It is quite obvious that I need help. A couple of years ago I was diagnosed with ADD and put on Ritalin, which for me, was the miracle drug, but despite this, I couldn't seem to find the motivation to go back to the shrink. So I came off the meds, and haven't seen the doc since May last year. Things were okay, I think I was pretty "normal" there for a while, but things have started spiralling downhill in the last three months.

You see, not only have I moved out of home, but I have also started university. So here I am, 21 years old, working full time - trying to climb the corporate ladder, studying part time (At least 10 hours a week) and then trying to maintain a household. My partner is no help, he hates cleaning as much as I do, so I can't rely on him at all.

My problem is that I just can't cope! I am not doing so well with the studying, you have heard it all before, I can't concentrate, have trouble focusing, and have found that reorganising the pantry/watching television/ staring at the wall is much more entertaining! I am trying so hard, but to no avail. I am just so stressed!!! My lack of concentration is playing up on me at work (I am supposed to be working now...) and my house looks like a bomb has hit it, literally. The thing is though, that whenever I try to get organised ( I write study plans, schedules, timetables etc) I never seem to be able to follow through, and I just end up an emotional wreck!

So if anybody has any ideas or success stories that might help, please share, because right now I seem to be spending more time in bed crying about my failures than actually getting anywhere!

Welcome to the ADD forums, becca!

When I lived with people, one thing that helped was to have a chore chart - everyone had to participate. If they didn't, they had to put $5 in a pot (for everyday the chore didn't get done - past the "due date"). That money went to various activities, like group dinner. Every 2 weeks, the chores changed so no one got a crappy detail (like cleaning toilets) all the time.

You don't like chores, he doesn't like chores - it'll all get done faster if the 2 of you do them!! One person shouldn't get stuck with all the household stuff.

have you checked out the household section?? It's a good one!
http://www.addforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=276

Although you have no motivation to see the doc, if you think meds will help you function better, to deal with everything on your plate, hopefully that's motivation to make the appointment. Things can't get better unless you work on them. We can give you advice until we're blue in the face, but only you can help yourself. If meds is part of the solution, then make the appointment.

My successful story!
I was diagnosed the summer before my senior year of college with ADD. I promptly was put on meds. Before diagnosis and meds I was at a 2.5 (give or take a point or 2). I'd study for hours and not retain a thing and I failed lots of tests.
After diagnosis and meds, I got my GPA up and made the Dean's List. This was an amazing accomplishment for me.

That was in 2000. I am now in grad school, juggling a full time job, part time job and 1 class. If I didn't have Adderall, I have no doubt I wouldn't be where I am at today.
It helps me focus, so I can remember things, I'm not as easily distracted. If I am distracted, I can pick up right where I left off. I can follow conversations better, etc. It's changed my life, made it so much more better.

Best wishes!! now, make that appointment, becca!!

Get back on the meds. You will find it easier to concentrate. I would think that all the hell you're going through right now would be motivation enough.

And sweetie, you've got a man. Celebrate that. I fear I may be single forever. Not much I can do about it but wait for someone to come along, but honestly sometimes it feels like that someone will never come along. I feel like people in relationships take having a significant other for granted.