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.
Hello, I don't know if I have ADHD or not, but I am just looking for a little advice. I have had trouble focusing in school, ever since I can remember and I have heard others suggest I could potentially have ADHD. I've looked at all the symptoms and I can connect myself to experiences that suggest ADHD (constantly forgetting appointments, procrastinating on work, fidgeting, difficulty following through with assignments, distracted, etc.) Of course, I am not a professional. I have started seeing a counselor, who as also mentioned it could be ADHD. They also brought up the idea of medication. I am worried though because my brother has suffered from anxiety and has been on medication and now is off of it, so my mother doesn't believe its completely necessary and I should try other things first (counseling, meditation, practicing focusing skills, etc.)
Lately, I feel I have been getting worse. I am turning assignments in late and skipping class because of stress. I constantly beat myself to shreds because I feel I should be better. It feels like there is a barrier blocking me from all the things I need to get done, and when I look at the barrier, it's me. I am really trying to eliminate negative self-talk, but I cannot help but feel disappointed in myself. I don't want to fail and I don't want to keep putting myself behind. I am really just trying to figure out what to do.
Has anyone ever felt this way? Or could offer me some advice?
especially from what you are saying in your last paragraph - this is why i want to be tested.
"I constantly beat myself to shreds because I feel I should be better. It feels like there is a barrier blocking me from all the things I need to get done, and when I look at the barrier, it's me. I am really trying to eliminate negative self-talk, but I cannot help but feel disappointed in myself. I don't want to fail and I don't want to keep putting myself behind."
these sorts of feelings can be a big part of ADD or ADHD and need to be addressed - or seen to by a dr. They can be handled - you don't have to continue to feel this way; there is help for this.
there are A LOT of people who have the exact same issues from ADD/ADHD and get help for these symptoms. you are not alone. (((hugs)))
There are written or computer test that can score your level of ADHD. I believe all mental clinics have those sort of test.
Do something. if you just let it be, and if it is ADHD, will lead to low self steam, depression and family crisis. You don't want to get there.
I'm on Vyvanse, little cranky during the morning, but I'm very funny in the afternoon. It works, now I can complete large and small projects. Procastination start at 4pm....
Take care!
I want to thank you for all of your input and replies. Your encouragement and thoughts meant so much to me.
I ended up seeking counseling and a prescriber, and I was diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety disorder. I feel I have gained so much more clarity and have been able to better help myself when it comes to schoolwork and other responsibilities. I feel like myself again.
Thank you all again, your help means everything.
1. It's hard and demanding. Did not say it could not be done. But don't underestimate challenges and think because others seem to get things done on time, we can do so easily.
2. Get good procedures in place. Start with a decent framework.
First, you need a good calendar, online, paper, something else, your choice, as long as it works for you. Make a commitment to calendar operative dates and check your calendar 2-3 times a week.
3. Ontime or before Work to get things done at least 2 days before the deadline. Good saying to remember- first achieve competence, then look for excellence.
4. Confront problems Assignments may involve stress and anxiety can be combined with ADHD and procrastination. First step is to recognize this way is not good, and you need to confront problems.
5. Lists, corrections, and stop beating yourself up. Ys you make mistakes, I make a lot! But I have come to realize the most constructive step is to analyze the mistake, write down a correction which is usually improving procedures or making a better effort to follow them, and let it go.
Hopefully this will help and make a better life.