ADHD / ADD Support Group
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) are more common than you might think. It is a syndrome that exhibits symptoms such as hyperactivity, forgetfulness, mood shifts, poor impulse control, and distractibility. Join others who suffer from these conditions and share your experiences.
I have struggled with ADD since I was a very little kid. As an adult it creates so much more Havoc in my life. Simple tasks like holding a conversation, driving a car, grocery shopping, paying bills, getting and holding a job is hard. People don't understand it at all. I find a lot on here about peoples children having ADD but nothing about adults. When one with ADD becomes an adult you are factoring in way more serious issues like depressions, anxiety etc.
I have just been diagnosed with Bipolar 2 by one psychiatrist, and schizoaffective by another. But both agree that I have ADHD, a diagnosis that was officially made about 8 years ago that changed my life (for the better). I can relate to everything you shared Rainstaraz. My husband cannot understand how I can "forget" to pay a bill, when there is money in the account to pay it. I interrupt people all the time, because not only am I impulsive, but I am afraid that I will forget what I want to tell them if I wait. The thoughts just fly around in my head like butterflies on speed. Adderall, slows them down a lot and definitely helps me focus. I have read almost every book there is on Adult ADHD and I have learned so many skills that helped me to become organized and stay that way. But I still have challenges with my short-term memory (I have reminders for almost everthing, even an alarm to remind me to check my dayplanner!) I also am very sensitive and self conscience about people thinking that I am stupid because It takes me longer to process information, and forget about it if I am in a crowd and if there is a lot going on around me. When I was a child, they used to think it was just depression, but never thought of the possiblity of ADHD. I guess because I was more iof the inattentive , daydreamy type then the physically hyperactive type. But boy was there a firestorm of activity going on in my brain! I wish I would have been diagnosed sooner, because I think I wouldn't have so many emotional issues that are hard for me to deal with today. I seem to ruminate on so many negative experiences that I had due to my unfocused out of control brain: job after job after job. But, I am determined to think more positive and solution focused, because I can't go back, I can only make today count for tomorrow. And now there is help for me and you. I try to avoid the critical people who aren't educated about ADHD, or atleast tune them out when I can't. They just don't understand. But you all do, and I'm glad you are here. Thanks..
I have been off of medication since I got pregnant. Since the birth I've had other health issues with my stomach so I'm avoiding any extra medication. I miss my adderall though. I find that my biggest problem is procrastination. Everything takes such effort that it's just easier to put it off. It's funny...I've been better about housework, but AWFUL at work. It's mostly paperwork and I HATE HATE HATE it. It's so much harder to accomplish than it used to be. UGH.
hahaha yeah that is EXACTLY why I don't look my lists!
Rainstaraz,
Would you please describe what you mean by connecting with people so I can understand what you mean better? Are you having difficulty finding common interests with others? Do you feel like others are on a different wave length (or planet for that matter!) Is it hard to open up to others? Do you feel anxious talking to people? Where do you typically meet the people that you are finding hard to connect with?