I often wonder if I’m losing my mind... | ADHD Information
I know this might not appeal to some and it can be hard just to initiate, especially for people with our challenges, but getting into a serious work out routine has made HUGE differences for me. I don't take meds but could. I also was concerned about certain little effects.
So, here's what works for me:
Getting one piece of work out equipment that does more then one thing. An, "All in one" type deal. I looked to eBay for that and found it, EXTREMELY affordable and very well made. I can't deal with going to a gym or joining one because I will go once then not any more or if the weather stinks--forget it, on top of that, I wanted it TOTALLY convenient to my schedule, so that's why I got my own work out equipment for my home.
I know how I am so this is how it works for me. Dread working out or wanting to but just can't seem to make my body walk over and do it. This is even sadder but I'd look at it, really want to do it, really really hope to use that sucker, and nothing. Eventuall I just sat on it. Then did maybe a few excercises...two or three was better then nothing. So, the next time I did five minutes worth. Ok, so by the end of the week I'm up to 10 minutes, by next week I'm actually up to 30 minutes and 45 minutes. BY then the magic starts happening, at least for me, you start feeling pretty good and thinking clearly. By the end of the month I'm using it for one hour early in the morning and one hour before bed. I put on my tunes or watch tv and just do it. By the second month I am like a new person. I think clearer then ever, endorphines seem to be flowing and that's what I like, plus, your body looks great. It also helps me cope with any stress factor to where there's hardly anything that I can't do or solve. I'll stop smoking for months or rarely smoke. So many other things seem to fall into place. I also feel much more calmer and less like a ding bat who does quarky things to get through the day.
We're all different but that's what really makes changes for me in a huge way. If you'd like to try that, check with your doctor first to make sure it's ok. You don't even need equipment to purchase. You can use empty milk jubs and fill them up and lift them or squat with them or use a chair. Do an internet search on excercises.
I wish you so much luck.There are alot of coping mechanisms that you can learn, and many people can be successful and happy without meds. This will take time though. The question is, will the failure of 3 classes be a really big setback in your life? If not, like if you are not that interested in your study area, or the school will give you another chance, you have more options. If the failure of the classes will really change your life for the worse, you may need to separate the problem into 2 parts: 1) what can I do immediately to get the best outcome from this crisis, and 2) what will I do over the long term to ensure my success and happiness. I agree with Sonya it is something you need to soul search for yourself you know how you feel the best.I'd like to thank you both for your insight. When I posed the questions
I wasn't really looking for someone to tell me which road to
take, but actually was looking for others opinions on why they continue
or discontinue meds, sometimes I have a hard time looking outside the
box, especially at myself and Sonya has given me definate food for
thought. It helps me considerably just to hear others reasoning.
and on occasion, a straight jacket and a quiet room sounds very pleasant.
So here's my deal, I'm new to the forum, I've read you folks a few
times but never registered. Today when I was reading I thought it might
be really nice to get insight from folks who come closer to
understanding me than the rest of the world.
I was diagnosed with ADD in late '03, I was on adderall xr for a little
over a year, final dose being 30mgs. I loved it when I was on it, it
helped but it did seem to cut away some of the 'good' mood swings I
had, and I was rarely silly anymore. It was like I was too focused.
When I didn't take it, if I forgot or woke up late or whatever, I'd end
up feeling like I'd been hit by a truck, and I couldn't accomplish
anything without the drug. This bothered me, so I quit taking it. After
a really rough couple of days I leveled out and decided I could do this
without meds, and nothing would change... WRONG.
I'm tons moodier, which I can handle, but my main issue is the fact
that I can't seem to get ANYTHING accomplished. I've done worse in
school this semester (i'm an adult majoring in information technology)
than I have since I started. In fact, due to their self paced nature, I
will most likely fail three classes just due to failure to complete. I
feel like a complete and total failure and I sit around all day
thinking about what a failure I am, and I have no clue what to do about
it. The furthest I get is thinking in circles about all the things I
can't manage.
So my dilema now is, do I go back on my meds, and sacrafice those bits
of me I enjoy, and make my body feel like it is dependant on adderall
to function? Or do I stay off the meds and struggle through daily life?
I'm getting to the point where I am just so tired of struggling, I've
not really ever had one level stable period in my life, and this really
isn't helping. I appreciate any insight any of you can provide, because
I really am just at a loss.
[QUOTE=Zillah]
So my dilema now is, do I go back on my meds, and sacrafice those bits of me I enjoy, and make my body feel like it is dependant on adderall to function? Or do I stay off the meds and struggle through daily life? I'm getting to the point where I am just so tired of struggling, I've not really ever had one level stable period in my life, and this really isn't helping. I appreciate any insight any of you can provide, because I really am just at a loss.
[/QUOTE]
Welcome!
This is one question that would require you to do some deep soul searching to find the answer to for yourself. It's not really one anyone else could answer for you. And whatever you decide, don't let anyone sway your decision. The most we could do is just share with you our own opinions and experiences, but everyone with ad/hd is different, and while some get by without meds, others desperately need them. This is one of those decisions you would probably think long and hard about...
Also, was Adderall the first med your doc put you on, or did he try you on others first? Be aware that there are other different types of meds out there to treat ad/hd, and each one affects each individual differently, and most folks have to do a bit of experimenting with them under a docs orders before they find the best one to suit them. If you do decide that you want to start back with meds, maybe your doc can help you find one that suits you better...
Life is hard with ad/hd, whether you are on meds or not.
Me personally? I get too moody and impulsive when I am not on meds, I have physically hurt my husband in impulsive anger mood swings before. Nothing I can do without meds seems to stop this...this is why I started meds. I would rather lay down my life than to ever hurt my husband again.
My personal philosophy that I have come to in my life is: how am I affected my love ones that I live with that have to deal with me everyday(i.e, my husband, my child)? As long as I am not endangering anyone else, then I will see how life is without them. But the moment my behaviors become to much for me to handle without meds, and I am in any way endangering my child or my husband..(be that, not keepin up with bills and endangering them of being homeless, hurting them physically or emotionally, neglecting them (especially my child), or other passive ways of harming them), then for myself personally I would consider meds so that they are not endangered..
I know not every one else would feel this way , but that is just my personal decision for myself.
Everyone has to make this decision for themselves, and we will support you with whatever you decide to do..
again, welcome!
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