Devil’s advocate if you’re an adult and your QOL is fine DO NOT entertain meds without a clear understanding of what they do, what they solve and what you’re looking for.
I got diagnosed at 40. I tried meds. First biphentin then concerta. Then I dropped it. What I need meds for is to assist with was negligible in my life with the exception of emotional regulation which they were making my life substantially worse. I’m successful in a career and as a father. I fail at relationships. I made the executive decision that meds are not for me. Psychology and CBT are far more valuable.
Although I agree medication is certainly not needed if your QOL is fine, it is still the best moment to find out what type/dose/brand works best for you. Life can quickly take some unexpected turns and finding the right medication takes a while, as well as the process generally not being the most comfortable if you don’t get lucky on the first try.
Knowing if, and what kind of, meditation works for you could come in handy when problems start piling up.
100% right. I stayed unmedicated until my coping mechanisms started to fall apart. I’m currently on the lowest dose of medication, just to get back to that normal.
Yeah but if one of my friends wants to take up leatherworking, guitar, beer brewing, 3d printing, miniature painting, drone photography, Super Nintendo, bass, embroidery, scuba diving, or stiltwalking I have some gear and between 3 weeks and 6 months of knowledge to get them started. Oh, also, does anyone have a good source for parts on old gi joe toys?
Since I’m aware of this I just focus my energy on choosing the perceft balance between price and quality of the required equipment and then never actually buying it because by the time it’s chosen I’ve already found another hobby.
a lot of adhd things are “normal” problems that people deal with, except that they are often dialed up to the point of affecting a person’s daily life negatively.
So much this. Like sure. Zoning out/disassociating is totally normal. When you spend 1/2 your day doing it and it’s manifested as paralysis it becomes A bit of a fucking issue.
It’s about frequency and how badly it affects your quality of life. I went almost 40 years just self-medicating with caffeine and having lots of coping mechanisms. But with the birth of my second child, it was too much and I couldn’t hold it together. That’s when I got a proper diagnosis and medication.
I was always so confused that friends couldn’t drink coffee after 3pm or they’d have trouble sleeping. I’d drink one before bed and get a great night’s sleep.
Now I have to have a nap after I take my meds.
For sure. I had the caffeine abilities most of my life. But I actually quit it basically completely for 6ish months when I started my meds. Now it impacts me as usual. I wonder if I stopped my meds how it would go… lol
That seems fairly common in people with ADHD. My SO is one of those. It’s definitely not the case for me, but I also have another condition that’s exacerbated by caffeine.
Yup. Makes me feel calm and focussed. Even though it physically causes my heartrate and bloodpressure to increase. Sometimes till discomfort. Worth the work focus though.
My dad and I used to stay up until 4 am making coffee in the garage so that my mom wouldn’t smell it and wake up before work (Dad was disabled and not working at this point).
I think this started when I was ~ 10 and out of school and I was able to sleep fine. I also now know which parent I got this from, haha
Wait, I can sleep right after drinking coffee. Is it similar?
Welcome! You’re possibly a self medicating ADHD person.
Otter common signs you should get checked out
do you sit there paralyzed and unable to do a task, even when you want to do it and know it needs to get done?
are you weirdly calm and effective in stressful and panicked situations?
do you get really into a hobby for a while, then drop it forever because you lose all interest?
If so, a diagnosis could be life altering.
Do you enjoy fresh fish as a meal?
Are you good at swimming?
Do you have a favorite rock?
It is important to identify if you are an otter so you can build an appropriate environment and daily routine that is conducive to a happy lifestyle.
They hold hands while they sleep. It’s too adorable.
Devil’s advocate if you’re an adult and your QOL is fine DO NOT entertain meds without a clear understanding of what they do, what they solve and what you’re looking for.
I got diagnosed at 40. I tried meds. First biphentin then concerta. Then I dropped it. What I need meds for is to assist with was negligible in my life with the exception of emotional regulation which they were making my life substantially worse. I’m successful in a career and as a father. I fail at relationships. I made the executive decision that meds are not for me. Psychology and CBT are far more valuable.
Although I agree medication is certainly not needed if your QOL is fine, it is still the best moment to find out what type/dose/brand works best for you. Life can quickly take some unexpected turns and finding the right medication takes a while, as well as the process generally not being the most comfortable if you don’t get lucky on the first try. Knowing if, and what kind of, meditation works for you could come in handy when problems start piling up.
100% right. I stayed unmedicated until my coping mechanisms started to fall apart. I’m currently on the lowest dose of medication, just to get back to that normal.
I hope you reach a good baseline again friend.
the hobby thing really gets on your nerves after 3-4 times of spending a shitton of money into every single one
Yeah but if one of my friends wants to take up leatherworking, guitar, beer brewing, 3d printing, miniature painting, drone photography, Super Nintendo, bass, embroidery, scuba diving, or stiltwalking I have some gear and between 3 weeks and 6 months of knowledge to get them started. Oh, also, does anyone have a good source for parts on old gi joe toys?
I feel this in my soul…
Since I’m aware of this I just focus my energy on choosing the perceft balance between price and quality of the required equipment and then never actually buying it because by the time it’s chosen I’ve already found another hobby.
It drives my partner crazy when I do this for absolutely everything. I think it’s a valid methodology for efficient… living?
My guitar with the rusted strings is crying in the corner
Ummm
Interesting
Not trying to be a naysayer or anything, but aren’t these all normal? Otherwise I’m a mega ADHD.
a lot of adhd things are “normal” problems that people deal with, except that they are often dialed up to the point of affecting a person’s daily life negatively.
So much this. Like sure. Zoning out/disassociating is totally normal. When you spend 1/2 your day doing it and it’s manifested as paralysis it becomes A bit of a fucking issue.
Theres a ton of nonsense online since being neurodivergent is cool now. Check out this legitimate self assessment:
https://add.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/adhd-questionnaire-ASRS111.pdf
If you can afford it, get a real test done in person!
Oh wow, didn’t realize it was cool now. Where do I collect on all this coolness?
It comes from within 🥰
alternatively you can post your tics on tiktok
It’s about frequency and how badly it affects your quality of life. I went almost 40 years just self-medicating with caffeine and having lots of coping mechanisms. But with the birth of my second child, it was too much and I couldn’t hold it together. That’s when I got a proper diagnosis and medication.
Wow, I’ve been thinking I might have ADHD for a bit now, but this is a perfect description of me.
What if I check all boxes and start to behave slightly more rational after nightly dose of 50mg of Doxepin?
I was always so confused that friends couldn’t drink coffee after 3pm or they’d have trouble sleeping. I’d drink one before bed and get a great night’s sleep. Now I have to have a nap after I take my meds.
This was me when I was younger. Now I can’t drink after 12. I think aging plays a role.
For sure. I had the caffeine abilities most of my life. But I actually quit it basically completely for 6ish months when I started my meds. Now it impacts me as usual. I wonder if I stopped my meds how it would go… lol
Some folks with ADHD get a backwards effect from caffeine, putting them to sleep. Wouldn’t hurt to get tested
That seems fairly common in people with ADHD. My SO is one of those. It’s definitely not the case for me, but I also have another condition that’s exacerbated by caffeine.
That explains why I can’t stand coffee… gives me the ability to wake up and laugh at the coffee zombies though.
Yup. Makes me feel calm and focussed. Even though it physically causes my heartrate and bloodpressure to increase. Sometimes till discomfort. Worth the work focus though.
Yes. Can be anyway.
My dad and I used to stay up until 4 am making coffee in the garage so that my mom wouldn’t smell it and wake up before work (Dad was disabled and not working at this point).
I think this started when I was ~ 10 and out of school and I was able to sleep fine. I also now know which parent I got this from, haha
Ditto