[gadget122868]

Hello All,
I am new here so forgive me if I don't say things in the right way or use the right terminology..but I used to being misunderstood...Sometimes, I think I speak a different language than everyone else and that is why I get in so much trouble.
I've read some articles lately that had me thinking I could possibly have ADD...I'm 62 years old and have been struggling with some of these problems on and off most of my remembered life...more on than off.
I'm also the Adult Child of a Deceased Alcholic Father and Co-Dependent Mom...I been married to a man for 40 years who I love but 10 years ago found out some of the dysfunction in my family wasn't all me when I discovered he was addicted to pornography, strippers and sex and probably more that he hasn't admitted to me yet, mayber never will. He is in a 12 step program for the last 4 years and really trying to work it and help others...Trust with me may not be fully restored yet as my mind tends to lead me to catastrophic thoughts all the time. Prayer really helps me, but I cannot be with hands folded and on my knees 24/7.
I want to know resources, and helps to get me organized in my thoughts, daily routine life, with my relationships, and possibly back to work...

The day goes by and here I sit, guilty and dreading my husband coming home and finding me like this...I am creative...a decent watercolor painter, drawer and anything to do with the arts inspires me...I love nature and animals... I have raised to daughters, sent them to college, held down jobs when I had to, had friends. belonged to groups, church. I believe I am a good Grandma, but have trouble relating to my married Daughter and her Husband...recent problems there that seem to take up a lot, way to much, of my mind. Try to say "This too will pass", helps, but not for long. Does this sound familiar...I refuse to take drugs...was on Paxil for 8 years and it make me like cardboard...no feelings or sense of self whatsoever...Anything natural out there helped anyone else? So grateful for any help you can offer me....Have to kind of putter now and at least look like I tried to do something today. Guilt, it kills ya know.
Thank you

[Simcha]

Originally Posted by gadget122868

.I refuse to take drugs...was on Paxil for 8 years and it make me like cardboard...no feelings or sense of self whatsoever...Anything natural out there helped anyone else? So grateful for any help you can offer me....Have to kind of putter now and at least look like I tried to do something today. Guilt, it kills ya know.
Thank you

Hi, welcome((((gadget))))

I have to ask first if you've been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (or Dysthymic Disorder), or any other mental health issues? I ask because you were on Paxil, which is an antidepressant.

That said I understand your concerns about taking any new psych. meds, but I guarantee you that medication for ADHD is COMPLETELY different than antidepressants. Of course, medication is a good start, but it's only half the equation, but most ADHD people on meds. are able to work on the other ADHD issues for the first time only because the meds. make them see clearly what they didn't even notice before.

However, counseling with a therapist trained and knowledgeable in adult ADHD is something I highly recommend for everyone who is an adult with ADHD. It's a lot more complicated than the stereotype portrays it to be.
First of all though, you must get a proper mental health diagnosis, and for this I would also recommend a therapist who is knowledgeable and has experience in assessing/treating ADHD in adults (which is different than ADHD in kids). You need to rule out other disorders and also get comorbidities addressed (if any).

If the therapist finds that you do have ADHD, you should talk to him about medication and decide if it's a good idea to give stimulants or Straterra (non-stimulant for ADHD) a try. The therapist can write a referral to a Pdoc or to your GP who can then prescribe. I highly recommend medication trials for those who are sketchy about trying meds. for the first time, just so they have a basis for comparison if nothing else. They don't work like antidepressants and don't last long in your system. There is also no build up required like with antidepressants.

I don't know what state you are in (you are in the US, right), but this website link http://www.asppb.net/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3395 is to the Assc. of State and Provincial Licensing Boards, and more specifically this is the page with the links for all the official psychology boards for states/provinces. Find your state and go to it to get a list and info. on all psychologists in your area. Then, call them up, ask them if they have experience in diagnosing/treating adult ADHD and if they say nope, see if they can give you a referral to someone who does.


Let us know how it goes and if it works out for you.