[ocean35]

Hi! I am a 35 yr old female with a supportive, loving husband of almost 10 years and a wonderful 5 year old dtr. I was diagnosed with ADHD/ADD (by a psychiatrist) about 8 yrs ago and was very relieved by the diagnosis and results I received from medication. I also have a 15 yr diagnosis of depression. I always struggled in school, but was able to graduate from college without any kind of diagnosis. However, the diagnosis gave me answers for why I never felt "normal" and fit in with my academic or work peers. I've been on and off stimulant medications for the last 8 yrs. They help me tremendously, but had to go off for 9 months (obvisously) for my pregnancy and I have taken a few med. breaks (days, weeks, 1 or 2 months at a time). I've been taking Vyvanse for almost a year with much success and improvement with my functioning.

OK, here's my current problem: Within the last 10 months, I have become VERY overwhelmed with everyday tasks. At first, I was able to keep the overwhelming feelings under control, but within the last 3-4 months it's gotten much worse. About 11 months ago I was offered a new position at my job where I organize a children's program that is 3 days per week. I accepted the position and I am responsible for "managing" staff in the 4 rooms that our program has along with other duties like communicating with parents, lesson plans, crafts, letters to parents, shopping, etc. I think that my frustration with everything is coming from my job responsibilities. I'm 11 months into the position. The staff, my superiors, husband, etc. all say that I've done great things and made great improvements in my new position and the program in general. Deep down, I know that I've done well in the new position; however, I CONSTANTLY struggle with getting one daily/weekly, task accomplished on time. I know that's the ADD/ADHD kicking in. My husband trys to help me on this task as much as possible, but gets very frustrated with me because I can never really get a grasp on my task. It's as if I'm caught in a cycle. Within the last 3 months, I've become VERY overwhelmed and frustrated and have exhibited frustrated behaviors to my husband that I've never experienced in the past. I am becoming quite depressed and agitated. My husband and I are both worried about my mental status at this time. I'm scared that I'll get worse.

I am thinking that seeing a therapist might help and there have been times when things have gotten really bad to where my husband said "We have to get you help", but we never make it to that final step. At least 4 times a week I feel as if I'm losing my mind, going crazy, etc. I get scared. I think I know the answer, therapy, but I was wondering if anyone has any daily life skills or tools that can help me as I'm considering therapy or waiting on my appointment with a therapist. I already use the timer on my cell phone to keep me on task, but anyother suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks!

[Simcha]

Originally Posted by ocean35

Hi! I am a 35 yr old female with a supportive, loving husband of almost 10 years and a wonderful 5 year old dtr. I was diagnosed with ADHD/ADD (by a psychiatrist) about 8 yrs ago and was very relieved by the diagnosis and results I received from medication.

So what did you take 8 years ago (before Vyvanse)?

My husband and I are both worried about my mental status at this time. I'm scared that I'll get worse.

Depression? What's your husband doing to lighten the load? He isn't dealing with ADHD or Major Depressive Disorder...

I am thinking that seeing a therapist might help and there have been times when things have gotten really bad to where my husband said "We have to get you help", but we never make it to that final step

I think making the step to seeing a psycholoGIST for therapy who has experience with dealing with ADULT ADHD is very beneficial. I have seen one for two years for an anxiety issue and adult ADHD. I also take meds (usually take meds, off them at the moment).

At least 4 times a week I feel as if I'm losing my mind, going crazy, etc. I get scared. I think I know the answer, therapy, but I was wondering if anyone has any daily life skills or tools that can help me as I'm considering therapy or waiting on my appointment with a therapist. I already use the timer on my cell phone to keep me on task, but anyother suggestions would be appreciated!

Why wait on the therapist? You need to see a therapist that can help you with these issues. It's impossible to give pat answers to very delicate and complicated life situations I would think, and I'd hate to short-change you while you are your most vulnerable.

I would consider a timer on your watch set to every hour, but as far as task completion goes it takes a lot of structure built into your day to do that. A therapist can help you IMPLEMENT (vs. just telling you what to do, he can help figure out how to actually put it in action WITH YOU).

Secondly, it sounds as if the Vyvanse is definitely not working (unless you said you came off the meds---?). I would change medicine too, as it seems to be that you've only become worse. This makes me question the efficacy of the Vyvanse. Are you taking other medications for Major Depressive Disorder? MDD and Dysthymic Disorder can make you go through the day with a foggy mind too. Anxiety can make you feel like your "going crazy" too. A therapist listens far better than a psychiatrist (Pdoc), so I'd really give one a call. Go to your state psychologists licensing board and go down the list, calling them until you get to someone who has experience with adult ADHD (alongside comorbid disorders).

Come back and tell us what you decide to do.
Hey, you aren't crazy, your just not understood.