Hello,
I know there are tons of articles and videos about this topic on the internet. But I think I need to interact with real people with similar struggles (feel free to share articles and videos that have helped you, though).
I’ve always had anxiety problems, even as a kid. I got diagnosed late (at 30) with ADHD, depression and social anxiety, and I started taking meds for those. The meds helped, but after a year or so I stopped taking them, mainly because I was feeling better and they were too expensive. Unfortunately the cheaper options gave me too many side effects.
I can function without the meds. But this year is being really hard on me and my wife, and my anxiety is starting to get out of control again. I’m getting some panic attacks and they make me feel like shit.
Can you share some tips on what works for you when you are feeling anxious?
Thanks a lot and wish you the best.
Honestly? I found being properly medicated for my ADHD got rid of most of my anxiety. Most of it was around executive functioning stuff - remembering the millions of day to day things. Work tomorrow, trash day, make that appointment, where’s my keys, did my alarm go off, where’s that sticky note, do the dishes, do I have a clean shirt for tomorrow, did I talk too much, did I not talk enough, do they hate me… It went on and on.
When I finally got on the correct meds, my husband pointed out that I was so much calmer. I was able to dismiss the anxiety easier when it appeared and could more easily find the root of it and see it for what it was, which made it dissipate quickly.
ADHD meds are usually inexpensive. I take a slow release in the morning and 5mg regular in the afternoon when it wears off. On weekends or days I don’t need to, I don’t take the afternoon meds.
Your mileage may vary, but it’s worth thinking about whether medicating one issue properly might have a cascading effect.
Good point. The ADHD meds were indeed cheaper than the rest, maybe I’ll give it another go. Thanks a lot.