By the time one of my high school teachers handed me a book on ADHD–I think it was Driven to Distraction– I'd already intuited many ways to cope with this mind. It was like 1995 or something. I'd been in college a year or two at that point.
The book just gave my experience a name. I already had figured out that I needed an organized life and a good time manager. Those parts I had in hand. What I didn't understand was why I couldn't remember names or cope with someone talking to me when my mind was on something else. I still struggle with over-stimulation, but my meditation practice helps.
What I've come to understand is that knowing habit science isn't all there is to coping. Others don't take to the best practices outlined by the experts. It's hard shifting later in life. I'm luck that I started around age 16. Also, we're all unique. Some of us wouldn't adapt habit science at any age. It's just not interesting enough to us, or we don't like it, or there is one of a million other challenges in the way.
As a coach, I talk to many people who struggle with adult ADHD, meaning they just found out. It's harder for them, I think. Learning about it early, and sorta stumbling into my own solutions was fortunate.
Thank you for sharing your experience! Like you, my diagnosis was just confirming what I already knew. I remember reading Driven to Distraction years ago when my son was diagnosed and wondering about myself. I'm grateful that I'm already a naturally organized and detailed person who looks for the most efficient ways to do things. That's helped a lot!
It's so hard to detangle the ADHD from all of the other parts of my life. My ADHD makes me super curious and enthusiastic. I love diving into new topics. I think it also makes me creative in the way I approach life.
Having said that, I don't know if I would have ended up in burnout without ADHD a couple of years ago; I "managed" it with anxiety for too many years which meant that I didn't let my full self shine for the longest time; it means I'm (too) hard on myself for all of the "easy" things I seem to not be able to do.
(And then there's the second part of the story which is how realizing I am ADHD has impacted my life...)
Sorry about that :/ I read about Vyvanse and wasn’t thrilled about it. I switched from ER to IR with Adderall. Thankfully curbed appetite is only effect. Still not sure if it’s giving me the focus I need. Oh, one side effect - dry mouth. Ugh.
My grandsons have been on Vyvanse for years with no issues. So I never expected any. But because it elevated my blood pressure I'm not a good candidate for any stimulants. The non-stimulants made me dizzy. So, caffeine is my drug! Lol
48 as well. Diagnosed a few months ago after I realized my not paying attention during team meetings was backfiring. The diagnosis was well-received bc it explained, but not excuse, many things. Read lots of books since then. Still figuring out meds. Lots and lots of copays later :/ I’ll be happy to reach out if I have a question about anything :) Thank you!
You're welcome! Sadly, I'm unmedicated because I have too many side effects. 😏 That month on Vyvanse was AMAZING though. Aside from the stroke level blood pressure.
I'm glad to help inform and educate! I was diagnosed late, at 44. I'm now 48. It was wonderful to finally get an answer to so many things! How do you feel about it? And is there anything specific you'd like to know?
By the time one of my high school teachers handed me a book on ADHD–I think it was Driven to Distraction– I'd already intuited many ways to cope with this mind. It was like 1995 or something. I'd been in college a year or two at that point.
The book just gave my experience a name. I already had figured out that I needed an organized life and a good time manager. Those parts I had in hand. What I didn't understand was why I couldn't remember names or cope with someone talking to me when my mind was on something else. I still struggle with over-stimulation, but my meditation practice helps.
What I've come to understand is that knowing habit science isn't all there is to coping. Others don't take to the best practices outlined by the experts. It's hard shifting later in life. I'm luck that I started around age 16. Also, we're all unique. Some of us wouldn't adapt habit science at any age. It's just not interesting enough to us, or we don't like it, or there is one of a million other challenges in the way.
As a coach, I talk to many people who struggle with adult ADHD, meaning they just found out. It's harder for them, I think. Learning about it early, and sorta stumbling into my own solutions was fortunate.
Thank you for sharing your experience! Like you, my diagnosis was just confirming what I already knew. I remember reading Driven to Distraction years ago when my son was diagnosed and wondering about myself. I'm grateful that I'm already a naturally organized and detailed person who looks for the most efficient ways to do things. That's helped a lot!
How has ADHD impacted my life?
It's so hard to detangle the ADHD from all of the other parts of my life. My ADHD makes me super curious and enthusiastic. I love diving into new topics. I think it also makes me creative in the way I approach life.
Having said that, I don't know if I would have ended up in burnout without ADHD a couple of years ago; I "managed" it with anxiety for too many years which meant that I didn't let my full self shine for the longest time; it means I'm (too) hard on myself for all of the "easy" things I seem to not be able to do.
(And then there's the second part of the story which is how realizing I am ADHD has impacted my life...)
I could have written this myself. 🥴 It's often seemed like a blessing and a curse! Thank you for sharing your experience!
Having recently been diagnosed, this is good to know.
Sorry about that :/ I read about Vyvanse and wasn’t thrilled about it. I switched from ER to IR with Adderall. Thankfully curbed appetite is only effect. Still not sure if it’s giving me the focus I need. Oh, one side effect - dry mouth. Ugh.
My grandsons have been on Vyvanse for years with no issues. So I never expected any. But because it elevated my blood pressure I'm not a good candidate for any stimulants. The non-stimulants made me dizzy. So, caffeine is my drug! Lol
48 as well. Diagnosed a few months ago after I realized my not paying attention during team meetings was backfiring. The diagnosis was well-received bc it explained, but not excuse, many things. Read lots of books since then. Still figuring out meds. Lots and lots of copays later :/ I’ll be happy to reach out if I have a question about anything :) Thank you!
You're welcome! Sadly, I'm unmedicated because I have too many side effects. 😏 That month on Vyvanse was AMAZING though. Aside from the stroke level blood pressure.
I'm glad to help inform and educate! I was diagnosed late, at 44. I'm now 48. It was wonderful to finally get an answer to so many things! How do you feel about it? And is there anything specific you'd like to know?