[MK]

Hi, I don’t have the answer, as I face the same difficulty with mornings. But I have to say I’m impressed with your results using the “Think. Do.” strategy. I’m not sure if I can duplicate your success record with that but I’m going to try. I have a major task ahead of me that requires prep, and until I complete this task I can’t move forward. And I’m procrastinating the prep. Not motivated to START. I’ve done self-education on my adult adhd for 19 years and still can’t use the strategies I know can help (i.e., setting a timer for 15 min., etc.) Meds haven’t touched the motivation issue. I’m not very hopeful. At least, not today.

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[MK]

I too have a great deal of trouble when my issues due to adhd have impacted and inconvenienced others; caused hardship for others. When it happens, I feel lower than scum, I feel like hiding, I just want to go home. And although usually I can “wait 10 minutes and I’m feeling totally differently” – it takes me longer to come out of one of these events and the aftermath. I find it hard to forgive myself, especially if it is a goof I’ve made before, thus, I’m not learning from my mistakes. It seems like I never learn from experience, never learn from the same thing happening in the past. And I am a masters-degreed professional, smarter than the average bear, so to speak, but when this happens, I feel like a total worthless idiot…

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[MK]

I pick at my fingers: any dry skin, hang nail, anything. I’ve done it ever since I’ve been on stimulants, which has been most of 18+/- years. And, I know of many school children’s parents who report their children do the same thing. The drug I’ve heard it most connected with is Concerta, but by no means exclusively that. I also sometimes do this funny thing with my mouth when I’m concentrating. Looks really weird…

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[MK]

I was RIF’ed from a job where everyone knew me and my ADHD and worked with me anyway, valuing my strengths and helping to support my executive function/ADHD weaknesses. (RIF = Reduction In Force)

Now as I face being hired by a new school district I am considering finding a coach who would work well with me, because new folks may not be so kind and understanding and supportive of my weaknesses.

We’ll see. First I have to get the job.

-MK

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[MK]

Currently I don’t have the time to document the countless times I have had an “ADHD Moment” which has caused me immense embarrassment. I will get back to this when I do. Suffice it to say that two of my funnier stories (ADHD Moments) ended up in in the “Humor” section of Terry Matlen’s excellent book: “Survival Tips for Women with AD/HD”

It’s good for all, not just women.

http://www.addconsults.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=399

MK

Batavia, IL

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[MK]

I had less positive effects with Strattera than with the psycho-stimulant family of ADHD medications. The nicest part about it is that, as a non-psycho-stimulant, it can be PHONED IN! Instead of HAVING to physically pick up the prescription… Quite frankly I have heard some of the most notable psychopharmacologists (ok, psychiatrists who really know their meds) praise Vyvanse highly. So far so good with me – but NOTHING gets rid of ALL your symptoms!!! If you don’t use your strategies daily, you’ve the potential for disaster, meds or not.

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[MK]

Hi Jayzee,

The user name, well, I had to find something I’d always remember. Initials plus degree. That works for me. So – pick up Terry Matlen’s book (whether you’re a woman or not – great tips/strategies. Check out her ADD Consults. Read online forums. Go read articles at http://www.Additude.com. I subscribe to the paper magazine and as a subscriber can access all articles online. Read articles online by the experts and leading names in the ADHD world: Sari Solden, Nancy Ratey (I’ve started her book too. Actually I’ve started many. Hopefully I’ll finish hers.) Ed Hallowell, John Ratey, Ari Tuckman, Terry Matlen, and the various websites that are virtual “gathering places” for folks with ADHD where strategies are exchanged. ADDitude has that too, a “forum.” I’ve gotten excellent ideas from other people with ADHD. Interesting article about time management and “gadgets” here: http://www.addcopingskills.com/articles.php

Check out Edward M. Hallowell’s “Adult ADHD: 50 Tips on Management” http://www.addresources.org/article_50_adhd_tips_adult_hallowell_ratey.php

Other notables: Tara McGillicuddy, Patricia O. Quinn, MD and Kathleen Nadeau, PhD – the latter two’s page is ADDvance.com.

I have signed up for e-newsletters from the key players over the years and dredge oodles of strategies from those.

Go to the “Helpful Resources” list of articles on the ADDA site (www.add.org), here’s the link: http://www.add.org/mc/page.do?sitePageId=96818&orgId=atdda

I develop certain “routines” that I try to always follow so that I don’t goof up, such as NEVER putting my car keys in my coat pocket, because then I’ll leave my purse (wallet, etc.) at work (or somewhere, but not WITH me…) Keep keys in my purse. Just simple things like that. However, it is 2:44 a.m. and I’ve still not gotten 1/2 way through a report due tomorrow, so hey – I’m not using my strategies to keep from Task Avoidance very well, am I? LOL – ug…. (!!) On wards and upwards. Back to my report, off the ‘net. More later…

MK

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[MK]

Hi,

I’ve been on meds for 17 years. Ritalin then Dexedrine then Strattera then Vyvanse. Was able to shed the antidepressant, Effexor XR, last year after having taken it for years and years and years.

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[MK]

Ah Burnsey, kind of you to ask. Yes, once I got the diagnosis I began the journey of self-education on adult adhd. I attended two of the ADDA conferences (St. Louis and Chicago) back when they were still huge conferences. Read a lot of books. Had some counseling for awhile. Have been on several different ADHD medications over the years, (currently on Vyvanse) and am happy to report that finally last spring I was able to stop taking the antidepressant that I’d required for years and years. All is much better, though of course I still struggle with everything ADHD and do wish I had been spared this, despite any positives it has brought my way. Once you learn about all the strategies that you need to use to supplement what your brain won’t do, you have to remember to use them – all those strategies. That’s the kicker!

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[MK]

I recently had a ride to the hospital in an ambulance. It was a false alarm, luckily. But the EMT who rode in the ambulance with me shared with me that he was ADHD too. (He knew I was due to me having to list the medications I was taking.) He has returned to this job after trying several others, it having worked the best with his ADHD. He hasn’t taken medication since high school. I can understand why this would be, the adrenalin portion of his job probably helps keep him going. I didn’t ask him if there was much paperwork involved in his job though. But he seemed very happy and from the patient’s point of view, he did a great job!

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