HI,

I don't know where to start..I have just started taking Strattera, which is working out okay I think, i seem to focus better but that's it, what I am I supposed to be doing in addition to taking medicine, no one as filled me in on other things I need to to be doing with this ADD information I received, I feel very lost and feels like there is no one who REALLY understands what its like to be disorganized but you don't know why, or to try and keep a planner and have it not work, I have good intentions but feel like nothing ever sticks!!

I would like to go back to college, but I was unsuccesful when I was young and suspended due to my grades and have never gone back because of fear of failure once again, I have been in entry level jobs all my adult life and I don't like my job i am in now - Insurance receptionist, I know I am smarter than that.

Any suggestions?

School can be really great for ADHD people if they get the help they need. Any school can provide you with accommodations (with documentation from your doctor) that can help you- its how I've done so well in my undergrad and graduate studies. You can do it! Being an adult makes a world of difference, I think. Good luck! Marie

I'm 31 and about to graduate from college in December. It's been a looong road for me. I did not receive modifications, because I did not get a diagnosis until last year. Like you, I have been suspended, dropped classes, etc. Don't give up! If you want to go back to college you should. I have a 10 yr. old, and a 1 yr. old., substitute a few days a week, and go to school full time. Sometimes, I have great days. Sometimes, I cry myself to sleep at night thinking of everything I screwed up that day. Overall, I'm doing pretty good. You can too!


Anna

When I was diagnosed my psychologist sat me down and explained to me that along with medication if I wanted to make sustained progress I also needed to educate myself about ADHD (reading booka is a good way as are visiting the forums here). I'd recommend Driven to Distraction as a good book to start with or Delivered from Distraction both by Edward Hallowell and John Ratey. If you're not much on reading, their book Answers to Distraction has a short question and answer format. My psychologist also recommended Sari Solden's book Women with Attention Deficit Disorder, and You Mean I'm not Lazy, Stupid, or Crazy by Peggy Ramundo and "I forget".

Support is the next step -- that might be getting some therapy with someone who is familiar with the issues a newly diagnosed ADHD gal faces; in might be a ADD coach to help figure out a game plan and help you keep on track to work towards your education dream; and /or in might include an ADHD support group.

There are lots of good suggestions for developing methods and accomodations to help you deal with your ADHD symptoms. You probably have some feelings about all this too or old beliefs that are getting in the way, that's where a good counselor or support group can really come in handy.

You take care and welcome to the Forums!:)
Scattered

Thanks for all of you input, support and encouragement. Another thing I have recently noticed about Strattera is that since I have been taking it I have been tired alot during the day and have no energy. i m taking 40mg and it was aggreeeing with me, then one day about 2 mo into started givning me nausea so I started taking it everyother day and it has seemed to help, I don't want to be on medication, is there anything else out theree that can help ADD with out meds?

HI,

I don't know where to start..I have just started taking Strattera, which is working out okay I think, i seem to focus better but that's it, what I am I supposed to be doing in addition to taking medicine, no one as filled me in on other things I need to to be doing with this ADD information I received, I feel very lost and feels like there is no one who REALLY understands what its like to be disorganized but you don't know why, or to try and keep a planner and have it not work, I have good intentions but feel like nothing ever sticks!!

I would like to go back to college, but I was unsuccesful when I was young and suspended due to my grades and have never gone back because of fear of failure once again, I have been in entry level jobs all my adult life and I don't like my job i am in now - Insurance receptionist, I know I am smarter than that.

Any suggestions?
I'm attending an ADD/ADHD support group and it's great, both in talking with others who don't think I'm crazy because they experience the same problems I do, and because we can share tips and skills for coping. As our facilitator says, "Pills AND skills work best together." You might try checking to see if there is a group that meets in your area.