Seeking Support for ADHD, GAD, and Dysgraphia

[Liber]

Dear Community,I am writing this message as someone from Brazil facing Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and dysgraphia. In Brazil, support for these conditions is not as extensive or specialized as it is in the United States, leading me to seek help internationally.I face these conditions daily, and finding effective management strategies and understanding has been challenging up to this point. The reality of ableism in our society makes it even more difficult to cope with these barriers, adding to the feeling of isolation.I am seeking support, guidance, and resources that may be available within your community. I understand the importance of a support network and hope that with the right help, I can find new ways to manage my conditions.Any information about support groups, educational resources, or referrals to specialists would be immensely valuable to me. I thank you in advance for any assistance you can offer and for the understanding and empathy your community represents.

Sincerely

[Mamamichl]

I have adhd and anxiety. Apps like “calm” and “loóna” have meditations. Also, youtube has meditations online. I do several of those throughout the day, and sometimes listen to slow ambient music to distract me from my anxieties. CHADD and ADDitude magazine have good articles that you could use.

There is definitely a stigma here for ableism here in the USA unfortunately. I tried to have an investigation towards my previous employer and it went nowhere. Some states are more accepting than others though. This forum is my favorite support group, to be honest.

[Liber in reply to Mamamichl]

Thank you for the tips and guidance; I'll look into it. I am sorry about your experience with your former employer. Ableism is very prevalent here in Brazil, and the prejudice is so strong that often it's better to avoid mentioning it.

Regarding treatment, there are many doctors in Brazil who do not recognize ADHD, and even among those who do, many don't know how to treat it properly. We are forced to fend for ourselves and seek solutions on our own. This group will be a great support.

[Mamamichl in reply to Liber]

Many doctors out here don’t know what to do. We are often given 5+different medications over several years to find out that there’s a genetic test (not covered by Insurance). We have to advocate many times with docs to get a hold of a psychiatrist who is more likely knowing what to do. What frustrates me the most is doctors are afraid to say they don’t know and send you to someone who does. They try to research the same as we do and guess medications. They are told what to do too much by insurance companies too.

[Liber in reply to Mamamichl]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. I really understand and share the same frustration. The whole process seems like an endless marathon.

I haven't done any genetic testing yet, but as they say, life is one step at a time, or in this case, one treatment at a time! And remember, sometimes the best therapy is a smile—even if it's after reading a handwritten medical prescription... who can understand that handwriting?

[Mamamichl in reply to Liber]

Joking of course: I’m sure pharmacists need a special class in reading doctors notes 🤣

[Liber in reply to Mamamichl]

Someone told me, and I can't confirm, that pharmacists are secretly training in Egyptian hieroglyphs... 😂 A little humor is good for everyone.