Navigating ADHD Challenges: Medication, Missed Meetings, and More

Nov 4

 As I navigate my personal challenges with ADHD, including missed meetings and hyper-focusing to the point of exhaustion, I find myself surrounded by a sea of comments and articles. 

Recently, while sitting on the beach, I couldn't help but overhear a passionate young man suggesting a ban on Adderall because of his experience. He recounted how his well-meaning parents had medicated him for school, a process he despised as it made him feel like a zombie.

His story serves as a stark reminder of how medication protocols can sometimes go awry, typically indicating that the initial dose was too high.

Throughout my teaching career, I've encountered cases

An image created by Gail Suitor to illustrate the 5 traits of ADHD that make it a challenge to regulate focus.

where I filled out doctors' forms for ADHD diagnoses, and the student was promptly prescribed medication without any follow-up from the doctor.

Additionally, I came across an article by an award-winning CNN reporter who candidly described feeling zoned out at her desk while on ADHD medication.

For those considering medication or who are currently being zoned out by it, I urge you to seek out a practitioner who begins with a lower dose and gradually adjusts it as necessary. Working with someone who tracks the specific challenges you're trying to address while preserving the qualities that make you unique is important. 

Before considering medication, I urge people struggling with ADHD symptoms to try these natural interventions first. This is a great eBook written by Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist who has used brain imaging and natural supplements to increase brain function. He can be a polarizing figure, but I appreciate his suggestions for initially trying natural interventions. He dispels the myth of coffee helping ADHD brains to focus, it is actually something he suggests avoiding.

Discovering the right medication and dosage can be lengthy, requiring weekly check-ins along the way. It's essential to remember that medication isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, but for some, it can truly be a game-changer. You can find the CNN article here for further insights on the reporter's experience with ADHD.

Do you need help navigating ADHD challenges, diagnosis, or what to look for when finding a doctor to explore medication options?

Hey There, I’m Gail Suitor

Living and working with a neurodivergent brain can be challenging. I know because I have one, raised three, and taught many over 25+ years.

I help learning disabled people break free from labels so that they can appreciate their unique brains, ignite their brilliance, follow their passions, and become the change makers they were born to be.

My Change Maker Accelerator Program uses Mastermind Pods to help participants learn the 7 strategies of highly effective neurodiverse people so that they can discover their superpowers, develop their Ultimate Change Maker Blueprint, and create the life they want.