I need advice for ADD!

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Started 2 years ago by Claycat
Latest reply from Mid America Mom
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Claycat
Member

This has been a growing problem for me. I guess it fits on here, because it is mental clutter. It seems like I'm getting more ADD all the time. My mind just spins. I think of different things I need to do. I start on one. Then I get sidetracked and go to another. Suddenly I have all these loose ends to tie up.

Also, I am having so much trouble concentrating. I try to read things to help me, but I can't focus or concentrate. I can read if it's entertainment, and I could play video games all day, even though I might not enjoy them. They just block out my noisy thoughts and problems. I am miserable!

I was trying to sell on eBay, but there are major problems there. I need to switch to other sites, but the idea of having to learn how to sell in a new place is daunting. I have good ideas and plans, but I can't seem to get anything done. I just spin my wheels!

I told my doctor, but he didn't seem too concerned. He said it might be age related, but I'm not that old. I'm 60.

:(

Posted 2 years ago #
Another Deb
Member

Is it ADD or is it menopausal? My distraction level has increased since I turned 50 or so. I understand that career burnout is a factor in my case. Overwhelmed and overcluttered with mental tasks, my brain just wants to spin as well, and I was never the most focused person around before! There is research about menopause affecting concentration. Ask your doctor to evaluate you for ADD. They have a checklist.

I have found that my concentration is improved by exercise and adequate sleep. You might try a brisk walk when you begin feeling that overload. Get that blood flowing! A walk gets you away from the pile of work and out into nature, a remarkably placating place.

I also have decided that I do not have to keep accumulating tasks. I no longer volunteer for extra duty at work. I also used to spend summers in workshops that, while exciting and interesting, kept me from really taking a break from work. They also added to the clutter of things I should integrate into the course I teach.

Let us know what works for you!

Posted 2 years ago #
Claycat
Member

You are right about the exercise and sleep. I never get enough sleep, and I have been getting little exercise in several weeks. Thanks for the reminder.

I'm past menopause, so I don't think that is a problem. I can't afford to see the doctor too much, because I can't afford insurance.

I will work on the exercise and sleep.

Posted 2 years ago #
JuliaJayne
Member

I am experiencing the same problem. Exercise helps me too, and I discovered that I can no longer tolerate sugar.

Posted 2 years ago #
Julia H.
Member

I hope I'm not posting twice - my last one seemed to just disappear . . .

Doctors offer medical treatment, which for ADD is primarily drugs. There are so many other things you can do, with or without medication. I would try those first, and see how you do.

Ned Hallowell is a doctor with ADHD himself who specializes in its treatment. His websites are great: http://www.drhallowellsudbury.com/
His book, Driven To Distraction, is very popular in the adult ADHD world.

Sari Solden is a counselor, also with ADHD, who's book, Women With Attention Deficit Disorder, is an excellent self-help tool.

Also try:
http://www.additutudemag.com
http://www.add.org

If you want to try to get your doctor to take your concerns seriously, you could take the screening test on the Wall Street Journal website right now and print it out and take it in. I've found tremendous help in Sari Solden's book, and I strongly recommend it for anyone who experiences feelings of mental clutter. You don't need a diagnosis to find it useful!

Posted 2 years ago #
Claycat
Member

I certainly crave sugar, JuliaJayne. I know it's not too good for me.

Thanks for the links and info, Julia H. I will check them out.

I appreciate the responses. I was feeling very desperate yesterday and had cried about it.

Posted 2 years ago #
Claycat
Member

I was looking at the first few pages of Sari Solden's book on Amazon. Not only do I have it, I have it bad! However, I believe the author takes medication. I don't even want to take my meds for thyroid and blood pressure. I can't imagine taking any more.

Posted 2 years ago #
JuliaJayne
Member

Claycat - I missed something in your first post. I recently went to see my doctor about foot pain. While I was there I noticed a small poster in the exam room, which listed the symptoms of ADHD. I casually mentioned that I had all the symptoms except for one. She sent me to a psychologist. I had the initial screening and I have a follow up appointment in May. I'm glad my doctor pushed me into getting the problem taken care of because I kept putting it off.

Maybe you need to talk to your doctor again, and if you get the same response from your doctor, maybe you need to find a new doctor. My former doctor didn't help me much, but my new doctor is very interested in getting me feeling my best.

Great links, Julia H.

Posted 2 years ago #
Sky
Member

Claycat....I, too am 60 and I've realized I just don't want to do all the things I used to do. I enjoy peace, quiet and less to think about and do. That's why I'm working towards minimalism.

Maybe having less to do and concentrate on will lower your frustration. Hope you feel better soon :-)

Posted 2 years ago #
Julia H.
Member

That's great to hear, JuliaJayne - a helpful doctor! I am working my way towards finding one of those, too.

Claycat, don't be put off Sari Solden because she takes meds - she doesn't think everyone should, or needs to. I have no plans to take meds even though I suspect they would help, short-term. I'm much more interested in building better coping strategies, and changing my life so I'm not so stressed & overwhelmed.

Sky, I think that's great advice - to think about minimalism as one solution. It's helped me so much, from the practical side of things -- getting rid of mountains of books -- to the emotional, where I've realized that there are tons of reasons to keep life manageable, and it's not 'just me'.

Posted 2 years ago #
Claycat
Member

Thank you all for your concern and caring! I actually have a very good doctor. He knows I don't like meds, though, and he did give me a phone number for counseling at the clinic.

Wow, Sky, I thought you were younger than me! My doctor is close to my age, too. I knew he was my age the first day I met him. He was outside the door, looking at my chart. He began to sing "Rollin', rollin', rollin'..." When he came in, I sang, "Rawhide!" LOL

Posted 2 years ago #
Claycat
Member

My main problem is there is so much I want to do, but I can't seem to get organized or motivated to do it!

Posted 2 years ago #
Another Deb
Member

I have pages of lists that pop into my mind as I am "spinning". As I look them over I am going to try this:

Categorize several things into quadrants: "Must do/want to" "Must do/don't want to", "Don't need to/don't want to", and "Don't need to/do want to" I might be nice to write your "to do" list this way for a few days and see if it helps.

Now your priorities are a bit more organized. You can tackle a task you dislike but have to do, then do the ones you have to do that you enjoy. Get the biggies over with and as a reward, choose one that you just want to do for fun.

I have found that things like clipping coupons end up on the "don't need to/ don't want to" list and I can eliminate that task entirely. Also, if there are some tasks you have to do but hate to do, consider delegating or hiring the job out. I recently asked someone to bring potato salad to a meeting and they were stressing about making it for the first time. I recommended buying it pre-packaged at the deli. It saved her an evening researching recipes, shopping and cooking and still tasted fine.

Posted 2 years ago #
Claycat
Member

I will definitely try that list, Deb!

Posted 2 years ago #
s
Member

I was always VERY reluctant to take medication. But I wasn't able to think the way I wanted to be able to without some help. It can be scary and frustrating to take meds. You may have to try a few different meds or combinations of meds. I am happy to report that I didn't lose my personality or dampen all of my emotions, which I was concerned about. It took me about two years of therapy and I fought the idea for a long time, but I really feel that it's worth it for me. Anyway, I just wanted to say that it might be the right thing, but only take medication if you're ready to.

Posted 2 years ago #
paperdog
Member

Another Deb-I love the idea of the quadrant list. Lately my list has been having the same recurrent "uggh" jobs, but having them categorized like that may make it easier to prioritize or at least get through the must do/don't want to's so I can hop to the other side!
Claycat-my heart goes out to you. I have been there during seasons of my life and can relate to the frustration. It can get better and I am hoping you find the answers and help that is right for you soon.

Posted 2 years ago #
Jeri Dansky
Member

Claycat, you've already received a lot of good advice. Let me just add that there are some good books focused on organizing strategies for those with ADD; I've listed my favorites at http://www.squidoo.com/organize.

Posted 2 years ago #
Claycat
Member

S, I hope it continues to help you! Thanks!

Thanks to paperdog and Jeri, too! I will check some of those books!

I'm actually back on track somewhat. It's an ongoing battle, but I have made some progress in the last few days! :)

Posted 2 years ago #
Mid America Mom
Member

Claycat thanks for sharing with us. I can relate only in that I am a classic start but do not finish crafter. I am happy to hear you are open to professional help - it is not easy to do.

As for dealing with getting a task accomplished, and having a hard time keeping at it, I find that having a small to do list that has related items to a goal works best for me. For example: I need to switch my children to their spring/summer wardrobe and combine that with general declutter of their room. I find that if I list the tasks related to that - empty closet, take clothes out of storage, put the winter shoes up, change blankets... I have freedom to switch but still moving toward the goal.

Hope that helps and good luck,
Mid America Mom

Posted 2 years ago #

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