[parsifal]

I've been diagnosed with ADD, but I'm so skeptical of it. I'll tell you why:

Regardless of whether I'm on my medicine or not, I have an extremely busy mind, and it torments me. Sad thoughts and worries take me away easily. I feel like I fear these things, and so perhaps they appear more often than otherwise. I feel like what I thought I would be treating is this constant roller coaster ride of thoughts and emotions and distractions. But the medicine does not help. The only times it does seem to help are the first day after a lapse, which makes me think it's psychosomatic. Today I seemed to be achieve the same result through positive thinking and dedication. So this all makes me think that I have other issues that perhaps just appear similar to ADD in some ways. Though all of this does affect my thoughts. And I do feel like I have issues when trying to listen to people.

So what is your mind like? What is the nature of your thoughts? Do you get distracted more by negative thoughts than others?

I feel like I don't really get distracted by other things (well I do, but I don't know that I do to a degree that warrants an ADD diagnosis, judging by the small amount I've read in books and online); I get distracted by negative thoughts and attitudes. Worries and plans. Things like "don't waste your time reading this, it's worthless; you're supposed to be doing something else," however that "something else" is undefined, so I'm just left with a really depressive neurosis. I go through things like "cleaning up my room isn't important," "is the work I'm doing really of good service to the world?", etc. I frequently feel guilty, anxious, and suffer from self-esteem problems.

Some more elaboration on how I feel, quite often:

When I start reading a web page, something in me says "this is too long! You won't get through this, and you won't understand it all."

I do feel sometimes like I don't totally comprehend things. Like, someone will tell me something and I won't totally catch it or consider its significance. I feel like this is a result of my feeling rushed, and like I have to say something before I forget it. I have a problem putting what someone just said, first, and trying to put my thought on hold. I worry I'll forget it, but should I?

What do you all think?

Thanks
Sean

[jmo531]

Hi Sean

My mind get extremely busy also. Although it is less busy lately then it used to be. I have depression, Panic Disorder and OCD. Perhaps those three dx's can explain why my ming is very busy. My OCD is more obsessional then ritual, although I do have some rituals. I can recall several times that my mind was so overwelmed with thoughts and fears that I would break down and cry because no matter what I did, no matter how much I tried to talk myself down, nothing seemed to help. I have been on meds for the past year and it has greatly improved my symptoms and I an thankful and grateful for that.

Perhaps talking to a professional about your symptoms and concerns is a good place to start. Your not alone in this.

I wish you luck. Please keep us posted.


Huggles,


Jen

[parsifal]

Jen,

Best of luck on your healing, and I'm glad you have the courage to work with it

[jmo531]

Thank you Sean

[Jayna]

Oh my gosh. My mind is always busy busy busy! I always have to be thinking of something, otherwise I get bored. I'm not really overwhelmed of the bad stuff, because just as fast as the bad stuff come i can think of something that happened to me five years ago that was insanely funny and feel better again. Also it's like there's a voice in my head sometimes. (I'm pretty sure it's just my imagination.) so when I get REALLY bored I'll talk to myself. It'll usually be something like this.

Me- Math sucks....

Voice- No you're just dumb.

Me- O.o Excuse me?

Voice- You heard me missy! You're an idiot! And you know you have a crush on-

Me- O.O *Out loud* NO NO NO! *Everyone stares at me*

(I don't have a crush on anyone and math truly does suck and I am truely an idiot ^^)

So it can be annoying at times but hey, at least I don't get bored lol.

Love Jen

[parsifal]

Jayna,

I like your name! I have a cousin named Jayna.

Anyway, that is interesting. It actually sounds really nice. I feel like I'm so negative and neurotic and beat up on myself so much. I want to relieve this pressure!

One thing that helps is that, I find that as I'm more assertive, I feel more peaceful.. not as much guilt, etc.

[Jayna]

You know what helps with those bad thoughts? Seriously! Eat lots of lollipops (Calms you down) watch lot's of comedy videos, read funny books, do something JUST for you so you're happy! And than when you start to feel down, just remember that particular funny scene in the movie or book or whatever and let yourself laugh! (Don't worry, people won't think you're crazy....I think ^^)

Love Jen

P.S- And yeah I LOVE the name Jayna! =D I mean you see about fifty people named Jen, but you never see anyone named Jayna rarely! It's unique! Your cousin is lucky xD.

[parsifal]

Jayna,

That is good advice I've been going through some sadness lately, and it was really comforting to hear from a counselor that it's okay to leave work for the day and come home and do what I know will comfort me (watching movies!). I would otherwise feel so guilty about that, and feel like I was copping out and being a coward.