So I'm pretty shocked to be on this page. For years I have battled anxiety, depression, impulsivity, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. I've been to 5+ counselors and 4 GPs, and no one could really get to the bottom of what was going on with me. I got married two years ago, and had a son under a year ago. My new responsibilities as a wife and mother really sent my anger/emotional-control issues over the edge, so I decided to go to a psychiatrist. Boy, was my mind blown when he said he was fairly certain I had ADHD. I had self-diagnosed myself with dozens of things (because no one else would) but that definitely wasn't one of them. But as I looked back on my childhood, teenage, and college years things started to fall into place and make sense. Like how I would cry every night in elementary school over homework, and how my college days were filled with alcohol, sex, drugs, tattoos, piercings, and other risky behaviors.
He put me on 10mg of adderall, twice a day for 15 days. Then I up the dose another 15 days. My mind is blown with how, well, quiet my brain is. I can relax. I don't feel tension in my body anymore, and it feels like I'm full of endorphines. I've only ever felt like this when I used to distance run and cycle.
I guess I'm looking for other people who have been recently diagnosed, and how you dealt with the shock and taking medication. I am nervous about the meds, but I feel so much better. Have you told anyone in your family or friend circles? It's so stigmatized, I'm not planning on telling anyone other than my closest girl friend. I don't know anyone else with ADHD, so I really need some support. Thanks, guys! <3
Hi ADHDmom! I’m pretty new to the tribe as well. I was diagnosed in January.
I don’t think I had as hard of a time as you. My problem was I am too good at looking like I’m okay (aside from time-management problems and failing out of college twice). If I told my parents that I was diagnosed and on medication, I don’t think they would respond well. If I tell them at all, it will be after I graduate and have a relatively stable career/life.
My sister knows, and I have a brother and sister-in-law who would understand if I told them. If you can think of any family who might support you with it, it definitely helps. But I also understand having family who wouldn’t “get” it, even if you’re close to them in other ways.
Thank you for the response! Unfortunately, my family definitely wouldn't "get it". I'm trying to come at it from the place of, "This isn't WHO I AM" so it's not really imperative that they know. But it still is kind of a lonely place to be in because of the stigma.