How do you deal w/ family and friends in regards to your ADD? Do they know? Do they believe you? Do they think your crazy for saying you have something when you're not even sure?

I am 32. This whole ADD thing isn't exactly new to me...I've always suspected it...but I've never really accepted it and followed through w/ it. Even though I am 100% convinced I have ADD now, I have never mentioned it to my family...and I am wondering now what they're going to say...I'm kind of springing it on them, and I have a fear that they're going to say I'm using it as an excuse (cause I work for the family biz and it is affecting my performance) since I'm undiagnosed and "don't know for sure".

Does that all make sense? :(

How do you deal w/ family and friends in regards to your ADD? Do they know? Do they believe you? Do they think your crazy for saying you have something when you're not even sure?

I am 32. This whole ADD thing isn't exactly new to me...I've always suspected it...but I've never really accepted it and followed through w/ it. Even though I am 100% convinced I have ADD now, I have never mentioned it to my family...and I am wondering now what they're going to say...I'm kind of springing it on them, and I have a fear that they're going to say I'm using it as an excuse (cause I work for the family biz and it is affecting my performance) since I'm undiagnosed and "don't know for sure".

Does that all make sense? :(

Struggling I have seen many of your posts and already find you an asset to the forums WELCOME HOME!!!! I was diagnosed late in life about the same time my son was diagnosed. At first the only thing that went thru my mind was "OMG we're all gonna DIE!!" lol but, after a lot of research I saw ADD in a new light WOW a multi tasking skill in a multi tasking world COOL. ;)

I would probably get diagnosed first and inform your family...go armed with information...trust me. Then discuss options meds and so forth and ask for patience while your going thru your transformation and just let them know that you are doing this to not only be a better parent but also a better employee.

My family for the most part listens to me about ADD and will come to me for advice on their own kids on organazational tips and so forth. They follow closely with my childrens behavioural modification plans because they want them to succeed just as badly as I do. My sister once got testy with me though by saying ADHD is not real because you cannot prove a person has it. She has an injured back that causes her pain everyday of her life...I replied that I didn't think her back hurt everyday and she was faking for simpathy (after her shock at my reply wore off) I explained I can't feel your pain so how do I know it's real? You can't feel my pain nor my exasperation or frustration or fear...I have faith in what you say why can't you have faith in what I say and that was the last I have heard about it from her. But, you never know everyone is different your family may tell you "We've known for a long time". You have to be yourself and love yourself first...didn't your momma ever tell you that?

Hugs good luck and remember not all traits that come with ADD are bad once you learn to manage them and use them to your best interest it honestly does become an assett.

hi...i dont have a formal diagnoses either. But I do finally know without a doubt what I have and confided this with my Mom and Sister and after my experience with that I am going to broaden it to other family members. My sister was particularly intrigued and told me she had to take an ephedra supplement for many years in order to keep going and I told her she may have been self-medicating and gave her info I have found. My sister is just like me so it won't surprise me a bit if she has ADD....and im glad I told her, because she struggles too and never thought it was ADHD. Only you know your family and how they will handle this. You need to be armed with info to share. My Mom wanted to know what my plan was to get treated and I told her that I am working on that................Good Luck!!!!

Thanks for your replies. I won't get to see a psychiatrist for about 6 weeks. I don't know if I can hold it together that long :( I am really losing it here. I have told my mom...and not worried about her at all...she's had problems all her life so she knows what it's like. I am worried about about my dad's side of the family...mostly because no one else in our family has ever had any problems...so it'll be new to them. ...although, I really think that my dad (who I don't even know at all) probably has ADD from the stories I've heard...just no one knows it.

I am stressed to the max about losing my job, as much as I hate it I can't lose it...and yet I still can't get my act together. This is going to be a long 6 weeks.

I would normally NEVER advise anyone to do what I'm about to advice you to do. You would never take your dog to a mechanic another words issue's with the brain need to be handled by the proper doctor BUT I have a feeling you are at the end of your rope and losing grip fast. I would consider speaking with my family physician, there is a test you can take at Bigsplace.com just print it out and fill out the questions he may be able to prescribe something to get you thru this six weeks. Good luck and keep struggling we're here for you.

Man...I am just getting worse and worse. My grandmother just phoned to let me know my grandfather got a summons to appear in court because I didn't pay a parking ticket (They let me drive his car and it's in his name). I was just at my family dr today..and I was afraid to ask for anything to get me through the next 6 weeks. I don't know why. :(

Asking for help is not only the hardest thing for most people but I strongly feel you need it. ADD is not something to be ashamed of and no one has the right to belittle you or your feelings unless you give them that right. For your sanity ask for help I promise your doctor is not going to fall on the floor laughing at you chances are he'll know what med will get you thru this six weeks without losing what's left of your mind...I've been there and I know how awful it feels.

I'm going to jump in here and say that I think Futs is right. It's really hard to ask for help especially when you're falling apart. I was in the same boat a year ago, but I agree that you should go to your family dr., it's what I had to do. They were able to give me a couple of shots which kept me glued together until I could get into the psychiatrist's and get going with evaluation and treatment. Maybe bringing someone you trust along for moral support would help.

I don't have anyone to go w/ me :(

I had a breast cancer scare a while back and my husband couldn't get off work due to him already taking 3 weeks off to help me during my maternity leave. I had to sit thru those tests alone and some of them were not pretty I knew that the minute I got out of there I could go straight to the Women's section and post and they would be there to support me. That's what we're here for...just keep in the back of your mind that we are thinking of you and that we'll be here as soon as you get home.

OK OK I'm lying to you...When I finally got the nerve to ask for help I had slipped and I mean slipped off the deep end big time...I ignored my bills, my kids (I ignored my kids can you believe that? my son tried to kill himself...were was I? who knows...I cry and am filled with terrible dread, anxiety and anger at myself everytime I think about it). On my way to work I just couldn't take it anymore and thought about driving off the bridge that's when I knew it was too late...I went straight to my doctor and cried that's all I did cry the whole time didn't say a word just cried. He gave me something to help me thru the hard patch until I could get my mind in order with the help of my therapist. Girl DON'T let it go that far I cannot even describe the hell it is.

Thank you Nucking_Futs (http://www.addforums.com/forums/member.php?u=257) :) ...for your words of encouragement.


I honestly don't remember ever being this bad:eek: I think that I am suffering depression from all this too...I have been crying for two weeks straight!

I got a call from my doctor and I have an appointment to see a psychiatrist on Dec. 14!!! That's a long way away! :(

I am going to take the weekend and really try to de-stress, and see how I feel on Monday. I have some vacation time coming to me...so I am thinking about taking some time off work...I know that will do me some good for sure.

I appreciate all the encouragement :)<SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_100975", true); </SCRIPT>

I am in the exact same place you are. I went to a medical doctor because I had to waut a couple months before I could get to a psychiatrist. I went in with a few screening tests. I first asked for Straterra but insurance wouldn't cover it, so she prescribed me Effexor. Didn't work. I then asked for a stimulant and she didn't call back. I then paid for half a precription of Straterra. Bad side effects. I then asked again for Adderall. She said she didn't believe Add was my problem.
I can't tell you how frustrating that was. I know I need a stimulant but she wouldn't prescribe it. I may have been to adamant about wanting a stimulant, I don't know. What I suggest is to wait to speak with a psychiatrist. I wish I would have just made the appointment without going through what i did.
As of right now, I am finding comfort at this forum by knowing we all have very similar struggles. Like you I can't wait to get the right treatment. It is driving me crazy knowing what I need and not getting it. Also, the more I worry about the symptoms of Add effecting my life, the more the symptoms appear.
Please hold on and know that I am right there in the same situation you are. I am 32 also. I know the wait for treatment is rough, but hang in there.We ave waited this long, a few weeks is not far away. Take it day by day and visit here often. Take care.

And to be absolutly honest I'm not managing all that well right now either...I'm going back to my therapist due to me not being able to give my daughter ADD/ODD the enviroment she needs to succeed. You have days and then you have DAYS if you get my drift the nice thing about it now is I can see a DAY coming and can be prepared for it so their easier to handle and control. It will get better and so will you and before you know it 80% of the time you will start to see ADD as a skill and not a handicap that I'd bet my last dollar on. Big hugs and lots of them.

Girl I can totally relate!!!! My family did not accept it at all at first and now years later they are finally starting to understand what it is - not even accept but understand. At least you've suspected it, I actually argued with my Doctors when they told me!!!! Finally I started researching and realized that ADD was not at all what I thought it was! There are SO MANY MYTHS - especially in Canada!

Best of luck and we are here for you!


How do you deal w/ family and friends in regards to your ADD? Do they know? Do they believe you? Do they think your crazy for saying you have something when you're not even sure?

I am 32. This whole ADD thing isn't exactly new to me...I've always suspected it...but I've never really accepted it and followed through w/ it. Even though I am 100% convinced I have ADD now, I have never mentioned it to my family...and I am wondering now what they're going to say...I'm kind of springing it on them, and I have a fear that they're going to say I'm using it as an excuse (cause I work for the family biz and it is affecting my performance) since I'm undiagnosed and "don't know for sure".

Does that all make sense? :(

Hey there struggling, I'm currently undiagnosed too. It was tough for me to come to the realization that I have it, then when I did it felt like weight off my shoulders. It was tough to tell my parents and they are normally pretty understanding about everything, but when I did to my surprise they were pretty much saying it was all in my head. :( Oh, well life goes on I guess. Keep us in touch let us know how it goes.
It seems kind of sad how tough everything seems at first huh? It seems like it's a somewhat long process for you too. I have to make a appointment with a phsycatrist now.. it's been about 6 months now.

Wow...thanks everyone...it does seem like a long process...but I am learning a lot throughout this process and that's a good thing I suppose. I am not completely hopeless, lol...I do have moments when I am feeling good and in control...it's those times that get me through the bad times.And it's true...the more you worry about it...the more the symptoms drive you crazy!!!

Your definatly taking a step in the right direction anyways.