Share your story with us
Does anyone feel comfortable sharing their story of getting an ADHD diagnosis?
We can learn so much from each other and our experiences. I think it would be helpful for those of us on the fence about getting a diagnosis to hear from someone who has gone through the process.
I have read that it can be a costly and lengthy process, what was your experience?
How did getting your diagnosis impact your life?
What were some of your positive and negative takeaways?
hello can we talk about ADHD?
please ping me
@HappySoul1612
who are you asking?
@HappySoul1612
I will send you a dm, be on the lookout for that and welcome to the ADHD community! Feel free to have a look at the threads here, as you will find lots of helpful information and insights shared.
@aCalmOasis
@aCalmOasis
A couple of years ago, I had gone to a social worker/counsellor to talk about issues between husband and I. A lot of it stemmed from my inability to focus on one thing at a time, that I jump from task to task, and I'm generally messy. The social worker said that it sounded like I might have ADHD.
From there, I chatted with
my family doctor and was given a prescription for an ADHD med, and
looked into how to get an official diagnosis. Going to a psychiatrist
was cost prohibitive, so I ended up contacting an organization that
specializes in ADHD - you pay X amount for an appointment with a nurse
practitioner, and X for the diagnosis. I received my official diagnosis
in September 2023, and was approved for a disability tax credit in late
December 2023. I was 52.
How did it impact my life?
It explained so much about all the different things I've struggled with all my life - issues with authority figures, scattered brain, inability to focus on one task at a time, being fired from multiple jobs in my career, you name it.
Positive? I got an explanation for what is "wrong" with me. Husband better understands why I do what I do, which helps alleviate some of his frustration with me.
Negative? Angry that it took this long for the answer to come along, and that if this was more of a thing decades ago my life might have taken a different turn in some ways. Trying to get a medication (or combination) that would help somewhat calm my busy brain (I'm now on a fifth med... or is it sixth?). Learning how to break the bad habits that came with being in my early 50s and having to try to be "normal"
@galfromaway
Thanks, galfromaway, for sharing about why and how you received your diagnosis. Would you mind sharing the name of the ADHD-specific organization that helped you? I am happy to hear that your husband is feeling less frustrated now that he understands your condition.
I think its natural to wonder about the ‘what ifs’ after getting a confirmed diagnosis. I had and still have those feelings from time to time and I don’t even have an official diagnosis. Best of luck in finding a medication that works well for you.
@aCalmOasis
This is where I got my diagnosis. It's Canadian: https://beyondadhd.ca/
There is a cost to each session, but it's cheaper than going to a psychiatrist - I was told $2,000+ for that.
I'm slowly understanding my condition, but at times really struggle to find adaptations to dealing with things. And the "guinea pig" feeling as my family doc and I try to figure out the best medications has been really frustrating and demoralizing. Trying a new combination right now and am feeling a bit of a difference, so we'll see if it continues.
In the meantime, doing my best to be gentle with myself.
@galfromaway
Great, thanks for linking that for us. I wanted to share that I am currently reading the book ‘ADHD 2.0’ by Dr. Ned Hallowell. It contains good practical advice that may be useful to you while you adjust. He also includes some of the latest research on ADHD. I like it because Dr. Hallowell has this condition too, so we get to learn from the perspective of someone who understands what we are dealing with.
I can imagine how frustrating it must be to have to keep trying all these different medications. It is stressful enough with everything else you are working through. I hope you find something that works for you soon.
@aCalmOasis
My brother was diagnosed first and he and my husband talked to me like an intervention. I struggled with my doctor and finding a specialist but ended up going to my brother’s doctor. The doctor had me walk 30 minutes a day and track my symptoms. Waking really helped but I still got lost in my day like a fish circling its bowl. Getting diagnosed gave me a new subject to search helping me find a new set of tools. Meds helped me apply the workarounds I was learning. Nothing will ever be easy but I am glad I took my brother and husband’s advice.
@TomorrowToday
Thanks for sharing your story. I have read how important exercise is to regulate our dopamine. Its just about finding the type that works for you. I personally found weight training not interesting enough. I tried running for a while and that was ok, I just struggled to stay motivated. I love biking and hiking, but plan on trying swimming soon and seeing how that lands for me.
I have heard of people being successful with switching up their exercise during the week so that they stay interested and motivated to continue. Happy to hear you have a medication that works well for you.
I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was about 9, and was on prescription for about 8 years. I don’t remember much about the testing process, but I would love to share my experience. I don’t think this is what you are specifically asking, but I am currently med free and would love to discuss the transition and what it is like to self-manage my symptoms.
Nice 👍
