Thank you for this video!! 2 years ago, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, and the first thing that my doctor did was yank my Adderall ER from me. I went from being a super productive, happy and satisfied RN with a great career to a house bound hermit in the messiest hovel. After watching this episode, I think that I need to find an ADHD knowledgeable psychiatrist. Thanks to both of you.❤
I personally have found going to an ADHD specialist to be really helpful at least in terms of them understanding what it actually is. I hope the same works for you!!
Did giving up the adderall actually improve the blood pressure? That being said, there are a lot more options for treating ADHD these days than just Ritalin and Adderall. Ritaln works great for me and hasn't caused any issues with my blood pressure, but YMMV.
Had a similar thing happen to me! Two years on strattera, the most productive I’ve ever been, and then my doctor (understandably) took me off it when he found out it was causing elevated heart rate. Fast forward a couple years and I’m now on new meds that are helping a ton and NOT exploding my heart lol
I have high blood pressure, and my psychiatrist still prescribes stimulant ADHD medication. Find a different doctor. I see a psychiatrist who does talk therapy as well. Expensive but well worth it.
I'm glad this video was made. On average, my pharmacy has been taking 2 weeks to have my meds ready for me from the date they're requested. Half a month is a perfect amount of time to have my life fall apart again.
Same. When I went without my medicine for the first time in about 18ish years, I'm 23 and started taking around 1st grade, my spending habits where bad. I bought stuff just because. I dyed my hair because I thought it would be funny and then regretted because I didn't actually like it. And that was only 1 week after I ran out and was struggling to find some way to get my medication again.
If you're on a regular prescription you may be able to request that they order it in in advance. They don't need to *fill* the prescription until the due date of course, but they could have it on the shelf when you do. Also I take weekends off (extended release amphetamine) that lets me build up a buffer of meds I haven't used in case something happens. Also seems to help with tolerance, I have been doing down on my dose rather than up. Make sure doing that is ok for you and your medication before doing it.
@@nony_mationmy pharmacy gets such a limited supply that they only fill orders for you if you call daily. That’s an executive function I do not have. Ugh. Especially when I don’t have meds!
Great video and well-timed! 6:08 The right job for you is: - what you're good at - what you enjoy - what people will pay you to do Add to these three: - what the world needs and as a whole it becomes the Japanese concept of your ikigai, their concept for happiness at work.
I hope this doesn't sound weird but when I am stressed or struggling, for two years, you have been who I go to for help. You're unintentionally my ADHD coach, and I hope someday I can help someone like you help me every day.
Oh wow I literally left a comment just like this then read yours and felt so seen! I feel the same way, having this channel as a resource that's kind and supportive while helping me do better is wonderful. I hope we both can pay it forward one day!
I’m 64 years old and I know I’ve always been ADHD back in the old days they thought that the more they hit me the more I would change. It is so relieving to hear these things. But I found out that research for elderly and ADHD is lacking. I have never tried medication and at this age I’m not sure it’s worth it or if it could hurt my blood pressure. Thank you for this channel so much! I don’t feel so alone because pretty much everybody but my son has no idea what it’s like. Right now for the first time in 40 years my job is on the line. I’m only a few months from retirement. Quite stressful.
I have some issues with blood pressure, my psychiatrist says there are some non stimulant meds and she is going to try some with me soon. Get a good psychiatrist who knows their stuff, if you can't find that try to find stuff online yourself! You might be able to bring a list of meds to ask your psychiatrist about. Best of luck ❤
Maybe wait until after you retire but you could try Atomoxetine. It's not a stimulant and works well. It does have 2 issues, you need to start on a low dose and increase it slowly in order to avoid side effects and you need to take it for probably 6 weeks until it starts working well. It's worth it though.
Stimulants for ADHD typically do not elevate blood pressure. They are often relaxing for those of us correctly diagnosed. Some people even need a small dose before sleep to slow the mind enough to sleep. If your doc was willing to try, you could always agree to go in for blood pressure checks frequently at first, or even every day.
Please consult with an expert. You deserve to live your life to the fullest! I'm 63. I finally got myself formally diagnosed when I was 51. It wasn't easy convincing anyone that I had ADHD at that age. I was often brushed off. Eventually I went to a university clinic and was officially diagnosed there. About 5 years ago my life and job stresses got completely out of control. After some experimentations I finally found a medication that worked for me. Please don't hesitate to find doctors who are willing to work with you and help you!!!!!
PLEASE PLEASE if you're struggling to find your medication, check the outpatient pharmacies at local hospitals! My CVS hasn't been able to get my Adderall, so I i called up every pharmacy in my area and found it at an outpatient pharmacy. According to the pharmacist there, they have access to the same suppliers as the inpatient pharmacies and they get a much higher priority compared to "regular" pharmacies. Even needs that have been on backorder for months and months, they said they can normally get within a week.
I switched to a tiny one-horse pharmacy and have been so pleased with the difference in service. If something is delayed, they stay on it and keep me informed. Walgreens was terrible. The client facing workers were downright rude and requests for information just fell into the void.
This is tremendously helpful for me! I'm from Myanmar and it's rough over here. I can't get a diagnoses or meds because we're backwards over here and anything ADHD is pediatric problems so as an adult, I can't find any good resources. Meds are a pipe dream for me. Watching this, I realize I've really learned how to cope with my ADHD because I have no access to meds.
I’m grateful for this video; I went most of my life untreated/ halfway undiagnosed ((a parent in denial because the first medication we tried wasn’t a good match)), and the TRUTH of so much struggle coming from a disconnect between you & your environment/job is so reassuring. I learned how to cope fairly decently without my meds- it’s just uncomfortable and so much more difficult- but having a job that matches MY needs is something that I will prioritize the rest of my life. The wrong match of a job as an adult can be soul-crushing, for sure.
I’ve been putting off getting a diagnosis because I’ve been worried about not being able to get medication, but I finally got an assessment a few days ago! Will hopefully have a diagnosis in a few weeks 🤞
I had an assessment recently and got diagnosed with ADD. When I learned that exercise releases dopamine… it made so much sense as ever since I could walk I have tried to do as many sports as possible, if I miss one of my activities you will know and not in a good way. Edit: it also made sense as to why I did better in harder classes at school because the advanced classes people WANTED to be their and had less distractions compared to lower level classes
This is so timely for me. Had to go to 14 different pharmacies before one would give me my meds, and just last month they told me they’ll no longer be able to give me the medication. So I have to do the process all over again. It’s been soul sucking
@@AliaslsailA it’s a few reasons: 1. The government is trying to limit the amount of adderall being distributed because there a lot of people who abuse it. About 5 million Americans abuse adderall. It helps that issue but hurts those who really need it 2. It’s also a manufacturing issue. Over the last few years, more and more people have realized they have ADHD and have gotten a diagnosis, in turn getting a prescription. Distributors aren’t compensating for the amount of new prescribers by producing more of the medication. Pharmacies get a set amount of pills shipped to them per month, and if they run out until the next shipment comes in, patients are out of luck. 3. Since adderall is a Class 1 drug here, many pharmacies are scared to give out adderall to customers. There are severe penalties for pharmacies who give adderall to someone who is caught abusing or selling them. I have no idea why pharmacies are responsible for that, but now they don’t want to be caught in the cross fires and hurt their business so they’ll tell people they don’t have the medication when they really do or they’ll be straight up and tell you they won’t give adderall to a new customer. So if your current pharmacy runs out and you have to try a new pharmacy, it’s likely they will not fill your prescription. Since my original comment a month ago, I have already had to change pharmacies again due to my original pharmacy running out. Luckily, the first new pharmacy I checked has it in stock. But who knows how long that will be true. It’s frustrating and defeating and I hope things change in the future
At least people in US are aware about ADHD someone living in third world country like me having ADHD where ADHD is barely recognised the struggle is real...In my country there is no medication available for ADHD and i have suffered immensely since last 26 years hope one day everything will be fine!!
I struggled with getting new medication because I got new insurance and they only payed for generics. Thank God they finally made a generic for Vyvanse. Before being switched to Vyvanse's generic they had me on Adderall Xr and it helped during the work hours but once it wore off I crashed mega hard. My body felt like it has been up for 2 days straight. I like to say that when I did get my first job I always thought I would be there foverever then someone told me that I seem more like a night owl and I really don't interact with people "correctly" so they mentioned that I should work overnights and since then I felt better. Less customer interaction, more quiet, and I get to listen to music which helps me do work better.
Glad to see this video. My wife has been not been able to get any medication for months! I still cat seem to get any medication. So it's great to see this video and inform her of other methods of managing her ADHD.
Before you tell your wife "how to manager her ADHD" take a step back and realize you don't know what you are talking about. This guy is a joke and not her physician. You will do more damage. If you love her don't tell her how to be okay.
@@jillclarke7264 Woah, whats with the aggression? They are excited that they have a resource to help them with troubling times and you go on the offense?!? I think you might be misreading what they are saying. Even "IF" they don't understand ADHD like those who have it, jumping their case because someone wants to help is not necessary? Not everyone can be an expert on everything, they are on a good helpful channel and its a start with managing life with the challenges of ADHD. It might be their first step in learning about this, I don't know their journey, you don't know, so how about showing a little grace?
@@camgeiger I think he has a point. I mean if someone would come to me and tell me about these suggestions I'd be pissed off again. I mean being an adhd is not being dump or lazy as so many times discussed before. I dunnow about the rest much but in example I had an very high iq. So probably that's why I haven't diagnosed or seemed extreme even tho I was cuz even with my 10% I could earn as normal people or even better. So I mean these suggestions might be for goodness but still they don't sound much better than the "try harder" motto. As also the girl said meds are much different. Oh only logical suggestion would be, if you can't find one kind try other kind. Ofc that would be already probably anyone's choise. But if they're not suitable than sorry but suggesting to start chemical for dummies books would be pretty much more logical. And if there is a chemical discovered already, it shouldn't be that hard to produce it. Why is there a shortage?
Something that struck me is that you described your life as “still in shambles.” I reflexively wanted to give you a hug bc I’ve felt the same way so, so many times. It sucks. And in many ways I feel like my life is there too rn (for me, it’s divorce, not having a job rn, and a newish ADHD diagnosis among other things…) So maybe I’m saying this to both of us… Let’s not use qualifiers like that to describe where we are. There are seasons to life and this is a hard one for me. Maybe instead of “shambles” that has a decidedly negative connotation it can simply be “hard.” Like it may end up being hard for while, but not in shambles. You just finished your book, right? That’s not something that someone’s whose life is in shambles can do. No guilt, no shame, no nitpicking! Just a gentle reminder that negative self talk is the worst. 🧠❤
What I would like to know is how “sleep hygiene” for nuero divergent people differs from nuero typical people. When I explain what works for me to sleep to doctors, they look at me cross eyed. “No screens” BS. If I don’t have something there, my brain will run a million miles an hour, so fast is Makes me nauseous when I close my eyes. I have to fall asleep watching tv or you tube. That is what works. My sleep is wonderful now that I’m doing my own sleep hygiene
There is an episode on Hacking Your ADHD about it but it really isn’t any different. Have a routine, less blue light, put phone away, and keep it frigid so you get super comfortable under the blanket.
Really needed this video today. I'm between insurances and have just a few days left of meds 😭 It's been eye-opening to learn more about my brain after the ADHD diagnosis, even if some family members continue to insist my symptoms (time blindness, executive dysfunction, difficulty controlling thoughts) are character weaknesses instead of medical.
This talk felt like I went to a group for ADHDers almost like AA or NA. Sometimes all I want is to not have to explain why I'm different. It's refreshing to hear someone explain their own behavior to me (or common ADHD symptoms) and for me to relate than for me to constantly address the giant wall inbetween me and someone who is neurotypical with words and watch them struggle to understand and/or believe me. Loved this thank you both & big thanks to the how to ADHD team
Finally someone who gets it I started crying when he mentioned that for some of us, not taking our medication means we, we might lose our job or fail a really important test. I’m one of those people and every time I go day without my medicine. If it’s during the week I have to call off of work and when I was in school and then possibly not getting something done on time it’s so nice to hear someone recognize and acknowledge the struggles that go through. ❤❤❤
Got nobody to hold me accountable also and even that wouldn't help (0 energy, as someone who is actually hyperactive), my family has issues themselves, no relationship ever, coaches are not covered by insurance and extremely expensive or not available in Germany. Sucks so much of this advice is for people in the US or one size fits it all or smth. Makes me feel even more hopeless x-x I hope I can get meds finally again in 1-2 months or smth.
Oh my god I've NEVER heard anyone else say "find the right job." I WISH I'd heard that 10 years ago (when I was being routinely reprimanded for not being "productive" enough or "detail oriented" enough and "you work too much overtime" (ah yes, these are ALL things I REALLY want to be doing and feeling, thanks boss). Like I was trying to scam the corporate system. Got a job in hospitality and am now a wine expert and educator...and the level of self esteem that I get from knowing I'm GOOD at this and that people like the work I do is unreal. 10/10 game changer.
Some people with ADHD can manage jobs that would typically be seen as terrible for people with ADHD because the job interests them. Interest is very important.
This is hilariously relevant. I lost access to my meds when my doctor moved and despite only being on them for a few years, it was a huge blow. I finally got that fixed and have since realized I need to switch jobs because it turns out not all of the struggles were just being unmedicated! Whoops!
ADHD meds have changed my life, but he is right a lot of significance changed that I have made have been accomidations to my own brain and needs regardless of if I took meds that day or not. As for a job, damn that's hard. I was a dog groomer for 8 years and it was my passion for a very long time. But the job is also extremely difficult to do mentally, emotionally, physically and I got burnt out, even though I put my heart and soul into it. Now I'm at a desk job, no passion in it. Things were fine honestly because I could do my work and then shut everything off and go home. But now everything has been changed around and they're making everything way more difficult, so I'm feeling some of the same burnout issues that I had with grooming. There aren't many career paths I could go down unless I built my own business and I don't have a lot of confidence that I could maintain it the way I need to. I think that might realistically be the only way to "use my full potential" but financial security, health care and many other factors are all really important to me. Starting my own business just seems like a risk.
Ugh, I'm in the wrong job but the right office, so scared to leave and try a new career. My boss is super supportive and understanding, but I should have done a hands on job. Desk work is sooo hard for me.
It is absolutely FALSE that carbs are bad for brain function. The body (including the brain) functions primarily on carbohydrates because they are so easy for our system to process. That's why ADHD brains feel boosted by sugar and other carbs: because we metabolize it and it gives our brain an energy boost. The thing we should be telling people (especially ADHD brains) is that proteins and fats are how we *sustain* energy, which is why they are also incredibly important. Don't cut out carbs, just make sure you are getting enough proteins and fats, too. And make sure a good amount of those carbs are fruits and vegetables and whole grains so that you get the nutrition you need. But you don't need to cut out sugar and white flour entirely (unless you have other dietary reasons for needing to do so, like a gluten intolerance or diabetes).
Excercise is HUGE for ADHD, its probably better than meds! I had trouble excercising regulary because getting prepared for the gym costed more energy than the training itself... What saved me and I recomment to everyone is home workout, I have a bar and everytime I feel like it I just do pull-ups, get some elastics, get some weights and don't forget to train your legs! After getting those it was really life changing for me!
I am having trouble finding someone in my new community of Atlanta who is willing to prescribe stimulants to someone my age, 76, or even meet to evaluate. Have had none since the beginning of pandemic and my life is falling apart, though I am trying to learn more non-med ways.
That's so frustrating... I hope some of the non-med ways are able to help a bit... and that someone will finally see you. Everyone deserves to be evaluated and heard and seen. And it's even more frustrating when you've had it before... best of luck
I don't really have a fix, but you're definitely not alone. I got denied from my provider because I couldn't provide school documentation from 30yrs ago, which is why channels like this are so helpful for those of us who have no other feasible options.
@@HowtoADHD thanks so much. I was dx’d by Dr Bill Dodson in CO about 20 years ago and my life got SO much better. It was miraculous. I had someone ‘adequate’ (because I already knew my meds) in CA, even had a complete eval again there, with TOVA. I shouldn’t have moved, but didn’t anticipate this “over 70” issue. Even with cardiac clearance, I can’t get someone to talk to me about it. I’ll keep trying - and watching your channel! The self blaming and not recognizing an issue as brain related, has come back with a vengeance.
@@HowtoADHD thanks for this resource! idk why I didn’t think of it sooner, but to date I’ve just used Google and maps. I did find someone I haven’t tried yet and will call to inquire.
I was just about to come off titration before my prescriber had to halt my medication due to the global shortage. I had 25 doses of a mix of 40 to 60 mg and am now rationing them to 3 tablets a week during my busy days at work. Its the first time I've stopped taking my meds since being put onto them. On my no med days I did notice a change and over several days of no meds I found myself going back to my old ways. When I had a med day it really was like a switch, even more so than the very first time had a productive 3 days and then back off. I have now scheduled my busy important work or customer facing for those days and the less important work for my off med days so that if I struggle it has less of an impact to everyone and helps with my mental health as I feel less like a failure on those days due to the lower expectations.
😒 I found it incredibly frustrating to hear Dr. Hallowell say "be with the right person and the right job" here, seemingly without *any* acknowledgement of what a monumental ask that is. Each of those things are incredibly difficult to change in even in the best of times. And here, in this discussion about feeling very far from your best while unmedicated, to an audience struggling with confidence and self-worth, that recommendation comes across even less useful than "squint harder."
That is the right recommendation though. It’s also not that hard. Just don’t pursue relationships with people who aren’t understanding and if a job doesn’t fit then start looking for a new one.
I didn't crash and burn until i got a job that stripped me off my main coping mechanism for warding off boredom: listening to music or podcasts while I work. I would literally have to sit quietly while feeding babies or charting, usually in a low light environment. When i lost that job because i kept trying to find workarounds that would allow me to have a little extra noise while working, it put me into a spiral that finally sent be to the doctor, where i got diagnosed with ADHD.
8:40 - Issue is that I have no sleep apnea, get enough sleep, don't have caffeine or often and all that stuff and I'm still tired and worse. No sleep apnea, like I said, no thyroid issues, no blood and vitamin issues and deficiencies. And exercise makes me extremely depressed and I never feel good from it, same with going out into the sun or with friends. It just makes it all worse. I'm unmedicated, though and have high hopes for when I get on meds again after around 16 years without them D: But yeah, the exercise advise, as good as it might be for some people and as good as it might sound, is no ONE THING FIXES IT ALL like everyone makes it out to be. It's the worst for me. And I say that as a person who was absolutely obsessed with running and getting powered out by it as a kid.
This year has been the worst year of my entire life. It's not even funny. The med shortage has affected me SO bad and for so long I get nervous that I'll never be able to get something that works. I've wasted away this year just watching my life crumble and feeling powerless to do anything about it. However, my psychiatrist FINALLY found some med that she thinks will do the trick and by God I'm praying. The constant switching out of med after med has made me so wary. I'm gonna def watch this video. I need all the help I can get.
If it helps in any way, you’re not alone. This year has been majorly difficult for me as well and Im currently now unmedicated. We can do this!! I hope things get better for the both of the us!!
I had been taking Adderall for 14 years and didn't realize it hadn't been working until I switched to Vyvanse. All the times I was asked if my focus was better I had nothing to compare it to. So I always said it was good because it was normal. I thought my focus couldn't get any better but it was awful. Unfortunately I didn't figure any of that out until after I finished college. The downside of switching meds is I gained over 80 pounds in a month and a half. And if I can't get it I am mentally exhausted. I don't have any motivation to do anything. I have literally just slept through the whole day before. The times I have been able to find motivation with out it, it was only for a couple hours and then I would crash.
I can’t be medicated because I get serotonin syndrome really easily and here in the UK the NHS only seem to have medication or nothing as support. I feel like I’m drowning at the moment. Thank you for this.
PLEASE for the love of everything unmedicated, PLEASE use your working title for that book, good sir! I cried when i heard "You're better than you think you are". Nobody ever told me that, and it seems like the kind of book title that would have caught my attention. I want everyone to feel that happy spark of hope i did when you said that. 💙
I'm actually really grateful I realized that I most definitely have ADHD during a stimulant shortage. The education of knowing exactly how my brain works (which involved absolutely inhaling how to ADHD videos!!) has already done wonders for my quality of life. Life is still really hard but not giving myself crap for how my brain is wired has taken a huge load off 😭
A great interview with one of the godfathers of ADHD. I learned a good deal. I am lucky that because of high BP they started me on bupropion rather than a stimulant - It's helped my ADHD, and my depression as a side effect. (And it is pretty available).
Been on Adderall/ritlan for 36 years, I haven't been able to get my Adderall since the end of August. I'm so impulsive, and cannot regulate my emotions, in addition trying to get my medicine all these m/f places,,, I'm frustrated a/f, I hate feeling so wreckless, like a hair trigger, I keep thinking how I want to rip someones trecaea out with my teeth, I'm not even angry,...........I'm scared, I can't control my emotions, I lost my phone. I feel totally a loan, I can't estimate an hour. I feel stupid, lame, dangerous and entirely inept. I have to find an alternative before I lose my house, my family, or go to jail.
Ugh it's been such a struggle. I take Ritalin for my ADHD and for idiopathic hypersomnia so when I'm in between and hunting it is hellish. But these are really good tips, even with my medication because I've had to switch it up to get more consistency and take a form that doesn't work as well for me!
Hello. Your content has been extremely helpful in understanding my little one’s diagnosis. But I find many of your suggestions and insights are geared to adults. Do you (or your viewers) have resource suggestions aimed at elementary aged children and their parents? Thanks in advance.
A lot of ADHD resources out there are generally geared towards kids. :) CHADD and ADDA both have resources you can dive into to see what might work best for you and your kiddo! chadd.org/ & add.org/start/adda-resources/
My daughter was diagnosed with ADHD in June and one of her big struggles is math. I've found that doing it with her and having rewards for when she's done have made a huge difference. We've been on a long waiting list to see a psychiatrist for meds for her so we've just been trying to cope in the interim. I will write down her math problem on a big dry erase board and we will do it together. I write things down while she gives me the answers, then she copies what we did into her homework. I'm not doing it for her and she's not sobbing in the bathroom. It's a win-win. Her therapist suggested a small candy for each problem she completed which has helped but I'm against food rewards so I wish I could find an alternative. She's 9 though so stickers don't work anymore. I'm trying to get more relaxed about repeating instructions over and over and we've put up signs around the house, like "Did you pack your homework?" and "Do you have your lunch?" Because those are big problems in our house. Her therapist has ADHD so she's had some good ideas. 😊
Dr Howell was one of the first authors I read when I first learned about having ADHD. I was in college, 24 yrs old and ADHD was new (or at least it wasn’t well known back in ‘93). I really love this video: you are two of my favorite people!
What can you do if you had the prescription, have a pharmacy with stock, but lost your provider and the new one doesn't believe in stimulants? Basically every psychiatrist lists ADHD as a condition they treat. Is here a good or proper way to discern which ones actually understand the condition and which ones are just going to gaslight you and waste your time? Thanks in advance for any advice ❤
Whoa! No lie, I'm am currently listening (audible) to Driven to Distraction right now after learning about it after my diagnosis a few months ago! Serendipitous. And an amazing book, too! Thank you for this!
If you haven’t already read/listened to it, I highly recommend Faster than Normal by Peter Shankman - his book was very helpful for me as well as Dr. Hallowell’s!
Jessica you almost took me down a rabbit hole. As soon as I heard "book" I paused the video and looked for a link, then went to your channel, then your website. Found a link, preordered the book, went back to TH-cam and it landed on a different page. Almost....but got back to this video. Oh wait, I opened TH-cam to edit my account info........🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
The sad thing is doctors won't prescribe it to me. Having autism, OCD, depression, and different kinds of anxiety; they say it would not help and make things worse.
I know 2 data points aren't enough for a conclusion, but like Dr. Hallowell, the psychiatrist seeing my daughter and I also had ADD. (Yes, that was back in the 80s, which was a LOT better than the 60s when it was MBD - Minimal Brain Damage.) Doctors who understand the condition both from the textbook and their own experience are the BEST.
I needed a video like this...I turned 26 and got taken off my moms insurance. I stopped taking my meds in 6th grade and in my 5th year of college I figured I should try taking them again, thinking they could help. Right as soon as we found something that worked I lost insurance snd couldnt afford my meds anymore. I've been trying to get myself to call a public clinic to see if I can find someone who can get me a prescription without it costing thousands just to talk to them.
02:08 Curse for me, and hence why I can’t fill MY prescription (it’s not the ones he mentioned). Those alternative meds have now created a problem for others b/c now THOSE meds are in short supply. Grrrr thanks doc, lol (j/k).
Yes, please make more like this. I have been off medication for so long, my ADHD is unmanaged, and I can't get myself together enough to find a Dr. This video helps.
I would put a huge caveat on the relationship side of things that you shouldn't get into a relationship primarily for the purpose of treating your mental health. Getting out of a relationship that isn't working makes perfect sense but it's not fair on your partner if saying turns into a story person recruiting exercise instead.
I take guanfacine for my adhd and I’m my insurance does not cover it and I’m a nightmare without it. It’s not as common as the stimulant like Dexadrine. It’s for the hyper active part and my light and sound sensitivity. I struggle to afford it and I tried going every other day with my medication and it was bad, I had someone tell me I seemed manic. 😢 it worries me thinking about what my daily life would look like without it.
I had this happen once, pharmacist wasn’t smart, decided my non stim adhd meds were classed as prohibitory, and my effexier was bad for causing rare cases of ed, I’m a woman, I have severe adhd, I need my meds to be able to cope with myself or I get extremely hyper and can’t turn off my brain.
My takeaway from this video is that I am doomed to a grim fate! Almost none of the suggested resources are available in my country and in my life, and my ADHD is so severe I cannot "curtail, delegate, and eliminate" even if I want to. I mean, I don't have the slightest willpower to do what I want/need to do when I want/need to do it and how I want/need it to be done. My psychiatrist prescribes Methylphenidate and I have tried different brands both fast and slow-release and none of them seem to work. I don't have the luxury of choosing "the right job" due to the high unemployment and inflation rate. I have a family to feed, I just have to get the next available job I find. Adult ADHD is almost unknown in Zambia, both by society and mental health experts, so it's hard to find a coach or partner who can understand and support me. I feel so hopeless and helpless. My life is effed for g!😔
5:48 Yeah, yeah… 40 years of blaming and self-blaming, and now self-blaming me for failing at not blaming me… I know. Now medication some day maybe. I can't even see a doctor to talk about possible medications, 'cause the doctors are ill, not available, etc… Half a life wasted. I've got *very un-appropriate, out of the point* "support" for decades, I'm sure many people around the world never get any sort of help for such an "invisible" trouble.
Hey How To ADHD. Unlike you I was not a gifted student. I struggled in High School and was put within a separate stream to prepare people for things like Community College over University. My ADHD was not treated during this time. In spite of this I was told I was very intelligent and could be put into the main academic stream if I fixed my behaviour. I did not. Does this mean I have a comparatively low intelligence or does it simply mean that the severity of my ADHD was of a much greater extent (I recognize that it fluctuates per person).
not super helpful actually. He’s like: just try harder or changer your life (job). Like doing less isn’t a way to cope with what needs doing. And a coach or other accountability person just piles on guilt that I can’t do what needs done, so then I avoid it even more.
Mostly this is helpful but I'm surprised he would recommend coffee. Most ADHDers i know (me included) are just put to sleep by caffeine. One of the things I like about meds is I feel like they do for me what I imagine coffee does for neurotypicals
I swear this US medical system is so messed up. It ends up being more expensive and less efficient than public ones even from poor South American counties. The whole country nowadays seems for corporations, by corporations, of corporations.
Hear this so bad. Since rationing my meds, I have had multiple complaints about me at work, left my phone at home 3x in the last week which I need for work, keep losing my laptop at work, forget what I said to a patient earlier in the day when writing the discharge was delayed, sliced the tip of my finger off while cooking, lost my work pass, brought my bleep home and am struggling but more than that, I am so frustrated since I am not used to being unmedicated now.
Hm, a caveat to some of that advice though- a lot of patients are very loyal to their medications *because not every medication works or works well*. It's not just comfort or stubbornness!
Developing physical disabilities (after accidents, inc work injuries on top of a hypermobile body) has caused more problems with coping. Can’t exercise (exacerbates pain and knock-on symptoms for days afterwards), can’t rearrange furniture or do decorating like I used to. Since I stopped smoking I can’t concentrate on anything, can’t read books or articles, think, watch movies or do anything (art, crafts, baking, making) that I used to enjoy. Getting desperate.
I havent even watched the video yet, but the that fact that is popped up on my feed reminds me that i need to take my meds today! Nice save. Now if i can just get over the paralysis i have now so i can actually take them. Someone help, I need to leave for work and I havent even showered yet!!! 😬
Wow. I really need to get a new psychiatrist. "Unexplained underachievement" is a highlight of how I have felt for so many years, especially since entering the workforce.
I've decided to stop taking medication altogether, it gave severe side effects (methylphenidate gave high blood pressure, lisdexamphetamine gave severe insomnia and depression) and very little benefits.
@@HowtoADHD I was lucky to have developed coping mechanisms long before ADHD was diagnosed. I got very good psycho-education and cognitive behavioral therapy to learn me to deal with ADHD. But the therapist wanted me to try meds as well, which I didn't really need. And also in this part of the world (Netherlands) meds shortage is a thing, so I figured there was someone else who needs it more than I do. 😊
@@volvo480I haven't found medication that doesn't give me severe side effects either. You've motivated me to look for a good psychologist to psycho educate me, thanks.
I take Concerta generic. I used to get so stressed out each month. So far Express Scripts has been working great for me and I get a 3 month supply. I don’t want to go through withdrawals as they’re awful. I hope they get this sorted out. ❤
i live in india and stimulant meds are banned here and non stimulant meds have been proven to be inaffective for me idk what to do i just cant take it anymore
Connection and relationships are my biggest vice! I'm a single Mom of teen boys and have no family. I have one friend that I call but she's across the country. How to make friends when you have been isolated for years. Add to that, hurt and or betrayed by others makes the isolation almost tolerable 😕
The right job for me: data analysis and management in IT; I love my job so much that I will work on stuff even when I'm sick at home😂 Is NOT work for me, every task is a puzzle and I LOVE figuring it out! My prior employers were constantly harping on my for over thinking, not sitting still or not sitting at all....f*cked right off to where I'm at now = zero regrets
i've been taking adderall since i was 6 i'm almost 22 now. and it took a year to find this med that worked. i tried non medication stuff to but it never helped enough to make me focus in school. i'm scared to try other cause i have no side effects from adderall. but now im at the point i dont have choice. I have autism too so having to only take half my normakl dosage, and skip days is stressing me out. i'm understimulated constantly and its been miserable... i hate this so i hope i can find a med that i wont have awful side effects from again.
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Thank you for this video!! 2 years ago, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, and the first thing that my doctor did was yank my Adderall ER from me. I went from being a super productive, happy and satisfied RN with a great career to a house bound hermit in the messiest hovel. After watching this episode, I think that I need to find an ADHD knowledgeable psychiatrist. Thanks to both of you.❤
I personally have found going to an ADHD specialist to be really helpful at least in terms of them understanding what it actually is. I hope the same works for you!!
Did giving up the adderall actually improve the blood pressure? That being said, there are a lot more options for treating ADHD these days than just Ritalin and Adderall. Ritaln works great for me and hasn't caused any issues with my blood pressure, but YMMV.
Had a similar thing happen to me! Two years on strattera, the most productive I’ve ever been, and then my doctor (understandably) took me off it when he found out it was causing elevated heart rate. Fast forward a couple years and I’m now on new meds that are helping a ton and NOT exploding my heart lol
I have high blood pressure, and my psychiatrist still prescribes stimulant ADHD medication. Find a different doctor. I see a psychiatrist who does talk therapy as well. Expensive but well worth it.
So, instead of treating your high blood pressure, which is impacted by stress, they yanked your prescription and caused you even more stress?
I'm glad this video was made. On average, my pharmacy has been taking 2 weeks to have my meds ready for me from the date they're requested. Half a month is a perfect amount of time to have my life fall apart again.
Same. When I went without my medicine for the first time in about 18ish years, I'm 23 and started taking around 1st grade, my spending habits where bad. I bought stuff just because. I dyed my hair because I thought it would be funny and then regretted because I didn't actually like it. And that was only 1 week after I ran out and was struggling to find some way to get my medication again.
Ooooof yeah that's relatable
If you're on a regular prescription you may be able to request that they order it in in advance. They don't need to *fill* the prescription until the due date of course, but they could have it on the shelf when you do.
Also I take weekends off (extended release amphetamine) that lets me build up a buffer of meds I haven't used in case something happens. Also seems to help with tolerance, I have been doing down on my dose rather than up. Make sure doing that is ok for you and your medication before doing it.
@@nony_mationmy pharmacy gets such a limited supply that they only fill orders for you if you call daily. That’s an executive function I do not have. Ugh. Especially when I don’t have meds!
Great video and well-timed!
6:08 The right job for you is:
- what you're good at
- what you enjoy
- what people will pay you to do
Add to these three:
- what the world needs
and as a whole it becomes the Japanese concept of your ikigai, their concept for happiness at work.
@@soirema it may not be easy to find, but it's worth searching for :-)
I hope this doesn't sound weird but when I am stressed or struggling, for two years, you have been who I go to for help. You're unintentionally my ADHD coach, and I hope someday I can help someone like you help me every day.
That’s not weird at all!
This is really sweet, thank you!
Oh wow I literally left a comment just like this then read yours and felt so seen! I feel the same way, having this channel as a resource that's kind and supportive while helping me do better is wonderful. I hope we both can pay it forward one day!
Best wishes always puppy poet 😻💛🐶
I’m 64 years old and I know I’ve always been ADHD back in the old days they thought that the more they hit me the more I would change. It is so relieving to hear these things. But I found out that research for elderly and ADHD is lacking. I have never tried medication and at this age I’m not sure it’s worth it or if it could hurt my blood pressure. Thank you for this channel so much! I don’t feel so alone because pretty much everybody but my son has no idea what it’s like.
Right now for the first time in 40 years my job is on the line. I’m only a few months from retirement. Quite stressful.
I have some issues with blood pressure, my psychiatrist says there are some non stimulant meds and she is going to try some with me soon. Get a good psychiatrist who knows their stuff, if you can't find that try to find stuff online yourself! You might be able to bring a list of meds to ask your psychiatrist about. Best of luck ❤
Maybe wait until after you retire but you could try Atomoxetine. It's not a stimulant and works well. It does have 2 issues, you need to start on a low dose and increase it slowly in order to avoid side effects and you need to take it for probably 6 weeks until it starts working well. It's worth it though.
Stimulants for ADHD typically do not elevate blood pressure. They are often relaxing for those of us correctly diagnosed. Some people even need a small dose before sleep to slow the mind enough to sleep.
If your doc was willing to try, you could always agree to go in for blood pressure checks frequently at first, or even every day.
Please consult with an expert. You deserve to live your life to the fullest!
I'm 63. I finally got myself formally diagnosed when I was 51.
It wasn't easy convincing anyone that I had ADHD at that age. I was often brushed off. Eventually I went to a university clinic and was officially diagnosed there.
About 5 years ago my life and job stresses got completely out of control. After some experimentations I finally found a medication that worked for me.
Please don't hesitate to find doctors who are willing to work with you and help you!!!!!
@rickbur . . .
Ur job might be on the line *because* ur close to retirement!
- a 60 yo fellow ADHDer
PLEASE PLEASE if you're struggling to find your medication, check the outpatient pharmacies at local hospitals! My CVS hasn't been able to get my Adderall, so I i called up every pharmacy in my area and found it at an outpatient pharmacy. According to the pharmacist there, they have access to the same suppliers as the inpatient pharmacies and they get a much higher priority compared to "regular" pharmacies. Even needs that have been on backorder for months and months, they said they can normally get within a week.
great advice !
Ahhhh amazing advice!!
I switched to a tiny one-horse pharmacy and have been so pleased with the difference in service. If something is delayed, they stay on it and keep me informed.
Walgreens was terrible. The client facing workers were downright rude and requests for information just fell into the void.
Yep, a hospital outpatient pharmacy is my reliable go-to too.
This is tremendously helpful for me! I'm from Myanmar and it's rough over here. I can't get a diagnoses or meds because we're backwards over here and anything ADHD is pediatric problems so as an adult, I can't find any good resources. Meds are a pipe dream for me. Watching this, I realize I've really learned how to cope with my ADHD because I have no access to meds.
"can't get your meds" more like can't be seen by a professional to see if I NEED meds. :/ I'm working on it though...
I’m grateful for this video; I went most of my life untreated/ halfway undiagnosed ((a parent in denial because the first medication we tried wasn’t a good match)), and the TRUTH of so much struggle coming from a disconnect between you & your environment/job is so reassuring.
I learned how to cope fairly decently without my meds- it’s just uncomfortable and so much more difficult- but having a job that matches MY needs is something that I will prioritize the rest of my life. The wrong match of a job as an adult can be soul-crushing, for sure.
5:44 Telling people with myopia to just squint harder... wow. That may be the best analogy I've ever heard.
I’ve been putting off getting a diagnosis because I’ve been worried about not being able to get medication, but I finally got an assessment a few days ago! Will hopefully have a diagnosis in a few weeks 🤞
I had an assessment recently and got diagnosed with ADD. When I learned that exercise releases dopamine… it made so much sense as ever since I could walk I have tried to do as many sports as possible, if I miss one of my activities you will know and not in a good way.
Edit: it also made sense as to why I did better in harder classes at school because the advanced classes people WANTED to be their and had less distractions compared to lower level classes
This is so timely for me. Had to go to 14 different pharmacies before one would give me my meds, and just last month they told me they’ll no longer be able to give me the medication. So I have to do the process all over again. It’s been soul sucking
I'm not from the Us, could you please educate me on the reasoning behind this? Is it a supply issue?
@@AliaslsailA it’s a few reasons:
1. The government is trying to limit the amount of adderall being distributed because there a lot of people who abuse it. About 5 million Americans abuse adderall. It helps that issue but hurts those who really need it
2. It’s also a manufacturing issue. Over the last few years, more and more people have realized they have ADHD and have gotten a diagnosis, in turn getting a prescription. Distributors aren’t compensating for the amount of new prescribers by producing more of the medication. Pharmacies get a set amount of pills shipped to them per month, and if they run out until the next shipment comes in, patients are out of luck.
3. Since adderall is a Class 1 drug here, many pharmacies are scared to give out adderall to customers. There are severe penalties for pharmacies who give adderall to someone who is caught abusing or selling them. I have no idea why pharmacies are responsible for that, but now they don’t want to be caught in the cross fires and hurt their business so they’ll tell people they don’t have the medication when they really do or they’ll be straight up and tell you they won’t give adderall to a new customer. So if your current pharmacy runs out and you have to try a new pharmacy, it’s likely they will not fill your prescription. Since my original comment a month ago, I have already had to change pharmacies again due to my original pharmacy running out. Luckily, the first new pharmacy I checked has it in stock. But who knows how long that will be true. It’s frustrating and defeating and I hope things change in the future
@@AliaslsailAIt is, and has been, in fact, a supply issue. I really hope you haven't needed to deal with this before it suuuuucks.
At least people in US are aware about ADHD someone living in third world country like me having ADHD where ADHD is barely recognised the struggle is real...In my country there is no medication available for ADHD and i have suffered immensely since last 26 years hope one day everything will be fine!!
I struggled with getting new medication because I got new insurance and they only payed for generics. Thank God they finally made a generic for Vyvanse. Before being switched to Vyvanse's generic they had me on Adderall Xr and it helped during the work hours but once it wore off I crashed mega hard. My body felt like it has been up for 2 days straight.
I like to say that when I did get my first job I always thought I would be there foverever then someone told me that I seem more like a night owl and I really don't interact with people "correctly" so they mentioned that I should work overnights and since then I felt better. Less customer interaction, more quiet, and I get to listen to music which helps me do work better.
Ones the opposite they only pay for the name brand. I gotta call em up and try to get them to pay for the generics
Oooof yeah the name brand vs generics struggle is real
they have a generic for Vyvanse now??
@@vulpixelfulit's called lisdexamfetamine
One of the things you can do is look for the authorized generic. It's the same medication as the brand but sold under a generic name.
Ooof. I especially feel you about the MD going "Are your meds good? Okay, here's the new scrip"
Riiiiight?
Mine would ask me how my life was going, then judge me if it wasn't going well. lol. But otherwise those visits were short for a $75 expense.
Glad to see this video. My wife has been not been able to get any medication for months! I still cat seem to get any medication. So it's great to see this video and inform her of other methods of managing her ADHD.
Before you tell your wife "how to manager her ADHD" take a step back and realize you don't know what you are talking about. This guy is a joke and not her physician. You will do more damage. If you love her don't tell her how to be okay.
@@jillclarke7264 Woah, whats with the aggression? They are excited that they have a resource to help them with troubling times and you go on the offense?!? I think you might be misreading what they are saying. Even "IF" they don't understand ADHD like those who have it, jumping their case because someone wants to help is not necessary? Not everyone can be an expert on everything, they are on a good helpful channel and its a start with managing life with the challenges of ADHD. It might be their first step in learning about this, I don't know their journey, you don't know, so how about showing a little grace?
@@camgeiger I think he has a point. I mean if someone would come to me and tell me about these suggestions I'd be pissed off again. I mean being an adhd is not being dump or lazy as so many times discussed before. I dunnow about the rest much but in example I had an very high iq. So probably that's why I haven't diagnosed or seemed extreme even tho I was cuz even with my 10% I could earn as normal people or even better.
So I mean these suggestions might be for goodness but still they don't sound much better than the "try harder" motto. As also the girl said meds are much different. Oh only logical suggestion would be, if you can't find one kind try other kind. Ofc that would be already probably anyone's choise. But if they're not suitable than sorry but suggesting to start chemical for dummies books would be pretty much more logical. And if there is a chemical discovered already, it shouldn't be that hard to produce it. Why is there a shortage?
Something that struck me is that you described your life as “still in shambles.” I reflexively wanted to give you a hug bc I’ve felt the same way so, so many times. It sucks. And in many ways I feel like my life is there too rn (for me, it’s divorce, not having a job rn, and a newish ADHD diagnosis among other things…) So maybe I’m saying this to both of us… Let’s not use qualifiers like that to describe where we are. There are seasons to life and this is a hard one for me. Maybe instead of “shambles” that has a decidedly negative connotation it can simply be “hard.” Like it may end up being hard for while, but not in shambles. You just finished your book, right? That’s not something that someone’s whose life is in shambles can do. No guilt, no shame, no nitpicking! Just a gentle reminder that negative self talk is the worst. 🧠❤
What I would like to know is how “sleep hygiene” for nuero divergent people differs from nuero typical people. When I explain what works for me to sleep to doctors, they look at me cross eyed. “No screens” BS. If I don’t have something there, my brain will run a million miles an hour, so fast is Makes me nauseous when I close my eyes. I have to fall asleep watching tv or you tube. That is what works. My sleep is wonderful now that I’m doing my own sleep hygiene
Try podcasts. They'll help you by having zero light and allowing you to actually close your eyes.
There is an episode on Hacking Your ADHD about it but it really isn’t any different. Have a routine, less blue light, put phone away, and keep it frigid so you get super comfortable under the blanket.
I listen to audio books
I do audio books or podcasts.
Does white noise help you?
Really needed this video today. I'm between insurances and have just a few days left of meds 😭 It's been eye-opening to learn more about my brain after the ADHD diagnosis, even if some family members continue to insist my symptoms (time blindness, executive dysfunction, difficulty controlling thoughts) are character weaknesses instead of medical.
Its not just medical. Its structural differences in the brain. Its cellular.
This talk felt like I went to a group for ADHDers almost like AA or NA. Sometimes all I want is to not have to explain why I'm different. It's refreshing to hear someone explain their own behavior to me (or common ADHD symptoms) and for me to relate than for me to constantly address the giant wall inbetween me and someone who is neurotypical with words and watch them struggle to understand and/or believe me. Loved this thank you both & big thanks to the how to ADHD team
Finally someone who gets it I started crying when he mentioned that for some of us, not taking our medication means we, we might lose our job or fail a really important test. I’m one of those people and every time I go day without my medicine. If it’s during the week I have to call off of work and when I was in school and then possibly not getting something done on time it’s so nice to hear someone recognize and acknowledge the struggles that go through. ❤❤❤
Got nobody to hold me accountable also and even that wouldn't help (0 energy, as someone who is actually hyperactive), my family has issues themselves, no relationship ever, coaches are not covered by insurance and extremely expensive or not available in Germany. Sucks so much of this advice is for people in the US or one size fits it all or smth. Makes me feel even more hopeless x-x I hope I can get meds finally again in 1-2 months or smth.
Please, please release your book on audible too!
Yours a hopeless dyslexic with ADHD who will never get to read this otherwise!
It’s on audio now if you haven’t checked back! Even though I’m pretty good at reading books, I listen to this in the morning on the bike 😃
Oh my god I've NEVER heard anyone else say "find the right job." I WISH I'd heard that 10 years ago (when I was being routinely reprimanded for not being "productive" enough or "detail oriented" enough and "you work too much overtime" (ah yes, these are ALL things I REALLY want to be doing and feeling, thanks boss). Like I was trying to scam the corporate system. Got a job in hospitality and am now a wine expert and educator...and the level of self esteem that I get from knowing I'm GOOD at this and that people like the work I do is unreal. 10/10 game changer.
Some people with ADHD can manage jobs that would typically be seen as terrible for people with ADHD because the job interests them. Interest is very important.
This is hilariously relevant. I lost access to my meds when my doctor moved and despite only being on them for a few years, it was a huge blow. I finally got that fixed and have since realized I need to switch jobs because it turns out not all of the struggles were just being unmedicated! Whoops!
❤
ADHD meds have changed my life, but he is right a lot of significance changed that I have made have been accomidations to my own brain and needs regardless of if I took meds that day or not.
As for a job, damn that's hard. I was a dog groomer for 8 years and it was my passion for a very long time. But the job is also extremely difficult to do mentally, emotionally, physically and I got burnt out, even though I put my heart and soul into it. Now I'm at a desk job, no passion in it. Things were fine honestly because I could do my work and then shut everything off and go home. But now everything has been changed around and they're making everything way more difficult, so I'm feeling some of the same burnout issues that I had with grooming. There aren't many career paths I could go down unless I built my own business and I don't have a lot of confidence that I could maintain it the way I need to. I think that might realistically be the only way to "use my full potential" but financial security, health care and many other factors are all really important to me. Starting my own business just seems like a risk.
I love that this is actual self help for ADHDers not just the clean your room and do what your are suposed to
Ugh, I'm in the wrong job but the right office, so scared to leave and try a new career. My boss is super supportive and understanding, but I should have done a hands on job. Desk work is sooo hard for me.
Nicotine is medicine for ADHD, though not a recommended treatment. ;)
Before diagnosis, my entire brain function was based on balancing caffeine, nicotine and sugar.
It is absolutely FALSE that carbs are bad for brain function. The body (including the brain) functions primarily on carbohydrates because they are so easy for our system to process. That's why ADHD brains feel boosted by sugar and other carbs: because we metabolize it and it gives our brain an energy boost.
The thing we should be telling people (especially ADHD brains) is that proteins and fats are how we *sustain* energy, which is why they are also incredibly important.
Don't cut out carbs, just make sure you are getting enough proteins and fats, too. And make sure a good amount of those carbs are fruits and vegetables and whole grains so that you get the nutrition you need. But you don't need to cut out sugar and white flour entirely (unless you have other dietary reasons for needing to do so, like a gluten intolerance or diabetes).
Excercise is HUGE for ADHD, its probably better than meds! I had trouble excercising regulary because getting prepared for the gym costed more energy than the training itself... What saved me and I recomment to everyone is home workout, I have a bar and everytime I feel like it I just do pull-ups, get some elastics, get some weights and don't forget to train your legs! After getting those it was really life changing for me!
I am having trouble finding someone in my new community of Atlanta who is willing to prescribe stimulants to someone my age, 76, or even meet to evaluate. Have had none since the beginning of pandemic and my life is falling apart, though I am trying to learn more non-med ways.
That's so frustrating... I hope some of the non-med ways are able to help a bit... and that someone will finally see you. Everyone deserves to be evaluated and heard and seen. And it's even more frustrating when you've had it before... best of luck
I don't really have a fix, but you're definitely not alone. I got denied from my provider because I couldn't provide school documentation from 30yrs ago, which is why channels like this are so helpful for those of us who have no other feasible options.
@@HowtoADHD thanks so much. I was dx’d by Dr Bill Dodson in CO about 20 years ago and my life got SO much better. It was miraculous. I had someone ‘adequate’ (because I already knew my meds) in CA, even had a complete eval again there, with TOVA. I shouldn’t have moved, but didn’t anticipate this “over 70” issue. Even with cardiac clearance, I can’t get someone to talk to me about it. I’ll keep trying - and watching your channel! The self blaming and not recognizing an issue as brain related, has come back with a vengeance.
@@benhagstrom2185 omg, that’s terrible. Too many providers are afraid of litigation, I suspect.
@@HowtoADHD thanks for this resource!
idk why I didn’t think of it sooner, but to date I’ve just used Google and maps. I did find someone I haven’t tried yet and will call to inquire.
I was just about to come off titration before my prescriber had to halt my medication due to the global shortage. I had 25 doses of a mix of 40 to 60 mg and am now rationing them to 3 tablets a week during my busy days at work. Its the first time I've stopped taking my meds since being put onto them. On my no med days I did notice a change and over several days of no meds I found myself going back to my old ways. When I had a med day it really was like a switch, even more so than the very first time had a productive 3 days and then back off. I have now scheduled my busy important work or customer facing for those days and the less important work for my off med days so that if I struggle it has less of an impact to everyone and helps with my mental health as I feel less like a failure on those days due to the lower expectations.
😒 I found it incredibly frustrating to hear Dr. Hallowell say "be with the right person and the right job" here, seemingly without *any* acknowledgement of what a monumental ask that is. Each of those things are incredibly difficult to change in even in the best of times. And here, in this discussion about feeling very far from your best while unmedicated, to an audience struggling with confidence and self-worth, that recommendation comes across even less useful than "squint harder."
That is the right recommendation though. It’s also not that hard. Just don’t pursue relationships with people who aren’t understanding and if a job doesn’t fit then start looking for a new one.
This is a fantastic and important video, thank you for continuously being a shining light for the ADHD community. Proud to be the sponsor for this :)
I didn't crash and burn until i got a job that stripped me off my main coping mechanism for warding off boredom: listening to music or podcasts while I work. I would literally have to sit quietly while feeding babies or charting, usually in a low light environment.
When i lost that job because i kept trying to find workarounds that would allow me to have a little extra noise while working, it put me into a spiral that finally sent be to the doctor, where i got diagnosed with ADHD.
If you’re on Medicaid/Medicare meds are the only thing you can get, there is no other help.
8:40 - Issue is that I have no sleep apnea, get enough sleep, don't have caffeine or often and all that stuff and I'm still tired and worse. No sleep apnea, like I said, no thyroid issues, no blood and vitamin issues and deficiencies. And exercise makes me extremely depressed and I never feel good from it, same with going out into the sun or with friends. It just makes it all worse. I'm unmedicated, though and have high hopes for when I get on meds again after around 16 years without them D:
But yeah, the exercise advise, as good as it might be for some people and as good as it might sound, is no ONE THING FIXES IT ALL like everyone
makes it out to be. It's the worst for me. And I say that as a person who was absolutely obsessed with running and getting powered out by it as a kid.
This year has been the worst year of my entire life. It's not even funny. The med shortage has affected me SO bad and for so long I get nervous that I'll never be able to get something that works.
I've wasted away this year just watching my life crumble and feeling powerless to do anything about it.
However, my psychiatrist FINALLY found some med that she thinks will do the trick and by God I'm praying.
The constant switching out of med after med has made me so wary.
I'm gonna def watch this video. I need all the help I can get.
If it helps in any way, you’re not alone. This year has been majorly difficult for me as well and Im currently now unmedicated. We can do this!! I hope things get better for the both of the us!!
I had been taking Adderall for 14 years and didn't realize it hadn't been working until I switched to Vyvanse. All the times I was asked if my focus was better I had nothing to compare it to. So I always said it was good because it was normal. I thought my focus couldn't get any better but it was awful. Unfortunately I didn't figure any of that out until after I finished college. The downside of switching meds is I gained over 80 pounds in a month and a half. And if I can't get it I am mentally exhausted. I don't have any motivation to do anything. I have literally just slept through the whole day before. The times I have been able to find motivation with out it, it was only for a couple hours and then I would crash.
I can’t be medicated because I get serotonin syndrome really easily and here in the UK the NHS only seem to have medication or nothing as support. I feel like I’m drowning at the moment. Thank you for this.
PLEASE for the love of everything unmedicated, PLEASE use your working title for that book, good sir!
I cried when i heard "You're better than you think you are". Nobody ever told me that, and it seems like the kind of book title that would have caught my attention. I want everyone to feel that happy spark of hope i did when you said that. 💙
I'm actually really grateful I realized that I most definitely have ADHD during a stimulant shortage. The education of knowing exactly how my brain works (which involved absolutely inhaling how to ADHD videos!!) has already done wonders for my quality of life. Life is still really hard but not giving myself crap for how my brain is wired has taken a huge load off 😭
A great interview with one of the godfathers of ADHD. I learned a good deal. I am lucky that because of high BP they started me on bupropion rather than a stimulant - It's helped my ADHD, and my depression as a side effect. (And it is pretty available).
We do not have the luxury now to choose jobs or even finding partner if you do not focus well.
Nicotine, especially Zyn helps me with my adhd I know it sounds crazy but it really helps lol
Been on Adderall/ritlan for 36 years, I haven't been able to get my Adderall since the end of August. I'm so impulsive, and cannot regulate my emotions, in addition trying to get my medicine all these m/f places,,, I'm frustrated a/f, I hate feeling so wreckless, like a hair trigger, I keep thinking how I want to rip someones trecaea out with my teeth, I'm not even angry,...........I'm scared, I can't control my emotions, I lost my phone. I feel totally a loan, I can't estimate an hour. I feel stupid, lame, dangerous and entirely inept. I have to find an alternative before I lose my house, my family, or go to jail.
Those fidgets look like a direct clone of an old toy called geomag, they are also a whole lot cheaper... have a look around before buying
Ugh it's been such a struggle. I take Ritalin for my ADHD and for idiopathic hypersomnia so when I'm in between and hunting it is hellish. But these are really good tips, even with my medication because I've had to switch it up to get more consistency and take a form that doesn't work as well for me!
Thank you so much! I just went to a new medical group and doctor, and he says I'm too old to have ADHD, and too old to be taking ADHD medications.
omg, the ignorance…
I just want my brain to spit out the hormones.
I am tired of the stimulation.
Hello. Your content has been extremely helpful in understanding my little one’s diagnosis. But I find many of your suggestions and insights are geared to adults. Do you (or your viewers) have resource suggestions aimed at elementary aged children and their parents? Thanks in advance.
A lot of ADHD resources out there are generally geared towards kids. :) CHADD and ADDA both have resources you can dive into to see what might work best for you and your kiddo! chadd.org/ & add.org/start/adda-resources/
My daughter was diagnosed with ADHD in June and one of her big struggles is math. I've found that doing it with her and having rewards for when she's done have made a huge difference. We've been on a long waiting list to see a psychiatrist for meds for her so we've just been trying to cope in the interim. I will write down her math problem on a big dry erase board and we will do it together. I write things down while she gives me the answers, then she copies what we did into her homework. I'm not doing it for her and she's not sobbing in the bathroom. It's a win-win. Her therapist suggested a small candy for each problem she completed which has helped but I'm against food rewards so I wish I could find an alternative. She's 9 though so stickers don't work anymore. I'm trying to get more relaxed about repeating instructions over and over and we've put up signs around the house, like "Did you pack your homework?" and "Do you have your lunch?" Because those are big problems in our house. Her therapist has ADHD so she's had some good ideas. 😊
@@wellsmallshe may have dyscalculia. Check it out. Often coincides with adhd.
Dr Howell was one of the first authors I read when I first learned about having ADHD. I was in college, 24 yrs old and ADHD was new (or at least it wasn’t well known back in ‘93). I really love this video: you are two of my favorite people!
What can you do if you had the prescription, have a pharmacy with stock, but lost your provider and the new one doesn't believe in stimulants? Basically every psychiatrist lists ADHD as a condition they treat. Is here a good or proper way to discern which ones actually understand the condition and which ones are just going to gaslight you and waste your time? Thanks in advance for any advice ❤
@selfmadesaraj
Amen!
Meanwhile in the UK: You guys still have alternate meds in stock?
The list of available meds is shorter than the list of out-of-stock ones here.
Whoa! No lie, I'm am currently listening (audible) to Driven to Distraction right now after learning about it after my diagnosis a few months ago! Serendipitous. And an amazing book, too! Thank you for this!
If you haven’t already read/listened to it, I highly recommend Faster than Normal by Peter Shankman - his book was very helpful for me as well as Dr. Hallowell’s!
Jessica you almost took me down a rabbit hole. As soon as I heard "book" I paused the video and looked for a link, then went to your channel, then your website. Found a link, preordered the book, went back to TH-cam and it landed on a different page. Almost....but got back to this video. Oh wait, I opened TH-cam to edit my account info........🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
The sad thing is doctors won't prescribe it to me. Having autism, OCD, depression, and different kinds of anxiety; they say it would not help and make things worse.
I know 2 data points aren't enough for a conclusion, but like Dr. Hallowell, the psychiatrist seeing my daughter and I also had ADD. (Yes, that was back in the 80s, which was a LOT better than the 60s when it was MBD - Minimal Brain Damage.) Doctors who understand the condition both from the textbook and their own experience are the BEST.
I needed a video like this...I turned 26 and got taken off my moms insurance. I stopped taking my meds in 6th grade and in my 5th year of college I figured I should try taking them again, thinking they could help. Right as soon as we found something that worked I lost insurance snd couldnt afford my meds anymore. I've been trying to get myself to call a public clinic to see if I can find someone who can get me a prescription without it costing thousands just to talk to them.
02:08 Curse for me, and hence why I can’t fill MY prescription (it’s not the ones he mentioned). Those alternative meds have now created a problem for others b/c now THOSE meds are in short supply. Grrrr thanks doc, lol (j/k).
This video came at the perfect time. Haven't been able to get my meds for a month and the last few days my adhd has been taking a toll. ❤
Yes, please make more like this. I have been off medication for so long, my ADHD is unmanaged, and I can't get myself together enough to find a Dr. This video helps.
I would put a huge caveat on the relationship side of things that you shouldn't get into a relationship primarily for the purpose of treating your mental health. Getting out of a relationship that isn't working makes perfect sense but it's not fair on your partner if saying turns into a story person recruiting exercise instead.
I take guanfacine for my adhd and I’m my insurance does not cover it and I’m a nightmare without it. It’s not as common as the stimulant like Dexadrine. It’s for the hyper active part and my light and sound sensitivity. I struggle to afford it and I tried going every other day with my medication and it was bad, I had someone tell me I seemed manic. 😢 it worries me thinking about what my daily life would look like without it.
I had this happen once, pharmacist wasn’t smart, decided my non stim adhd meds were classed as prohibitory, and my effexier was bad for causing rare cases of ed, I’m a woman, I have severe adhd, I need my meds to be able to cope with myself or I get extremely hyper and can’t turn off my brain.
Really good info besides "just find a job that you like more" which isn't really feasible for a lot of people.
My takeaway from this video is that I am doomed to a grim fate! Almost none of the suggested resources are available in my country and in my life, and my ADHD is so severe I cannot "curtail, delegate, and eliminate" even if I want to. I mean, I don't have the slightest willpower to do what I want/need to do when I want/need to do it and how I want/need it to be done.
My psychiatrist prescribes Methylphenidate and I have tried different brands both fast and slow-release and none of them seem to work. I don't have the luxury of choosing "the right job" due to the high unemployment and inflation rate. I have a family to feed, I just have to get the next available job I find. Adult ADHD is almost unknown in Zambia, both by society and mental health experts, so it's hard to find a coach or partner who can understand and support me.
I feel so hopeless and helpless. My life is effed for g!😔
5:48 Yeah, yeah… 40 years of blaming and self-blaming, and now self-blaming me for failing at not blaming me… I know.
Now medication some day maybe. I can't even see a doctor to talk about possible medications, 'cause the doctors are ill, not available, etc… Half a life wasted. I've got *very un-appropriate, out of the point* "support" for decades, I'm sure many people around the world never get any sort of help for such an "invisible" trouble.
Great video, but you lost me at enough sleep and exercise. Nine hour work days and school are definitely not conducive to time needed for those things
Dr. Hallowell: "get enough sleep"
Me, watching this at 11pm and not even started getting ready for bed and letting the DOGS OUT AND AHHH
Hey How To ADHD. Unlike you I was not a gifted student. I struggled in High School and was put within a separate stream to prepare people for things like Community College over University. My ADHD was not treated during this time. In spite of this I was told I was very intelligent and could be put into the main academic stream if I fixed my behaviour. I did not. Does this mean I have a comparatively low intelligence or does it simply mean that the severity of my ADHD was of a much greater extent (I recognize that it fluctuates per person).
not super helpful actually. He’s like: just try harder or changer your life (job). Like doing less isn’t a way to cope with what needs doing. And a coach or other accountability person just piles on guilt that I can’t do what needs done, so then I avoid it even more.
Mostly this is helpful but I'm surprised he would recommend coffee. Most ADHDers i know (me included) are just put to sleep by caffeine. One of the things I like about meds is I feel like they do for me what I imagine coffee does for neurotypicals
I swear this US medical system is so messed up. It ends up being more expensive and less efficient than public ones even from poor South American counties. The whole country nowadays seems for corporations, by corporations, of corporations.
Hear this so bad. Since rationing my meds, I have had multiple complaints about me at work, left my phone at home 3x in the last week which I need for work, keep losing my laptop at work, forget what I said to a patient earlier in the day when writing the discharge was delayed, sliced the tip of my finger off while cooking, lost my work pass, brought my bleep home and am struggling but more than that, I am so frustrated since I am not used to being unmedicated now.
I have a bad heart, and I literally can't take medication because it's an upper. So this is particularly relevant.
Hm, a caveat to some of that advice though- a lot of patients are very loyal to their medications *because not every medication works or works well*. It's not just comfort or stubbornness!
Become Walter White.
Gonna try
Developing physical disabilities (after accidents, inc work injuries on top of a hypermobile body) has caused more problems with coping. Can’t exercise (exacerbates pain and knock-on symptoms for days afterwards), can’t rearrange furniture or do decorating like I used to. Since I stopped smoking I can’t concentrate on anything, can’t read books or articles, think, watch movies or do anything (art, crafts, baking, making) that I used to enjoy.
Getting desperate.
I havent even watched the video yet, but the that fact that is popped up on my feed reminds me that i need to take my meds today! Nice save. Now if i can just get over the paralysis i have now so i can actually take them. Someone help, I need to leave for work and I havent even showered yet!!! 😬
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Answer: CBG/ THC Wyld gummies, you'll thank me later
Okay, I literally just shh'ed the screen when he said we need to get enough sleep.
Thank you so much for all the work you do to educate people on ADHD! ❤
Honestly I’ve given up on medications as I’ve tried a good variety of stimulants and non stimulants and one of them have consistently worked
As a prescriber was waiting for more of these videos. When congress is upset about a drug shortage, you know something is bad…
Wow. I really need to get a new psychiatrist. "Unexplained underachievement" is a highlight of how I have felt for so many years, especially since entering the workforce.
I've decided to stop taking medication altogether, it gave severe side effects (methylphenidate gave high blood pressure, lisdexamphetamine gave severe insomnia and depression) and very little benefits.
Honestly that's totally valid.
@@HowtoADHD I was lucky to have developed coping mechanisms long before ADHD was diagnosed. I got very good psycho-education and cognitive behavioral therapy to learn me to deal with ADHD. But the therapist wanted me to try meds as well, which I didn't really need. And also in this part of the world (Netherlands) meds shortage is a thing, so I figured there was someone else who needs it more than I do. 😊
@@volvo480I haven't found medication that doesn't give me severe side effects either. You've motivated me to look for a good psychologist to psycho educate me, thanks.
The production quality feels extra elevated lately! Good job to the How to ADHD team!
Lol. My kids had those magnetic build/play sets 10-15 years ago!
I take Concerta generic. I used to get so stressed out each month. So far Express Scripts has been working great for me and I get a 3 month supply. I don’t want to go through withdrawals as they’re awful. I hope they get this sorted out. ❤
What do you mean by body doubling? It was mentioned but never explained.
And get s coach? That is not an option for most. Alrlost two jobs becuse of lack of meds.
i live in india and stimulant meds are banned here and non stimulant meds have been proven to be inaffective for me idk what to do i just cant take it anymore
Connection and relationships are my biggest vice! I'm a single Mom of teen boys and have no family. I have one friend that I call but she's across the country.
How to make friends when you have been isolated for years.
Add to that, hurt and or betrayed by others makes the isolation almost tolerable 😕
Right, if nothings happening to me, then at least nothing is happening TO me when im alone
Ah yes, exercise. Pity if you have chronic fatigue.
The right job for me: data analysis and management in IT; I love my job so much that I will work on stuff even when I'm sick at home😂
Is NOT work for me, every task is a puzzle and I LOVE figuring it out!
My prior employers were constantly harping on my for over thinking, not sitting still or not sitting at all....f*cked right off to where I'm at now = zero regrets
i've been taking adderall since i was 6 i'm almost 22 now. and it took a year to find this med that worked. i tried non medication stuff to but it never helped enough to make me focus in school. i'm scared to try other cause i have no side effects from adderall. but now im at the point i dont have choice. I have autism too so having to only take half my normakl dosage, and skip days is stressing me out. i'm understimulated constantly and its been miserable... i hate this so i hope i can find a med that i wont have awful side effects from again.
Long live Ritalin 😀👍