I always think I'm not a very good Mom especially if I have one of my depressed sofa days. Both my boys are ADHD which I don't blame myself for since their Dad and Grandma has it. Mornings are a real challenge before their meds can wear on and I get short tempered and irritable with them and wish they weren't like it. However to drop them off at school, I have to pass the special needs bus, here I see Down's syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, kids in wheel chairs etc and I feel truly blessed that my kids only have ADHD which is a highly treatable disorder.

I wish I knew what to do to lift myself out of this hole. I am meaningless. I am nothing. I will never feel good enough.

Diagnosing Bipolar VS. ADHD
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Both disorders share many characteristics: impulsivity, inattention, hyperactivity, physical energy, behavioral and emotional lability (behavior and emotions change frequently), frequent coexistence of conduct disorder and oppositional-defiant disorder, and learning problems. Motor restlessness during sleep may be seen in both (children who are bipolar are physically restless at night when "high or manic",though they may have little physical motion during sleep when "low or depressed"). Family histories in both conditions often include mood disorder. Psychostimulants or antidepressants can help in both disorders (that is, depending on the phase of the bipolar disorder). In view of the similarities, it is not surprising that the disorders are hard to tell apart.

I'm very much the perfectionist. But then you grow up hearing "FOCUS!" "PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS!" "GET IT RIGHT!" and I'm paranoid to begin with and afraid I'm going to miss some stupid little point and my whole frickin life will end.
I finally learned to just throw the silverware in the drawer, the laundry in one pile, turn in a paper just to get it in instead of to get an "A". I tell myself not to sweat the small shit. I do things that help me relax; candles, water, sex, meds, reading, etc.
The one time perfectionism was advantageous for me was when it came to learning art. Even then, it robbed me of pleasure if I wasn't careful.
And this post is not perfect so I'm feeling anxious.:(

yes exactly... btw Art rules! I enjoy the getting there immensely but stepping back to get perspective is intensely self revealing.

I am a recovering perfectionist. There is a long history behind it, but today I will spare all of us of the details.

I am working hard at getting an 'A' on my relationships and a 'C' on my house.

With the motto "People before things" or perhaps-- "The most important things are not things."

I do not have to even get it right the first time (or really really try). It is quite freeing. Good enough is good enough. Who really needs every bit of dirt scrubbed with a toothbrush off the bathroom floor anyways?

Do overs are a wonderful idea of children. There is time to 'do it over' if I want to. If I don't soooooooooooooo what!!

I spent E-N-O-U-G-H of my lifetime wanting to please my mother and grandmother and sisters!!! I LOVE FRIENDS, the creativity and all the side dishes are just complimentary!

Another fellow perfectionist here! Well, I have finally accepted that nothing will ever be good enough to please my toughest critic (myself), so I have started practicing a new coping strategy. When the thoughts of self doubt start coming about, I just let them swirl around in my brain, but I try to keep a spot clear in the center where I can see the light shining through. Sort of like a kaleidescope I suppose, and I just focus on that clear center and ignore those negative swirling thoughts of self doubt. Eventually they leave me alone enough so I can get through the day while accomplishing the most important things, that other garbage usually means nothing. I hope this makes sense, lol! I'm sure there is a method of canceling out the negative thoughts that works for each individual, it's just a matter of finding it and then sticking with it. I have no doubt you'll find your way way back there Orb3d!

Just looking at all that wears one out, doesn't it. Just ride the wave. I remind myself all the time what I have to be thankful for, but BAMB, LIKE RUNNING INTO A DOOR, it snowballs anyway. So, I sit down, pray and wait, if I can stop and think long enough to pray. But, in the back of your mind, you know, IT PASSES...not, fast enough for a perfectionist...

It's a pleasant surprise seeing you there basketcase :D Your a gem.

HUGGLES

Thanks! I'm just glad you got what I was saying, lol! Sometimes I feel like I have the weirdest thought processes ;)