IWTL How to finish what I start
I struggle with self-discipline and tend to pick up lots of interests easily while dropping them just as quick. I randomly become intruiged in a book, search for the pdf, and read a few chapters only to never come back to it. I invest in learning a new hobby but don't end up sticking to it long term. Its not like i'm quitting because the process is too difficult or tedious, its just that my attention has shifted. So, I need some advice
Posted Apr 29, 2022, 2:04 AM UTC
1910
Does it feel like you focus really hard on a certain thing for a few days / weeks before losing interest? I do that too, and was recently diagnosed with ADHD, so you might wanna check out some symptoms of it or take a test online!
Mhm, yeah its exactly like that. For a little while, it becomes the most interesting thing on the planet until it just isn't anymore. Yes, my counsellor has been trying to get me an assessment for adhd but they're pretty expensive here. So, atm i don't really have a diagnosis and can only try to understand why I do what I do better. Do you mind if I ask if you've learned any new techniques with dealing with it since being diagnosed?
Techniques involve writing things down (shopping list on my phone rather than trying to remember the items, having a to-do list, etc). One thing that helps me is having routines for everything. I always put my keys and wallet in the same spot (I made a shelf for inside my front door), I always shower the same way (and that way I can daydream about other things while showering), but the most important thing so far is having Adderall (hate to say it, but for me it's the case).
I got an informal assessment for free, then paid $35-ish for my initial consultation and my prescriber consultation where I actually got diagnosed with ADHD, then now I pay $85 to the company every month, and with the GoodRx discount, $30 for a months supply of Adderall. The $85 gets me monthly consultation zoom meetings, and access to their app where I can ask questions anytime I want.
This was all done through Cerebral.com
I would highly recommend trying this out! Oh, and it was all done without health insurance of any kind, so it should be the same cost for you
Also sleep and (even light) exercise is important, along with getting regular meals. My girlfriend also has a physical planner that she writes down tasks in to help her (even small things like 'play with the cat' or 'get gas'). Ah, I'm also in college, and was able to get disability accomodations though the college through Cerebral.
I should also mention that we live in the US, but since you're talking about the cost of a diagnosis, I would hazard a guess that you live here too ;)
Thank you for the feedback. I'll look into it, although i'm actually in Canada lol. Its just that the therapists at my university aren't comfortable doing adhd assessments and private assessments seem to be expensive. My counsellor is asking around to find someone that is though, so fingers crossed that it works out. Aside from that, def gonna consider the information you dropped in both of your comments.
I wish you luck with it! You can still take the assessment online.
I know that one option I had available was to tell my doctor that I took an assessment that indicated I might have ADHD, then they could have set me up with a mental health specialist. I did that for my anxiety diagnosis, but it was ~$1500
Read through this thread:
This helps me get clear about things:
This helps me overcome task paralysis & get started on things:
Dude, wow. This is genuinly amazing. I'm into the second source and it's already blowing my mind. Thank you so much!
Also read this:
And this:
Pretty much, people tend to fall into one of 3 groups:
ADHD is all about low mental energy. It's not that we're unmotivated; it's just that we lack the energy to consistently follow through on getting simple things done. It's like driving a remote-controlled car, except the batteries are almost dead & the transmitter's antenna is bent, so we don't get consistent control lol.
Understanding the underlying mechanism of what we struggle with opens the door to new coping strategies! I've been able to find success in getting more things done due to things like the 3P System & GBB Approach linked in the earlier post, as well as great tools like the X-effect.
In the world of ADHD, this is called "hobby cycling". Check this video out:
Also read up on Spoon Theory:
So basically:
So ADHD is really a problem with choice enforcement...we want to be neat & clean & organized & successful & on-time, but our brain literally fights us every step of the way. So here's the bottom line:
If your legs were broken, you'd get a wheelchair. If you had high blood sugar, you'd get a blood sugar test kit. If you have ADHD & are interested in becoming more successful despite that constant barrier, then there are lots of great tools available for you! (note that up to 80% of people with ADHD respond well to stimulants, just like if you were low iron & had to take an iron supplement!)
I didn't get diagnosed until my mid 20's and BOY was it a wake-up call! I found r/ADHD (and r/ADHDmeme & r/ADHDmemes lol) & discovered there's a HUGE worldwide tribe of people in the exact same situation as we are! That validation was incredibly helpful to helping me cope with my struggles!
Hang in there! It ain't easy! But the future is bright for you!!