I was 30 (8 years ago) when I was diagnosed with it, but my teachers and friends had joked about my “ADD” since I was a kid.
A coworker was talking about their kid’s diagnosis and mentioned a bunch of the things they checked for and a little light bulb went off like “maybe I really do have it?”
I did well in school, tested extremely high in everything, and the few times my IQ was tested it was quite high. I also spent a lot of time in the hallway at school because I was a disruptive pain in the ass. Impulse issues (not violent) like class clown type stuff. I was popular, was good at sports, and got good grades- had any of those things not been in my favor I likely would’ve been sent to an alternative high school due to disciplinary issues.
I managed to accidentally find many of the coping mechanisms they teach about by myself over the years:
- EVERYTHING goes in the calendar
- Everything has a place and ALWAYS goes there or it will not be found
- I cannot over schedule my day, but I must have routines
After my formal diagnosis and months of therapy I reluctantly agreed to give a stimulant a try. I opted for one that is longer acting and takes longer to activate so as to avoid any “sped up” feelings.
It’s been amazing for me. We found the right dose fairly quickly, and I don’t even notice when it kicks in. Usually an hour or so after I take it.
It’s just like if a loud party was going on in your brain and you stepped outside and shut the door. All your competing thoughts quiet. I am so happy to have found it and it has allowed me to be more present and less internally anxious in most of life’s situations.
Could I live without it? Yep. I did for most of my life. Would it be as effect without all the work I did before? Maybe. I wouldn’t bet on it though.
My recommendation for anyone is basically this: the pills can do wonders but some day you won’t have them or can’t take them anymore. Make them the backup to the skills you’ll have for the rest of your life. Do the therapy, read the books, get the help. Then try the pill.
A coworker was talking about their kid’s diagnosis and mentioned a bunch of the things they checked for and a little light bulb went off like “maybe I really do have it?”
I did well in school, tested extremely high in everything, and the few times my IQ was tested it was quite high. I also spent a lot of time in the hallway at school because I was a disruptive pain in the ass. Impulse issues (not violent) like class clown type stuff. I was popular, was good at sports, and got good grades- had any of those things not been in my favor I likely would’ve been sent to an alternative high school due to disciplinary issues.
I managed to accidentally find many of the coping mechanisms they teach about by myself over the years: - EVERYTHING goes in the calendar - Everything has a place and ALWAYS goes there or it will not be found - I cannot over schedule my day, but I must have routines
After my formal diagnosis and months of therapy I reluctantly agreed to give a stimulant a try. I opted for one that is longer acting and takes longer to activate so as to avoid any “sped up” feelings.
It’s been amazing for me. We found the right dose fairly quickly, and I don’t even notice when it kicks in. Usually an hour or so after I take it.
It’s just like if a loud party was going on in your brain and you stepped outside and shut the door. All your competing thoughts quiet. I am so happy to have found it and it has allowed me to be more present and less internally anxious in most of life’s situations.
Could I live without it? Yep. I did for most of my life. Would it be as effect without all the work I did before? Maybe. I wouldn’t bet on it though.
My recommendation for anyone is basically this: the pills can do wonders but some day you won’t have them or can’t take them anymore. Make them the backup to the skills you’ll have for the rest of your life. Do the therapy, read the books, get the help. Then try the pill.