[sunflower55]

Let's share some of our tips for dealing with our condition here. I've recently been diagnosed with ADHD. I've been given medication, and I'm in counseling for it, to help me cope with the condition. Thus far, we've talked about simple techniques to help me manage my time.

I use my planner to go over my bills twice a month to stay on top of them.

I use my planner to write down upcoming appointments. (I already did that anyway.)

I use my planner to remember to take food out of the freezer for dinner and to exercise.

So, what tips do you use that help you at home, work, for finances, for organazation and so on?

Sharing our ideas on how to manage this condition can be very helpful for each of us to support each other in a concrete way. I hope we can all share one or two tips, (or more), that we've learned so others can find our way to a more organized and serene way of life.

Peace!

[sunflower55]

Well, I've got a problem, and I'd like some help, if any of you can.....
I am going to be subbing again, after over 20 years teaching full time.
The new superintendent is "reorganizing" the school system. I could have, and was in the process of applying for a new position that he created - a departmental teacher leader. But, between condition, which I didn't even know for sure I had yet, but, was pretty sure; just not diagnosed, and certainly not treated for yet, interferred. On top of that, I was very sick, physically this past summer, when I was supposed to apply. I spent a day in the hospital, and got many medical tests throughout the summer. I've finally got meds that are controlling the pain, but, we don't know what's wrong yet. So, I couldn't apply. Long story short, I lost my position and I'm now back to being a sub. And I'm heartsick over it.

I have always known that I need structure in my life. This being a sub means I'll be getting a phone call at 6:30 am and I'll be told where I'm going and what I'll be "teaching" each day of the week. There will be no structure at all.

My anxiety is rising just thinking about it. It's been years since I've been a sub. And just take a minute, and remember what YOU used to do when you had a sub in high school! And I teach in the inner city!

So, can anyone give me any suggestions that you may have as to how to deal with this situation? I don't mean as far as teaching goes. I have my little book of tricks for when a teacher doesn't leave a lesson plan. I'm talking about how to handle not having any structure at all for the rest of the year? The very thought of it is mind boggling!

Peace!

[Moreta]

I have a whole data base where I keep track of everything from my cash flow, monthly budget, bills, medications, weight, miles walked/day, personal loans, appointments, and notes....the only problem is that I can NEVER seem to actually put the data in and check it!!!!

I also try to keep a daily log, but that hardly works out either.....!

Here's a living with ADHD question: How does one control the number of thoughts in your head? I'm having a really hard time at this right now. I take 15mg of dexedrine 3 x's a day which was working until I had my breakdown the week before last.

Originally Posted by sunflower55

Let's share some of our tips for dealing with our condition here. I've recently been diagnosed with ADHD. I've been given medication, and I'm in counseling for it, to help me cope with the condition. Thus far, we've talked about simple techniques to help me manage my time.

Hi Sun,

I so sorry about loosing your position.

Its these kinds of losses from our difficuliets in
focusing , organizing , stay on track ,and keep intrested in our work or having to much or into everything . and our learning /studie needs ,

that finally get us to seek some help.

Ive been trying to get medical help but cannot .I don;t have the money to get it privately which is my only option .

Im stuck stale mate check mate what ever you want to call it.

I resist structure period . its not in my nature to be ridgid ,

so I have to learn to accept this first of all .

I have a very difficult time simplifying which makes sense that would help me .

If I start out the day by actaully writting a list of random things that pop into my mind about a variety of areas of taks thaneed to be done and things Id like to do thats a great start for me .

I dont worry about prioritizing for right now writting it down helps me to remember period.

the thought of an organizer Pd or any hand held device puts my mind in shut down mode .

That you can teach I find miraculous. I could not do that. I have to many mind blocks where I cannot retrieve names of things . I can see images in my mind just can't find the name for it. I would be in front of a class and have to ask them to help me find the name for what Im seeing so I could teach them.

I have always known this. I applied long ago to be a sub and never folowed through with the application process.

One of the positive things about going to other schools and different classes is the variety. Thats works well for those with ADHD. yet it is alot to keep track of .
just tryin to put the positve out there for your situation . I find how one looks at ones situation helps one feel netter about it . Maybe your new position will be a God send .

I have always needed to work two jobs .and at least one of them had to be outside.

Nature is not ridgid so My job demands flexibility . we are a match..and I love the unrigidity and freedom it demands.



Patricia

[Moreta]

I started a new excel workbook last night to keep track of expenses and to budget cash flows. I still need to work on it a bit more, but if anyone would like for me to send them the final product let me know. I can customize it for your individual expenses or make it general. Just let me know.

[Junerain]

I know coming to PC each day helps me meet my emotional needs...then I can tackle the practical needs after my emotions are expressed/empathetically felt

[sneschalmers]

for a nice visual timer go to www.timetimer.com it shows you visually how much time is left before it goes off

have a morning routine that you do in the same order every day

cleaning tips:
1. put all dirty clothes in a hamper
2. put all books on shelves
3. put all school/work stuff in a briefcase/backpack
4. put clean clothes in a dresser or closet
5. put shoes on the closet floor
6. pick up all the trash first
7. make the bed
8. install hooks on the back of your door or your closet to hang your jackets

if someone makes you angry....leave the situation so that it doesn't get a chance to escalate

(i got these ideas from some books on adhd)

[katrinas]

Flylady.net A big calendar on fridge that family knows to check everyday and to write down events they plan to do. We all have our own color. Mine has been red for most of my life. my dh is green. dd17 blue, dd13 is orange or purple. family events are black. I live by that calendar. Everyone that knows me will remind me to put their event on my calendar. If it is not on there its like it doesnt exist. My memory is almost nonexistant at this point.