Anxiety And ADHD Support
I've had anxiety for as long as I can remember, and I used to think it was just a part of who I am. It wasn't until my late 20s that I actually knew wht it was called. After having kids, the anxiety became much worse, so I finally went to see a doctor about it. Turns out I have ADHD and GAD too. Social situations really get me going sometimes,and my relationships aren't always very supportive or understanding. I often feel quite isolated, despite trying hard to be normal and functional. The anxiety tends to sneak up on me, and when it does, it takes weeks for me to feel better again.
I've tried Vyvanse for the ADHD, which helped with rumination but also kicked off my anxiety. Lorazepam helps in the moment but I feel worse when it wears off, so I only use it during full-blown panic attacks. Now I'm starting Sertraline and hoping that might help. The thing is, even though the Vyvanse works well when I take it, if I forget to take it-especially because of my ADHD-it causes a lot of issues since I have trouble remembering to take it in the morning.
Are there any non-prescription things out there thhat people find helpful for dealing with anxiety?
4 Replies
I was feeling super off lately, but man, Tim Fletcher on YouTube really clicked for me and kinda helped put things into perspective-anyway, if it helps you too, that's dope. Just a suggestion, though.
I was taking sertraline for depression, but it didn't help me at all. It actually made me feel more anxious and nervous. Now I'm on mirtazapine, and my generalized anxiety disorder is much better.
Putting your pills near something you use every morning can be helpful. For example,mine are next to my deodorant. A friend of mine started doing the same thing with her hearing aids.
I have also long struggled with anxiety and assumed that was just my nature. When I reached around 40 years old and felt worse, I visited a doctor who prescribed Fluoxetine, an antidepressant. It took several weeks before I noticed any improvement, but unexpectedly, the medication also reduced my anxiety levels. i've been taking it for over 30 years now, and although I experience periods of depression from time to time, it has significantly helped me manage my symptoms. If you haven't already considered this option, I would recommend discussing it with your doctor
I also struggled with adhering to my medication regimen, which is not uncommon for people with ADHD. Do you use any reminders? I worked with an occupational therapist who assisted me in establishing a comprehensive system that was quite beneficial.