Adult Adhd - did a diagnosis/meds help?

[Needleinhaystack]

Think I have Adhd. All the symptoms are there. Tried relentlessly to get referred through my GP services, but no services available at the mo. Wondering should I go private and wondering would medication be life changing or even slightly help.
My head is spinning with the most erratic thoughts. My anger outbursts are unnecessary and volatile to my loved ones.

Thats only a snippet.

Can anyone share any light on their own experience. I have had different therapy before and nothing has helped. If I am going to seek private help, I want to be sure I am putting it into the right direction.

This article gives a lot of information on diet.
https://www.amenclinics.com/blog/the-surprising-role-diet-plays-in-add-adhd-symptoms/

@SpaceRaiders can you switch GP, find one who will accept shared care?

@Needleinhaystack I know, that is the problem, I was there! I hope you are able to get a diagnosis and to some support. Unfortunately it often depends on referral times or having the resources to buy extra support.

But if you do nothing, nothing will change, so starting anywhere is better- maybe pick 1 change that feels like it would be enjoyable.

I had to really get to like rock rock bottom. But I am in ten thousand times better place so please know it is doable. I tried lots of things and eventually just didn't stop trying even when everyone deserted me and no one believed in me. I was not giving up my self belief for anyone.

Re: all the talk of sugar not helping… I am a huge binge-eater of sweeties, every day, because I need the dopamine hit. Feels great at the time. But it makes my anxiety symptoms worse. It’s a vicious cycle. But if I’m going to stop bingeing on sweets, I absolutely have to get dopamine from somewhere else. And nothing else has ever worked, at least not in the long term, because I can’t stick to things (with regular exercise, the longest I managed was 9 months). I’m hoping meds will help me create a healthier cycle/ form healthier habits.

That article is excellent @Notlaughingalot . It is really spot on.

I actually eat a combination of those two diets. For example yesterday was chicken, chickpeas and sweet potato and avocado salad bowl for lunch (serotonin boost) and a steak stirfry for dinner with moderate carb (dopamine boost). I eat around 40% carb, and 30% protein and 30% fat. It took a while but I now roughly know what that looks like in a meal or on a plate.

I have also started eating quality beef twice a week which I never did before and it does make a difference. I know it's very not the thing to do these days but I will take steady focus.

A diagnosis helps you forgive/ accept yourself if you do something badly.

Even just finding out I have traits, that severely impair.

@Pegs11 I completely agree re the dopamine. If you did 9 months exercise that is great, you could totally do it again.

Having a goal is good e.g. upcoming night out or holiday. Signing up to a class= expectation to go. Or if in your budget getting a personal trainer once a week. Buying second hand exercise clothes on Vinted. Doing a structured program like Couch to 5km. Signing up to do a walk. Joining a local run club. Tracking progress in an app.

For me I started doing strength training. One reason I love strength training is when you lift 30kg or whatever it is literally impossible to daydream or have a different trail of thought. My entire body is concentrating on holding that weight. I absolutely bloody love that aspect of it.

I also don't want to lose the muscle as it was quite a lot of sacrifice (3 gym sessions a week) so I keep going.

Strength training increases the size of your hippocampus which is responsible for memory and learning.

I really struggle with caffeine though, that is my one vice I can't get rid of. I tried and I was miserable. I did switch to white tea (which ironically you drink black) as it is less strong and does not stain my teeth.

@BigSwigs I actually read your exercise suggestions and didn’t get freaked out by the idea! Haha! I agree re: strength training, it’s great. I was doing Pilates classes up until a few months ago. It really calmed my thoughts and body, and helped me be in the moment, focusing on how my body feels. I haven’t been to my class for a few months though as I moved away and now the class isn’t on my doorstop anymore, it’s much harder to find the motivation to go. However! I have a Pilates mat at home and I am trying to get back in the habit by doing a little at home during my lunch break every day. I say to myself, “just do five minutes of stretching - just five minutes, you can manage that, and you know you will feel much better”. And it’s more manageable that way. And when I’m done with the stretching, often I’ll think “well I’m here now, my mat’s out and I’ve warmed up my muscles… I might as well do a few glute exercises while I’m here”! And then I do some glutes, and then I find I’m “in the zone” and I will end up doing some leg lifts and and abs stuff too. And then half an hour has passed and I’ve exercised and I feel good! I have to sort of trick my ADHD brain into these things, haha.

I don't really believe the sugar thing. It's even a myth that it makes children wired.

I drink a lot of coffee. The meds sadly did nothing for me except give me palpitations (doc blamed combining them and frequent coffee.)

But everyone with ADHD or traits should try the meds if possible as they really help some people.

I probably shouldn't have though as I have bipolar and I ended up in hospital with it for the first time in 16 years.

I would give the 'right' answers in an assessment (private or otherwise) so you get a diagnosis and can try the meds.