Comments on: ADD ADHD Awareness – What can WE do Together to raise Awareness? http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/2007/12/19/add-adhd-awareness-%e2%80%93-what-can-we-do-together-to-raise-awareness/ Bryan Hutchinson's thoughts about ADD ADHD Attention Deficit Disorder and other stuff Sun, 06 May 2012 01:22:33 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 By: Nell Guilbault http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/2007/12/19/add-adhd-awareness-%e2%80%93-what-can-we-do-together-to-raise-awareness/comment-page-1/#comment-105263 Nell Guilbault Fri, 13 Jan 2012 01:03:37 +0000 http://adderworld.com/blog1/2007/12/19/add-adhd-awareness-%e2%80%93-what-can-we-do-together-to-raise-awareness/#comment-105263 Thank you for creating this blog. I was diagnosed with ADHD 19 years ago. It is nice to have someone blog about their experience with it. Thanks. Thank you for creating this blog. I was diagnosed with ADHD 19 years ago. It is nice to have someone blog about their experience with it.

Thanks.

]]> By: Ivan http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/2007/12/19/add-adhd-awareness-%e2%80%93-what-can-we-do-together-to-raise-awareness/comment-page-1/#comment-53036 Ivan Tue, 17 May 2011 09:51:09 +0000 http://adderworld.com/blog1/2007/12/19/add-adhd-awareness-%e2%80%93-what-can-we-do-together-to-raise-awareness/#comment-53036 Hey Lindsay, My name is Ivan, i'm a 26 year old man from holland. I know how it feels, probably I got ADD too because I got the same symptoms that you described in your comment. It's really hard to explain this condition to my family and friends and I wish that was a way to project my thoughts on a screen so they can see all the crazy stuffs that goes through my mind. But you cried out to God and it's a good thing to do. cause only Jesus can help us, put your hope in Him Blessings Hey Lindsay,

My name is Ivan, i’m a 26 year old man from holland. I know how it feels, probably I got ADD too because I got the same symptoms that you described in your comment. It’s really hard to explain this condition to my family and friends and I wish that was a way to project my thoughts on a screen so they can see all the crazy stuffs that goes through my mind.
But you cried out to God and it’s a good thing to do. cause only Jesus can help us, put your hope in Him

Blessings

]]> By: Alesha http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/2007/12/19/add-adhd-awareness-%e2%80%93-what-can-we-do-together-to-raise-awareness/comment-page-1/#comment-48992 Alesha Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:10:35 +0000 http://adderworld.com/blog1/2007/12/19/add-adhd-awareness-%e2%80%93-what-can-we-do-together-to-raise-awareness/#comment-48992 Chelsea, I have a son who is ADHD/ODD/Severe mood disorder. Your idea about chewing gum and the music without word is GREAT!!! He is 8 and struggles sometimes staying focused - even while on his medication. I will have to try this as well. Thank you :) ~ Alesha Chelsea,
I have a son who is ADHD/ODD/Severe mood disorder. Your idea about chewing gum and the music without word is GREAT!!! He is 8 and struggles sometimes staying focused – even while on his medication. I will have to try this as well. Thank you :)
~ Alesha

]]> By: Charlise http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/2007/12/19/add-adhd-awareness-%e2%80%93-what-can-we-do-together-to-raise-awareness/comment-page-1/#comment-44613 Charlise Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:03:24 +0000 http://adderworld.com/blog1/2007/12/19/add-adhd-awareness-%e2%80%93-what-can-we-do-together-to-raise-awareness/#comment-44613 Chelsea - lol! Good idea! I use music for that. If I have to sit still at my desk to complete something, then I make sure I have my headphones on and some kind of music playing. As long as it doesn't have lyrics, as I will start listening to them instead of working. But it definitely helps. I also find it hard to get started on a task if I think about it too much. I panic. So if I have a page to write, I will tell myself I only have to write 50 words then I can stop. But once I get 50 words down, 9 times out of 10 I will keep going for hours and get pages and pages done! I also keep several projects on the go, so I can keep switching as soon as I get bored. Those things definitely help me on a day to day basis (aside from the more obvious list-making and post-stick notes everywhere). Chelsea – lol! Good idea! I use music for that. If I have to sit still at my desk to complete something, then I make sure I have my headphones on and some kind of music playing. As long as it doesn’t have lyrics, as I will start listening to them instead of working. But it definitely helps.

I also find it hard to get started on a task if I think about it too much. I panic. So if I have a page to write, I will tell myself I only have to write 50 words then I can stop. But once I get 50 words down, 9 times out of 10 I will keep going for hours and get pages and pages done!

I also keep several projects on the go, so I can keep switching as soon as I get bored.

Those things definitely help me on a day to day basis (aside from the more obvious list-making and post-stick notes everywhere).

]]> By: Chelsea http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/2007/12/19/add-adhd-awareness-%e2%80%93-what-can-we-do-together-to-raise-awareness/comment-page-1/#comment-12259 Chelsea Mon, 24 Nov 2008 16:07:11 +0000 http://adderworld.com/blog1/2007/12/19/add-adhd-awareness-%e2%80%93-what-can-we-do-together-to-raise-awareness/#comment-12259 Hey, Lindsey, boy, have I got an answer for you! See, I’m 9 years old and have R.A.D. and A.D.D. And guess what? I have found THE WAY. See, what you do is you take a piece of gum and you chew and chew and chew….. while you work. That way, your brain has to concentrate on two things. Here are the steps: 1. Buy 1 piece of gum 2. Unwrap it 3. Throw the wrapper away 4. Put the piece of gum in your mouth 5. Chews…..chew….chew!!!!!!!!!!!! 6. (this step is optional) listen to music without words 7. WORK, WORK, WORK AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hey, Lindsey, boy, have I got an answer for you! See, I’m 9 years old and have R.A.D. and A.D.D. And guess what? I have found THE WAY. See, what you do is you take a piece of gum and you chew and chew and chew….. while you work. That way, your brain has to concentrate on two things.
Here are the steps:
1. Buy 1 piece of gum
2. Unwrap it
3. Throw the wrapper away
4. Put the piece of gum in your mouth
5. Chews…..chew….chew!!!!!!!!!!!!
6. (this step is optional) listen to music without words
7. WORK, WORK, WORK AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

]]> By: Bryan http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/2007/12/19/add-adhd-awareness-%e2%80%93-what-can-we-do-together-to-raise-awareness/comment-page-1/#comment-12031 Bryan Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:49:16 +0000 http://adderworld.com/blog1/2007/12/19/add-adhd-awareness-%e2%80%93-what-can-we-do-together-to-raise-awareness/#comment-12031 Reading all of your comments I cannot help but smile and wonder in amazement how wonderful and caring fellow ADDers are! Thanks everyone and I hope Lindsey returns and finds all of your brilliant comments. Reading all of your comments I cannot help but smile and wonder in amazement how wonderful and caring fellow ADDers are! Thanks everyone and I hope Lindsey returns and finds all of your brilliant comments.

]]> By: ron sorenson http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/2007/12/19/add-adhd-awareness-%e2%80%93-what-can-we-do-together-to-raise-awareness/comment-page-1/#comment-11980 ron sorenson Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:14:37 +0000 http://adderworld.com/blog1/2007/12/19/add-adhd-awareness-%e2%80%93-what-can-we-do-together-to-raise-awareness/#comment-11980 Lindsey, I am you in a mans body but Im older and just got dioed a couple years ago, I have found tho that this is a gift not a problem. Release yourself from the way (they say) your supposed to be just be and be you, explore inside your own mind and feel your soul I believe its talking to us and we are special and I feel sorry for people who dont have this A.D.D. thing, ITS AWESOME so enjoy and let it out your not lazy you are so smart and gifted so dont let anyone steal this because they cant, love it and live it its great. If there is anything I can help you with just let me know. Ron Lindsey,

I am you in a mans body but Im older and just got dioed a couple years ago, I have found tho that this is a gift not a problem. Release yourself from the way (they say) your supposed to be just be and be you, explore inside your own mind and feel your soul I believe its talking to us and we are special and I feel sorry for people who dont have this A.D.D. thing, ITS AWESOME so enjoy and let it out your not lazy you are so smart and gifted so dont let anyone steal this because they cant, love it and live it its great. If there is anything I can help you with just let me know.
Ron

]]> By: Rachel http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/2007/12/19/add-adhd-awareness-%e2%80%93-what-can-we-do-together-to-raise-awareness/comment-page-1/#comment-11921 Rachel Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:51:23 +0000 http://adderworld.com/blog1/2007/12/19/add-adhd-awareness-%e2%80%93-what-can-we-do-together-to-raise-awareness/#comment-11921 Lindsey, Sweetheart, I just want to reach out and hug you!! You see, I know EXACTLY how you feel right now. I was there many years ago at the age of 19 (with a toddler as well) going through LPN school. I was never a good student in school, except for English, spelling, etc. I did excellent in those courses, but as for math and science, I struggle. So when I was not doing well in nursing school and being told by my instructors that I "didn't follow directions" and "had my classmates do my work for me", I ended up quitting. I assumed I was just too stupid to be a nurse. Now fast forward 13 years, and I am now going for it again. I didn't get my diagnosis until last year. I looked high and low until I found a specialist in Adult ADHD. I knew something was not right with me. Lindsey, I can tell you right now that I am scared as hell about going back. I know it takes a lot for even a "normal" person to get through nursing school, let alone people like us. The only thing I can tell you about studying for the science courses is that you need to tell yourself that this is what will get you to your destination, your goal. Every class you take, every test you pass is another stepping stone to your future. I am fortunate that the school I am, or hopefully will be, attending has as learning disability specialist on board. I can go to her whenever I need her help. If you have not yet, speak to your instructors. They need to be aware of your situation. Seek out every resource available to you. As for your med, I am also on Adderall XR 20 mg and feel it is not helping me. It basically wakes me up, but that's it. Get that straightened out and possibly either up your dose or switch meds. Please don't give up. I did and have regretted it ever since. There are nurses with ADHD. I have spoken to some online. You are an intelligent young lady who has a lot to give to the world. You can make that happen. Best Wishes, Rachel Lindsey,

Sweetheart, I just want to reach out and hug you!! You see, I know EXACTLY how you feel right now. I was there many years ago at the age of 19 (with a toddler as well) going through LPN school. I was never a good student in school, except for English, spelling, etc. I did excellent in those courses, but as for math and science, I struggle. So when I was not doing well in nursing school and being told by my instructors that I “didn’t follow directions” and “had my classmates do my work for me”, I ended up quitting. I assumed I was just too stupid to be a nurse. Now fast forward 13 years, and I am now going for it again. I didn’t get my diagnosis until last year. I looked high and low until I found a specialist in Adult ADHD. I knew something was not right with me.

Lindsey, I can tell you right now that I am scared as hell about going back. I know it takes a lot for even a “normal” person to get through nursing school, let alone people like us. The only thing I can tell you about studying for the science courses is that you need to tell yourself that this is what will get you to your destination, your goal. Every class you take, every test you pass is another stepping stone to your future.

I am fortunate that the school I am, or hopefully will be, attending has as learning disability specialist on board. I can go to her whenever I need her help. If you have not yet, speak to your instructors. They need to be aware of your situation. Seek out every resource available to you. As for your med, I am also on Adderall XR 20 mg and feel it is not helping me. It basically wakes me up, but that’s it. Get that straightened out and possibly either up your dose or switch meds.

Please don’t give up. I did and have regretted it ever since. There are nurses with ADHD. I have spoken to some online.

You are an intelligent young lady who has a lot to give to the world. You can make that happen.

Best Wishes,
Rachel

]]> By: Kelly47 http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/2007/12/19/add-adhd-awareness-%e2%80%93-what-can-we-do-together-to-raise-awareness/comment-page-1/#comment-11918 Kelly47 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:25:02 +0000 http://adderworld.com/blog1/2007/12/19/add-adhd-awareness-%e2%80%93-what-can-we-do-together-to-raise-awareness/#comment-11918 Lindsey, I can really relate to everything you are saying about school and math. Story problems almost killed me. I'm 47 years old and finally dx'd with ADD. My whole life I felt stupid and insecure because of my poor grades. Back when I was in school ADD was not considered, as much. My parents never looked into my issues. For the most part I was unable to read a paragraph and remember it. Why? Because a feather dropped somewhere and that was all it took. I was so focused on my note taking that I didn't hear a word the teacher said.Then of course the notes didn't make sense later when I tried to read them. Going to the right class but the wrong hour and getting laughed at wasn't fun either. I once had a teacher pull me to the front of the class just to anonounce "kelly finally got an A on a test" For sure teachers have improved, at least I hope. Good for you for taking action and going on medication NOW. Not 20 years from now when you feel it's almost too late. Consider talking to your Doc about changing the med or increasing it. It may make all the difference. Would love to talk to you more. Consider joining adderworld. There are some wonderful, sweet and understanding people there to listen and support you. Reading your post several months ago would have not been possible for me. I would have started, skipped to the middle then the end ....getting only pieces of info out of it. Now I'm at least 50% better. Thank God for medicine. Hugs and keep plugging along. You can do this!!! Kelly47 Lindsey,
I can really relate to everything you are saying about school and math. Story problems almost killed me. I’m 47 years old and finally dx’d with ADD. My whole life I felt stupid and insecure because of my poor grades. Back when I was in school ADD was not considered, as much. My parents never looked into my issues. For the most part I was unable to read a paragraph and remember it. Why? Because a feather dropped somewhere and that was all it took. I was so focused on my note taking that I didn’t hear a word the teacher said.Then of course the notes didn’t make sense later when I tried to read them. Going to the right class but the wrong hour and getting laughed at wasn’t fun either.
I once had a teacher pull me to the front of the class just to anonounce “kelly finally got an A on a test” For sure teachers have improved, at least I hope.

Good for you for taking action and going on medication NOW. Not 20 years from now when you feel it’s almost too late. Consider talking to your Doc about changing the med or increasing it. It may make all the difference.

Would love to talk to you more. Consider joining adderworld. There are some wonderful, sweet and understanding people there to listen and support you.

Reading your post several months ago would have not been possible for me. I would have started, skipped to the middle then the end ….getting only pieces of info out of it. Now I’m at least 50% better. Thank God for medicine.

Hugs and keep plugging along. You can do this!!!

Kelly47

]]> By: Jeff http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/2007/12/19/add-adhd-awareness-%e2%80%93-what-can-we-do-together-to-raise-awareness/comment-page-1/#comment-11910 Jeff Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:06:55 +0000 http://adderworld.com/blog1/2007/12/19/add-adhd-awareness-%e2%80%93-what-can-we-do-together-to-raise-awareness/#comment-11910 Lindsey Go ahead and let it out. Bryan is right. A lot of us feel, understand and can relate to what you're going through right now. Like Bryan, I too suffered with undiagnosed ADD as a kid. My school studies and life suffered greatly because of it. Until as a young adult I ended up going to a psychiatrist who gave me a thorough evaluation and discovered I had ADD. But try not to be so hard on yourself. Besides, you can't make a mistake with self realization. May I suggest that right now you take a deep breath. Use some periods after your thoughts. I know how feeling intensly can create a sense of urgency. But it sounds like your stream of consciousness is working in overdrive. I'm not a doctor, but you might want to consider talking to your doctor about dosage levels. Lindsey

Go ahead and let it out. Bryan is right. A lot of us feel, understand and can relate to what you’re going through right now. Like Bryan, I too suffered with undiagnosed ADD as a kid. My school studies and life suffered greatly because of it. Until as a young adult I ended up going to a psychiatrist who gave me a thorough evaluation and discovered I had ADD. But try not to be so hard on yourself. Besides, you can’t make a mistake with self realization. May I suggest that right now you take a deep breath. Use some periods after your thoughts. I know how feeling intensly can create a sense of urgency. But it sounds like your stream of consciousness is working in overdrive. I’m not a doctor, but you might want to consider talking to your doctor about dosage levels.

]]>