I would like to point out that, regardless of the eerie 100% accuracy of this post, I did not make it.I need help focusing. I just wish I could fix that. I've tried so many things and none of them seem to work. All due humility, I've had IQ tests off the charts. But I just don't do anything with it. Someone looking at me from the outside would see success, but I get ahead by pushing through at the last minute on shallow knowledge I gleaned because I can pick up things really quickly. It bothers me greatly. My mind is always everywhere but nowhere, and I cannot get the motivation to do anything for more than a day. I have ideas all the time, and I file them away in notebooks and never do anything with them. Does anyone have any advice?
It definitely might be worth looking into. You have to be cautious, IMO. I can't tell you how many kids I teach who don't need to be medicated. It's not that they truly can't focus, it's that they can, but they won't. It's a tough distinction to make, and sometimes you have to go through a lot before you know one from the other. And all that said, I'm not one of those people who thinks it's a fake disease. Overdiagnosed, maybe, but not fake.I know NOTHING about medical stuff, and I know the term is overused, but doesn't this sound like a real ADHD? Might not someone with these issues be the real reason we invented medicine like Ritalin?
Well, thats why I wondered, it's one thing if people are throwing meds at kids who are just being kids, but if you are an adult struggling with ADHD symptoms it might be worth talking with a doctor or therapist about.It definitely might be worth looking into. You have to be cautious, IMO. I can't tell you how many kids I teach who don't need to be medicated. It's not that they truly can't focus, it's that they can, but they won't. It's a tough distinction to make, and sometimes you have to go through a lot before you know one from the other. And all that said, I'm not one of those people who thinks it's a fake disease. Overdiagnosed, maybe, but not fake.
Hahaha... When I read it, my first thought was that it was you!I would like to point out that, regardless of the eerie 100% accuracy of this post, I did not make it.
I eagerly look forward to the reponses, however.
--Patrick
I agree with all of this. I set SMART goals. SMART is an acronym for specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. If your goals are vague, outlandish, and without a time limit you are going to flounder. Taking smaller steps makes it easier to achieve and have a better sense of success. Also, tell a friend about your goals and ask them to help you stay on track.1. Tiny goals, displayed visibly somewhere in your home. I write at least one sentence a day. That's a tiny goal, but if I can get my laptop open, I usually end up thinking, Well, I'm here, and I don't have anything else to do... might as well knock out a few pages. It works that way for me with most things. 15 minutes of exercise turns into an hour. 10 minutes of ukulele practice turns into 30 minutes... Start out by choosing just one thing you want to focus on, and commit to doing it for just 10 minutes a day. If you do the minimum, you've at least done something. If you do more, great, and it'll probably only get easier from there.
2. Phone alarms that say things like "you should be working" or "are you going to regret how you spent your time today?" I have an app that gives me reminders like "don't eat unless you're hungry" or "have you exercised yet?" Not everyone needs that, but I really do, because I get complacent really easily.
3. Throw out one thing you do that you don't need to do--something that is mostly habit or is just another responsibility you don't need... if you can. I was able to quit one of the committees I'm usually on at my job, and it makes me less overwhelmed. If there is a hobby or activity that you barely care about anymore and that you can afford to abandon, it might clear your mind a bit.
It is, but since Ritalin (and similar substances) are considered high-level controlled substances, they aren't the sort of thing you can just run down to the corner store and purchase. I've already talked about this in another thread, but I will just say again that I still feel cheated by our country's zero-tolerance, black-and-white approach to mind-altering substances.I know NOTHING about medical stuff, and I know the term is overused, but doesn't this sound like a real ADHD? Might not someone with these issues be the real reason we invented medicine like Ritalin?
When I first checked the board, I had to think whether or not I had posted it. Part of the reason I posted my reply was basically to proclaim, "Not me!"Hahaha... When I read it, my first thought was that it was you!
I remember that app. I keep meaning to look it up.I think he also has an app that he uses to make certain things like a game. Like he checks in every time he does laundry and that gives him EXP or something and it's like a little game now. I'll see if I can get him to tell me what it is.
I can't say I'm surprised. The number of hormone (such as the case you described) and neurotransmitter signal pathways in the body must be astonishing and and we've barely scratched the surface on them, I suspect.Some recent research has shown a definite link between lactates and mental focus, so we now have scientific proof that exercise/physical activity will help keep you more mentally solid. No word on whether this effect can be achieved by oral supplementing, though.
Perhaps @MindDetective can weigh in on this?
--Patrick
It also makes me wonder whether this isn't the mechanism by which the (ahem) LACTObacilli interact with the vagus nerve, which could go a ways towards explaining this whole probiotic mechanism, and why the folks who have healthy, flourishing gut bacteria report having reduced sugar cravings (and better mood) compared to non-probiotic dieters.I can't say I'm surprised. The number of hormone (such as the case you described) and neurotransmitter signal pathways in the body must be astonishing and and we've barely scratched the surface on them, I suspect.
Good call, I know what you mean!Just give yourself some advice, or even more simply, "Oh yeah, I know what you mean!"
I would not rely on a psychiatrist to diagnose, they are pretty bad at it. In my opinion they don't actually have the proper training to do the diagnoses (since psychiatry requires an MD they actually spend far less time studying mental health than a clinical psychologist), and I think eventually should may have that right removed. Also they try to fit a full diagnosis into a 15 minute meeting. If you want to be sure about the diagnosis go to a psychologist, like you did, for a good diagnosis, and then ask the psychologist to refer you to a psychiatrist for a prescription. There are actually some practices out there that have combo Psychologists and Physicians assistants who can write scripts, those are the best. Or, if you want to try cognitive behavioral therapy you could try that. I don't know if I have ever heard of a psychiatrist offering that.I'd suggest seeing an actual psychiatrist who can both diagnose and prescribe the proper mediation.