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Original poster

If you have ADHD and can't/don't take medication, what helps?

312 replies

MsRosewater · 14/01/2022 21:57

I have a new diagnosis of ADHD. It explains a lot for me!

It's going to be about 7 months until I can start treatment but I'm really struggling to function at the moment. It's a particular issue at work where I'm perpetually missing deadlines, unable to initiate things through inertia/ procrastination and not being able to concentrate in ( interminable) team's meeting so missing things .

I'm in a new , senior NHS role and the sole breadwinner so not a lot of room to manoeuvre there but keen to know how others manage....,

Thanks

OP posts:
peoniesarejustperfect · 16/01/2022 13:19

@albertbridge - interesting that you are the same. Have you found anything that helps? I am wondering if dehydration / alcohol are triggers for me.

Amber17 · 16/01/2022 13:20

@FabNotFat I think because P-UK have an NHS contract as well OccH would have great difficulty refusing to accept a diagnosis from them. I haven't experienced that personally though - I'm on their NHS waiting list as I have a diagnosis from an educational psychologist through uni but need a medical psychiatrist diagnosis to access meds.

Woffle · 16/01/2022 13:23

Another thing - if I am WFH alone - then I don't eat. I can be absolutely starving but will put off making any food - even though I might have all sorts of really nice stuff in the fridge. Then about 3pm I'll have a slice of bread or something ridiculous! Anyone else or is that just me?!

I am really thinking about asking work if there is some sort of hot desk I can go in and use. I am much less distracted when I am not WFH. Sadly they have closed our office and won't be opening it again Hmm

Woffle · 16/01/2022 13:25

But the constant guilt about things I haven’t done and the time spent away from family during family times (evenings and weekends) due to catching up with procrastinated work to meet deadlines is stressful and I wish I could find a better way to manage my time.

This!! I need to do about 3-4 hours today to catch up on what I didn't do on Friday (and which HAD to be done) - I am feeling so resentful about it. Sad

FabNotFat · 16/01/2022 13:26

@Amber17 the wait for adult ADHD on psychiatry uk is October and appointments not even open yet … oh dear .
Am going to request one through GP and see what happens first .

Is there anywhere else that does it privately ?

MaryAndGerryLivingInDerry · 16/01/2022 13:27

Wow at this thread. I am as yet undiagnosed but have had strong suspicions for a few years. I do so many of these things already without realising they were ADHD coping aids!

People think I have hearing difficulties as I need subtitles on the TV. I can’t explain why I need them but they really help. My hearing is fine. In fact- it’s exceptional. I hear things other people don’t even notice.

SuffolkBargeWoman · 16/01/2022 13:32

@FabNotFat
Second psychiatry UK.

Amber17 · 16/01/2022 13:36

@Woffle Have you considered a coworking space if your works offices are shut? The big chain ones can get expensive but I've seen some cheaper ones popping up in town in unused shopping centre units.

Woffle · 16/01/2022 13:37

@MaryAndGerryLivingInDerry

Wow at this thread. I am as yet undiagnosed but have had strong suspicions for a few years. I do so many of these things already without realising they were ADHD coping aids!

People think I have hearing difficulties as I need subtitles on the TV. I can’t explain why I need them but they really help. My hearing is fine. In fact- it’s exceptional. I hear things other people don’t even notice.

Oh wow - I always need subtitles!! It really helps! Hearing absolutely fine Grin

I think I will seek diagnosis but not just at the moment. We are TTC which has been hard going, and (God willing) will be buying a house this year, so we have enough on our plate at the moment. But I can see it happening in the future.

Woffle · 16/01/2022 13:39

[quote Amber17]@Woffle Have you considered a coworking space if your works offices are shut? The big chain ones can get expensive but I've seen some cheaper ones popping up in town in unused shopping centre units.[/quote]
I did have a look about six months ago but as you say they were all so expensive! I'll see if work can offer me anything first but if not I will definitely take another look Smile

Woffle · 16/01/2022 13:40

Can I just say - this is such a lovely supportive thread and I just wish I knew you all in real life [flower] [cuppa] Cake

Woffle · 16/01/2022 13:40

Oops!

Can I just say - this is such a lovely supportive thread and I just wish I knew you all in real life Flowers Brew Cake

MaryAndGerryLivingInDerry · 16/01/2022 13:42

@woffle I’ve just sent off a request to arrange a private assessment after reading this thread. It’s an expense I can’t really afford but this is gone on so long and my life is stalled completely. My son has a diagnosis and his meds have totally turned things around for him.

user2908143823142536475859708 · 16/01/2022 13:42

Lists
Alone time
Calendar diary
Meal planning
Organisation
Take breaks

Original poster
MsRosewater · 16/01/2022 13:43

@Woffle and @ByStarlight I'm in the same boat-!!! 4 big pieces of work due in tomorrow , all had plenty of notice but none anywhere near finished. It's all a bit of a disaster but/and I'm sitting on the sofa with Dd watching crap Disney films ...

OP posts:
Tropicalsunshine · 16/01/2022 13:51

Noise cancelling headphones help me alot- even in a quiet room. Putting them on for a set period of time is like a signal to concentrate.

Drivingish · 16/01/2022 13:52

I find the pomodoro/timer technique works really well for me but not with setting a set time, ie 15 mins - when I tried that it was awful, I'd just be thinking about the time left and getting really distracted. I saw a tip online from someone who found the same and if the timer doesn't work for you there's a different way to do it...

I set the timer on my phone but as a stopwatch, not with a set time. Then I just work/study as long as I can then take a break based on how long I managed. Eg, if I only manage a few mins before I'm getting distracted then I have a very quick break, get a drink, go to the loo etc then start again. If I get focused and go for ages then I have a long break and do something different as a reward. Find that helps me loads.

AlexaShutUp · 16/01/2022 13:53

Does anyone know if it's true that the NHS won't recognise a private diagnosis? I could pay for the assessment but can't really afford to keep shelling out for the prescription indefinitely.

If anyone is up for being an accountability buddy, please let me know!

coodawoodashooda · 16/01/2022 14:36

@AlexaShutUp

Does anyone know if it's true that the NHS won't recognise a private diagnosis? I could pay for the assessment but can't really afford to keep shelling out for the prescription indefinitely.

If anyone is up for being an accountability buddy, please let me know!

I'm pretty sure that is true.
AlexaShutUp · 16/01/2022 14:38

Thank you @coodawoodashooda. That's a shame but better to know before shelling out for a private diagnosis, I guess.

Out of interest, does anyone know what the meds would cost if you paid for them privately?

Woffle · 16/01/2022 14:54

That WOOP technique is thought provoking @MilesJuppIsMyBitch

AlexaShutUp · 16/01/2022 14:57

I googled the WOOP technique but didn't have the staying power to read through what I found. Maybe I need to have another look....

peoniesarejustperfect · 16/01/2022 15:09

@Woffle - wow, what an exciting time you have ahead. Good luck with TTC and a new house too. It took us eons to conceive and we had some help in the end and I remember how intense it all was. Lots of self care helps.

@Drivingish - I am going to try that. Sorry, bit of an idiot question, but do you reset the timer every time you refocus?

Loving this thread and wish we could all support each other in real life.

jerometheturnipking · 16/01/2022 15:11

Does anyone know if it's true that the NHS won't recognise a private diagnosis? I could pay for the assessment but can't really afford to keep shelling out for the prescription indefinitely.

Having spoken to a GP friend, I know it's true in Scotland. It's why I haven't pursued my own diagnosis any further - I have no hope of being seen in my trust as the backlog is simply so massive for child diagnoses, and I can't afford to go private for the foreseeable.

TiredSloth · 16/01/2022 15:13

Thank you for this thread! I am undiagnosed (I went to my gp but was basically laughed out of there and told there were no services- I am in Wales) and my life is falling apart.

I am a single mum on benefits and there’s no way I could cope with a job atm. My house is a disaster and all I can manage in a day is looking after the dc. I can’t do ‘extras’ I.e homework projects etc. In the last few months I have taken on a car on finance that I can’t afford and a ddog that is giving me panic attacks as I can’t look after her properly.

Also my health is awful as I am obese (eating for dopamine anyone?) and I sit for hours on end every day due to adhd paralysis and my brain needing constant stillness. I have began having suicidal thoughts because of all of this.

Sorry there was no point to all this apart from getting it all out.