ADHD is Expensive, Among other things

by | Oct 18, 2022 | Uncategorized

Stamps, stamps, stamps… Where did I put my stamps?

I needed to mail a letter to the Las Vegas Metro department. I had received a ticket for parking in a parking lot – I had a pass, but still got the ticket. So, I sent in a letter stating that. It never got a response. Probably because I waited a month to do it. Instead, I received another ticket with a $50 additional charge.

Okay then – looks like we’re just paying this now so we don’t get arrested or something. But, I wanted to include the original note with the evidence of the pass. So, I did so.

Now, where are my stamps? I bought a book last month and put them somewhere. That was $12 wasn’t it?

So, let’s figure out what money I am out, at the moment:

  • A $75 parking ticket (probably because I was supposed to like sign my parking pass or something)
  • A $50 fee (because I am sure I didn’t do something write when I sent in my evidence)
  • And, now $12 in stamps

Does this sound familiar to you? It should if you have ADHD. What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children, as per psychiatry.org. Symptoms of ADHD include inattention (not being able to keep focus), hyperactivity (excess movement that is not fitting to the setting) and impulsivity (hasty acts that occur in the moment without thought). ADHD is considered a chronic and debilitating disorder and is known to impact the individual in many aspects of their life including academic and professional achievements, interpersonal relationships, and daily functioning (Harpin, 2005). ADHD can lead to poor self-esteem and social function in children when not appropriately treated (Harpin et al., 2016). Adults with ADHD may experience poor self-worth, sensitivity towards criticism, and increased self-criticism possibly stemming from higher levels of criticism throughout life (Beaton, et al., 2022). Of note, ADHD presentation and assessment in adults differs;

Children, children, children – the page this came from focuses on ADHD in Children.

But what about adults? I can tell you a bit about the conversation I have had with several psychiatrists and ADHD specialists:

How it started

I was told by several non clinicians that I could have ADHD.

So, I saw some specialists. Their answers:

“You can’t have ADHD. You’re a PhD. You’re massively depressed and anxious.”

“Here, take this 10 question quiz on mania…. now take these pills.”

“Do you get angry when you’re in traffic?”

How it Continued

I took pills that had zero effect on my functionality and productiveness. I saw several therapists discussing my anxiety and depression.

Those pills effected my body in some terrible ways. So, one weekend, I flushed them down the toilet and decided not to see anyone professional regarding my complete lack of focus.

Like a true ADHD adult, I kept forgetting to set new appointments, cried a ton, and struggled

How it’s Going

I found a new psychiatrist who gave me a great ADHD pill- I could take it with my heart condition and it worked! His diagnosis:

“Of course you have ADHD. You’re a genius right? I see that in your tests… But, can you stop and tie your shoes? Pay your bills on time?”

I was beside myself. Perfect diagnosis. I took the pills. But, again, my body rebelled. After a few months, I decided it wasn’t worth the bloating and other side effects and stopped taking them.

A year later, I went back to the idea of reviewing meds and called my doctor. Of course, my new insurance isn’t accepted.

I have a new psychiatrist’s referral in hand and have yet to call them, this month. I still sit on my phone for hours a day and have a hard time studying, writing, tying my shoes, and paying my bills.

Bottom Line: ADHD is expensive, time consuming and one of the worst things you can deal with. Crying and not knowing why is usually a symptom of depression. Imagine being HAPPY and crying? If you resonate with this, come to me and let’s talk

How it Ended

While writing this blog, I took several breaks to clean my office. I found those stamps, along with a piece of jewelry I couldn’t find for months and bills I needed to pay.