ADHD or something else?

[Chionophile]

Hi group. I started noticing lately (6-12 months ago) that I can go from 0-100 in a matter of minutes especially when triggered. 0 being mellow and 100 being rage. Maybe I’m just becoming a middle aged enraged woman lol but I wonder if it’s more and I need to get treatment for it. Anyone else in this boat? I’m 39 for reference.

[DollyBGirl]

yes it’s possible it could be some type of infection causing you to be this way. I’ve had adhd my entire life diagnosed as a teen and I’m dealing with a lot of health issues related to the nervous system now ever since getting Covid in 2020. Im in my early 30s. Got hormones checked a couple years ago due to this as well. I do also have Lyme disease - babesia and bartonella which we believe Covid flared up these tick issues that are now creating mood swings and fight or flight response. Could be something worth getting blood test over and seeing if anything comes up. It can be a slippery road though so I hope you get support if you need that. There is a lot of unknown these days by doctors regarding the nervous system+ brain.

[TakingControl4me]

The same thing has been happening to me over time, and I don't know why it gets triggered. As soon as it happens, it's like I'm having an out of body experience. It has cost me a lot of work and love over the years. It has been the worst part of this monster for me. "Hulk SMASH!"

I have been listening to a lot of guided meditations on YouTube mostly to help me manage my state of mind. Type in guided meditation for things like: overreacting / ADHD / self-control / anger. Be sure to be somewhere quiet where you won't be disturbed. I do these first thing in the morning and last thing at night.

I started repeating to myself throughout each day that "I am calm. Everything is fine. It's no big deal." I say these things to myself even when things don't upset me, so I can train myself to remain calm no matter what.

I'm sure I'd benefit from having an ADHD coach or seeing a therapist, which you may as well.

Good luck and never give up the fight!

[BLC89]

Hello Chionophile,

This sounds like an emotional regulation issue which is hugely connected to ADHD. Like TakingControl4Me said meditation is a great way to learn to create a calm base and increase your strength in bringing yourself back from the rage.

Celebrate each time you do bring yourself back, it is no small thing. And as you get more calm and feel more in control celebrate that too. Make a note of things that really set you off right now and put it on your calendar for 2 or 3 months from now. Then try meditating, even 5 minutes helps, as consistently as you can and you will see the change over the couple of months. You will get your note in January and look at the list of things that used to set you off and be amazed at how far you have come.

Secondly, ADHD medications often help with emotional regulation so you may find relief there, if you want to go that route.

One experience I had was with antihistamines. I started taking them for allergies and after a while I was having out of body experiences looking at this strange woman yelling at her kids, or getting frustrated with the garbage can. It was weird. So if you have started any new medications or supplements you may take a look at that.

I say meditation either way will be a benefit to your world and self view so I highly recommend that. You could also incorporate exercise and/or being in nature more, they are starting to write prescriptions for "walks in nature" - seriously.

Hang in there, keep learning, you will figure it out.

BLC89

[KentuckTD]

ADDitude has been publishing some stuff on perimenopause and ADHD lately, and I've been seeing this discussed in other places like ADDA and some speakers...maybe this is related since you said this behavior is new and you are 39 years old? (BTW, 39 is NOT middle-aged...otherwise I'm past middle-aged, and I refuse to accept that

There's a live webinar at ADDitude coming up on this subject, too. If you register for the webinar, they will send you a link to the replay the next day: additudemag.com/webinar/tal...

additudemag.com/add-and-men...

additudemag.com/menopause-h...

I've seen that Linda Roggli has been discussing this lately, too: add.org/tadd-talks-podcast/...

[Zilmita]

I would go to a neurologist to get tested to see if you do have some sort of neurological problem. Just to get that checked so you know if you're ok or not. It could be a mid life crisis. It could be anything really. Just go get a check up with a doctor just to get everything cleared up.

[Chionophile in reply to Zilmita]

Thank you for the insight- I had to chuckle at the mild life crisis! I think to be honest I’ve reached the age of I don’t give a toss about what people think and do not hold back if I see inexcusable behavior. But I’ll see a neurologist too because I also feel there are some other aspects I’d like to run by them

[Zilmita in reply to Chionophile]

You're so very welcome.

[Autonohme]

In my late 60s and am still working on managing anger. Was hard to accept that my ADHD package came with emotional disregulation. The suggestions here are very good, however meditation is difficult for me. I've learned some short techniques: Check out Box/Sniper breathing! The bottom line for me is that I feel things very deeply and can overreact. I've taken anger management classes and a therapist turned me onto Stoic philosophy, which I recommend. One of my first anger class lessons: When in Doubt, Walk out! It takes time, but you'll bring that 1-100 down, step by step.

[Chionophile in reply to Autonohme]

I cannot to meditation under any attempt and I have tried so many alternatives. My brain just gets itself on fire if I am sitting still and trying to direct traffic in my head

[Zilmita in reply to Autonohme]

Exercise does seem to help some. Walking, jogging, running, swimming, etc. Good idea.