Struggling

[Mille_5]

I have recently started really struggling with my ADHD. I have been pretty stable in my ADHD since I was diagnosed in the second grade (I am now 22 so it has been awhile). Recently I have felt a bit out of control and like my old strategies aren't working. I am not sure what to do or where to go and just feel lost and overwhelmed. Has anyone else experienced this or have suggestions?

[RenewedAt42]

Couple of questions- Are you under a doctors care? Do you take meds? If so, have you been on the same regimen for a long time, or had any recent med changes? Other factors that may shake up your strategies are big stressors and hormonal changes.

[Mille_5 in reply to RenewedAt42]

I am under a docs care. I do take meds. I have been on the same regimen since I was about 8 now 22 so a long time. I haven’t really been under a lot of pressure at least when it first started to get worse.

[RenewedAt42 in reply to Mille_5]

My best advice is to be open with your doctor and explain what is going on. Be sure to give good details so they have as much info as possible to help you. Even document times of day and situations that you are struggling with to give them the best info so that you don't rely on memory when discussing the issues. You mentioned below that you had some hard classes- this may have had more of an impact than you realize, especially if you are learning something new that didn't necessarily "click" immediately. It may be good to also review your diet and see if there are any changes you can make to reduce sugar and processed foods.

Do not hesitate to take plenti42day up on their coaching and support offer- we have all been there and may have some insight that can point you to a more focused place. I am also available if you have questions or just need to share your experiences. Best of wishes as you navigate moving forward through this rough patch.

[Hidden]

Hi Mille_5. There are so many possible answers to that question that I wouldn't know where to begin. That being said, yes, I've been there! So many of us have. As RenewedAt42 suggested, its important to keep clarity with your Medication Manager on these changes. Medication isn't always the issue, though. Can you think of an event or change that corresponded with your sense of lose of control? Send me a chat if you prefer to discuss this in a less public forum.

[Mille_5 in reply to Hidden]

I had some hard classes that caused me a lot of stress but that was the only thing that really happened. My life was pretty stable.

[Hidden in reply to Mille_5]

How can I support you, Mille_5? Would you like me to ask you some coaching questions, or would you prefer that I share my own personal experience, or something else?

[Mille_5 in reply to Hidden]

I would appreciate hearing about your experience. I am the only person in my family with ADHD and I don't know anyone who has it so I really have been figuring this out on my own.

[Hidden in reply to Mille_5]

Ok, cool. I've found that I can get 'knocked off balance" when I'm emotionally dysregulated. That usually occurs when I haven't been eating or sleeping my best (which can happen when I'm stressed or my schedule has been changed for some reason) and results in a magnification of my ADHD symptoms. A vicious cycle ensues where I start doubting my abilities and path because I'm struggling, which, when I believe my own doubts based on the "evidence" that I'm struggling, results in further dysregulation and more stress...etc. I get off the merry-go-round by being aware of how my sleeping, hydration and eating habits may have changed, and then I question my negative self-talk by asking myself if my difficulty in the task at hand is not a statement of who I am, but of what my habits are right now. That's my experience. I look for an underpinning physical issue or habitual pattern first, because there's usually one there for me. Then I try to be aware of what I've been saying to myself. I have an ADHD Coach who helps me process my thoughts and challenge my beliefs, and that's been very valuable. Reaching out to the 'tribe' as you have done can also be really powerful.