I'm a 33 yr old mother of 3 who has a full time job and an adult college student. I have a 7 yr old son who suffers from ADD and recently, I have come to the realization that I too may have ADD. The problem is that I know I have a lot on my plate but I don't believe this is the cause of my lack of concentration and memory. And the more I think about it, the more I'm convinced that I have probably always had ADD.
I have made a dr appt to be evaluated, but it concerns me because I don't want to be dismissed as someone who just has too much going on and can't handle it. I know that I'm a bright person and school work is not easy, but I feel that I'm just putting way too much effort into everything. I do enjoy work and learning new things, it's just so frustrating because I can't stay focused therefore I'm suffering.
It takes me a week to read a chapter in my book (even though I open it everyday), my desk at work is full of mini list and things to do, because I can't trust myself to perform all of my tasks without them. And some days I find that I haven't completed anything because I'm staring off into space or taking multiple breaks because I can't seem to find the concentration to work.
Is there anyone else in the same boat as me? And please tell me how you managed. I'm driving myself crazy! What do you think - overloaded or ADD?

Probably both!! I was just diagnosed in October, a month after my 11 year old son was. I have two kids and three part-time jobs. I LIVE with my calendar and lists. I can't function without them. The doc says that has been my "coping mechanism" to avoid being totally disorganized. I run around doing eight things at once and sometimes some things just don't get done. The meds do help and give me the motivation to get more completed, especially around the house.

I am coping with it since now there is a reason for my inattentiveness, impulsivity and everything else that ADHD has to offer.

Do go and get yourself in for an evaluation. It's hereditary so if your kids have it, you probably do too.

A doctor who has experience with ADD/ADHD will be able to tell the difference. In fact, what I see is someone very much like me -- I believe the multitasking and busy lifestyle are a SYMPTOM, not a cause.

The doc will also consider your son's diagnosis; ADHD has demonstrated a pretty strong heritability factor.

Barb

Don't worry--just find a good doc.... it might also help to get "tested." When I got diagnosed, I went through 6 hours of testing, and so the doc had very clear results that showed my abilities in some things were great, but but attention not so great.....see if a hospital in your area has that type of program.

Good luck!

Yes, people often say, "Well no wonder you are experiencing such stress, when you are trying to do all that you are doing. Cut yourself some slack - isn't there an area you can give up?"

Yeah, like that's gonna work. I know I'd be capable of doing all of these things if I could just get out of my own way. Cut myself more slack and give something up? I'm thinking I have one life.. and maybe ought not cut myself more slack.

Problem is they all see me as a super acheiver, whereas I see myself as failing... it's wierd...

Yes, people often say, "Well no wonder you are experiencing such stress, when you are trying to do all that you are doing. Cut yourself some slack - isn't there an area you can give up?"

I tried letting go of the majority of my obligations so that I could focus on one important thing: getting through my qualifying exams.

If you've read my posts, you know how THAT turned out!

I think I need to multitask, even with the Adderall.

Interesting! I've been recently diagnosed (or am being diagnosed) and have been sorting through my past and current life and trying to understand things from a new perspective. In reading this thread, I realize that one thing I've always found about myself is that I seem to be most productive when I have too much on my plate. The problem is, that's when I'm the most stressed too. It's strange. If I only have a few (important) things to do, I can't seem to make sense of my tasks or motivate myself to do anything. Can anyone relate to this? Or am I just reaching?

Hm, the more I think about it, the more I realize this only applies to my work life. At home, if I have too much to do, I do none of it. Instead, I channel all of my energy into work, or just end up watching TV (and zoning out) for literally the entire day. My home is always a complete mess, my bills are always late, I always have moldy food in the fridge, and I have clothes that have needed to be dry-cleaned for 2 years and I just can't seem to get myself to walk around the corner to get it done. It just always seems too difficult. Despite all this, I work in a high-powered scientific institution and in addition to my own work, supervise other people. Don't get me wrong, that is a struggle all by itself. I'm often (usually?) overwhelmed, and I find myself wondering all the time how I really got there because everyone else seems to be so much more with it. I always feel like I have to try that much harder than everyone else. But I'm determined, so that's where I always am. It's my will that gets me through.

I guess I can't balance. Sorry for going on so much. I tried to read what I wrote and couldn't get through it. Don't know how anyone else will! I'm new to this place and finding that writing in is actually quite cathartic. I feel exposed and safe at the same time. Never had anyone with whom to talk about these things.

Thanks for listening. Oh, and if you can relate, please let me know. My doctor now thinks I have ADD, but I still have my doubts. It makes sense and explains a lot of my life and personality, but for some reason I am afraid to accept it without more proof. Guess it's the scientist in me. Does any of this sound familiar to anyone? Am I ADD-ish, or just have too much going on?

Where did everybody go? I managed to read through my last post - I hope I didn't offend anyone somehow.

I know it's only been 24 hours, but I've sorted through a lot in that time and am no longer doubting. But I'm still coming to terms with it. It's relieving and frustrating at the same time, if that makes any sense.

Anyway, thanks for sharing your experiences on this forum. I feel less alone. Your posts really hit home for me.

I know it's only been 24 hours, but I've sorted through a lot in that time and am no longer doubting. But I'm still coming to terms with it. It's relieving and frustrating at the same time, if that makes any sense.

It does. I felt that way 11 years ago when I was diagnosed w/bipolar disorder. This time it wasn't such a shock.

thank you barbyma.

thanks.

Yesterday, I had my appt with the therapist. He basically does intake and counseling so I never did get to see the doctor. But that's okay because already I feel that I'm taking a huge step forward towards achieving my goals in life. My appt with the doctor isn't for another month because of the holidays and scheduling. I can't wait to see what he has to say, but I'll have to practice patience.

The therapist did have some very interesting information. Considering my youthful past and current situation, he believes that I mostly learned to suppress my impulsiveness (which I have learned the hardway) but I obviously can't suppress the inattentive part. He says that figuring ways to cope is a big part of it. But he does believe that I have the disorder. It's going to be a long month!!!:eek:

Whether you guys know it or not, just by reading all the posts, you've been a big help to me. You made me feel confident that I'm not just loosing my mind and a little more comfortable with the realization that I may have ADD. I feel very well supported whether directly or indirectly. Thanks.

I realize that one thing I've always found about myself is that I seem to be most productive when I have too much on my plate. The problem is, that's when I'm the most stressed too. It's strange. If I only have a few (important) things to do, I can't seem to make sense of my tasks or motivate myself to do anything. Can anyone relate to this? Or am I just reaching?
Yes, this is just about exactly how it is with me. Our brains seem to need stimulation in order to focus. The stress from deadlines, huge piles of work, and seemingly impossible tasks provides that much needed kick in the pants. Just a normal schedule isn't exciting enough -- we have to create some drama to spice it up.

Hey Almostdone! You're definately not in your boat alone. Your life sounds very similar to mine -- I even have an 8 year old little ADDer. I go along with those who say that they can accomplish more when they're really busy. I need deadlines (although I hate them) and pretty rigid schedules or I can manage to flitter away massive amounts of time. However, once I'm "on" I can get a lot done, but it has be something that has to be done right away.

Scattered

Good luck almostdone - let us know how it goes!

Hey Almostdone! You're definately not in your boat alone. Your life sounds very similar to mine -- I even have an 8 year old little ADDer.
Hey, where did you guys get my life!! Give it back!

Seriously, though, I think one thing I did majorly wrong a few months ago was to drop the majority of my obligations & plans to focus on one thing for a while. That COMPLETELY backfired!

I'm now back to being crazy, productive, & lovin' it.