutrin.
Try to see another (better) psychiatrist.
Try to see another (better) psychiatrist.
Bruh, no.
You're years ahead of tons of people in coding and obviously employable enough to be hired multiple times. Just gotta take things a step at a time. Get some sleep before you beat yourself up with negative thoughts before bed.
BIGWORM
Member
I just wanted to bump this thread with an update: I've finally looked into it further instead of being passive about it, and talked to my doctor. I gave him my history and my son's history, my son being diagnosed with ADHD Impulsive Control Disorder. I was prescribed Adderall 10mg. In short, I feel a world different. I'm able to get things done. I feel like all the bullshitting is all, when it comes to completing tasks, specifically. Memory is so much better. I'm able to remember the smallest detail of things past. Example being I remember a side street remembering directions to my coworker's house that I was at almost 2 months ago. I used Google Maps the one time that I went before. Upon remembering that and blurring that out loud to my fiancé in the car, I sort of took a moment a silence in the sheer amazement that I was able to remember that.
I got a huge list of chores around the house done today: shipping off books that have sat in the closet since October, donating clothes to Goodwill that haven't been touched in years. Hell , even remembering exactly where I put the keys 20 minutes earlier was surprising. Not only did I remember, I visualized myself putting them down exactly where they were. These last few days my mind hasn't been cloudy with doubt or 2nd guessing. Again, sorry for the bump, but I felt I needed to share this to other sufferers in this thread.
I got a huge list of chores around the house done today: shipping off books that have sat in the closet since October, donating clothes to Goodwill that haven't been touched in years. Hell , even remembering exactly where I put the keys 20 minutes earlier was surprising. Not only did I remember, I visualized myself putting them down exactly where they were. These last few days my mind hasn't been cloudy with doubt or 2nd guessing. Again, sorry for the bump, but I felt I needed to share this to other sufferers in this thread.
Good to hear. I had a similar experience. I felt as if a hood had been lifted off my head and I was able to see clearly for the first time.
PeakPointMatrix
Member
How did you guys bring this up with your doctors, and what exactly did you explain? Was it with your standard physician? I'm tryingto work up the courage to finally broach the subject with my doctor, but I'm not sure how.
BIGWORM
Member
Of course it was tough to bring up. I see my mental disability as something that's too delicate to talk about. Only 3 people know about it. I ended up seeing another physician after the physician I was warming up to be my primary had sent me on a wild goose chase: he said he would set up an appointment for me to be tested, I drive a solid hour out of town to see the psychiatrist, to find out she didn't do any testing, she only prescribes the medication. I was, without a doubt, pissed, and disappointed. I felt like he had cast me away as another druggie or something.
Just tell your pcp that you have memory problems, and start telling him/her how you feel, history, and how it affects your life. Do not forget, there are second opinions out there in case you feel discouraged by your doctor or if you feel they're dismissive of your symptoms.
I probably need to go back to my doctor about it, last I was put on was Wellbutrin (Buprobion) that treats both depression and ADHD. I still feel scatterbrained as all hell, and definitely a step down from Vyvanse or Adderall, I just don't know how I can convince my doctors that the side effects I thought I saw in them may not have been related to the medicines at all.
Or there needs to be some other option.
Or there needs to be some other option.
Wait, really? Mental math is a thing that might help? I'm genuinely interested, do you some literature on it?
Wellbutrin is great for a day to day solution to help bring your baseline up, but it's not enough for when you need to put on the afterburners and get something done. You probably did have side efefcts- keep rotating through stuff till you find something that works. (Focalin, Ritalin, etc.)
Awesome to hear the Adderall is working for you- but I would be very careful w/ how often you're using it- I got tolerant within a few months of continuous use and crashed hard back in HS.
yup. it's one of the most diagnosed disorders for a reason.
When people say dont take too much how much are we talking? I'm on 18mg of concerta once a day right now and I basically take it only on work days, but honestly I want to be taking it every day cause it really helps. Is that too much or are people popping pills multiple times a day?
You can't avoid developing a tolerance to a stimulant. How fast you develop one depends on you- once you become tolerant, you have to up the dosage or swap to another.
A Fish Aficionado
I am going to make it through this year if it kills me
Depending on your condition and diagnosis. If you feel not right talk to your doc.
Rentahamster
Rodent Whores
Hah, I do the same thing too sometimes
internetwolf
Banned
So true. I wish more people knew how terrible adhd medication is for you
A Fish Aficionado
I am going to make it through this year if it kills me
Wut.
It depends on person and severity.
Many people do well with current ADHD stimulants and other medication.
univariate
Banned
For the past two months I've been using marijuana for my adhd and I've actually cut down on adderall and am no longer addicted to it. I still take 5-10 mg of adderall per day, but I used to take 60-100mg per day.
Solid SOAP
Member
I think I'd fall into a spectrum of ADHD as well. I was diagnosed it with pills as a kid, but tbh I forgot what I took. Maybe Ritalin. Anyway, I hated it. Made me feel very socially incapable and just like a zombie.
Maybe I have it, maybe I don't l. I know that when I pick up a phone I get sucked into it and can losing minutes, even an hour if I don't force myself to stop.
As someone who is on the fence about his diagnosis, I'll tell you this: If I wake up with the intention on getting shit done and try to be active without getting sucked into my phone or a game, my mind feels much more clear and prepared for the day ahead of me. Physical and mental activity away from screens as much as possible, only when necessary do I use a computer or phone. And at the end of the day, if without social plans, I reward myself by playing a game or reading. It's super relaxing for me to do the former especially because it's like a mental break, it's like my mind can focus on a million things and one thing at once, if that makes sense.
Maybe I have it, maybe I don't l. I know that when I pick up a phone I get sucked into it and can losing minutes, even an hour if I don't force myself to stop.
As someone who is on the fence about his diagnosis, I'll tell you this: If I wake up with the intention on getting shit done and try to be active without getting sucked into my phone or a game, my mind feels much more clear and prepared for the day ahead of me. Physical and mental activity away from screens as much as possible, only when necessary do I use a computer or phone. And at the end of the day, if without social plans, I reward myself by playing a game or reading. It's super relaxing for me to do the former especially because it's like a mental break, it's like my mind can focus on a million things and one thing at once, if that makes sense.
RobotNinjaHornets
Banned
UPDATE: I registered with a doctor a couple of months ago.
I now need to find out why I haven't had any correspondence about who my GP is.
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