ADHD impacts my life very much, but I was diagnosed as an adult. I honestly have no idea how I operated pre-diagnosis (and pre-medication). I think about some of the struggles I went through (e.g. my entire educational experience or my entire experience as a founder) and I really suffered in those times.
However, I absolutely agree with you.
Daily stimulants are a frustrating balancing act. Anti-depressants have frustrating side-effects. If I operated well without either or both, I would drop them in a hot second.
I DO benefit from medication to a degree that it has vastly improved my quality of life. I also benefit from therapy and the development of coping tools — in fact, I think anyone who benefits from medication should also seek therapy because it’s SO helpful.
This isn’t really a counterpoint to your experience, but more of a companion-point. Your post doesn’t make me think that you are an irrationally anti-pill person or anything like that. I’m just reinforcing what you’ve implied: treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all (although, at least in America, the medical system sure tries to make it that way). It’s incredibly important for anyone with ADHD to find the right tools for them.
However, I absolutely agree with you.
Daily stimulants are a frustrating balancing act. Anti-depressants have frustrating side-effects. If I operated well without either or both, I would drop them in a hot second.
I DO benefit from medication to a degree that it has vastly improved my quality of life. I also benefit from therapy and the development of coping tools — in fact, I think anyone who benefits from medication should also seek therapy because it’s SO helpful.
This isn’t really a counterpoint to your experience, but more of a companion-point. Your post doesn’t make me think that you are an irrationally anti-pill person or anything like that. I’m just reinforcing what you’ve implied: treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all (although, at least in America, the medical system sure tries to make it that way). It’s incredibly important for anyone with ADHD to find the right tools for them.