Anyone not taking meds | ADHD Information

Thanks for the response!

I know that most tests aren't accurate that are done online; however, when you answer yes to almost all, you're pretty much there!!  Also, I've suspected it myself. 

I do most of my work late at night now.  As a result, I  sleep VERY late.  People are amazed as to how I have so much energy with so little sleep.  Ahhh, but this is why I never though ADHD was completely negative.  I've often wondered if this is just a different personality type that's been falsely labelled as  a disease.  I think my ability to hyper-focus is great.  Even though I can relate to your experience!  I can produce so much work when I'm in that mode.  I'm also more creative.  (I'm a songwriter and screenwriter). 

Most of the aspects of ADHD I've tamed through mindful awareness meditation.  You'd be surprised how much personal observation can help change some of the more negative aspects.  The self-doubt aspects are the most difficult....as well as not completing tasks.  I think I've been harmed the most there. 

I set a schedule for myself now and plan on sticking to it no matter what!! 

I'm married as well...and get this...my husband does the hyper-focus thing as well.  I've learned not to go near him when he gets like that.  And it wasn't easy for me as I have a tendency of talkng at the wrong time!!  

 Thanks for the response!

 

I just took one of those online tests and scored pretty high. I can't say
I"m surprised as I've suspected ADHD for years (I'm 40). I make the
personal choice
not to seek medical treatment. I've meditated for years and have pretty
much stopped reacting to my restless brain. However, I sometimes
become so hyper-focused that I'll yell at my girls if they interrupt me. I
always apologize and tell them I'm just a kooky mamma. They always
laugh, so at least I know I'm not harming them.

I have stopped doing work related projects when I'm with them, and it has
worked out well.

Like many of you, I really like my ability to focus; but I don't want to
respond with a loud voice when interrupted. Any tips on calming those
hyper-focus gremlins...without meds?

Eleni Kundeleni39168.9159027778Hi and welcome!

I have been struggling with this myself. I am seeing a doctor tomorrow about treatment. If I have side effects I will not continue the treatment because I am head of the household and I can't just put everything on hold while I deal with it. If I had an emergency right now, I would have to continue as I bleed to death.

Seriously though, the online tests are not that definitive. I took one and scored very high. But I went to the doctor and they did a full evaluation by a neuropsychologist. It was long and tested my patience, honestly. However, it was confirmed.

I do the hyperfocus thing. Actually...even when I am just trying to read something I get very frustrated at having to read a few lines over and over again. So, my stomach begins to swell with frustration and then if my daughter begins to ask or talk to me or basically keeps me from succeeding at my deep attempt to concentrate, I finally jump and yell at her. She and I laugh a lot together. More than most kids laugh with their moms or dads. But it does bother her. It does harm her. It's not okay. I really kick myself every time I do something like that. As she gets older she is thinking it's okay to react negatively when she is frustrated. But the consequences of it can be bad the older she gets. Imagine when she gets her license and gets frustrated behind the wheel. Maybe I worry too much.

Anyhow, try to wait until your kids are in bed if you can. If not, like that is really easier said than done...duh...just try to avoid it. Remember it's not okay. Less times doing it is better than more. You are stuck with this like the rest. Unless medicine will help. I can't tell you until I experience help myself, if it will help with these things or not.

BTW...are you married? Because your husband may be able to help with this as well...like parents who work at home, and the other parent enforces rules about interrupting the working parent while they work.

Good luck!

I get into a really bad mood too when I am interrupted.  I think I have a reputation of being mean and nasty at work.  Of course, I don't mean to be.  I work myself up sometimes.  Before I get interrupted, I will be thinking someone is going to stop by to chit chat and bug me.  I hate it because it's hard for me to refocus on what I am doing.  I think I got better when I got tired of apologizing afterwards.  Because, inside, I am a really gentle person and as part of living with ADHD, I have to learn to control it.

I love my cats.  They tend to calm me and make me have happy thoughts.  If I remember, I think of them or if I am home, I pick one up and it just clears my head quite a bit.