Adult ADD

[Jacko]

Originally Posted by Susie Q Roo

I'd say you're right... if I wasn't retired on a beach in paradise. Sometimes it seems the less I HAVE TO do, the lazier I am. And down here, what is there that I really MUST do?

Susie,

I wonder if that is part of the problem? I find that excitement in my life breeds energy and enthusiasm....I find I have plenty of energy when dealing with new and interesting things to see or do and NO ENERGY on things that bore me or disinterest me. Does it seem that way to you?

[playawannabe]

Originally Posted by queencityfan

These symtoms sound like some of them can be a sign of the times we live in.

Too many things to get in order.

Too many appointments and obligations.

No time to just sit still and relax.

Feeling guilty for not being productive every waking hour.

Dreading a task or assignment just because we know our plate is way too full as it is.
Maybe medication is not the answer for a lot of this, simplifying our everyday lives would go a long way to reducing the stress we have created for ourselves.

Now if I could just take my own advice......

I think this is more like it. I just took a weeks vacation and accomplished NOTHING. On purpose. When people ask what I did or got done and I say NOTHING, they look at me funny. Ah well, I sat around and napped and watched TV and golfed and read and cooked and napped. And I liked it. I might do it again sometime.

[Susie Q Roo]

Originally Posted by Jacko

Susie,

I wonder if that is part of the problem? I find that excitement in my life breeds energy and enthusiasm....I find I have plenty of energy when dealing with new and interesting things to see or do and NO ENERGY on things that bore me or disinterest me. Does it seem that way to you?

To some extent, yes.

But, it's always been this way with me, not just now. The huge tasks I've accomplished in life (like shutting down my life in Ohio to move down here, something full of excitement and longing for me) took superhuman effort. Even for things I know I will enjoy, or tasks that I truly WANT to do or finish, I procrastinate and have to force the motivation. I do have to concede that this time of year does make it worse - when it's hotter than blazes and just raising an eyebrow makes me sweat, I'm not motivated to begin much of anything, much less finish it. But even inside in the AC, I can look around and see 100 little things I need to get to, or have already stopped in the middle of doing, and I might get (back) to them or I might not. It embarrasses me and frustrates me, but it's true. However, deadlines are my friends. I'll have everything taken care of (or at least better hidden! ) before I leave for the states in a few weeks, simply because I feel I have to. It'll involve a hundred tricks I've learned to fool myself into submission, but I'll get it done and will be exhausted when I reach my destination.

[Jacko]

Originally Posted by Susie Q Roo

To some extent, yes.

But, it's always been this way with me, not just now. The huge tasks I've accomplished in life (like shutting down my life in Ohio to move down here, something full of excitement and longing for me) took superhuman effort. Even for things I know I will enjoy, or tasks that I truly WANT to do or finish, I procrastinate and have to force the motivation. I do have to concede that this time of year does make it worse - when it's hotter than blazes and just raising an eyebrow makes me sweat, I'm not motivated to begin much of anything, much less finish it. But even inside in the AC, I can look around and see 100 little things I need to get to, or have already stopped in the middle of doing, and I might get (back) to them or I might not. It embarrasses me and frustrates me, but it's true. However, deadlines are my friends. I'll have everything taken care of (or at least better hidden! ) before I leave for the states in a few weeks, simply because I feel I have to. It'll involve a hundred tricks I've learned to fool myself into submission, but I'll get it done and will be exhausted when I reach my destination.

I think that thing about deadlines was part of the point I was making..I believe many of us stay motivated often because we HAVE to stay motivated...that is why I want to never completely retire...I see so many people who seem frustrated when they don't HAVE to do anything or be anywhere (all the time)...I know...it sounds crazy, but I think it may just be the way some folks are wired.

Also, cuz Linda has been dealing with this...you are also describing what Linda might describe as mild symptoms of depression....

And finally, don't worry about a ting....we are a destination that welcomes exhausted people with open and caring arms!
(and a couple of blueberry mojitos)

[playawannabe]

I can totally relate to everything you are saying above, Susie. I haven't found a way to conquer it yet, either. I do find that I reach a breaking point of anxiety about all the little things and small messes and unfinished business a few times a year and then I spend some serious time (usually on a weekend, start friday night and just keep at it until i am finished, even if I stay up all night or take a sick day!) getting all caught up and organized again. And it feels so good to be caught up and organized that I always say I won't let it happen again, but I do... It's a bad habit, I guess - I don't know how else to describe it. And deadlines are king, you're right. I LOVE having company because it spurs me to action, usually...

What I can't understand is that I am organized and in control and caught up and proactive to a fault at work. I guess I get it all out of my system between 9-5 and then I'm done! I dunno.....

But I can totally relate. And the depression thing that Jacko refers to is possible... I have been there too and it all feels kinda the same. I just don't like taking the meds so I don't and whatever will be, will be

[Seakony]

I think it's the "dog days of summer". It's just too hot to do anything. Then there is the knowing that fall is coming soon...that always depresses me. I hate the fall. Everything dies, and the days get shorter.
Don't let it worry you so much...as long as your priorities get taken care of. I just keep making my priority list shorter.

[Bluespicker]

"How often do you fidget or squirm with your hands or your feet when you have to sit down for a long time? "

I can't even sit still for a short time.

If my feet aren't tapping my fingers are!

[Tlyn]

I know I have this. I don't even have the attention span to read posts that are longer than a paragraph.

[gingele]

Originally Posted by Susie Q Roo

To some extent, yes.

But, it's always been this way with me, not just now. The huge tasks I've accomplished in life (like shutting down my life in Ohio to move down here, something full of excitement and longing for me) took superhuman effort. Even for things I know I will enjoy, or tasks that I truly WANT to do or finish, I procrastinate and have to force the motivation. I do have to concede that this time of year does make it worse - when it's hotter than blazes and just raising an eyebrow makes me sweat, I'm not motivated to begin much of anything, much less finish it. But even inside in the AC, I can look around and see 100 little things I need to get to, or have already stopped in the middle of doing, and I might get (back) to them or I might not. It embarrasses me and frustrates me, but it's true. However, deadlines are my friends. I'll have everything taken care of (or at least better hidden! ) before I leave for the states in a few weeks, simply because I feel I have to. It'll involve a hundred tricks I've learned to fool myself into submission, but I'll get it done and will be exhausted when I reach my destination.

You have neatly described a few of the "coping mechanisms" that intelligent adults with undiagnosed ADD/ADHD have adopted to manage daily living, employment, etc. Although some adults are not as fortunate and struggle holding on to jobs in the workforce, etc.

Bottom line is this - if you do think you are suffering from adult ADD/ADHD, then the answer (in my book) is relatively straightforward - consult with a psychiatrist about it. Living down there you might want to wait until your next trip north to do this. I have a couple of books I can recommend, but my guess is that they'll just reinforce what you already suspect (or know). So then the real question arises - what are you prepared to do about it if it does turn out that you have adult ADD/ADHD?

You can certainly choose not to medicate and undertake to become more organized and such, perhaps hiring help for certain tasks (cleaning, laundry, etc). But IMHO, if "self-help" techniques like time management skills, organizational skills, and hired help were the answer - you would have self-corrected by this time in your life. Right?

[Ginger]

Originally Posted by Susie Q Roo

An hour or two! I bounce between things at least every 20 minutes if not more often. And I don't have the hyperactivity part of it, except maybe mentally. For example, I can NOT talk on the phone without doing something else at the same time, like a computer game or something. And about the only way I can watch TV is if I have ironing to do, or food to prepare in front of it. I have to do everything in bits and pieces and I almost never complete any task, start to finish, without doing some other task at the same time. If I'm lucky, I get back to the first one. If not, it sits undone until it makes me crazy or I bury it under something else.

See? We ARE sistahs!

(we are sooo alike!)

Well, of course Jorden has it and is fully diagnosed with ADHD, combined type. There are actually three types: Predominantly Inattentive Type, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, and the worse; combined.

I have been through hours upon hours and days upon days of testing with him, somtimes in 6 hour stretches where they have also tested me. I strongly present traits for ADHD prodominantly Inattentive (but not hyperactive), yet I also have impusive traits. John is just now also being investigated by his doctor who believes JOhn to have the exact same as I, only even stronger.

ADHD children show that 80% of the time they have undiagnosed parents. It is, after all, a chemical imbalance thing and highly genetic. John and I both at this time are choosing to do some investigation into some natural routes for 'medicating', but it looks as though JOhn is the most likely to need actual medical intervention. He has spent many years of his life 'self medicating' and his doctor thinks it may be prudent and beneficial for him to at least try some meds like what Jorden is on.

[Ginger]

Originally Posted by Tlyn

I know I have this. I don't even have the attention span to read posts that are longer than a paragraph.

THat is so me!

Susie, every single thing you are saying is the same with me.

Over my life I have been known to others (and myself) as either 'unreliable' or 'crazy impusive' or as someone who doesn't think things through or get things done. And it's true...I don't volunteer for committees, for activities with my kids school or classrooms, etc. because I get bored quickly and move on without finishing...so I just tell people I am too busy, or too irresponsible.

I start a million projects...and never finish. I have grand ideas. I have lived in 13 different homes in just the time since I've had my kids (Kelsey is 12!). I NEVER get work done until hours before it is due, and this usually means I am up until 3 or 4am finishing something that I need to have ready for clients in the morning.

All I can say is that it is lucky that BOTH John and I are like this or I don't know how the other would handle it...for example, look at our vacations. It's always go, go, go...we don't stop for very long. We just can't.

[playawannabe]

Wow, Ginger! As I was reading that, all I could think of was.....poor Kelsey!"

[Rissask]

And I don't have the hyperactivity part of it, except maybe mentally. For example, I can NOT talk on the phone without doing something else at the same time, like a computer game or something. And about the only way I can watch TV is if I have ironing to do, or food to prepare in front of it.

Really? You and I are totally opposite that way. I can sit and read a book cover to cover, without even moving hardly, if it is a good book. If I am doing a project, such as moving to a new house, I won't sleep until every last pot is put away and picture is hung. I am like a dog with a bone with stuff like that, git 'er done!

I have never had trouble being able to slow down and smell the roses, I think maybe it had something to do with my upbringing as an only child on a (quiet) farm as well as just personality type.

It is weird how some people LOVE being around people and noise and moving constantly and for others, it just stresses them out and they are more introverted and enjoy solitude, I am more the latter.

anyway....

Sometimes it seems the less I HAVE TO do, the lazier I am.

I certainly find that to be true as well. Total retirement would not be at all good for me, I know I would be a 400 pound alcoholic before long. I need routine and tasks to some degree in my life, without some type of structure I would just sit and read all day and eat bonbons and drink wine.

Maybe you should go sell timeshares part time!

"How often do you fidget or squirm with your hands or your feet when you have to sit down for a long time? "

I can't even sit still for a short time.

If my feet aren't tapping my fingers are!

Are you my husband? Trying to fall asleep with him next to me twitching and tossing is a total PITA.

[sctx]

if it is "Adult ADD", it's much ado about nothing really.....make lists of your tasks, assign dates to be complete by and mark them off when complete.....priority organization.......I have 3 different notepads for my workday, tasks by job, daily to do list, and a notepad for quickly jotting down new tasks before they are transferred to the other two lists.........triple redundancy...........do I do this at home???...........hell no!!!!!!.........and it frustrates Terri to the max.........been thinkin about doin it at home....but I've never written it down on my daily "To Do" list.........btw, classic ADHD here, but have never taken a pill for it

and Jacko's Linda could be correct, mild depression has similar symptoms

[gingele]

Originally Posted by sctx

if it is "Adult ADD", it's much ado about nothing really.....make lists of your tasks, assign dates to be complete by and mark them off when complete.....priority organization.......I have 3 different notepads for my workday, tasks by job, daily to do list, and a notepad for quickly jotting down new tasks before they are transferred to the other two lists.........triple redundancy...........do I do this at home???...........hell no!!!!!!.........and it frustrates Terri to the max.........been thinkin about doin it at home....but I've never written it down on my daily "To Do" list.........btw, classic ADHD here, but have never taken a pill for it

and Jacko's Linda could be correct, mild depression has similar symptoms

Sorry, but that is too simplistic and a tad unfair. If adults with diagnosed ADD could easily manage by following your recommendations...and sticking to them...then there wouldn't be any anxiety or frustration about the situation. In other words, the crux of the "problem" would be solved. I am very glad that such skills have worked for you and that you have avoided taking meds since that seems to be important to you. However, I cannot tell you how many "to do" lists I have started in my life....how many assignment notebooks I have started (and lost)...etc. etc. If only it could be that easy.