[kpierce1992]

So I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 18 after my first year in college. Does anyone else have experience or tips on how to adapt. It's been a few years, but I still feel like I have a lot to learn.

[addcolin]

Originally Posted by kpierce1992

So I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 18 after my first year in college. Does anyone else have experience or tips on how to adapt. It's been a few years, but I still feel like I have a lot to learn.

Hi kpierce1992

In mho, It's never too late (or early) to get diagnosed... I only went to the P a year ago for depression from not coping in this 'strange way of thinking world' to see what on earth the matter was; me or 'it', only to discover this wide world of ad[h]d! - at the grand old age of 54.

Well, wonderful to finally realize the 'reality' of the situation - not only me against the world, but a whole bunch of 'us' living such realities!

So, I feel I'm now on an amazing adventure of self discovery - with CBT help from P doc, I see now connections of thinking all sorts of things - and then subconsciously acting out, conflicting frustratingly with the task at hand... etc.

A great self-learning curve!

Good Luck on your journey!

[Arwen_78]

I was diagnosed when I was at least 7 years old and I've just finally come to terms with it at 34.

As a teen I doubt I understood what my real problems were. I just blocked it out and moved on as fast as I could. Then spent my twenties telling myself that I wasn't ADD and that it was just normal problems. Now I'm back visiting a Psychiatrist to be medicated but with more of a background of who I am not medicated.

I needed to go through that. My mom taught me social skills and not how to deal with my ADD. Plus, I went through my teens just dealing with everyday problems from day to day.

I think we all have a lot to learn period. I'm actually reading self-help books. If you want any good titles I have at least one. Just ask and I'll give you the title(s).

Good luck and you're be alright. Some of the most successful people could be or are also ADD/ADHD. Just stay proactive about where you want to go and stay positive.

[wisedude]

Do a search for ADHD and Executive Functioning on you tube, watch any videos made by professor Russel Barkley. They are EXCEPTIONAL.

[mrtoni]

Hello!

I believe I have ADD/ADHD, and I am now almost 21. I am just wondering, did you exhibit symptoms as a child?

[kpierce1992]

I did have some symptoms as a child but I was also in the gifted program so people thought I was just bored.

[yellowfrog268]

I was re-diagnosed at age 41. Parents knew about it as a kid but withheld treatment.

I'm learning that routines and consistency are key. On those days that are a bit chaotic, I insist on taking some time out for myself, even if it's just 1/2 hour. Also, proper nutrition does make a big difference for me. I've incorporated a lot more fruits and vegetables in my diet and I take a multi vitamin. Finally, sleep is key. I've never had difficulty falling asleep but getting enough of it is a challenge. My daughter has ADD inattentive type and she struggles with falling and staying asleep. We are using a product called Rescue Remedy. Along with this, we are doing things like employing a bed time routine. The lights in her room get lowered 1/2 hour prior to bed time, no multi tasking, she takes a hot shower, and no more to eat at least 2 hours before bed, especially sugary treats. It's not a cure-all but it does help.

[Hope-Full]

I was diagnosed in my third year of university, and it was a shock. I never realized what it was like to sit in class and actually be able to focus on what the professor was saying, actually be able to take notes, and not be distracted by everything everywhere, including my own brain! I was on meds for a few years, and actually finished university med free as I spent time working with a behavioral therapist to learn other tricks such as using fidgets and such to focus without the meds. It was important for me to have the med experience though because I had never ever ever felt what it was like to be able to focus before. After a while on the meds, I worked with the behavior therapist to recreate the feeling I had while on meds.

Fast forward ten years, I'm back on meds again, and yes, they still help! I find that the meds are most helpful when my world is too hectic for behavior mod.