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Post by Douglas on Oct 28, 2003 11:20:19 GMT -5
I managed to go almost 20 years, hiding my ADD (I didn't know it was ADD!). My strategy was to seek out jobs that called for work done in isolation (writing and research). Eventually, I was successful enough to enter management --- and the secret here is to delegate, delegate, delegate!
But eventually you reach a point where age makes the ADD worse (I could no longer get thru an 8 hr day) and the work was complex enough, even as a manager, that there was just nowhere to hide.
The world is not very understanding of adult ADD, and I didn't even know that's what was wrong with me until recently.
Now there's nowhere left to go - and if I had any prospects, I know I would not survive.
What is there to do? My options are gone.
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Post by jdseekrwithadd on Oct 28, 2003 13:24:35 GMT -5
Douglas,
What, if any, treatments have you sought? I find that my meds make a big dent in coping with my ADD, though I still suffer & know that I have to address most of my issues through behavioral therapy.
For what it's worth, I do feel your pain!
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Post by Douglas on Oct 28, 2003 13:30:09 GMT -5
In the past, when I first sought treatment, I was diagnosed with depression, and tried Prozac and Wellbutrin. These had modest effects but didn't solve my attention problems.
My ADD diagnosis is very recent and I am taking Strattera (side effects discussed in the Medication forum) ... don't yet know if it will make a difference.
I am deep into a financial collapse that has pretty much ruined me. I don't know how I will work now, how I will support my children --- I see no path to recovery, in terms of putting my life back together. As I have aged, my difficulties have gotten worse and worse, and I can no longer fake my way thru a morning, let alone an 8 hr work day.
Hoping this med makes a difference! I don't know what else to do.
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Post by Honeysmom on Oct 29, 2003 20:57:28 GMT -5
Douglas, You said that you tried the anti-depressants, but to me you do sound depressed and rightfully so. I know what you mean about financial ruin, we used to own our own farm...disaster, big time!! But give yourself a little credit. you may no longer be able to get through an eight hour day, but by some of the things you have written here I think you have a real gift for putting on paper just how men feel. I think you have a career waiting for you as a writer, set your own hours, make your own rules, and maybe, just maybe feel like you are being productive again. I would gladly buy a book that could explin to me in plan english just what my husband meant when he did this or that. Don't short change yourself you deserve a little credit.  |
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Post by Mishamom on Nov 1, 2003 23:26:21 GMT -5
First I would suggest speaking to a financial counselor to help see through the chaos that you cannot see through at this point. This will help you develop a workable plan and relieve a tremendous amount of stress. I agree with talking to your doc again about antidepressants. Most of us find that we have more than one issue to deal with at a time. An antidepressant in addition to your Strattera may offer you enough relief to regroup. Have you considered temp work? In the past it has been successful for me although the money isn't always great. You might also try consulting on management issues since you became a pro at delegating. Recognize that not only does your brain operate differently but that it is an asset because you do. You offer different viewpoints and solutions because of your ADD. Hang in there and keep in touch here.  |
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Post by Douglas on Nov 2, 2003 9:14:06 GMT -5
I've been doing some research on antidepressants that might be used in combination with Strattera. This is new territory for my personal physician, as well --- I'm one of the first he's written a Strattera prescription for, and he's interested to see how it goes.
Hoping I can find an effective combination, because I have a tremendous amount of work to be done and need to boost my income --- but I can't work more than an hour or two at a time! (well, I can, but my work rapidly deteriorates to very poor quality ...)
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Post by LitlBaa on Nov 12, 2003 3:04:07 GMT -5
This sounds familiar...my husband will start at his homework, all gung ho, then I'll go out to the garage (his workshop/office) and he's sorting nuts and bolts or watching SciFi Channel. What would help him to be more effective and/or efficient? He has a great determination to finish school, but lately he seems to be losing focus.
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Post by Douglas on Nov 12, 2003 9:31:57 GMT -5
If he doesn't have an effective med, he's doomed. I'VE BEEN THERE!!! Doctoral research with heavy study factor, it was the hardest thing I've ever done --- academic text is the most difficult reading on the planet!!! Your mind does NOT want to remain engaged, it screams for relief!
I'm doing better at this on my current med but still not where I need to be in order to function again professionally. Help your husband find the right med!
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Post by Douglas on Dec 22, 2003 10:56:17 GMT -5
I had lunch with a former boss this past week. He and I remain good friends (I left his employment because the organization he was heading ran dry of funds) and it was at this lunch that I chose to finally reveal to him my ADD condition.
He was astonished at first, and then, as he thought about it, he recognized my coping strategies ... it all began to click into place for him. He was completely sympathetic! How I needed that understanding, from him or anyone!
He also revealed, as kindly as he could, that other co-workers from that era had thought that I was flaky and secretive, etc., because of those coping behaviors, and he felt defensive toward me. How do we articulate that we are used to, that we even expect such reactions?
I'm so glad I spoke with him about it. I feel a little less alone!
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