Isn't the condition often genetic? [0] And thus would be at least partially detectable.
I agree there is no bright line to make a distinction between ADHD and non-ADHD but the more I read about it and the people who say they have ADHD, the more I'm convinced to have ADHD too.
This maybe medically relevant or not but there's at least a cluster of people with very similar experiences to mine. And thus the hope exists to get relevant and good advise from persons who struggle with the same stuff as me (be it with lifestyle changes or drugs)
>First off, see a doctor and get a diagnosis. Avoid the drugs. Ritalin or its time released bastard cousin Concerta are bad news...in my opinion (I'm not a doctor), they're both worse than cocaine.
If I should avoid drugs why going to a doctor? The symptoms match that good that I don't have much doubt anymore that I have ADHD(and not only the obvious symptoms match, but also stuff like eg terrible time management, I have barely any intuition about time and often am late with no ill will)
> Second, if you are on the ADHD spectrum, you will need to change your attitude towards ADHD. Yeah, it makes certain environments less productive, and it can create a whole world of problems in personal relationships. However, ADHD can also be extremely helpful.
Could you please expand on that. What environments do you avoid and which do you seek? (calm ones?)
>Fourth, carry around a notebook and diary out your life. Keep track of what you eat, drink, do and your moods. Make special note of times when your ADHD is worse than others and try to figure out the triggers.
>Long term fix: try Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
I started a few months ago David Burns Feeling Good book. But unfortunately procrastinated reading it further, thanks for reminding me to finish it finally.
>"The main idea behind CBT is to go against the grain" [...] "it's the opposite of bullshit spiritual retreats in Peru "
I had on my first trip some mixture of feeling of dying(the burning in hell kind of dying), a panic attack and an existential crisis. So I don't think that this is the opposite of going against the grain. I got really confronted with the negative aspects of myself (although nothing lasting came from it eventually). But I get your point, your approach is to grow oneself more stoic and stronger instead of having feel-nice experiences.
Thanks for your insight but my anxiety and ego both make it difficult to look for help. And thus the easier option is for me right now to try the advises of the other users first and only afterwards (if still failing) go meet a physician. But you're probably right and I'm just stubborn and stupid
>It sounds like you are already using medication, just not ones that are approved by the FDA.
For me the difference is not if something is FDA approved or not but if I depend everyday on something new.
Because of a difficult time in high school I spent most of my time before the computer as an escape. This escape showed me also my addictive personality and the following negative consequences. And thus I'm now very reluctant to add anything addiction-like to my daily life. I never even tried coffee so far.
> Do not be afraid of antidepressants
Don't they make you dull and feel nothing? Also I wanted to focus on ADHD and not on depression/anxiety because I want to have good grades. The depression & anxiety I think I can more or less handle until the end of my masters and get by.
> Meditation is good, but regular exercise should be the first line therapy for most mental health issues: a good goal would be to do 1 hour of cardio 5 days a week. It is good even if you do half of that, but it takes most people about 45 minutes to start experiencing the "Runner's High"
Thanks, did know that there are some benefits in doing sports but not to that extent. Already cycle 10m to the train station every day and sometimes make kettle bell exercises. Will try to do more sports.
> As for amphetamines, Ritalin, etc. I can say that I don't know any young adults who are taking those drugs to get into a high-functioning zone. I do know older (65+) people who use them to shake grogginess and I know children who seem to be doing OK.
>I have been told, and I have learned, to give no quarter to negative thoughts such as you have described. It is not so easy to do because it so compelling, but trying to explore them in great detail tends to increase their power over you more than decrease it.
Yes that's indeed true, it's so easy to think negative. Thanks for sharing your insights.
I agree there is no bright line to make a distinction between ADHD and non-ADHD but the more I read about it and the people who say they have ADHD, the more I'm convinced to have ADHD too.
This maybe medically relevant or not but there's at least a cluster of people with very similar experiences to mine. And thus the hope exists to get relevant and good advise from persons who struggle with the same stuff as me (be it with lifestyle changes or drugs)
[0] https://www.snpedia.com/index.php/Attention_deficit_hyperact...