[chaselikesocks]

I've been diagnosed with ADHD for 3 years now. and just recently Bipolar. I have ADHD bad. I can't sit still, focusing on something is practically impossible, even if someone is talking face to face to me and i tell myself i need to listen to them but then it just goes in one ear and out the other. And, for example, I have a pretty messed up knee (2 surgeries already) and even though it hurts like hell to walk on i can't fight the compulsion to get up and pace around on it. I've been prescribed zyprexa for bp, which helps a little (but makes me even spacier) but i still pace around and have manic episodes. Anyways... I just started my first year at college (blew my 1st semester completely) but i've become really interested in everything. Philosophy, buddhism, metaphysics, astronomy, ans psychology. I use rational and logical thinking, and i believe knowledge is power.I feel like i am meant to do bigger things. But i do terrible in school. So what do i do? Where is my place in this world? I can't enjoy my interests much with me always having the urge to move. I can't find release in my physical hobbies with my jacked up knee, which is only going to get worse.

[CANDC]

CHaselikesocks, welcom to psych central. Many people find that if one is not having luck with one med either have your psych doc change your meds or if not good relationship or results get a new one.

I have a breathing exercise that helps me. Not sure if it will help but here it is.
Breathing exercise - use natural breathing do not force.
If you are feeling very anxious or angry or just want to calm down, you can try a breathing exercise that takes the attention away from the trigger of anxiety to a simple tool of counting breaths.

Find a comfortable position seated or laying down. Begin to relax your breathing. Silently count 1 on the inhale, and two on the exhale. Then silently count 3 on the inhale and 4 on the exhale. Continue up to 10 or until you lose the count then return to one. No judgement. I sometimes end up at 18 then smile and return to 1. The idea is to focus on the breath and the counting and not get sucked into the anxiety or anger trigger. Also works to quiet the mind.

New situations open up new possibilities in ways that are hidden.

[tallulahxoxo]

I don't have much wisdom except to say that I feel I can relate to you on many levels. I've never kept with college, I move a lot, and have recently sprained my foot bad. So I cannot dance or ride my bike, which I love, and I'll never take my able body for granted again..
Are you doing doctor's visits for your knee?
Searching for your place in the world is completely normal and shows intelligence. You will find your place. (: Life is a journey. (:

I live in California too by the way! So cal.

[Comitant_Soot]

Hi, I want to help. Your interests in knowledge sound of benefit to you. Find out whatever you can. I don't think I know enough about the diagnosis ADHD, which my brother also had our whole youth (as well as tourettes! geez!), but if it is a nervous disorder, look into Ayurvedic herbs as drinking tonics on the regular. Anything to calm the mind. I suggest holy basil and its friends. Also, regular exercise, for you a committed run at the lap pool in care of your knee sounds right. School should have this. And lastly, as you are interested in Buddhism and philosophy, investigate, and try out, various modes of meditation and contemplation. There are even walking meditations. And lastly, consider that your energy is a kind of gift, to be tempered surely, but which always you access to ideas and views that others do not. In this sense, you may just be the wild boy of the tribe, and civilization is too constricting. But in terms of health, just live healthy. Remember, today's foods are poison, and I'd go as far to make the metaphor of demonic possession. Read about the brain/gut connection. And if you need to detox (who doesn't?), a fun easy way is drinking fresh organic vegetable juice as a breakfast replacement. A juicer costs $200, but healthcare costs a lot more. Backwards world calls for forward thinking, so make the best of your birth and read those stoics!