Anxiety or ADD | ADHD Information

Ken,
You sound like me at 21. I used to drive everyone I cared about away with my constant complaining. That is how they saw it. I saw it as needing help and hoping desperately that if I talked long enough about it, maybe someone could help me. It just does'nt work that way. That is why they are never here for us when we need them the most.
All I can suggest is what I found that helped me. I made a deliberate effort to avoid talking about my problems and concerns which were on-going and I knew in my heart they could'nt help with. It is very hard. I can't afford meds so I fight with it every day.
When I have to talk about things, I will either write them down or go someplace private and tell them to God. It helps me to unload and there is something about the very act of writing especially, but also verbalizing that helps me get things in perspective.
Then, when I absolutely have to talk to someone it helps me be more coherent and less likely to ramble. I also try not to argue with every suggestion they make. When I am alone and have time to think, I will sometimes see something in what they said that was not a component in what I had tried before. They are more likely to listen to me because they feel I am taking their response seriously, even if I just ignore it later.
The problem with ADD is that we are so self centered and it comes out as being uncaring about others. When we take the time to put our focus on our friends and family, as hard as that is sometimes, it shows them we care. When they know that we care about them it opens the door into a better, less one-sided relationship.
I have also found that when I make an effort to get the right amount of sleep, I am more with it. Most people need between 7 and 9 hrs of sleep. If you can, it would help you immensely to find the right amount for you and try to set a sleep schedule so you aren't always exhausted.
These suggestions aren't a cure all but they do help. I imagine your therapist will tell you the same thing at some point. Why not try? If it does'nt work for you, you will know you tried and that is a good feeling. I wish I had been diagnosed earlier(I am 39).  Is mom taking meds?  Lotrel works wonders for high blood pressure.  No more blaming yourself.  ADHD is often dually diagnosed.  I have anxiety and depression.  You are NOT a F up.  Everyone has something.  You are among friends here.  I am sorry that you have anxiety.  I suffer from it most when I am in public situations.  I still try to keep active and maintain a full time job.  Some days are muddle through days but I make it. 

Well, I'm feeling a ton better at this moment. My birthday resulted in a major down as it finally sunk in that I would not be spending it stupid with my g/f there to laugh at me and pull me off the floor. But I was semi-forced out to a bar with 3 family members. I went to please my mom because I have been especially down recently and I knew she wanted to celebrate. I turned into a fun evening bs'ing with my Uncle and talks about girls and love with them as well. Today I'm feeling a bit cranky because of a stomach ache from alcohol, but I also recieved a wonderful letter from my GF today that has totally lifted my spirits and reassured me that things will be alright. To quote her "You will not go through this alone...I AM a part of your life and what you're dealing with certainly isnt easy". Women, one minute your mad at them and the next you just want to smother them with kisses. 9 more days and I get to.

I had actually sent her a long ramble of depressive thoughts and bitchings about what is going on. I also told her the prospect of Anxiety Disorder, which seems so likely its scary. Since Anxiety Disorder is more well known I think that hit her.  So I have my next doctor visit next thursday and I can't wait..then I have to wait until the results. To much waiting

Well better late than never to have a good part of the day!

And thanks to all of you for support. My family is as wonderful as they can be but they just don't understand. (IE: my mom was actually getting mad last night due to me being undecided about going out)

It's all gravy right now.

Ken

Very possible- I'll bet your not far off. Hope your
birthday got better as the day went on. I wish I had
done what your doing,(seeking treatment), at 21(I'm
41). Let us know what happens.       -songwrite r

Ok, now I'm getting confused. I went to see the neurologist today for the 1st of 2 sessions. They are checking me for anxiety as well as ADD. After the session I somehow waited an hour to be picked up..dealt with some family members nagging on me about my car and work and my birthday(21 today..yeha )

I got online and looked up anxiety and both disorders seem damn near the same. If I'm right, Anxiety's symptons are due to the person thinking negativly, where as ADD is a chemical imblance that causes its symptons?

So, my theory concerning this is that I am suffering from both..that sucks. ADD has led me to Anxiety problems. And its only getting worse because I have to wait until next thursday for my final session to diagnose..then I have to wait to get results..how am I going to do that? And what happens if she says "you don't suffer from either"? I don't think that'll happen..but one can't stop from wondering.

I also have to wait 2 weeks to see my GF who has problems with my problems. She can't deal with them right now due to finals, that is fine. I just wish I could have her shoulder. My mom is the only person I can talk to thise about, but her blood pressure is so high the doctor said she could have a stroke at any time. I don't need to be laying my problems onto her.

I was so releaved when I thought I had ADD "Again" and that I wasn't a f**k up through-out life. Now I find out I may have anxiety as well/instead. sh*t for me...

Ken