actuallyadhd: I was diagnosed with ADHD in second grade, and like many, I assumed (as did everyone e
actuallyadhd: I was diagnosed with ADHD in second grade, and like many, I assumed (as did everyone else) that I’d grow out of it. I was treated for it for a period of time around that age and then it stopped. My fidgetiness and inattention continued, but it tended to fall under the “she’s a gifted kid she’s just not stimulated enough” umbrella, so we didn’t think much of it. From then until late high school, I inadvertently trained myself to stop the ADHD relevant behaviors. I could control my energy, I did really well in school, and everything was great. ADHD wasn’t even on my radar. In college, I struggled with adjustment because, having been a smart kid who never has to study, I found my butt getting kicked by chemistry courses. I tried Strattera again but ultimately it didn’t help because 1) I didn’t stay on it long enough and 2) I was struggling with workload, not focus. Skip ahead to last summer. I had a successful job in a pharmacy in addition to class. My major changed, so my priorities and schedule changed too and I was thriving. On this particular day, I was exhausted. I was not a consistent coffee drinker at that time because it never really did anything (because ADHD duh). Anyways, I was so exhausted that I tried a Starbucks Double Shot. For the rest of the day, I had no anxiety. As I counted pills, I didn’t find myself spiraling or getting caught up on a certain problem or issue. My head was so clear. That night, I googled the symptoms of adult ADHD, as this had been a direct result of a stimulant (aka ADHD treatments). What was on of the symptoms of adult ADHD? Spiraling thought. I made an appointment with my PCP a week later. I’ve been on Strattera consistently for over a year now. That, combined with a lot of behavior modification I just happened to teach myself over the last fifteen years, has made me into a successful, functioning adult. The picture on the right is how I do that. My colorful pens allow me to take notes and color code things in my purple planner so I can stay on top of all my responsibilities. The blocks and the fidget spinner are my work stim toys. If I have one in my hand, I end up solely focused on the task at hand for hours. If I’m at home, I move around a lot to release energy and better focus on projects at home. I’m now hold a director level position at a non-profit and oversee multiple programs. This would not be possible without those toys, that planner, and 25mg of selective norepinephrine reputable inhibitors. Happy ADHD Awareness month! Thank God for Starbucks Double Shots for showing me that hey, maybe I didn’t grow out of this after all. -- source link