Hey Everyone!

My name is Stephanie, I'm 16, and I've been on Adderall for 2 months now for ADHD, depression, etc. Its been great so far, being able to focus and everything, but, I'm starting to notice some things that I didn't before.

Let me acquaint you with a recent event that has lead to some of these realizations: My best friend and I had been very close for months up until october. We got into a huge fight, and only recently we've been able to resolve it.

Now, I, being the caring person that I think I am...I always wanted to make him, and everyone else for that matter, happy. I got physically sick and emotionally messed up whenever I thought he was mad at me, etc. I even used to do some pretty bad stuff in results of that sadness I always had.

Before I went on the adderall, I was in tears almost every day, and it was all I could think about. "Why doesn't he like me? He hugs everyone else but not me, why? Why doesn't he IM me???" things like that.

Today, I realized something though...and I was on the medicine when I realized this...I don't care as much about him as I though I did...in fact, I don't really care that much about my social life at all. I say the stuff I used to be afraid to say, and I don't really care how its taken. (Note: I never said anything really offensive or thought such things...I mean I never spoke because I was so afraid of it being stupid or whatnot)

I realized how petty and superficial my best friend still is, and its almost like he's an immature annoyance now. I also realized that I don't hang out with the people who really care about me...our friendship is just...there.

My whole life seems to be involved with two things since this medicine: school and sleeping, and my social life isn't on my mind at all...

...is that normal? Whats going on!?!?! ;-;

*hugs you*

Is it normal? It all comes down to your definition of normal I guess. There are many people, both with and without ADD know what it's like to experience empathy to the point where it becomes debilitating. It's something I've experienced for myself, and I know others that have experienced it.

All I can tell you for certain is that you're not alone. I went through an experience similar to what you describe, and I have the utmost sympathy for you.

ADD sufferers don't have many of the innate psychological defences that non-sufferers take for granted. It's like running through the Sonne in a flack vest, whilst everyone else gets to drive a nice safe tank. It's daunting really, everything's so immediate. We really do wear our hearts on our sleeves.

Starting medication is like waking from a coma, it leaves you realising a whole new level of being. But then whilst while your minds preoccupied with growing accustomed to these new surroundings, all the things suddenly feel that much more distant.

From what you say, I think that as soon as you've adjusted to the meds, you'll be in a better place to judge what you want out of a social life, whether you want to stay around your best friend, or stick with those that really care.

Welcome to the forums. =)

If you want to talk, or have any questions, just ask.

You could just be realizing what is truly important in life. My daughter has three friends one day they love her the next they chase her home calling her names and beating on her. She thinks she has to take this kind of treatment to be popular. Lovely word that is I have a hard time explaining that popular is having many friends who care about you NOT fear you. I've noticed that she is slowly coming out of her muddled shell and starting to take firm charge of her life. She is starting to hang around with girls who truly like and accept her and spending less time with these abusive little girls.

Just use this time while adjusting to your meds to decide what is truly important to you and what you feel makes a good friend. Then start to slowly search out those people to associate with.

Good luck,
Cherity

My name is Stephanie, I'm 16, and I've been on Adderall for 2 months now for ADHD, depression, etc. Its been great so far, being able to focus and everything, but, I'm starting to notice some things that I didn't before. ...

I realized how petty and superficial my best friend still is, and its almost like he's an immature annoyance now. I also realized that I don't hang out with the people who really care about me...our friendship is just...there.

Hey Stephanie,

Welcome to ADDF. I remember going through a similar shift in High School. I realized, after coming out of a period of moderate depression, that I really didn't have anything in common with my so-called "peers." I figured out that, for me, the social interactions that most of my classmates were engaged in did not feel like real, authentic, love-me-for-who-I-am, relationships that would feed my soul and make me feel good about who I was.

I solved the problem by letting my folks know that I wanted to graduate from High School early and get on with what I called then, "real life." It felt really good to get myself into a place where I could be *me* -- and be celebrated for that. That's one of the positive things I found at college. There were some negatives too, but, I'll leave that for another day....

My point (I just know I have one... ;) ) is that figuring out that you want to surround yourself with "people who really care" about you is *huge*. Really! This is great and it's about wanting to be accepted on your terms. I'm so glad to read that you've realized that the relationship that isn't working out is about you learning more about yourself and what you want from a friend.



My whole life seems to be involved with two things since this medicine: school and sleeping, and my social life isn't on my mind at all...

...is that normal? Whats going on!?!?! ;-;

Even though things seem positive to me, like you are feeling empowered, but, maybe a tad bit confused. But still, basically o.k. But, I am a bit concerned.... When I'm really depressed all I think about is sleeping and function at a pretty basic level until I get to go back to bed. I do what I have to do, but, my heart really isn't in it.

I don't think this is what you meant when you talk about your life being all about school and sleeping, but, I just wanted to clarify.

Sometimes the shift in what's important to you could mean that you are waking up to what's really important. But, sometimes a lack of interest in things that used to interest you is a sign of depression.

As far as "is that normal?" -- I'd say you are really the only one who can answer that. This very well could be a change that is normal *for you.*

One of the things I love about these forums is that this is one of the places I *do* feel normal!!!

I'm glad you found us and even happier that you could ask us for advice.

Worry-wart,

W.