Can’t Get Out of My Cave | ADHD Information

Do you religiously pick at your toes/nails, find an add drug that answers your prayers only to have it slip away as your rapidly shifting hyperfocused yet inarticulate paranoia, perfectionism and desperate anxiety return- all while being called 'impulsive' 'compulsive,' 'eclectic,' 'weird' 'hyper' stimulating and intelligent?

I have always been very social, albeit excitable and driven to intense activities both healthy and not so much (Adult ADHD, on meds)- but after working through and  finishing three months of unprecedented pressure and stress, I am still experiencing a lack of desire in anyone- socially and sexually. I though it would dissappear, but I can't seem to 'come down' off of this intense anxiety trip. I still do not sleep more than 3-5 hours, I drink more often, my smoking habit has become atrocious and I ignore everyone I know except for a newer friend who doesn't make me feel claustorphobic. The 'cave time'- when I literally turn off my phone for several weeks and produce an insane volume of work (which of course is never good enough- soliciting more anxiety) usually ends. But, it hasn't. I constantly feel paranoid, anxious and lonely BUT I REVEL IN ISOLATION. This is not normal for me and I'm feeling rather lost because I can't stand the thought of discussing this with anyone in person, please help! Has anyone had a similar experience? 

hey mfitzpat

you might want to talk to your shrink (i'm presuming you have one for the ADD, right?).  they must come across this a lot and it is temporary and you can just wait it out --- but then again they probably have excellent, expert techniques to break you out of it straightaway.  which would be a lot better than staying hyped up to the eyeballs on anxiety for the next three weeks if you don't want to.

but something that really shakes you out of yourself and back into the real world will happen on its own even if you don't push it - life will have a way of reasserting itself sooner or later...  however, i would recommend going to see your shrink.  he/she will probably be able to help just like that!   good luck!

 

I have definitely been there, but obligations have always prevented me from just running away and hiding. I isolate myself by making sure I have something to make me look occupied when I am at work, and I go for weeks, sometimes months without contacting friends. The isolation is not good, though, and I have to make a conscious choice to close the books, turn off the tv, stay away from the computer, and put down the pen. Medication definitely helps, and I am blessed to have a husband who knows when it's time to invade my space.

 

Dabonbon

I have had the obsessive action in the form of picking at pimples on my face, neck, back, arms.  It is annoying.  I even pick at my kids and husband when they let me.

But since I've been crawling, (exercises from the book Stopping ADHD) I don't do that anymore.  It is weird.