My Introduction

[ShepherdSalamanca]

Hi everyone! Just before I began college in 2020, I took a standard ADHD test and tested positive for ADHD. Since then, I have had an extremely difficult time dealing with my ADHD symptoms, and they have affected nearly every aspect of my life. Due to this, I had to retire my athletic career, have struggled immensely in academics, have been diagnosed with moderate depression and anxiety, and the list could go on. I have been put on countless trial medications, whether it be Adderall or non-stimulant ADHD medicine, and all of which seemed not to help me. I get so frustrated with completing tasks that I am not interested in, and it is having a major impact on my life.

I decided to join this community in hopes to find potential solutions to my ADHD symptoms, but to be frank, I have lost a lot of hope. I am tired of speaking to practitioners and specialists, all of which seem to reach a dead end. Perhaps by talking to people who share similar stories as me can help me find a solution to this painful process. My goals are to graduate college on time, get back into fitness, improve my eating habits, quit nicotine, and live a more productive and organized day-to-day life.

I plan to write another post that outlines the medications I have been prescribed for ADHD and depression, as well as my main ADHD symptoms, and the problematic side effects from the medications I took. If you have any expertise or advice regarding medication, please look for my upcoming post.

I apologize for being so negative, and I wish I could spread some positivity here.

[LisethHIS]

Hello ShepherdSalamanca,

Thank you for contacting CHADD National Resource Center on ADHD. No need to apologize, things can be very frustrating when you don't seem to find a solution or answer to why things are going on or things are not working. We would recommend that you consider ADHD coaching. Here are some links you can read about it and look for someone if you are interested. adhdcoaches.org/ chadd.org/professional-dire... chadd.org/adhd-news/adhd-ne...

We have CHADD support group chadd.org/affiliate-locator/ if there not one in your area you can join another in a different state. Perhaps going to therapy would be helpful as well. Here is the link to find one if you are interested apa.org/ you can address your depression/anxiety as well.

If you have further questions, please let us know. We are here to help!

Liseth

Health Information Specialist

CHADD’s National Resource Center on ADHD chadd.org

[N8-The-SK8]

Before I say anything else, your deciding to be vulnerable about your experiences here is a big deal and you should be proud of yourself for trying to find connection/ relatability.

I say that because it can be so easy to self-isolate when dealing with the extremes of what ADHD can be and how it can feel so alienating makes it that much more difficult for many of us to put ourselves out there.

Without wanting to overwhelm you with tidbits of information that have been helpful for me on my journey, I'll just say that maybe one of the most useful things I've learned for myself is to take it easier on myself.

Try to remember, a lot of what is valued in present day society is ultimately not designed for brains like ours. As a result there are many things we have to work way harder at than other people just to simply keep being alive.

So if it's taking you longer to do or get started with something, whether it's school, athletics or otherwise, remember, this is YOUR timeline, no one else's.

Thanks for choosing to share, you're not alone my friend

[Dwash]

Hi there

It is great that you have been diagnosed and are working toward figuring out how to deal. I can share my experience in that I have to be very organized with my school . I write everything down in a calendar and I also have it in my phone calendar with reminders and notifications set to help me remember things. If I get stressed I tend to forget appointments and more.

Like you I can get anxious and depressed,

I feel overwhelmed easily. This has taught me to not overload myself with tasks and commitments. ADHD coaching and CBT therapy have been very helpful.

I hope you try out all the resources available at University for ADHD.

Take care