Everything the GP comment said is still worth considering. It’s just that you might need some assistance if you’re neurodivergent. Also remember that it’s a spectrum and to be kind to yourself.
ADHD is no joke, it can be extremely debilitating. I was force-fed medication throughout my childhood and couldn't stand the physical side effects, which opened the door for several abuse-related traumas.
Now that I'm approaching 30, I am considering getting back on medication. For the last 15 years, I've relied solely on caffeine and weed to medicate which is great for what it is, but just not enough, and sometimes counteractive to my goals.
I'm a bit over 40 and I'm in the process of starting meds again after stopping when I lost health insurance after college. I lost a couple relatives last year and it really drove home the point that I have limited time to live the life I want. I cannot patiently wait and hope good things will come.
Hey hey! As someone with ADHD who coped the same way for a similar time period and has been exploring medication for a little over a year, I would highly recommend trying again even if just for the sake of experimentation (a supportive health care provider helps a ton here).
I've found it to be a better trade-off that's helped me make a lot more progress in addressing the things that worsen my focus/follow-through/ability to take care of myself and help avoid counter-productive cycles of anxiety, depression, and short-term reward seeking behavior.
It's not perfect, there are still undesirable side-effects, and managing medication tolerance (without just endlessly bumping my dose) is something I've had to figure out on my own, but I definitely prefer the feeling of clarity to the fog.
I have recently experimented with vyvanse 30s, and it's been quite nice. As a child, before I became homeless at 15 and was finally able to stop taking medication, I was being pumped with vyvanse 70s, and it was hell.
I also highly recommend caffeine. I don't primarily get it from coffee or sugary drinks, but caffeine pills which allow me to precisely dose myself throughout the day and analyze the effectiveness. This has worked well for the last decade, but I still don't feel like it's effortless, and that's what I want.
Oof, 70mg is a lot, I can't imagine what that would be like, especially at a young age. Congrats on making it through, sorry that life threw that at you.
I typically stick to just a morning coffee, but I've never actually tried caffeine pills. I suppose if I'm dispensing advice on the benefits of experimentation I might have to look into them, thanks!
I am 11 years sober now. I used to self medicate with alcohol and drugs. It worked but it also stunted me in ways that I am only now reckoning with. There are a ton of options out there for you to try these days. I'd recommend discussing with a medical professional and see what your options are. :)
Regardless, if you are struggling with ADHD, I would recommend going on youtube and looking at videos by a guy named Russell Barkley. He's got a bunch and wow did I feel seen after watching a few of them.
I appreciate that, I'll look at some of his videos later. I consider myself highly functioning, despite an extremely debilitating case of ADHD, thanks to strong coping mechanisms. But I just am mostly tired of feeling overwhelmed while working through my task list. I'd like it to just be easier, the cognitive load is too much these days.
I've been prescribed just about any ADHD medication you can think of, but they all pale in comparison to solid coping mechanisms. I know my options are basically adderall or vyvanse, and I know how I react to them.
Caffeine is a decent substitute most days. What it comes down to is my aversion to the physical response of amphetamine, as well as the long-term implications of blasting my brain with speed every day. I haven't had any drug problems, I take a rational, knowledge-driven approach to the disorder. But I want to feel like I'm at 130%, not 80%. I'll probably return to vyvanse, just much lower doses than I used to be prescribed, and see how that shakes out.
It's hard for people without this disorder to really appreciate the implications. I just lost a best friend last year over his toxic behavior and insensitivity around what he believes is a made-up disease, despite overwhelming evidence for a genetic explanation involving reduced dopamine uptake.
Dude that sucks on your friend. I feel you. I’ve lost a lot of people for the same reason. It’s hard for people to accept that it’s not a moral failing. All I can say is that the ones who really matter will try to meet you halfway.
I too am high functioning and have a system that mostly works for keeping food on the table and the lights on. Professionally I’m doing great in fact. That said, a lot of personal stuff has fallen through the cracks and continues to. Hence the meds. I’m also working with a psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD and it’s been really helpful. Highly recommend.
Everything the GP comment said is still worth considering. It’s just that you might need some assistance if you’re neurodivergent. Also remember that it’s a spectrum and to be kind to yourself.