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 was diagnosed with ADHD 8 years ago. Since then i have been on medication but take it only when I need to study. Now i am in medical school so the need to take the medication is very frequent. Some days are good and productive, but other days the side effects hit me hard. I become very critical of myself to the point of tears, my appitite is severly curbed, my concentration is so intense i forget to drink water, hours after the effects of the medication i still am restless and end up staying up late. all these have a domino effect where i graadually become less effective in studying because im tired and have no energy despite taking the medication. I try explaining it to my over-demanding parents, but they brush it off as me being dramatic or finding excuses or playing the victim. I have this obsessive need to make them happy at the expense of my health and happiness, and when I can't deliver my best becomes not good enough. I just end up feeling trapped...
I'm sorry to hear you are feeling trapped. Been there, done that. I've found that the truth about living up to other's expectations is you have to reasonably define and live up to your own first.
Try to find things that make you happy that have nothing to do with making them happy. If you're going through medical, then at some point expect to take psych classes that talk about codependency. Your happiness should not have to depend on theirs.
Another thing to keep in mind is that while many can sympathize, few can empathize, so you know what you are going through and they simply can't. Something to tell yourself the next time you have such a conversation.
As for the medication (talking stimulant based), the good and bad news is your body will adjust the more you use it. Therefor, while the side effects will soften, the intended effects will to. Meanwhile, If you are able, you might consider using the sleepless late evenings to watch you-tube videos on things you are studying (might as well use the time), and counterbalance that with one day of no medication/sleeping-in Do Nothing type of day to catch up on food and sleep.
@vinnyuk- i was taking Focalin but with recent developments in my life, my doctor and I have decided to try other medications that won't have such intense side effects. At the moment I am trying Vyvance- itll take two weeks before i can really assess the effects of this one, but i can keep you updated!
Just saying,
No one named Sammie
i was thinking a time-released med might help you more? is the vyvanse time released?