[frosty11]

The reason I joined this site is because I suffer from many symptoms of ADHD. I always have dealt with them, but recently a series of events has left me so stressed and scattered that finally feel I should see my doc for it. I have always went to the same doc and he had known me since childhood. Im in my early 20's now. So what led up to me realizing I might should ask for help? In November my grandmother passed away, big deal right? well the same week my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. That was enough to stress me out pretty highly.. well this past January I started my biggest semester yet in college. Dealing with the changes in my family (loss of my mema who I was incredibly close to and dealing with my moms diagnosis along with upcoming surgeries) along with trying to focus in class and at home has become overwhelming! I can't focus anymore and I am at the point in my classes where if something doesn't change I won't get the grades I need.

So my question is when I go to my doctor will he be able to help me soon enough that I can salvage my life and grades before I fail something this semester?! I have never been treated for anything like ADHD or depression etc. I do have ADHD in my family though. Also I don't have any experience misusing drugs at all.

What should I expect?

Im sorry I couldn't figure out where to post this! Also if I said something wrong please don't be rude because I'm new!

[Travelinglady]

Hey, frosty11, and welcome to Psych Central!

Does your school have a counselor or some sort of program like that? By all means I would seek out some aid from there. Just your problems are enough to derail you--both a grandma dying and a mom with breast cancer. No wonder you are having trouble concentrating. You need someone to talk to and to support you.

You would also need to be examined--tested-- to see if you have ADD/ADHD and maybe a counselor could get that in progress if it seems appropriate. If you get a diagnosis, then you might be prescribed some meds.

Same thing with depression, if you get diagnosed with that. You might be sent to a psychiatrist or someone else who can actually prescribe. (Generally, therapists can't prescribe meds.)

Hang in here, dear one. Maybe some of your professors might be understanding, too, so you might speak to them about your woes. They might be willing to cut you a bit of slack. Worth a try, anyway. (I used to be a college professor.) It generally takes a while for meds to start working--up to two weeks. And therapy can take time, too.

I do know students can receive a medical "drop" and come back again to start over with those courses, so check into that if you really feel worried at this point.

[frosty11]

Thanks for your reply! It was very helpful!

[justbeingme80]

Frosty, I agree with TravelingLady. Also, if you didn't want to drop the class completely, you could apply for an "Imcomplete", where you finish the work a little bit later even if the semester is over. I did that for one or two of my classes, but you would have to check with your university about that--some have time limits of when you must finish the work.