Hi all, the name’s Betty! I must say that it is great to come have come across a great online community and informative website for adults with ADHD.
Since September of 2008, midway through University to earn my degree in Nursing, the feelings of insecurity and lack of confidence from years of struggling through school, and now the responsibilities of adult life, finally came to a head. I was in a dark place, filled with anxiety, hopelessness, dread and negative thoughts. Originally I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and General Anxiety. But I knew that these diagnoses were only the result of something greater. This wasn’t just the woes and hardships of transitioning from adolescent to adult, but rather a combination of the end result of a series of setbacks initiated by a catalyst that had been working behind the scenes all along. The catalyst being the way my brain worked, which in turn influenced how my thought process was developed and shaped throughout my childhood and teenage years. Behaviour starts with our thoughts. I knew that medication wouldn’t be the sole solution but rather the tool that would allow me and my brain to slow down so that I could work on rewiring my thought process and in doing so change my behaviour. Along the way I have had to advocate for myself, take baby steps and understand that change won’t happen overnight. About 8 months ago I met with a wonderful Psychiatrist who was extremely understanding and willing to listen to what I had to say. Since I had previously been diagnosed with anxiety and depression most doctors I went to dismissed my ADHD behaviour as a result of the anxiety and depression. “No! That’s not it; it’s the other way around!” I’d feel like screaming at the top of my lungs. Why don’t they get this??
I’m happy to say that I have been on medication now for 8months and it is working beautifully. I have been able to focus on making changes and have even resumed school. I feel great about life and I can’t wait to see where it takes me!
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I’m at the beginning of the process, and hope I get lucky with the psych I am seeing later this year. I have loads of anxiety issues, which I am sure stem from ADHD and the constant feeling of not measuring up. I am keeping my fingers crossed.