I can really relate to your post, Dreamer. I have days when I just want to give up because everything seems to be so damn complicated (and if it isn't that way to start with, I make it complicated...). But things do work out if you give yourself a chance. I find that becoming more aware of my own moods and my self-talk really helped; I learned to recognize when I was approaching overload, so I can take a break, and I also noticed that I was talking to myself really harshly when stuff went wrong, so I worked on that too. I hardly ever tell myself I'm a useless idiot who never egts anything right anymore; I've managed to tone it down to, "oh crap, that was dumb, OK, damage control!" and go from there. Much more constructive.

For me, headaches are tied in with my overall stress and anxiety levels. I also have to make sure I remember to eat enough; low blood sugar and ADHD are not a good combination.

I actually found that Adderall XR, while it helped my focus, made my anxiety symptoms worse; I ended up hyperfocusing on the worries! I am doing better on Dexedrine SR, plus it is really cheap.

Hang in there!

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Hi dreamer:

Welcome to the ADDitude forums! It sounds like you've found yourself in a bad cycle that's hard to break. But the fact that you recognize the impact of your depressive behavior and antisocial tendencies is a big step in the right direction. Now it's just a matter of getting you the help you need - you don't need to go through this alone!

First, are you still taking an ADHD medication? I know you said you're not working and, therefore probably don't have insurance. But it might take paying out of pocket for a few months to get you feeling well again so that you can find a new job, repair your relationship, start feeling better, etc. - consider it an investment in your future health. I would also suggest looking into alternative ADHD treatments that don't cost anything...

Also, I would recommend joining an ADHD support group in your area. You can find one by contacting your local chapter of CHADD. These are supportive groups of ADD adults who help each other talk through frustrations, practice being social again, etc. - it is safe and helpful therapy.

Finally, the sleep issue. This is a big deal for lots of adults with ADD. Here is ADDitude's best article about getting to sleep faster and waking up easier. I hope some of these tips help you make headway.

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I tend to feel like I'm in the same boat. I have a lot of issues and to be honest I tend to feel pretty overwhelmed right now. I'm in a job a really don't like and can't afford to leave but will likely end my relationship with them sooner rather than later due to my inefficient work performance. Most of my life I've tended to react and fly by the seat of my pants so to speak, but at 38, wondering what I'm going to be when I grown up is getting old. I've put myself in a nasty cycle because I stay up too late, mainly trying to escape my miserable job situation and it just ends up getting worse.

I do take 50 mg of Adderall a day, but wash them down with decongestants and caffeine laden sodas on an average of 5 hrs of sleep a night. I use the stuff to stay awake more than to focus. And to be honest, I'm not sure really what affect they're supposed to have on me anyway. I guess I just magically expected them to make everything better and allow me to do my work and be competent and focused and everything. I'll probably not even remember this post in the morning. I'm rambling a bit but I'm just getting <EXPLETIVE DELETED> frustated at the whole situation and keep getting more hopeless by the day. I'm not used to dealing with the wholesale depression and hopelessness I've felt for the last couple of years and the sad thing is I feel like it's rational thinking. I've had probably 10 jobs since 2002. Granted, some of them I had were 3 at a time, but I got fired from nearly all of them. At this point, I'm just looking for positives and some sense of accomplisment because they seem to be few and far between lately. Anyone have any thoughts or advice? I could really use some help before I ...

Ooooooo.! Piece a candy!

Ooooooo.! Piece a candy!

Ooooooo.! Piece a candy!

Ooooooo.! Piece a candy...

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Remember you have ADD/ADHD ; but don't let it define you. You are not the ADD . What I mean let yourself remain in the moments and not worry about what tomrow will bring. No use in worrying about what will happen or not. Now with that said ADD can be easily manged in someway ; but in other ways the symptoms that each person expresses is very individualistic. I take Ritalin XR 20mg and Welbutrin XL 150 mgs for my ADD and it works real good. It still doesn't mean when it wear off.I'm not my ADD usual self. If your realtionship is suppose to work it will. Just don't over react to things which can be very hard for us ADDers. Exercise it will help keep the ADD in check . If you find you seal yourself from friends etc; call and make arrangements to go out. A smalll dinner is a good place to start so you can catch up. If you have problems sleeping see if you can get Ambien because it doesn't give the hanger over affect that other medications such as Benadryl can give you. I have a very loud alarm clock that is across the room so it will make me get out of bed to shut it off. Also I try to prepare my clothes the night before; and if I can shower the night before it helps. I also plan my lunch the night before. Keep you keys in the easiest place to find them . I actually keep my keys in the inside of my door so they never are lost. Remember there no such thing as being perfect so don't try to be , be the best you can and know how to be. I have accomindations for my college so get them for your classes so you have a easier time to get things done. You will need a doctors.note. It takes some getting use to be ADD; but it can be goten use to . Explain to those who need to know who most know . GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Thank you all for your wonderful responses! I'm going to take your advice and incorporate them into my daily life! It's wonderful to know I'm not alone in this wild world of ADD! I'm new to the forum and have been reading the different articles. The articles and the advice from you is helping SO much! Thank you very much for your support! Dreamer

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i have been told that people with ADD can be very successful.. but i am lost.. I have trouble focusing on things, trouble with relationships (whether is it with boyfriend, parents, friends), irritability, lack of focus, etc People feel that i am not listening to them, nor paying attention to wat they are saying.. I secluded myself from people and have bad attitude. That just made me feel guilty and antisocial. I never knew what's wrong with me.. i just keep searching for answers.. I cant help to stop thinking.. people around me keep telling me i think too much, but all are silly thoughts, not constructive at all.. I am scared and wish to stop walking around in circles in life but i do not know how.

I keep having depressive moods and this is a recurring phase.. i felt that i do not get enough care, concern and attention and felt that i am not appreciated nor wanted nor needed. i feel insecure and ppl are fed up having to keep assuring me that they are not leaving me alone, blah blah..

Sometimes, i am feeling so low that, i do not wish to do anything but just stay in bed whole day.. I am intimated about having to talk to people or interact with people.. i am not comfortable talking to them face to face..

I also have trouble falling asleep unless i am extremely tired.. i am always figeting, very edgy, panic alot and i always think too much.

ppl have commented that i am like a teenager trapped in an adult's body.. i am withdrawn, shut people out too much and dare not voice out my opinion.

i would appreciate if someone can tell me how do i proceed.. I know that people with ADD then to think about lots of things at one time and because of that, they are unable to proritise and thus feel lost.. pls correct me if i am wrong, thanks.

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