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Possible Depression & ADHD - Need Advice & Support.
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: Sep 27, 2019 | Replies (61)Comment receiving replies
@mamacita, thank you so much, I don't even really what to say-- I can't really say anything besides expressing my gratitude for your kind words. So, really, thank you.
As you're someone who is diagnosed with ADHD and depression, do you think I could contact you in the future for some coping strategies/tactics and information regarding those conditions? I've done a lot of research into it myself, but first-hand accounts are just as important, if not more-so, I would think.
Mhm, and yeah, I agree. When it come to mental health, I've come to form the opinion that all aspects of treatment are important: Forming healthy coping strategies (such as mindfulness, meditation, etc), medication (depending), and therapy (such as CBT, DBT, etc). Like, I would compare it to: They're all pieces of an overall puzzle; you can't just have one piece and not the others, if that makes sense.
That does remind me - Does anybody have any CBT exercises/sources online that I could take a look at? I don't really have access to a therapist right away that I can do that type of thing with, but it seems like something that could be helpful to what I'm struggling with. I also have a friend who I think would benefit from CBT, as well, so all the more reason to learn about it, heh.
Mhm, yeah, I do think doing all that would be a good idea. The main issue that since I'm currently unsure of what our long-term living situation is, I don't think I can get a steady therapist or consistent treatment plan just yet. We're currently in Dubai, and in June, we're going to the U.S. for the therapist appointment to get my ADHD diagnosis (and possibly medication for it, as well).
After that, we aren't really sure -- My dad may be getting a project in Saudi Arabia for a couple of years, so we may possibly move to Bahrain for a while, if that does happen (since my mom and I don't want to move to Saudi, and Bahrain is close enough that he could drive back and forth to see us, I think). Possibly being the keyword here, though, haha.
From the way my mom has talked about the therapist I'm going to see in June, she apparently works through a psychiatrist, of sorts which means that even though she's a therapist, she's allowed to prescribe medication through him. She works in the U.S. though, so if we end up moving to Bahrain or somewhere else, I wouldn't be able to continuously see her -- basically, I can't really get a steady treatment plan until we can figure out where our long-term plans for living are. So I guess I'm sort of searching for coping mechanisms/strategies to work with while I wait for the opportunity to get more concrete treatment?
Still, I want to thank you again for your kind words. I really do appreciate it. Love and light to you, too. ♥
Replies to "@mamacita, thank you so much, I don't even really what to say-- I can't really say..."
Hey, @graymelody, you can chat here with me. This is about the best forum for sharing information and getting support I have found.
An addendum for my previous statement earlier: There are lots of medications out there, obviously, for ADHD and other things.
The medical specialists like to start slowly and carefully, as they should. Sometimes they decide for no medication at all.
I'm with the no medication at all group, for young people. Growing, vibrant brains have enough to contend with . However, having said that, I do know that sometimes it is necessary.
Time magazine put out a specialty magazine on Mindfulness. That one little magazine is chock full of information about a very simple, easy, no cost approach to soothing our frazzled nerves.
I am not a medical doctor and of course cannot "prescribe" treatment. But I do agree with the principle that physicians go by every day of their lives. "First, do no harm."
The jury is still out on what is at the bottom of your situation. Research is wonderful and I thank the Lord for Google every day! When I was your age I lived in the library, because I was much like you. I had situations that made me feel uncomfortable , I felt like I only had myself to figure things out, and I was anxious about so many things.
I commend you for reading everything you can get your hands on to try to figure things out. Just remember that time will tell. And breathe! You are a very well informed young lady and that is so awesome! But remember too, that if you read all of this medical information , non stop, without taking a break for yourself, pretty soon you will have diagnosed yourself with Hungarian Jungle Rot Disease!
My point is merely this: Take time to just be a 13 year old. Breathe. Literally . Most people are shallow breathers and do not realize it.
Take time for yourself with self care. Whatever brings you joy, think about scheduling some time for that.
Start a journal, if you haven't already. What I really like is a gratitude journal. Medical professionals in the area of psychology are telling us that the attitude of gratitude changes our thought patterns.
Hydrate! I can't say this enough! Eat as healthy as you can, but don't beat yourself up if you have a Hershey bar with almonds every now and then. The best of us do!
Sleep. Try to get a good bit of it before the midnight hour. It's been proven that's when teens do their healing and growing more than any other time. No screens flashing, either.
Move!!! Not from where you are, obviously.....But put on an exercise video or a dance routine and move that body! A new rule we have here at our house is this: Never leave a room without something in your hand. This will help your parents out with the housework, tremendously! A place for everything and everything in its place.
Marie Kondo has changed my life. Literally. With every bag of clothing that I donate, a weight is lifted off my shoulders. Depression loves to hide out in dark corners of "stuff" we keep because we are attached emotionally to "things." Let it go.
Sorry this is so long. I'm sure that others on here have some more tips for you that I in my lack of coffee haze have not thought of. Ha!
There really are some great ideas I can share with you about depression. I am a survivor! And nothing makes me any happier than sharing how!
Hope to "talk" with you some more later! Have a great day! And welcome to the table....we are here for you!
Mamacita
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@greymelody So happy that @mamacita commented.Mamacita and I both have long histories of ADHD, depression and adult-recognized autism. You asked about CBT. I did some Googling; there are several different sites. You might spend some time taking a look, perhaps finding one that will fit for you . Thank you for sharing your living situation as it helps us to understand a bit more about you and your dilemmas as far as treatment concerns. I wonder that after working with a therapist or medical professional, if you are physically unavailable that you couldn't do a Skype session so you can keep in contact with them. That is something to think about ! And it would help with consistency of treatment . It takes hard work, which it seems you already have a handle on, to work with a condition, and feel better. We're glad you are here to look in to how you can remedy your situation. We are mighty together!
Ginger