Advice

[Lolegisi1993]

I had an experience recently that has left me with what feels like a very difficult decision. I’ve had people telling me for years that I should get diagnosed again for my ADHD so that I can get some medication. I’ve been very resistant to it for a long time. I guess I was just concerned about the side effects that it would have. Recently I asked a friend with a similar condition if I could try what he takes. I only asked for one pill because I wasn’t trying to self medicate. I just wanted an idea of what it would feel like. That day was probably one of the greatest days I have had in years. I didn’t even realize how bad I was feeling all the time because I was so used to it. The medicine wasn’t supposed to be for depression, but the contrast made it obvious to me really quickly that it’s a real problem. I find myself terrified by the thought of needing that medicine, but also terrified by the thought of never feeling that way again. I have been wishing I was dead on and off for such a long time. In summary, I am afraid of the very strong urge to have it again, but also afraid of not having it again. I don’t know if this is a good place for this, but I don’t know who else I can ask.

[hypercat54]

Hi and welcome to the site. A dilemma,

My view if you had a physical illness and meds made it more manageable then you wouldn't hesitate to use them would you?

I wonder if some of your reluctance is due to thinking that its not serious as its only 'in the mind' and its better to be strong and try and overcome it yourself. Ie its a sign of weakness if you can't so 'man up'. An ego thing?

That's my view anyway so take it or leave it as only you can decide what to do. I hope this helps a bit. Take care.

[STEM_Dad]

Hi, and welcome to the community!

I have ADHD. In fact, I was in my way to the Adult ADHD forum on this site when I saw your post. You are welcome to join that forum, as well, if you like. (healthunlocked.com/adult-adhd)

People with ADHD are more likely to have anxiety or depression than people who don't have ADHD. Undiagnosed ADHD, or diagnosed but untreated ADHD, can make anxiety or depression even more likely and potentially more severe.

While taking someone else's prescription is unadvisable, your experience does sound like the experience that many of us with ADHD experience when we start on a medication that is effective for us. (Individual response will vary, based on sensitivity to a medication and dosage.)

Now that you've had this experience, I highly recommend that you pursue a formal evaluation.

For your own sake, take a look at the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, and think about how you've had struggles and experiences like these in your life. (Some doctors are sticklers for knowing about childhood struggles with ADHD traits. Not everyone remembers those experiences as well...but even if you did well in K-12 school like I did, you still would have had the traits.

chadd.org/for-adults/diagno...

[gajh]

Hello and Welcome. I would definitely encourage you to see a psychiatrist. See what they recommend for you. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking prescribed medication. It is important that it is prescribed for you though.