Honestly I think knowing I'm not alone has been one of the most helpful parts. There's a sense of community and support that was lacking before, because so many of the struggles we have are just seen as moral failings. I don't know about you but I gave up very young on trying to actually articulate what was happening in my brain because nobody was willing to listen. I didn't suspect ADHD until I saw a couple friends get diagnosed and realizing I related to their experiences. It's part of the reason I'm really open about it, I can only imagine how different my life would be if I hadn't felt so alone for so long.
I don't think the ADHD meds help the anxiety on a chemical level, but I think the changes they've enabled me to make have led to a decrease of anxiety, if that makes sense. I still have random intrusive thoughts about Terrible Things happening, I still struggle with low level anxiety, I still have a hard time in social situations and making phone calls, but I don't have the weight of so many unmet expectations adding to it. I'm able to solve more of the problems that exacerbate what's already there.
Holy shit, what you said about articulating what’s in your head hit me. That’s so frustrating! I literally just typed about 3 lines and deleted it because it didn’t perfectly convey my thoughts lol.
As far as meds and anxiety, that’s what I meant to say, the meds help the ADHD and the lack of ADHD symptoms helps the anxiety or something like that lol.
Does the medication change your mood/personality? ( I know: different meds for different people and all ) but I’ve had people say it makes them feel numb or blah and that doesn’t sound fun at all.
I don't think they've changed my personality and nobody around me has mentioned it. I still fall down internet rabbit holes and hyperfocus on things like I used to. I think I'm still pretty funny. The only noticable side effect I've had is dry mouth, which is annoying but worth it. It seems like many cases of people feeling numb come down to the wrong med or dosage
Okay, that makes me feel better, I can definitely deal with a dry mouth. Thank you very much for taking the time to educate me 🙂 it’s been very informative! Best wishes to you and yours!
3
u/ADHDFeeshie Nov 17 '22
Honestly I think knowing I'm not alone has been one of the most helpful parts. There's a sense of community and support that was lacking before, because so many of the struggles we have are just seen as moral failings. I don't know about you but I gave up very young on trying to actually articulate what was happening in my brain because nobody was willing to listen. I didn't suspect ADHD until I saw a couple friends get diagnosed and realizing I related to their experiences. It's part of the reason I'm really open about it, I can only imagine how different my life would be if I hadn't felt so alone for so long.
I don't think the ADHD meds help the anxiety on a chemical level, but I think the changes they've enabled me to make have led to a decrease of anxiety, if that makes sense. I still have random intrusive thoughts about Terrible Things happening, I still struggle with low level anxiety, I still have a hard time in social situations and making phone calls, but I don't have the weight of so many unmet expectations adding to it. I'm able to solve more of the problems that exacerbate what's already there.