I am a 29 year old woman and have just been diagnosed with Adult ADHD....today.

I had my suspicions for years that 'something wasn't right". I was diagnosed with Postpartum Depression after the birth of my 1st daughter 11 years ago. I can accept that. there is no doubt that I had post partum.

But after a while, I just didn't "fell right" and I was confused. Why couldn't I keep a job? Pay bills? Get motivated? Finish school?

My doctor insisted I was depressed and refused to take me off Paxil. I have tired for years since then to explain why I am the way I am, even to myself. After a while I just started thinking I was a loser and just failed at life. I have been on Paxil for 11 years. and I have just been dealing with it. Even when loved ones would tell me there is something wrong with me, I'm not on the right meds, I would just ignore them, well because my self-esteem had plummeted and I didn't FEEL depressed and after becoming hopelessly physically dependent on Paxil, the last thing I wanted was more meds.

Fast forward....11 years later I am sitting in the doctor's office for a routine Prenatal appointment and I picked up a magazine...maybe TIME or something---I don't know. And there was an article about Adult ADHD. And it was like "POOF" there it is! This article was about ME! I researched a little on the net and was convinced that this was the issue this whole time! So I asked my doctor about it, and he referred me to a psych and VOILA, here I am.

Now.....as you can imagine, I have a little paranoia about meds...I do not know anything about ADHD medication and I am very nervous about the idea. The last thing I need is to get physically addicted to another drug and adverse reactions scare me.

Right now I am gradually tapering off Paxil and waiting for my baby to wean from nursing to start medication.....but I am wondering---hoping that I can treat this and get by medication-free.

I am hoping that ya'll can help me, educate me on the the various treatments, what worked for you, natural remedies....organization skills/coping/motivation/energy...etc.

I am also wondering, if caffeine is an effective alternative? I have noticed all these years that when I am drinking coffee, I am happy and fairly productive. This does make sense to me seeings how a stimulant is usually used in treatment....

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