Our channel is no longer active, but we hope you enjoy these videos about the lived experience of adults with ADHD. There is also a blog at www.adultadhd.co.uk or medium.com/adult-adhd.
This is the first person I've ever listed to who has the same speech pattern as me! is it possible that's an adhd thing? when I try to record a u-tube etc. I'm suppressed and annoyed listening to myself at the odd stops and used to fail lots of interviews for "sounding hesitatent"
Oh wow, the exact same thing happened to me, at a different clinic. I turned up for my appointment and after waiting for half an hour in the waiting room, somebody came out and said my appointment had been cancelled as the person had gone on leave. I was gutted as I'd been psyching myself up for the past couple of weeks and I had to make arrangements for my PA to take me.. They said they would be in touch to make another appointment but they never did. I had to chase it up in the end to get another appointment. I'll make sure to ring and check before I set out this time. Apparently they do this kind of thing a lot.
This was great. It reminded me so much of myself and the struggles I have. I'm due for my final ADHD assessment in a week's time and the imposter syndrome keeps kicking in but you've reassured me that I'm definitely not imagining things!
Some people experience massive negative side-effects from ADHD medication. So I disagree with “there is no reason why they shouldn’t be taking Adderall or Ritalin”. There are massive reasons why they might not want to, be able to or need to. For specific people. Some people have ADHD but are able to manage quite well without medication at all. And they may not WANT medication. That works… for them. Finding the right medication (if you choose to go down that path as I have - and I have positive experiences in this regard) can be a long process which requires patience and a lot of trial and error. Precisely BECAUSE we are all individuals and what works for me may be a disaster for you. I am deeply suspicious of such sweeping, broad statements, because they tend to be wrong.
Some people experience massive negative side-effects from ADHD medication. So I disagree with “there is no reason why they shouldn’t be taking Adderall or Ritalin”. There are massive reasons why they might not want to, be able to or need to. For specific people. Some people have ADHD but are able to manage quite well without medication at all. And they may not WANT medication. That works… for them. Finding the right medication (if you choose to go down that path as I have - and I have positive experiences in this regard) can be a long process which requires patience and a lot of trial and error. Precisely BECAUSE we are all individuals and what works for me may be a disaster for you. I am deeply suspicious of such sweeping, broad statements, because they tend to be wrong.
In regards to the past, a counsellor once did a helpful exercise with me where we focus on a past event and ask: “can we change it?”, “can we accept it?”, “can we leave it be?” Past events can’t be changed, so we tend to keep asking the other two questions, though when we can’t answer yes to them, then we do bounce to the “can we change it?” one again… It’s an interesting exercise. One to try when emotions come to us demanding our attention so they can convey their message and become resolved emotions (hopefully though some keep coming). In regards to ADHD and being a victim, I’ve come to accept that it’s a genetic and biological piece of me, I can’t change it, so I accept it … and in so doing the help that comes with medication. Separating me from my condition means I can accept myself a little more and live with myself a little more easily… Thank you for sharing your story as it helped me dig out the above and apply it to my life once more…
Based on my own experiences with ADHD medication I’d encourage Kristina to pursue that angle. The medication has been very good in allowing my brain to calm down and for me to ‘get ahead of my emotions’. That phrase might not make sense to everyone, but hopefully someone will relate to it. If so, you may like to know that ADHD medication can be helpful to give you an extra second when an emotion comes so you can choose how to respond to it, rather than it driving behaviour or feelings and you not being able to catch it up… Anyway, potentially lots of other benefits of ADHD medication like focus and motivation. Having some is a Godsend! Not taking medication I’d have never known just how disabling my ADHD was, though the fact I seem to work twice as hard as my peers for the same output at work gave me some idea. The point is if you don’t take a medicine you’ll never know how beneficial it can be. Of course medication might not be beneficial, but it’s short acting and before you can get it there are various medical checks (bloods and ECG) so it’s done safely and it’s only in you for short period of time. Wishing you all the best Kristina on your journey!
One way of thinking of habits is trying to create rituals not habits. Because you can resort to the ritual at any time you need it and it isn't attached to time and it is focused more on the steps than the frequency. Feel free to say this is my ADHD. It isn't a victim statement, it's a limit. It is a reality. People need to be taught your limits. I say it when it is happening. Like I often have notes on my hands and people say 'Why don't you put it on your phone?' and I say 'Oh this is an ADHD thing, I will forget it if I don't put it in sight and if I put it in my phone it is hidden' Maybe you can say 'This is an ADHD thing when I am late so I need a grace period' to people in Sweden. Then they decide whether they are going to be respectful of the reality and your needs or not. It then speaks more about them if they disrespect your mind and how it works.
Took me 13 years to finish college. I've been a barista, electrician, machinist, bike mechanic, teacher, worked several different customer service jobs, auto mechanic, drug dealer, math tutor, salesman, waiter and bartender, land scaping, grocery clerk. I'm now awaiting a court date as I will be spending time in jail. I'm divorced and have a child I only spent six months with. I've moved all over the USA and lived in Thailand for 8 years. I'm 44 years old and hate myself deeply. ADHD
Thank you for this. I've just been diagnosed at 38. It has taken a very long time but now I know why i've struggled for so long. I have my first session with a specialist next week to discuss treatment and i've been given a support worker x
Thanks Jason! Sorry this is a stupidly late reply - and also I'm very sorry about the other two (I think?) interviews you did. I was always intending to get around to uploading them, but then sadly there was a miscommunication, and the footage was deleted. :( I can only apologise for our bad organisation, I wish we could share the rest of the footage with everyone. - Sally.
Thank you for this, I've been looking for a vid on meds from and ADHD point of view and not from a casual non ADHD user abusing the meds. Got diagnosed recently and I'm doing my research on it
Hi Kirstie, I'm sorry to hear you've struggled for so long. Of course, we can't give medical advice here (even though Adrian is a GP!), but personally, I'd encourage you to give an assessment a go. The first step towards getting on top of it is getting help. :)
Great video. I wish I had my diagnosis early in life as it would have made school life and growing up a hell of a lot easier to understand and manage. Thanks for sharing this.
Hi Max, thanks so much for watching. Yeah, Francis knows he's super lucky to have had it spotted so young, and it's helped him a lot. What age were you diagnosed? If you're interested, we are accepting ideas for blog posts - you can email info@adultadhd.co.uk with a submission about your experience if you like. :)
@@adultadhd9611 I'm 24 and currently going through official diagnosis now, though it was (unbeknown to me) spotted by a child phycologist in my early years. I'd be happy to share my experiences if it would help other people. My email address is max.lane94@hotmail.co.uk. If you could send me an email with some info on what exactly you're looking for I'd be happy to help.
Good luck with your diagnosis! We will need to wait until you have your official diagnosis before posting your blog post, but you could start jotting down ideas now (e.g. about what going through the diagnosis process is like) so that you don't forget later.
Thank you, Adrian and everyone and Adult ADHD for bringing this video to us. Adrian, I cannot even begin to tell you... Every single thing you said rang true for what I'm going through right now. I have been on meds for about 6 months. Originally prescribed because of severe fatigue, cognitive effects from a brain condition called Chiari Malformation, trouble focusing, etc. Last week, I was officially diagnosed with ADHD by my Neuropsychologist and Family Doctor. I also switched from a short acting medication to a different, long acting medication. The new one works great, is very expensive, is a controlled substance, can be a nightmare to deal with getting every month, and it's like pulling teeth to get my doctor to change dosages or types of meds. This new medication has amazing potential for me, just like you are saying. Yet, I need a higher dose. I already know that. I knew it the second day I took it. It is connecting the right signals in my brain, finally. There is just not enough strength to hold them. If that makes any sense? I would love to talk to you more, Adrian. You can find me at -Kathryn Grener Argiro on FB and @Kathryn_Melody_1111 on Instagram Good luck on your journey. It sounds like you are on a good path, Adrian. I hope things are still going well since this video was recorded. Peace and Love to you.
Thank you for your kind words and support. It means a lot to know we are connecting with people- that we are not on our own out there, and motivates us to keep going with the project.
Hi Kathryn, this is Sally from the channel (the one asking the questions in the background :D ). I don't know where you're based, but if you like, we would be happy to consider a blog post from you about your experience of having ADHD. Please just email info@adultadhd.co.uk if you're interested. :)
