Functioning with ADHD

[creative_writer]

I’m not sure if meds can be adjusted, maybe it has to be this way right now

[tyme]

Heya @creative_writer 

Good to see you. Have you spoken to the doc about adjusting meds?

[creative_writer]

@tyme not yet, but I seem to be anticipating a letdown. I know I should reframe it, but I don’t think I’ll be able to get what I’m looking for.

[AuntGlow]

Good on you for surrendering to what your body was needing yesterday @creative_writer. 

Feeling numb and dissociative is really hard... I know you mentioned pre-empting the worst when it comes to your medication review, but would it be worth exploring so you have some answers?

It sounds like there is so much going on in your body and I get the sense a lot is feeling out of your control at the moment. But in the spirit of reframing, can we list 3 things that are within your control right now? 🥰

[creative_writer]

@AuntGlow I have stopped the anti-anxiety meds, they were for when needed type of meds, they took too much from me. They made me less anxious, but I felt nothing. The anxiety has been picking up again, but I don't see any other way medicine-wise. I have my next appointment in just under a month. Though I am not sure if much will come out of it, I'm not sure if there are any other options left. Antidepressants are risky with bipolar, so can't use that for anxiety and depression. I already do take an atypical antidepressant with less risk. I am also on mood stabilising meds. My pdoc doesn't want me on ADHD meds either to manage ADHD side of things due to risks with bipolar. I'm not sure if that leaves me with anything to manage the mood, anxiety and ADHD symptoms. He offered the anti-anxiety meds as a last resort already.

Three things I can control: my breathing rate, my self-talk, I can do lots of self-care

[creative_writer]

At the moment it feels like I either live on edge or disassociate. Nothing else exists

[tyme]

Hello @creative_writer ,

Sorry to hear about this. What would be helpful?

What usually works? I know i've mentioned skin care, prayers, mindfulness.

Is there anything else?

[creative_writer]

@tyme self care is amazing but it’s still hard, not entirely sure what else to do. I can feel the urges creeping back (I’m safe). I don’t want to take meds to slow down, disassociating won’t make the urges go away. So I guess, I’m stuck with urges either way

[tyme]

Oh hun @creative_writer ,

I'm so sorry. I can only sit with you because I don't have the understanding about dissociation to that level. 

Have you spoken to a professional who can work with dissociation?

[AuntGlow]

Hi @creative_writer, 

It must be so overwhelming to feel constantly on edge or dissociative...

I think trialling what works and what doesn't for you is okay, but I understand wanting answers now - it's so frustrating being in limbo, isn't it? 

This is where the practice of focusing on what we can control is so empowering. 

Can you take a deep breath, reframe one of your thoughts (we can do this together?), and do something loving for yourself tonight? 🥰