Unleashing my ADD | ADHD Information
Just as reminder that we have to have had it all our lives...from babyhood...I can't imagine what you guys have to go through having kids w/this. Also, does anyone ever mention degrees of severity? I think that the range is quite wide and varied and so many sub types...I don't talk to my family so I can't really go over what I was like as a kid but boy..there was lots of tension, trouble and I spent most of my time being punished and sent to my room. Guess it was an easy wasy to get rid of me.....your kids are lucky that you guys are aware and you obviously care or you would not be on this board....goofy can be great!!! This society takes itself way seriously.... hey gb, I too have a manic job, boy oh boy, I would literally tear around the halls and be juggling 20 things! So my employer has used me over the years as a work horse....I'm also wondering how the Adderall XR will affect my researching which is where my brain does some really unusual things and goes on hyper focus and hyper speed..I started a new position this year and again, me doing (trying to do) the job of at least three people...but I would not go off the meds, at least not unless they change how they are working because off I am alienated, depressed, anxiety ridden suspicious, paranoid, introverted except when I'm blurting out things I shouldn't be and generally messed up...on the Adderall I talk to people and feel a part of the world...hope this keeps up....maybe I'll have to figure out about the research thing...what you said concerns me as my job depends on me juggling but I'll just wait and see Sorry I can't relate since it is my son with the ADHD, however I just wanted you to know that I think you are absolutely right about your ADHD, find a career and path in life that makes it easier to succeed - I've always heard my son will be a CEO or something b/c he'll have all the energy he needs to work work work! Best wishes.I think it is great that you are embracing your ADD-I am trying to take that view with my Son's ADHD as well. He does the goofiest things in public--I am trying to see the humor in his actions instead of being embaressed by them. Good luck with the job search.
Almost a year ago I was diagnosed with adult ADD. Looking back, I have had it my whole life. I started taking Straterra, but the side effects were too much to handle.
I switched to Adderall XR and each time the dosage was increased, it would eventually stop working. I maxed out at 20 MG day and after 6 mths seemed lethargic and started having some of the same side effects as when I took the straterra. However, this time I would have headaches, joint pain, and sinus issues. My BP would sometime spike and if I stood up too fast I would almost pass out.
Last month I lost my job. it was actually a Godsend since I hated it anyway and was only half-assed looking for a new one.
while planning my search, I noticed how I was unfocused and simply lethargic. My prescription was about out so I decided not to refill it and see what happens. My main question was wondering if my hate for my job was excasperating the ADD ot out of control dimensions.
After feeling REALLY tired for a few days, I had a day where I literally slept for 20 out of 24 hours. After that, I have been fine. In fact, I need my ADD right now becuase I have soooooo many balls in the air I need to multi-task like a madman.
I remembered the very first question my doctor asked me was if my occupation was helped/enhanced by my ADD. At the time, I had changed from a project mgr to a regular analyst and my answer was no. However, now that I am looking for a new position and career, I am thinkng about choosing an occupation that will be enhanced by my ADD. Being a manic project mgr was a joy and I am planning on stopping the meds and just unleashing my ADD into a new position.
I am confident this will work becuase since I now know the difference in behaviors, I can identify the damaging aspects and overcome them. for example, I caught myslef the other day half-finishing a household project. Since I recognized it, I was able to finsih the job - and man! did it feel great.
the adderall is completely out of my system now (its been a week). I can tell as my leg twiitching and insonia have returned. However, my point is rather than treating the ADD, I am planning on embracing it and unleashing it as a positive characteristic, rather than a negative.
Has anyone else successfully used your ADD to your advantage rather than trying to control it?