Fight or flight

[breathewme]

Hello everyone,

I was recently put on propanolol to help with my anxiety. I initially went to see my psychiatrist for my ADHD but she shared with me that my anxiety- my "fight or flight " was so high up that she thought it would be good to stabilize me before focusing on the ADHD. Has anyone else experienced this with their doctor? I am incredibly grateful she did that as I am not having as many anxiety attacks throughout my day and finally not running away during difficult conversations but still managing to interrupt others in convo

[BLC89]

He'll breathewme,Anxiety is often coexisting with ADHD and Dr Hallowell (drhallowell.com, ADHD expert for 40+years) strongly encourages treating ADHD first because it is fuel on the fire of Anxiety.

If you can understand and start to accept that you are wired differently, approach social situations differently, and can have difficulty regulating your emotions, then when those come up you are less anxious about it.

As you learn that many past behaviors and reactions are due to how you are wired and not character flaws it is easier to be kind to yourself and that can reduce Anxiety.

My suggestion would be to move on to treating, and getting support for your ADHD now. You have the anti-anxiety meds, don't wait get started with ADHD treatment, possibly meds, coaching or counseling for sure and really see some big shifts.

Congrats on taking care of yourself and asking this great question you are on the right track and headed for better days.

BLC89

Full disclosure: I am an ADHD Parent Coach. I have been married to ADHD for nearly 30 years and raised two kids who have ADHD. I am CCSP certified. Find out more at bluelakecoaching.com

[breathewme in reply to BLC89]

Thank you for your reply! I 100% agree with you about getting the help right now. I am actually going to meet with a psychologist who focuses on ADHD later this evening!

[BLC89 in reply to breathewme]

Yay! Good job talking care of yourself

[designs1960]

the chicken or the egg. I think it’s 25-30 yrs I have been trying to get “ normal.” I think the skills we had to develop from adhd contribute to anxiety. And the symptoms are similar. I’m on snri, 1 month. Not having fun.

[FindingTheAnswers in reply to designs1960]

"I think the skills we had to develop from adhd contribute to anxiety." YES!!

FYI, my family STILL has no desire to improve or try to get closer to 'Normal' or less dysfunctional. And I still struggle with it.

[FindingTheAnswers]

Hi. Here's my experience to your situation. No, I never had a Dr use this route. However!!

For me, Adderall is often 1 of the best anti-anxiety and even anti-depressant I've found-until it wears off. And then the anxiety/dep slowly creeps back in.

And when my anxiety is really high, like what you've described, Adderall does not work. In fact for me, it makes my anxiety even worse. So I have to stop taking it for a while. Taking a smaller doses won't improve things either. I have to wait for the anxiety (Stress) to come down.

So from my experience, I'd agree with the way your Dr handled this.

Please let me know after a month or 2 how this is working out for you (I know 2 months in Hell is a long time, but often it takes time to get everything worked out) and any changes your Dr makes. It sounds like propanolol is a winner for you and this situation. I don't see my Dr for another 2 months, but if you keep having good results, I'll ask my Dr about propanolol for me.

Peace to you (esp peace of mind!)

(I mean no offense or disrespect to other opinions. This is just my experience. Whatever works for each of us is the best way).

[breathewme in reply to FindingTheAnswers]

Hi Findingtheanswers,

I want to thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I was a bit shocked at first when my doctor wanted to focus on my anxiety but have come to understand why she did that as my anxiety has contributed to me feeling off. My ADHD is a big part of it but also other outside things I can not control. While my ADHD is not the main focus at the moment and I am unable to focus, and accomplish what I desire I know we are going to find a solution for the adhd the next time we meet. Many blessings to you!