Not Getting the Proper ADHD Treatment? Read This.

This is a follow up of last month’s article, “I Can See Clearly Now”, which you can read here.

Since writing that piece, I’ve since had my second eye operated on after two weeks of fuzzy eyesight, with one eye seeing well, and the other…well…not well at all.

Life was unbalanced, both physically and emotionally. I was unsteady and dizzy. Emotionally, I was anxious: what if I’d made the wrong decision getting these trifocal artificial lenses? What if I’d never see well enough to navigate through my day, which (like basically everyone else in the world), relies on good, healthy eyesight- something I hadn’t had in decades?

I’m a “what if” kind of person. And it’s commonly seen in ADHD because of all the dramatic repercussions we’ve had throughout our lives when we’ve had our missteps, embarrassments, “failures”, and more. We tend to look at the molehill and see a mountain. A glass half full. So…we worry. Or develop a full-blown anxiety disorder.

Now that I have two eyes working well together, I am amazed. Just amazed.

I missed out on so much of my visual life. I couldn’t see the details, like the textures and colors of my environment. I avoided reading because it meant searching for reading glasses that made me dizzy when I’d look up or around.

I missed out on many details of living, period.

Which made me think- again- of ADHD and how we miss out on so much, especially when we’ve not been adequately treated for it. And believe me, when people reach out to me- and many many do- that is the story I hear: I’m not getting the proper treatment for my ADHD (if any); no one understands me, and my life is a mess.

I get it even more now that I’ve gotten my vision back.

Every day, I pinch myself. I wake up and can see the clock a foot away from my head. I can pick up the newspaper and read. I can go into the drugstore and browse through the greeting cards, without fumbling for my reading glasses.

I can read tags on my clothes and know how to wash them. I can read prescription labels. What? You’re supposed to take thyroid meds in the a.m, not p.m? Oh boy.

I can read recipes and follow them. Ok, I lied. I can read the recipe but often don’t quite follow the directions as written: I’m still distracted and easily get thrown off course in the kitchen. And sometimes, I don’t WANT to see the final results of my meandering cooking ways.

What am I trying to say?

Your life is worth living to the fullest. You don’t need to keep struggling and suffer because you aren’t optimally treated for your ADHD (and in most cases, your co-morbidities, such as anxiety, depression, etc.).

Take that leap of faith and stand your ground. Use your tenacity (most of us with ADHD don’t let go until we find our answers) and goodness gracious, get the help you need!

Speaking of which, watch for the launching of my new ADHD Directory. My goal is to have listings of ADHD-savvy clinicians from all over the world, so you can find the help you need and deserve. I will let you know when that happens. (There is no cost to you, so no excuses for not using it!).

Until then, be kind to yourself. Get your eyes checked, meaning your ADHD checked, and let’s wake up together. Ok, that sounds a little weird, but you know what I mean!

Is your life out of focus due to a misdiagnosis or inadequate treatment for your ADHD? Do your clinicians understand you and your needs? Tell me your story by posting in the comment section below.

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Terry’s Top Picks

Look what’s coming! Register NOW and mark your calendars for the biggest women’s ADHD event of the year:

The 7th Annual ADHD Women’s Palooza

Starting Monday, March 14, 2022

All new topics, 26 top drawer experts and information you can use to support your ADHD (or that of your family, clients, patients or friends). And it’s absolutely free!

Hosted by my colleague Linda Roggli of the ADDiva Network, the ADHD Women’s Palooza is a week of 26 video interviews about:

perfectionism
time blindness
planning/decision making
mind-mapping
menopause
legal issues
minority and LGBTQ ADHD
inattentive ADHD
relationship boundaries

…and dozens of other topics that top the ADHD list-

… including my session:

The Hypersensitive ADHD Woman: When Life is Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Chaotic (Thursday, March 17).

You’ll hear from ADHD experts you know including:
• Dr. Ned Hallowell
• Sari Solden
• Dr. Mary Solanto
• Dr. Ari Tuckman
• Melissa Orlov
• Alan P. Brown
• Dr. Stephanie Sarkis
• Dr. Stephen Hinshaw

And SO many more (check the website for more details here).
Can’t wait to see you there!
Register now, save your place- it’s free!

Terry Recommends

I’m always looking for unique, interesting items to help you with your ADHD.

This is a spiral lined notebook you can use for all sorts of things: journals, school/work notes, and more- at Etsy.com.

Check it out HERE.

Exclusive! Looking for One-on-One Help with Me? Zoom Consultations

Feeling stuck? Need to get your life back in order? I can help! 

Let’s work together to help you get back on track (or get started on your journey!). I provide short-term sessions offering psycho-educational information, resources, support, and mini-coaching to help you get started- whether you’re looking to find someone to evaluate you or if you’ve been struggling your whole life and are ready to get unstuck, I can help.  

I get it. Because I have ADHD, too, and over 25 years of experience working with adults with ADHD.

Learn More & Set Up an Appointment Here

(I have a limited number of slots available; if you don’t see a time that works for you, email me at terry@ADDconsults.com).    

The Queens of Distraction

Struggling to tackle paper piles, toy piles, projects and more?

Then join me and your fellow Queens of Distraction online in a private, secret room where we Get Things Done. We “get” it and are here to help you.

Where to find Terry Matlen:

Website: www.ADDconsults.com
Coaching:  www.QueensOfDistraction.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ADDconsults
Twitter: twitter.com/TerryMatlen
Instagram: www.instagram.com/terrymatlen_adhd
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/terrymatlen
Email: terry@addconsults.com

Wait: Like this article? Please leave your thoughts, resources, hacks, etc. in the comment section below. 

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* Disclosure: I may earn commissions (usually less than the cost of 1/2 cup of lukewarm coffee) for Amazon purchases made through links in this post. The good news is, I don’t sell your information or steal your cookies.