I'm scared/embarassed about going to my doctor for possible ADHD?

Question

This is really stupid, but I was reading an article in a magazine with my husband. I wasn't sure what the article was about, I was just skimming the first paragraph. I thought it was funny that the questions being asked in the article sounded quite a bit like me, ALL of them did. My husband agreed. I read more closely and it was an article about ADHD in adults. Since then it's been really bothering me. I didn't do well in school because I didn't do the work I was supposed to. I never failed a test though. I find it hard to stick with anything for a long period of time whether that's simply a book I find boring in the beginning or household chores. My house is a wreck because I can't seem to get anything done. I took some online quizzes and all of them said I should talk to my doctor because I may be ADHD. I'm embarassed. I'm afraid people will think it's all in my head or think I'm crazy. To tell the truth, I was afraid I WAS going crazy because of the way I feel. What should I do? Are there any support forums online to help with this?

Answer 1

Well you can go see the doctor and see what he says.. Good thing I don't go to the doctors for that, my house is a mess, I keep thinking someone will come and clean it for me but so far that hasn't happened...

theres nothing wrong with needing and asking for help.. theres something wrong if you don't ask for help and need it..best of luck

Answer 2

It could be adult ADHD and the only way you will find out is by going to the doctor. Get your husband to go with you to help explain your symptoms so its not only you that feels this way. He can explain what he sees in you as well and be your support. No doctor is going to think its "all in your head." Take the article with you and let the doctor know that it explained alot of what your life was like and has been like. He/she may not think its Adult ADHD but they will have their reasons why/why not and what they think it is. Your symptoms are real. Your hubby can vouch for you. Good Luck

Answer 3

See ADD/ADHD in sections 22 -25, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris and the GETTING ORGANISED & FLYLADY websites, in section 26.  Practice one of the relaxation methods in sections 2, 11, 2c, or 2i, daily, and when needed. Also see section 6, on page N.

   (The following is a variant of Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing therapy, which has been used successfully for those people suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, insomnia, and anxiety: it is easily learned, quick to use, yet can be very effective. It is easy to be dismissive of such a seemingly unusual technique, but give it a good tryout, for at least a few weeks, to see if it is effective in your case).

Prior to using either of the methods in the above paragraph, first sit comfortably, and take a deep breath. Then, without moving your head, move your eyes from the left, to the right, and back again, taking around a second to do so (say: "a thousand and one": this takes approximately a second).

Repeat this procedure (without the words, although you can count, subvocally, if you like) 20 times: "A thousand and one; a thousand and two... " and so on, to a thousand and twenty. Then close your eyes and relax. Become aware of any tension or discomfort you feel.                      

                 Then open your eyes, and take another deep breath, and repeat step one, closing your eyes, and relaxing afterwards, in the same manner. Then, repeat the procedure one last time. Some people may find that this is all they need do.   With experience, you may find that you can practise this in public, with your eyes closed, which greatly widens the window of opportunity for its use, and avoids attracting unwanted attention. I have found that the 2 - 3 minutes spent using the EMDR markedly reduces distractions to the relaxation process, and is repaid many times over.

I also use it prior to my chosen relaxation technique, after lights out, at night. For more about Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing therapy, showing recommendations by those who have used it, including a professional psychotherapist with more than 20 years of experience in that field, see sections 33 - 34, at ezy-build. She was skeptical, at first, and I remained unconvinced, until trying it, and now I use it twice daily, including after lights out, at night.

Take 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily: (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or grapefruit, or their FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it. If you go to a doctor, chances are, you'll be offered powerful central nervous system stimulants; avoid these! Only consider the Strattera after trying the above for at least 3 months: you've coped reasonably so far, and should be able to manage even better in some weeks.

Answer 4

i did myself and im not emerassed about it. you should so you an get back to your oldself. mail me back if you need to talk

Answer 5

I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was thirteen. A lot of what you are saying sounds very familiar to me (not doing well in school because of not doing work is pretty much the story of my life). It's been seven years since I was diagnosed with it. At first I was embarrassed too, and really ashamed to admit that I have it. Now I just feel like it's part of what makes me me. People with ADHD are notoriously bad at some things (keeping organized, remembering appointments, etc), but there are plenty of gifts that often go hand in hand with ADHD as well. I think your best bet would be to talk to a healthcare professional. They're there to help you, not judge you! Best of luck.