Re: Ritalin but thinking I need more.

[Patte Rosebank]

20 mg of Ritalin twice daily sounds rather high for a starting dose. My doctor started me at 10 mg once a day for the first week, then twice a day for the second. You might want to ask your pharmacist about this.

That sudden feeling of wanting to get things done is the Ritalin doing its thing. For me, after the first few days, I suddenly began dealing with all the clutter that had accumulated in my apartment. A lot of it was still in a big heap in the middle of the floor, from the time I’d moved in, 3 years ago. Now, it’s gone. Most of it went to the Goodwill, and the rest is now neatly put away (more or less).

Please don’t think you’ve “wasted the past 47 years”. You have had an undiagnosed medical condition, which has made it difficult for you to do things. It’s not your fault you have this condition. It’s not your fault that nobody suspected you might have it, not even you. And if you never suspected you had it, then how could you have done anything about it? Instead of thinking about all you’ve not accomplished, think about all you HAVE accomplished.

Also, think about all the good things that come with having ADHD. We’re usually very caring and empathic, and more creative and imaginative than the average person. We also usually have a better sense of humour, and an innocence that makes us seem much younger than we actually are. There are lots of other good points. Just look around for them.

As for your Depression, ADHD often shows up with co-morbidities like Depression and Anxiety. Often, the co-morbidities come from a lifetime of struggling to function properly with ADHD, and wondering why everyone else can do things so quickly & easily, but you have to struggle for much longer to do them even half as well. In other words, they’re the symptoms, but the ADHD is the root cause.

The stress and lack of purpose that come from unemployment will make the symptoms of any mental or mood disorder much worse. You can do some things to reduce those symptoms, but ultimately, you may need an anti-depressant. If so, your doctor should carefully check whether it’s safe to mix the anti-depressant with the Ritalin.

You might also do well to see a psychologist for some cognitive behavioural therapy. This can help you to understand your thoughts and feelings, and learn how to change the bad thoughts to more positive ones. You could do this one-on-one, or within a group therapy setting.

Now, for those things you can do on your own…

1. Eat properly. Easier said than done, I know, especially since, when you’re depressed, you tend to really crave carbs. I find that Smart pasta (white pasta with extra high fibre content) satisfies the craving, and the fibre means you won’t be hungry again for a few hours.

2. Exercise. Even going for a 20-minute walk will help to lift your spirits and clear your mind.

3. Take vitamins. A good multi-vitamin, plus Omega 3-6-9, and Vitamin D (at least 1000 I.U. daily). The Vitamin D is what you’d normally get from the sun, except that, now it’s winter, sunlight is in very short supply.

4. Get enough sleep. Go to bed at a regular hour, and get up at a regular hour. Lack of sleep, and messed-up circadian rhythm will make your symptoms worse.

5. Consider full-spectrum light therapy. This is effective at reducing the symptoms of depression (particularly winter depression, or Seasonal Affective Disorder) and ADHD.

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