Greetings, fellow ADHDers!

These last three years have been a shit show, that led to the simple conclusion: Medication sucks (for me).

I’ve been through at least 8 Non-Stims and 3 Stims. The only Medications that worked for me was Adderall (but the anxiety it induced was unbearable) and Straterra (but I’m of the lucky few who have Urinary side effects). My Psychiatrist tried to balance it out with Zoloft and other similar medications but the side effects whacked me out so hard, it resulted in a Misdiagnosis of Bipolar Type 2. (Two weeks after i stopped taking all meds, all side effects subsided and my emotional state stabilized.)

Now, Im terrified of Medication. A lower dose of Adderall would conceivably help, but I dont like the health risk its impact on my cardiovascular system could have, and I have a genetic history of heart disease.

In conclusion: Medication isn’t for me, and I need some tips of managing symptoms and depression related to ADHD symptoms. Life is HARD.

Thank you

  • FiddlersViridian @sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    4·
    1 year ago

    For me, exercise is critical, specifically running. The combination of physical exertion, repetitive motion, “me time” and getting outside is one of the most helpful things for both ADHD and depression. When I’m not able to run for a few days I feel the difference. There are times I don’t enjoy running, but I almost never regret having gone for a run. This can be hard because depression will tell you it’s so much easier to sit and watch TV or play a game.

    I know that not everyone likes running or has the ability or space to do it safely, but long walks, swimming, biking, etc, might be alternatives.

    • Grimr0c@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      0·
      1 year ago

      I quite enjoy running, it’s hard to get myself to do it reliably though. Do you have any tips on getting out the door reliably?

      • Starbuck@lemmy.worldEnglish
        1·
        1 year ago

        There was a line at the beginning of Bojack Horseman (season 2 I think) that I always think about: “It gets easier every day, the hard part is doing it every day.”

        Try to find ways to work exercise into your routine. And more importantly, think about how to still do it when days are tough because you get busy.

        Edit 1: I stopped taking meds when I was young back in the Ritalin days. I don’t think I ever quite fit in, but I’ve found that daily exercise helps me channel my little bit of attention enough to sit through meetings long enough to do the parts of my job I enjoy.

        Edit 2: Also, Google “Pomodoro Method”. It’s pretty much the only thing I do with my smart watch, and it’s fantastic.