I Have ADD and need to learn how to cope. Need Tips

[Plato]

I don't want to take medicine and want to learn how to be fine without it. anyone have advice?

[Minnesota]

Follow your doctors advice. You don't need the opinions of a lot of know-nothings.

[anthrogirl]

acupuncture and Chinese Herbs can be quite effective. Meditation, Yoga, or prayer can have a calming effect on the mind/body.

There is a homeopathic remedy called "Kali phos" that works to improve memory, concentration, and focus.

You can also take 5-HTP (a precursor to seratonin)

Be sure to get a proper serving of Omega 3,6, and 9 fatty acids (plant sources like flax are preferable to fish oils)

Exercise, exercise, exercise!

in good health,
ag

[anthrogirl]

Follow your doctors advice. You don't need the opinions of a lot of know-nothings.

How flattering--thank you!

ag

[Dee Dee Warren]

Investigate all your options. Why do you not want to take meds? I have depressive episodes and ocd, and if and when they interfere with my life, the meds have been necessary. Get second opinions though - it is my experience that these kinds of diagnosis are thrown about too easily.

[learning]

Talk to those who have it. Find web sites of those who have it. A book I would recommend (and now they have a workbook to go with it) is 'Drive to Distraction' by Edwin M. Hallowell, a Dr. who actually has it. There are two types, the ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, and Attention Deficit Disorder. I learned that the hyper activity of my husband was because of this. He had a wise teacher in public school, who used to say, 'Run around the school, then sit down and do your work' and this worked for him. In College, he'ld go for an hour run, and then be able to sit down and study. I learned why 'clutter' really bothered him, but not me. Because his mind was going a mile a minute, and often in a hundred different ways, anything that seemed to 'clutter up' his mind made him more upset. I learned (am still learning) to try and at least have the kids clean up the front entryway for when he comes home, as if it is messy, it really bugs him. I learned I may have a mild form of the distraction thing in that I tend to day dream easily. The book is very good. Don't be afraid of the meds if they help you to focus, it is like putting glasses on the brain. But try exercise first, it may help and be all you need. The body is amazing how, if we use it correctly, can heal itself.

There are many web sites out there, but this is one I saw mentioned often in homeschooling things I've read, (and often, parents may homeschool a child with ADHD, as they are allowed to move around to learn at home) and it appears to be quite good.
www.chadd.org

If this is an official diagnosis, and it is serious enough to 'disable' your learning in some way (if you're in school) it is good to know you can have things set up to help your way of learning, and you should look into this if you are going on to higher learning. I know with people with dyslexia, they are given extra time for things, allowed to tape record lectures and take notes later, etc., so use the helps recommended on this site, as it will be like an advocate for helping you in the future. It does not mean you get out of work, only are given more creative ways of getting the work done.