[allovertheplace]

Awesome! I’ll have to check those out. Thanks stephen m for the heads up on TWIP! 😆

The fiction books sound good (the Stephanie Plum character sounds great), but I find my attention span for getting into a longer novel is not so good. So I tend to stick to non-fiction and things I can listen to in shorter bursts, or miss parts and it’s inconsequential. Or maybe I just haven’t found the right books?

For podcasts some that I like are:

Definitely Not the Opera (DNTO) CBC

Q the Podcast (CBC)

The Dean Blundell Show (warning: funny, oddly compelling, often politically incorrect and offensive but straight up he-is-who-he-is attitude)

The Mental Illness Happy Hour (not always happy, but stories of resilience, true life experiences, and honesty interjected with humour- the host is a comedian)- check out Rob Delaney’s episode for a great story

Attention Talk Radio (I think the latest episode is Rick Green!!)

Also, if there’s someone I’m really interested in i.e. an author etc., I search iTunes (which you don’t need an apple device for, you can have it on your computer) and find any podcasts or iTunes U sessions they have. It’s a great way to get lots of information straight from a source i.e. for ADHD John Ratey, Patricia Quinn both have great interviews on iTunes.

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[allovertheplace]

I think this is great. I never thought of it as something to help keep me focused i.e. while cooking, but that totally makes sense. I tend to listen to non fiction audiobooks or lots of podcasts; I sometimes even listen to my favourite tv episodes (that I’ve already watched but really enjoy). I now even fall asleep with my iPod (and maybe that’s not the greatest thing…but it works).

The library is a great idea for downloads.

Do you have any favourite podcasts or books?

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[allovertheplace]

Hi Larynxa,

I know. I wondered if they might have a sliding scale or something similar but I didn’t inquire.

That would be logical and evident of forethought; I just put it on my credit card to worry about later.

😯

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[allovertheplace]

Well my high 5 is that I found this thread! Navigating around these forums is *%$# sometimes, grrrr……

I needed some inspiration so I read past high 5’s- YAYYY to all of you!

So my accomplishment is I’ve showered, dressed and taken my meds and I’m ready to go. Not sure where, but I’m ready, lol.

Anyone else?

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[allovertheplace]

I totally do the top-down thing in the shower, too! Love it :o) Agreed on the summer/winter wardrobes.

And the fast loud music with cleaning is great.

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[allovertheplace]

Wow! I just noticed this post is still going. Great that it’s generated discussion, though of course I’m sad for other people who experience this issue, too. It’s still a struggle for me, but better (there were times when I would not leave the house for days because of it, or I would call in sick to work).

Things that have worked for me:

*Let me stress that this is an ongoing problem for me. I have had huge improvements but still work on this on a daily basis. I have bouts of it, but they tend to be shorter and my rebound tends to be faster. As my therapist has said, this is something I will likely ALWAYS need to be vigilant of; I will ALWAYS have to manage it. That said, these are the things that have helped me manage it.

-limiting mirrors- just one in the bathroom and keeping the lighting dim so I can’t see all the pores. I don’t have mirrors anywhere else in the house despite the fact that they are a budget friendly decor item. It’s just the way it has to be for me; I can’t handle the temptation.

When we rented a vacation house I had to remove mirrors to avoid the temptation. Seriously. But then I don’t have to worry about it as much.

-my morning routine- I posted my strategy for my morning routine in a different post today (I don’t know how to link to it) but this is probably one of the most important pieces for me. I think becoming more “automated” in my morning routine may help to override the habit of picking. I’m less likely to forget and wonder what the heck I need to do next and oh well I might as well examine and pick my face. It still happens WAY MORE OFTEN than I would like, but it’s better.

-a vitamin A-based prescription cream that I use daily and I use neostrata products (Canadian) which aren’t cheap (they have good sales, though) but they help to keep my skin smooth because of the alpha hydroxy acids they promote exfoliation. I use these on my upper arms as well. I got my makeup routine down (and if you want I can share that info with you- just let me know) and this was also key. Keeping things simple, using the same products regularly has helped to eliminate distractions. I find if I can get the makeup half on, then I know I’m probably okay. But I’ve had days where I rewash and apply my makeup several times because of picking interference. Arghhh.

I have a partner who is generally supportive and has developed a sixth “picking” sense and will yell out or come and push me out of the washroom if I am perseverating on picking or tweezing. Sometimes I even have to yell to him to come and get me because I feel unable to pull myself away. I just yell out and tell him I need him to come up right away.

The other thing that helps is getting to bed at a decent hour (easier said than done) and also having a simple consistent night time routine. If I am having a bad day and feel like I will be too tempted to look up close in the mirror (at which point I know I’m done-for) then I might just take a wet washcloth and wipe my face in the hallway and go straight to bed; brush my teeth with lights off.

I have also worked a lot on my commitment to carrying on with my day “no matter what”. EVEN IF I have a crazy picking session, I carry on, put on my makeup (which of course can’t completely cover it, or might look “heavy” but oh well) and then I spend less time ruminating over the whole crazy mess I created.

And I also have made an unofficial rule I guess that once my makeup’s on, it’s done for the day and try to stick to it. I hate the fluorescent lighting at work. And don’t even talk to me about searching for the lovely rogue hairs that show up on my face as I age.

I have also been reading a book called Willpower by Roy Baumeister which is very interesting. It talks about how we have a limited reserve of willpower/self-control and also that we can work on improving it to some degree. I think some of this information might be helpful. Here’s a link to an article about it:

http://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/01/self-control.aspx

I’d love to hear tips from others, too. Hope that helps.

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[allovertheplace]

Hey I just came across this and thought you may find it helpful:

http://momswithadd.ning.com/page/adhd-and-hypersensitivities

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[allovertheplace]

Hi Prpldnsr

It sounds like you have such a heavy weight on your shoulders. I can’t imagine what it must be like to carry this on your own and noone, not even your wife knows.

I have no doubt you have worked hard to get where you are and have succeeded in your career due to your talents. I also have ADD and made it through two university degrees and work in health care now. I was just diagnosed a couple of years ago after having a few a-ha moments following years of feeling like I just needed to “get it together” (combined with low self-esteem) and instead of my career becoming easier to manage, it became more difficult as I outgrew the novice role.

Perhaps you are not a fraud as you fear, but are faced with trying to manage a disorder completely on your own with no medication (I am assuming?) and the demands of your life are probably the greatest they have every been. So I would think to break it down a bit:

-you are where you are because you have earned it regardless of whether or not you have ADHD

-if you feel that the symptoms of the disorder are affecting your performance in many areas and would benefit from medication, even for a short while, would considering that be helpful?

-could you consider telling someone, possible seeing a therapist who specializes in this area and can talk through some of the feelings you have? Perhaps you could work towards telling someone you trust a lot (your wife perhaps if you have a good relationship or a best friend?)

I struggle with a lot of shame around having experienced depression and ADHD, and it has helped me greatly to be able to confide carefully in a few good friends.

It also has helped me to read the stories of others who are in the public light in their careers and they have disclosed that they have ADHD (such as Ed Hallowell). But I don’t think you need to disclose publicly.

I hope that you become more comfortable with this part of yourself that has become a locked up compartment of shame right now.

I’m not sure if this made much sense (meds wearing off for me…very tired) but I feel for your situation.

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[allovertheplace]

It sounds like some of the things you describe fit into what some people consider to be “sensory processing difficulties” and I don’t think the ‘experts’ know exactly what to make of this. I understand some people are lobbying for sensory processing disorder to be another diagnosis in the DSM V (coming out next year) but I think that is very unlikely due to the lack of research/evidence to provide a more scientific explanation of this issue that is described by many people. But you can google sensory integration dysfunction and similar terms to explore it a little bit more. There are many theories and therapies for this; I’d be interested to hear your perspective on some of them given your personal experience.

All that aside, I’ve heard many accounts of people describing heightened sensory awareness to the point of it being intolerable/painful. Like Abbey said, it is described commonly in people with autism (Temple Grandin is well known for her descriptions of her own hypersensitivity to certain stimuli including hugging/touch and she regularly seeks out more calming types of sensory experiences- you can look up her “squeeze machine”).

I personally think ADHD and hypersensitivity to certain things may definitely be related. When you have a brain that seems to pick up on everything going on around it, it makes sense that it would also be hypervigilant (overly sensitive) in terms of processing other sensory information as well. I find this in my own experience though not to the degree you describe but definitely to noise. I can’t imagine how tiring and difficult it must have been for you to endure some of those things you describe! How do you manage now?

Also-I’m not sure if you saw a ringing in the ears forum posting a while ago that was linked with a certain ADHD medication.

:o)

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[allovertheplace]

I love the tips and bits of info that come up on these threads! Who ever thought that a thread about skin picking would come up with a tip about keeping things fresh between trips to the dry cleaner? My kind of peeps.

:o)

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[allovertheplace]

Hi Elizabeth,

Doesn’t it suck? I also just changed my makeup temporarily (long ADD story involved there) and I think it is making me break out even more. Argh.

Have you found anything that helps you?

One thing I found that helps is I did go see a special make up artist who helps to camouflage people’s birthmarks and stuff (she also does regular makeup application). That was so valuable because it taught me some great tips for covering up some significant damage. And that is so useful in getting out of the house when I just wanted to stay in until it healed which takes like a week or two. And let’s not even talk about the temptation to pick an almost-healed zit.

I know what you mean with those things (I think they might be called milia or something) from moisturizing; I think they might also just be one of those lovely things some people like us are more prone to have (lucky us!)

I’m certain the skin picking doesn’t help the self esteem. I think for me it is partly caused by some neurological wiring and for me, the presence of pimples, no matter how small. When I took accutane many years ago, my skin was P E R F E C T! I hardly had anything to pick. Oh the joy. As soon as I stopped the meds, it came right back.

For me I think it might be linked with the ADD. It is just one of those immed gratification activities that I will do 1. out of habit at the bathroom mirror and 2. standing there trying to figure out what else I am supposed to do (and this happens often I believe due to ADD overwhelm/difficulty prioritizing and sequencing tasks in my day). So then the skin picking became a way to avoid and escape. Just like internet, TV, shopping and almost anything else. However, with TV and internet, it is just shame and wasted time. With skin picking, it is shame and physical evidence, which begets more shame, and people saying “why don’t you just stop?” I love that- just like why don’t I just get to work and do my job and stay focused. Or just make a list. Oh, silly me. I didn’t realize it was that easy! ;op

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[allovertheplace]

“to such refined persons as those who read this forum…”

Oh dear. You clearly don’t know me at all! ;o)

It couldn’t possibly be ruder than anything I already know, could it?

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[allovertheplace]

Oh, ADDled- the never-ending quest to feel “normal”. My life. God how I love those rare days where I don’t give a crap and actually feel comfortable with who I am. Ah well, it’s all about the journey, right?

Serzone. What lovely memories (insert sarcasm here). I haven’t met anyone face to face who remembers that joy. I remember being in my then-boyfriend’s parents’ living room trying to play some intellectual game, and things weren’t moving so quickly in my intellect (no doubt also due to the lovely depressive symptoms) but that was during the time that you tried an AD for 4-6 weeks (!!!!!). I quickly learned that was ridiculous. I wonder if that drug worked for anyone?

Regarding effexor and drug companies- I know they are shady in many ways and of course profit comes first. And you are taking a certain amount of risk with every foreign substance you put in your body. But…I am so grateful for effexor; it saved my life. And I have been taking it more or less continuously for the past 12 years with varying dosages (i.e. gradually tapering off as low as I could when pregnant/breastfeeding). I have been fortunate in being able to maintain a therapeutic dosage that worked and only needed to go up when life or hormonal stress got in the way. And I will happily take several months to go down on the dosage because of the benefits this drug gives to me. And I’m not writing this in any way to criticize your experience, just to provide my version of a slightly different perspective.

(I love your disclaimer!)

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[allovertheplace]

Hey

thanks for the update. so glad to hear it’s not too bad right now and you’re able to keep most of the zappy crappy stuff away. I find the omega’s are great too. I might need to add chocolate vit d to my regimen, though. I find the sunshine right now also helps to feel a bit more on the bright side. :o)

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[allovertheplace]

:o)

Thanks for sharing; it’s nice to know you can relate a bit or more. I’ve tried many strategies and some work better than others. the best thing was actually an ADD strategy- a list for my morning/getting ready routine. That seems to be where I am most at risk for detours and so having a list of what to do next (seriously, with q tips, toothbrushing etc.) seems to direct me and leave less time for ambivalence/idle hands. Having a toddler who has little patience for these things also seems to help move me along ;o)

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