Trying to Figure Out My ADD

[Hackdaddy]

I was on Ritalin and Focalin last year. Even though it was one of the toughest years of my life, I had the most success in my career to date.

However, this year I tried an all natural diet and went vegetarian. I also added exercise to my daily activities.

Well, things seemed to be going okay, but then I got involved in a relationship and stopped exercising. When the relationship broke up a few months later, I was doubly hurt because I had divorced in 2004.

I started to eat meat again just recently because I was feeling weak and I was wondering if I was getting enough protein.

When I got depressed my ADD became worse and worse. They both kind of fed on each other.

A relative suggested that I go back on Ritalin again so I went back to my doctor. (It doesn’t speed me up, it just makes me focus. I can take a pill and then fall asleep.)

It has been 12 days now and I am more focused than I have been in months. I have a new job and I’m starting to date someone new.

I think the clean diet really helps, but, for me, I can’t seemed to get very organized without Ritalin. Without I seem to move laterally through life on whatever random tangent comes along. When the depression came along, I couldn’t shake it without the extra push from Ritalin.

I’m little upset that I need a performance enhancing drug, but I work in high technology and I can only get so far without the extra assistance. I do feel guilty about using a drug, and that is why I try the diet and exercise option.

All in all, I think I have proven some things about my nature and what makes me tick. However, I am a little confused about the two me’s that exist now: off medication and on medication. Which one is me? And what do I do now for the future?

I guess I should probably get an ADD coach. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Thanks.

 

[whitestar]

There are sites for adults with ADD...do a search...they have message boards too. I suppose it wouldn't hurt me to join one either since I also have ADD. I don't see ADD as being any different then having something like high blood pressure where you need the medication for your heart to work right. People on meds for high blood pressure also feel differently too you know.. they feel better and have more engery. When they stop taking it, they have less engery and I image feel bad which can lead to depression too. So its not really 'two you's'...

Its a medical condition that you have no control over on your own. I don't see that you need to feel guilty about taking the medication at all. I tried ritlain once and it made me shake so badly I had to quit taking it... What works for one doesn't for another one. At any rate, hang in there and don't be so hard on yourself.

God bless
Whitestar

 

[smooze]

i use medicinal medicines for anxiety it really helps.

 

[LetGo]

I agree with WhiteStar. It is just a disorder like diabetes. You probably would not feel guilty for taking insulin to control your diabetes, so why feel guilty about taking a medication to normalize the neurotransmitters in your brain that have a deficeit. Depression quite normally comes along with ADHD. In fact, uncontrolled ADHD can cause depression. Alot of doctors can manage symptoms of depression, just by treating the ADHD. For ADHD people, uncontrolled or undercontrolled ADHD can lead to marriage problems, job loss, scattered driving record, tobacco/alcohol use, ect... Wouldn't those thing cause you to be depressed? Effectivelly controlling your ADHD symptoms can alleviate some of the depression symptoms. One other thought. I would inquire to your doctor about an extended release medication, or once a day dosing, that lasts all day. Taking short acting meds like Ritalin or Focalin, wear off qucikly, causing rebound, which may be moodiness, emotional lability (sadness, ect) or feeling bad. Ritalin is available in long acting forms such as Focalin XR, Ritalin LA, or Concerta. And other good meds such as Adderall XR exist. If you forget to take your second dose of the short acting, symptoms come back, and may evolve as depression, ect..... All day control would be a help I would think. Just some random thoughts.......

 

[rose4u2]

do whats best for you hackdaddy and don't listen to anyone but God and your doctor they will lead the way! best of luck and God bless you


p.s. don't feel guilty about taking a focus pill, people drink coffee and caffeine is just as worse! chin up and soldier on your doing fine!