Recently I’ve questioned what others with ADHD are going through. I’ve looked in my area for support groups but there are none for ADD/ADHD. This site seems like it might help. I’ve been diagnosed with ADHD for over 20 years. How long have you struggled?
Hi Daniel, and welcome!
Sometime I struggle, sometimes I don't, and sometimes I don't realize it for awhile. A diagnosis came later in life and explained a lot, and it's been 19 years since then. Awareness and support has helped.
I like the way you phrased that. “Sometimes I struggle, sometimes I don’t, and sometimes I don’t realize it for awhile.” That’s exactly what I go through. I feel like I have spurts once every month or two where everything catches up with me. Like the hundreds of tasks/thoughts I start and don’t finish finally catch up with me and I get overwhelmed with myself. I start out ok, have speed bumps time to time, and then one day feel like rock bottom and nobody understands.
I was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of three years old. Living with ADHD has had it share of ups and downs but I have embraced who I am and I am happy to have ADHD. I like to think of having ADHD as a gift and a curse. What do you find difficult about having ADHD and trying to be productive on a daily basis?
Good disscusion
I think I just have a terrible time staying on task- a schedule and keeping up with everyday tasks. I guess I feel I can keep all of my tasks in my head, but no. I do get overwhelmed by noises, and changes in schedule.
Forgot to say that I have not even been diagnosed but I should see a dr. Any suggestions?
Daniel, you describe a familiar struggle :). When everything catches up with me every month or two, whatever system I use to stay organized has unraveledand that's a bad feeling. If a non-ADHD'er were to walk into the same disarray they'd turn around and walk away, but we have to deal with it. The priorities have often been re-arranged as well and something pressing is in the middle of it all.
Daniel said:
I like the way you phrased that. "Sometimes I struggle, sometimes I don't, and sometimes I don't realize it for awhile." That's exactly what I go through. I feel like I have spurts once every month or two where everything catches up with me. Like the hundreds of tasks/thoughts I start and don't finish finally catch up with me and I get overwhelmed with myself. I start out ok, have speed bumps time to time, and then one day feel like rock bottom and nobody understands.
If you live in a city with a few medical centers you can find out which psychiatrists and psychologists have experience and an interest in ADD/ADHD. Choose a few, see who accepts your insurance, and narrow it down that way. Your primary care doctor may have to provide you with a referral.
If you live in a rural area you might have fewer choices but if you get a diagnosis from a doctor in another town, for example, your primary care doctor may be able to write prescriptions for you based on that diagnosis. Medication isn't for everyone. There are psychologists, counselors, and ADD/ADHD coaches you can look into. The expense of finding a doctor you like by trial and error might be significant, so if you can find one who is recommended that can be a short-cut.
What is your closest major city? Maybe one of us can make a suggestion based on that.
Stargirl said:
Forgot to say that I have not even been diagnosed but I should see a dr. Any suggestions?