Hello I'm new here, ADHD and English learner

[Kuulove]

Hello. I'm new here, 54 years old female. I've been having depression and eating disorders, the symptoms are on and off long time. My career has got fired always, never success,so my self estimate is low. I jumped into a clinic to ask advice then found out I have ADHD.

I'm English learner who is level upper intermediate. The reason I write here is, I can be calm and logical in English because of language barriers. I haven't been realised I have ADHD because I've been in Australia for 20 years where the place can accept difference and unique characteristics. Lots of variety people were there, so that's why I could survive there. Now I'm in Japan, with my mother tongue,I'm very strange , useless , unemployed, hard to get new job.

I want to be strong to carry on my life. So please forgive my bad English and let me get knowledge of ADHD,and connect people who has similar difficulties. I start to take Atomoxetine that gives me vomit feelings,stomachaches. I feel my brain is little calmer and stopped blame myself,but not so dramatically change. I have been taking for a month so far. It can be better later? It seems the pill takes long time to start affect.

Anyway,sorry for random writing. Thank you very much for reading.

,

[AbinJohn]

I have read your post. Language is not the problem. Words mean nothing if you don't have the connection. Emotional Intelligence is a path you should explore. Try mindfulness and meditation. Most importantly, connect with people and professionals.

[mmb12497]

Hi there Kuulove!!! I'm a newbie too and I wanted to let you know how happy I am that you're here☺️

...and I wholeheartedly agree with AbinJohn - our level of efficiency with language doesn't matter one bit. What matters is that you're here and offered us a very transparent message. I guarantee that all of us who are reading your post can read through the lines (and fully understand what you mean).

I agree with AbinJohn too about exploring the art of emotional intelligence. A large part of my PhD studies involved emotional intelligence and I have all sorts of resources. I wish they had an attachment option here (unless they do have one and I can't figure it out?!) because I'd send you some good stuff.

There are also books available that provide specific topics for ESL learners. I believe there are some that are specific to topics like casual language, business communications, etc.

I can relate because I have an eating disorder, too. Mine isn't the typical kind - like anorexia or bulimia, but one where I can go days without eating if I'm under a lot of stress; and gag and/or throw up if I try to eat. If the Atomoxetine isn't getting any better, I'd suggest giving your doctor a call and ask about either increasing your dosage or adding/replacing another RX. I'm on so many RXs, I'm not sure which one it is that's helping me so much - but I managed to gain about 30 lbs over the past 6 months (my organs were beginning to shut, so I really had to figure out a way to eat).

Keep those messages coming because it's so very therapeutic! (I think they are). ...and keep us posted??🙏

[Hidden in reply to mmb12497]

Hi mmb12497. Thanks for your post. Atomoxitine is not a mainstream ADHD med. my husband was given that when he was in rehab for alcohol abuse, many adults diagnosed have substance abuse issues and treatment centers won’t give stimulants because they can be abused.

I’ve struggled with substance abuse issues since I was 19. After getting assessed for ADHD at 52, I started on meds and got a therapist. I take a combination of long acting and instant release Adderall and it keeps me focused all day at work. Well worth the time and trials of different meds. If you can take a stimulant, you’ll notice a difference immediately. Best.

[mmb12497 in reply to Hidden]

Oh, I didn't realize that - about Atomoxitine! Does it help at all with eating disorders? I am so happy to hear you are working with a good therapist (finding a good fit makes all the difference in the world). I appreciate and can relate to substance abuse issues, too. How is your husband doing after rehab?

I was diagnosed at 52, too! (last year). It was amazing for me that when I was diagnosed and prescribed Adderall and Vyvanse, that my ability to focus and relax really curbed the substance abuse issue. Did it work that way for you too? or are you still struggling with that too? It even seems to kind of address my eating disorder. Even though I usually need to be reminded to eat something, as soon as I started taking my RXs, I noticed it even made me hungry!! (when otherwise, it would never cross my mind to go eat something)

I thought that taking a stimulant would make me out-of-control hyper and I'd be bouncing off the walls. Boy, oh boy, was I wrong. Adderall is like the world's best sedative for me.

[Hidden in reply to mmb12497]

Sorry for the late reply. Many who are diagnosed later in life like us have other issues like anxiety and depression and self medicate with alcohol and drugs. I found that my anxiety was significantly decreased and mood was lifted after starting Adderall. I also take Lexapro for both depression and anxiety and it works well for me. That said, I had a regression in symptoms from complete overload and burnout at work and have been out on medical leave for the past month. I’m just starting to feel human again. I don’t know if you’re like me, but I always take things personally when my boss gives me negative feedback, which is how the company culture is. It can take me days to work through it when others may have blown it off. That led to drinking to handle the stress and I’m happy to say that I haven’t had a drink in over 3 years and don’t ever crave it. It can take years to find that magic formula of meds and therapy to get back on track.

[Hidden]

Hi Kuulove. Thanks. For your post. I just turned 55 and wasn’t diagnosed until is was 52. I was recruited to a new job after being in the same job for 28 years. My symptoms I started noticing around age 40. I used to have a great memory and now I can’t remember a conversation I had 30 seconds ago. That makes work difficult, especially learning a new product line. My executive function is impaired and taking on big projects are difficult if I don’t have someone to help me break down into smaller pieces. I see the whole project and don’t know where to start. Last, I procrastinate horribly.

I’ve been taking Adderall and it’s taken two years to get to the right dose and combination. The med you’re taking is not a stimulant and is marginal at best for ADHD. I don’t know how ADHD is treated in Japan, but if you can get your doctor to put you on a stimulant, you should see an immediate difference. Glad you’re here. Don’t be hard on yourself. Keep learning and I hope you have other med options available. All the best.