[peaceweb602]

Does anyone know of any ways to alleviate the symptoms of ADD? I can't concentrate at all. I'm constantly jumpy and I want to socialize. I can't sit still. Medications hurt my brain. I need something that will work for the long run. Does anyone know if acupuncture treatments and herbs could help? Is there an alternative to taking mainstream medications?
I'm a college student who needs to study. I can't afford to constantly small talk, the way I do, to replace studying because I need outer stimulation. My mind is weak. The stimulation that does on within my mind is just not enough. I crave outer stimulation. I need a stronger mind. What can I do to be interested in my thoughts? I'm not a boring person. I'm just mentally ill.
I feel if I was interested in thinking, I wouldn't need so much drama and outer stimulation. I don't get my mind. Am I lazy to think, scared to think... something about thinking that's troubling me? I need help.

[luna22]

Hi Peaceweb602,
I have never found a magic bullet for relieving ADD symptoms, however I have found several way to cope.
With studying I have trained myself to focus by setting a time limit. At first I would tell myself that I would give myself a reward if I focused for 5 minutes- then I upped it to 10 minutes. It depends on the subject- some of my classes I can focus without much trouble but others it is torture. My Social Services Organization class has the most boring book on the planet and I cant read it for more than a few minutes at a time.
Anyway if you practice focusing for short bursts it might help train your brain. Don't forget to reward yourself.

[Placeholder]

Meditation really helps. It is all about training your brain to sit still with itself. 10 minutes a day just sit somewhere quiet and focus on your breath (I don't go for mantras . Notice your thoughts coming in and then just let them go. The point isn't to not think, the point is not to get stuck in a thought. Timed writing also helps. Get all that clutter out of your head so you can focus.

One of the reasons I think acupuncture works is the meditative aspect of it. You have to lie still and be calm because you have needles in you I say go for it, it cannot hurt.

[skiinglab26]

I helped form my own accommodation plan in grad school. I was allowed to use my computer in class to take notes. Honestly I used it a lot to fidget. By being able to do this, I was better able to focus on the teacher and take better notes. The computer helped me focus.

Can you think of your strengths and how they may help you?

[sunrise]

If I'm listening to a lecture, I doodle. This helps me. When I'm taking a long test in class, I will make myself do 20 questions, then "reward" myself by taking a little break and drawing a doodle on the back of the test. Then another 20 questions, etc. At home, I set a timer for 15 minutes. When it goes off, it's like a reward. I made it! Then I let myself get up and walk down the hall or have a snack or put a load of laundry in the washer or whatever. If I don't need to take a little break, I don't. Then set the timer for 15 minutes and repeat. It's painful!!!

I also make little charts and check off boxes for each 15 minutes I spend studying or some other task, like cleaning off the floor and its stacks of papers in my bedroom. Checking off the boxes is like another reward. Then I can look back and see I actually spent time on this and I can't tell myself "you never do anything" because I can see from my chart I actually did do something.

It's a struggle. Hang in there.

[peaceweb602]

Originally Posted by sunrise

If I'm listening to a lecture, I doodle. This helps me. When I'm taking a long test in class, I will make myself do 20 questions, then "reward" myself by taking a little break and drawing a doodle on the back of the test. Then another 20 questions, etc. At home, I set a timer for 15 minutes. When it goes off, it's like a reward. I made it! Then I let myself get up and walk down the hall or have a snack or put a load of laundry in the washer or whatever. If I don't need to take a little break, I don't. Then set the timer for 15 minutes and repeat. It's painful!!!

I also make little charts and check off boxes for each 15 minutes I spend studying or some other task, like cleaning off the floor and its stacks of papers in my bedroom. Checking off the boxes is like another reward. Then I can look back and see I actually spent time on this and I can't tell myself "you never do anything" because I can see from my chart I actually did do something.

It's a struggle. Hang in there.

[quote=peaceweb602;2052013]Wow... ahhh... I have it soooo hard. I can't focus for even a minute... not sure if I'm emotionally disturbed... but still, can't concentrate... i'm super unproductive, it's so so so sad....

[Michimu]

Something I do which helps is to write notes,breaking up the lesson into managible sections. I highlight the important data. I also use a micro casset recorder to record the instructer's lesson,then play back to steady in house where I can sit somewhere quiet and listen. I hope this is of some help.