This is me. Hello to you.

[UpDownAround]

Hi all! I just stumbled across this page via Google, but let me tell ya, I am super stoked to have found it

Here's a little about me: I am 27, married, have two kids, work nights in retail, go to school on and off, switch my majors every semester, don't like to make phone calls, have humungous bursts of energy followed by depressionistic crashes, am very creative and very smart, am spunky and goofy, am honest (even if bluntly honest), I talk super fast and extremely randomly at times, start many projects but complete very few; I bore easily, am opinionated, am good hearted, and would like to make a difference in the world. I have a hard time maintaining friendships, am a little -sometimes a lot- paranoid, am self-conscious, easily frustrated, have high expectations, and work hard (as long as it isn't a complete turn-off for me lol).

I recently discovered the ADD/ADHD monster that resides in my head, and have been scouring every resource I can for information and tips. I don't do well with any type of medication, even as simple as Tylenol or cold meds, so I fear attempting any ADD/ADHD meds. I would like to manage this beast without pharmaceuticals, but have noticed each attempt only lasts so long. Then I'm down and back to "normal" again.

Maybe REAL people with the same beast can answer some of my questions...? Purdy Please?

1. Is it possible for a non-ADD/ADHD person and an ADD/ADHD person to have a successful and happy marriage?

2. How do I figure out what will keep this thing in my head entertained? (Appropriately entertained, might I add )

3. How do I help people see that I am not a total mess/loss and there are valuable traits I have to offer? (namely employers...)

4. Is it possible to manage ADD/ADHD without taking meds? Any recommendations?

5. Do you find it hard to maintain friendships?

Thank you all SO much for your help!

Hopefully I'll hang around this board for a while!

[BR549]

Welcome to the forum!!

Have you had a chance to peruse the Relationship, Misc. Treatments and Diagnosis and Treatment sections yet?

[MX2012]

Hi UpDownAround -- Welcome -- I take a stab at your questions.

Is it possible for a non-ADD/ADHD person and an ADD/ADHD person to have a successful and happy marriage?

==I think you can find some examples here on the forum of successful ADD/ADHA and non-ADD/ADHD relationships===

2. How do I figure out what will keep this thing in my head entertained? (Appropriately entertained, might I add )

==I play music or talk radio while I am working. Also, I just realized that I have at least three projects going at the same time but they are arranged in a circle so as I moved from one to the other I manage to complete at least one of the projects.===

3. How do I help people see that I am not a total mess/loss and there are valuable traits I have to offer? (namely employers...)

==Observe your own behavior at work. Note how other behave, i.e. find a role model and model your behavior. Show don't tell your employers your talents.===

4. Is it possible to manage ADD/ADHD without taking meds? Any recommendations?

==Well, I don't take meds because I don't like them. But, I self-medicate by using sleep to dull my moods and caffeine to spike my energy levels. I also try to eat carbs to dull my senses and chocolate to raise my mood etc. Music and dancing can expend energy and lighten my mood reducing somewhat my energy level. I isolate to experience silence. I minimize my social interactions to avoid the usual blunders. These tactics are not always the best advice. I suggest you experiment and your own methods. Awareness is a big part of dealing with ADD/HD.==

5. Do you find it hard to maintain friendships?

==It wasn't until I was diagnosed in my 50s, did I even know that it was a problem. My friendships came and went. While maybe because I am more aware, I am making more of an effort to maintain my current friendships.==

[Zevispaz]

1. Is it possible for a non-ADD/ADHD person and an ADD/ADHD person to have a successful and happy marriage?
Working out pretty well for me and my husband. We've been together for 6 years, married 1.

2. How do I figure out what will keep this thing in my head entertained?
What do you daydream about? I'd start there. Normally daydreams can tie to interests, even if they're short lived.

3. How do I help people see that I am not a total mess/loss and there are valuable traits I have to offer?
Fake it till you make it. I look super organized because I have a handy calendar app that keeps track of everything so I don't forget appointments. If nothing else, just keep in mind, that employees are not just picking out you, you're picking out your job environment when doing interviews. So pretend you're actually interviewing them, then you'll look like you're interested, intelligent, and confident.

4. Is it possible to manage ADD/ADHD without taking meds? Any recommendations?
Yes and no. It's possible with the right diet and exercise, depending on the person. But generally that sort of management is more about just keeping your head above water. But it's easier with meds, they give you a life raft if you will and make it much easier so you can focus on more important things.

5. Do you find it hard to maintain friendships?
I tend to drift apart from people on accident or I forget to suggest we hang out. But the few friends I do have are worthwhile and amazing people in my life.