51 year old Female ready for change.

[Phoenix415]

I was diagnosed at 29. Took meds with no other support for 2 years. Decided i wasn't comfortable taking stimulants and took myself off them.

I thought I could make my adhd better by treating my thyroid & adrenals. I worked on this as well as lots of supplements, acupuncture, keto diet, exercise and at the end of the day or decade I resigned to the fact that this condition was more insidious then I wanted to believe.

I have been suffering silently for years believing I could bio hack my way out of this. I used THC for years as a replacement for meds. Lots of caffeine.

The last 10 years have been particularly a struggle as I became a mom at 42. Extreme fatigue and absolutely no consistency to my focus, motivation or energy. I didn't understand that fatigue was part of the adhd. I am inattentive type. I didn't understand how this condition creeps into all areas of one's life.

Last year I barely worked as I could no longer focus. If it wasn't for my husband I wouldn't be able to support myself financially. I drove up credit cards and have so many days where I accomplish very little workwise. I work for myself.

I don't take breaks because I haven't been productive so keep spinning then pick up my daughter feeling exhausted and defeated. This cycle has been going on for years.

I've been on meds now for 2 weeks. Feel like life is opening up for me. I have a chance to be productive. I take breaks because I am actually being productive and need a break. I am meditating. It's a start.

[forgetsalot]

Good for you for seeking treatment/medication. I just listened to a YouTube by a woman that has an ADHD TED talk and she talked about the stigma around taking stimulants. I am so sorry you suffered for so long. When my doc. suggested stimulants I said "but I have a history of addiction" and he said for people with ADHD, the medication helps - it doesn't get you high like does for people who do not have ADHD (neurotypical). I am starting to see benefits from taking it but it's the whole picture: skills, therapy, exercise, sleep, diet, etc. I am not going to just rely on the meds!! Good luck and again, good for you for being honest and vulnerable. Here's the talk: youtube.com/watch?v=38qpm6V...(Not working as expected?)

[Phoenix415 in reply to forgetsalot]

Thanks so much for your thoughtful reply. I have been watching her videos. They are great and really validating. Also I totally agree with the holistic approach and I am ready, willing and able to implement pillars of support.

[Rodster]

I know how you feel. I tried everything I could to not take medication and suffered. I just recently came to the same conclusion that you did. I freakin hate having to rely on medication

[forgetsalot in reply to Rodster]

Thanks for sharing your perspective. Can you explain why you "hate relying on medication?"

[Rodster in reply to forgetsalot]

The medication is the new me. The old me is without the medication. I feel like I will never see the real me again. Plus I have to admit I am powerless against adhd and I don’t want to admit it. I’m also scared to have to rely on something for the rest of my life. It just scares me.

[forgetsalot]

Gotcha. I totally hear that. I feel that way about my antidepressants. It would be nice to not have these issues and not be reliant on meds. I really appreciate you sharing. And I'm sorry you struggle with this. Please know you are not alone.