[Charles Marsh]

My whole life has been a damn struggle. I have so many ideas and, so many things I wanna' do and, I can't seem to make anything happen but for a only a second of a time and, that's it. I would like to get help and, get treated for this but, I'm confused and, everytihng seems like it's damn impossible for me. Can anyone help, point me in the right direction... something!!!! please!!!!!

[Junerain]

I have ADD too, it is a constant struggle, I too, am full of ideas yet can only do a few minutes toward each...

I have found therapy to be helpful, and medication. Therapy first of course. My therapist helps clarify what it is I am running from, from my past, and from lower self esteem...

But life IS running, no matter how you look at it..

What kinds of things have you failed at in this lifespan?

[Charles Marsh]

I've failed at school. Failing to get ahead in life. Failing at all my ideas and, projects I've set out to do. Failing because I live at home with parents not living on my own or, being successful at it.

[chaotic13]

Therapy turned out to be a good starting point for me.

[Cjewelar]

I've just recently recognized my symptoms as ADHD and got evaluated. My doc put me on Adderall which is working miracles in my life. I never knew the constant crap I struggled with and lived with everyday could be helped with a little pill. But I never knew life could be this great, so "normal". I can wake up and smile rather than wake up and cringe because of all the things I need to do and know I won't get done. I'm not a hundred percent yet, but it's 100% better than the hell I lived in. I'm searching for a therapist now to help even more.

Have you gone to your doctor for an evaluation yet?

[Junerain]

Perhaps you will find a place for yourself here at psychcentral...be cared about and you can care about the others here..it is a great feeling...no shame in living with your parents...my struggle is similiar but I came through it, I am on my way to being successful after being fired from 58 jobs even......

[Charles Marsh]

I like that you're being helpful and understanding and, that you're relating to me, I feel better because of it. Thank you for showing me that you have your problems too and, that you're not letting it get you down but, rather you're bouncing back. I'm now making my way to the doctors but, the last time was such a discouragment, I didn't know what to do. Thank You for helping me and, perhaps you can keep on helping me as time goes on, I would like that.

[Charles Marsh]

I'll be going to the doctors in the coming weeks,-I'm excited-I hope everything goes right this time.

[chaotic13]

You may want to prepare for your appointment by reading some of the resources listed at the top of this forum and filling out an ADHD self assessment questionnaire. By being well informed about ADHD and being prepared to present your symptoms in a clear and concise way might help you communicate with your physician better. Many physicians either are not well informed about this condition themselves or they try to avoid treating it by dismissing your symptoms...until you speak up and demand appropriate attention.

I'm not sure how young you are... but if you are over 18 be respectful but remember your physician works for you. If he seems like he is rushing through your examination or not listening carefully to what you are presenting... stop and ask him for his attention.

Also, if your physican's office has a PA or CNP who screen patients... Unless you have had a good prior working relationship with this individual, I would suggest that you ask to present yourself and your symptoms directly to the physician. A lot of things get lost in the translation, especially if these individuals do not have addition training and experience in this area. I am NOT judging PA or CNP in making this statement. I am simply making this suggestion based on my own personal experience with ADHD and various health care professionals in my particular community. The services you recieved really depends on the educational background and quality of the individual person treating you, not necessarily the letters listed after their name.

[AnaHannah]

OMG! I could've written your post !!!!
I have not been treated for my ADHD and I'm very leery of Adderall because I have insomnia; plus I take Valium for my panic/anxiety disorder. But the more I read peoples' posts on here, the more that I'm motivated to seek treatment....and cost is also a problem!
You people on here encourage me! Thanx!! And Charles; Mazel Tov w/ the treatment. Let us know what you do and the effects.

[Simcha]

Originally Posted by Charles Marsh

I like that you're being helpful and understanding and, that you're relating to me, I feel better because of it. Thank you for showing me that you have your problems too and, that you're not letting it get you down but, rather you're bouncing back. I'm now making my way to the doctors but, the last time was such a discouragment, I didn't know what to do. Thank You for helping me and, perhaps you can keep on helping me as time goes on, I would like that.

What you do is you go to a different doctor than last time--whatever happened wasn't good, so don't subject yourself to that again.

In fact, I recommend a clinical PSYCHOLOGIST, who will have ten times the training and understanding of diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults than any psychiatrist or other doctor will. If medication is worth a trial and you want to try it, your psychologist can refer you to someone whose judgment he trusts.

[psychrn]

I don't know if I can help, but I can say you are not alone. I am reading a good book called the Davinci Method and it has helped some.

[Charles Marsh]

I have had adderall before. With it I was a bit more focused but, it supressed my appitite a lot. It's crazy everyone sees your progress but, it hard to see your own. Like we live in houses with very, very narrow hallways. I've heard the success stories for being treated. I can only imagine how successful I'll be when I finally get treated. Hey you sould check out a book if you're at all interested in reading about ADHD; Scattered Minds. It's really a fantastic read and, as you read it you'll see yourself as they explain things. I'll be seeing the Doctor on the 9th, I'll definitely let you know how it goes.

[Charles Marsh]

Originally Posted by Simcha

What you do is you go to a different doctor than last time--whatever happened wasn't good, so don't subject yourself to that again.

In fact, I recommend a clinical PSYCHOLOGIST, who will have ten times the training and understanding of diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults than any psychiatrist or other doctor will. If medication is worth a trial and you want to try it, your psychologist can refer you to someone whose judgment he trusts.

I've never thought about a clinical Psychologist; how do I go about finding one? that's cool, I'm excited now that you mentioned this psychologist.

[Charles Marsh]

Originally Posted by psychrn

I don't know if I can help, but I can say you are not alone. I am reading a good book called the Davinci Method and it has helped some.

I've a few books on adhd and, one that I loved was "Scattered Minds" I think you might like it. Thank you for letting me know that I'm not the only one who's dealing with this problem, it's great to know I have a place to go and, recieve help and, give help.

[chaotic13]

Originally Posted by Charles Marsh

With it I was a bit more focused but, it supressed my appitite a lot.

I had this effect at first too. I just had to deal with it by packing a lunch to take to work...leaving on my desk...right next to my keyboard, and telling myself that..."What is in the bag MUST be eaten before the end of the workday!" Although I can stand to loose a few pounds, my body will eventually get my attention if I do not eat.

[LizzyB]

Oh my gosh, I can relate so well to the frustration you're describing, Charles! It's nice to know I'm not alone, and neither are you. It's great tor read the posts from others who also struggle or have struggled with these things.

I also get so tired of all the people who don't get it.

I have been diagnosed with ADD for many years now, but without much in the way of discernable progress. I have so far not found a medication that works for me, nor have I been able to find very effective therapy. But I know there are things out there that people have found very helpful.

Truthfully, a few years ago I pretty well gave up trying to work with my ADD anymore. I got tired of struggling, and essentially "retired". Now I pretty much have removed myself from any and all situations which require me to struggle with my ADD. But this does not feel good either. It makes me feel stifled and isolated.

These posts give me some encouragement to seek help again.

But I do find that it's hard to find therapists or anyone else who has much understanding of ADD. Certainly teachers seem to be woefully uninformed, as I discovered because I've had an ADD child in shcool.

It would be nice to find a therapist who can actually be helpful. I get that psychologists are more appropriate than psychiatrists for this, but what else beyond that?

What experiences have others had in this way?

[Berries]

Originally Posted by Charles Marsh

I've never thought about a clinical Psychologist; how do I go about finding one? that's cool, I'm excited now that you mentioned this psychologist.

Go to Psyche Central Home Page. Type in therapists in the search box. then type in your zip code in the box and it will give you a list of therapists in your area, their specialties, and what insurance they take and if they do sliding scale for those who don’t have insurance.

[LizzyB]

I really like this quote. Hope you don't mind, I copied and pasted it and sent it to my loved ones as a thought for the day...and every day. Lucky you to have a friend who feels that way. Lizzy B

"I love your faults. I love them because they are part of you and I love you."

[piutosto]

Originally Posted by Charles Marsh

My whole life has been a damn struggle. I have so many ideas and, so many things I wanna' do and, I can't seem to make anything happen but for a only a second of a time and, that's it. I would like to get help and, get treated for this but, I'm confused and, everytihng seems like it's damn impossible for me. Can anyone help, point me in the right direction... something!!!! please!!!!!

I haven't been diagnosed as yet, but I feel the same as you, all my life (45 yo w) I've struggled and failed with work and relationships, and I don't see a future for myself unless I do something about it. I always thought it was a lack of willpower. Don't know where to start so it's good to find a place such as this for support. Not of a lot of help for adults in Australia (small population). Anyway I'll keep digging... Meanwhile Charles I'll be watching and cheering you on thoughout your journey. Chin up, Onwards and Upwards!!!!

[Charles Marsh]

"Better to light one candle than to curse the darkness"

I like this quote LizzyB, where did you get it? Nope! You're not alone; we're all not alone.

[LizzyB]

Thanks. I'm glad you like the quote. In my experience it's very true (although sometimes it's hard to find that candle or a match!). The quote is one I got from Amnesty International, with whom I used to do a lot of work. I believe it's originally from Eleanor Roosevelt.

[Charles Marsh]

Wow!! Ok, I just had a relization or, a breakthrough if you will, in that I just noticed that my attention is on the bigger picture. So, that means when I try to do something productive, I'll tend to get overwhelmed with the details all at once and then, get discouraged from the amount of work it's going to take. I had this relization or, breakthrough when my best friend called me and, after going through the formailties of catching up is when he said that I needed to break things down into smaller manageable pieces. That's when I put 1 and 2 together and, realized(breakthrough) that I'm focusing on the whole(bigger) picture of all my aspirations, dreams, goals, ect.

[LizzyB]

Hey, good for you. These kinds of breakthroughs can be really helpful. I hope this one is for you. You just have to figure out how to incorporate this concept into your life. I know, easier said than done, but at least you're partway there. Great job.

[chaotic13]

Originally Posted by Charles Marsh

Wow!! he said that I needed to break things down into smaller manageable pieces.

This type of chucking is really important for me to keep on track. If a project is too big and has a lot of complexity, I'll get lost in it. I have to chop it up in to small bits that I can finish and pat myself on the back for when I complete them.