Desperate situation

[Doctormad]

I have no idea why I am posting this. Maybe it’s to ask for advice, maybe it’s to vent a little, and maybe it’s to put into words what is on my mind and therefore giving my situation a physical aspect. Maybe even its to jump on the bandwagon of the many personal problem threads that have recently surfaced.

I just got let go from my job, after only one week. This is not extraordinary; people get fired all the time. What makes this an issue is that this is the sixth job in the past year that I have gotten let go from. Now either I have bad luck in finding jobs, or there is something wrong. You see, I have a very severe case of ADD, so severe that it actually interferes with my productivity at work. Actually, I would even go so far as to say that 90 percent of my personal issues are a direct or indirect result of my ADD. I have no problems finding jobs, after all I am clean cut, decent looking, and during the interview, appear confident and assured. Once I get the job, however, the confidence quickly disappears. I become self conscious, withdrawn, and extremely absent-minded. Anxiety sets in and I start to become high strung because of the pressure to do the job correctly. Ironically, the more concerned I become, the more mistakes I make. It’s like there is a huge cloud in my head that prevents me from thinking rationally and logically. Occasionally, the cloud lifts and I am able to think clearly and logically. This is why I have absolutely no problems finding a job, but after about a week to a month later the employer sees my true colors and realizes I am more of a liability than an asset

I will give you an example of what usually happens. I build up hope, believe I can do anything I put to my mind to it...the mind over matter drill. I go to interview, impress the hell out of the employers, get the job. I start work, I make a few screwups but no big deal. I think, hey maybe this time will be different. Maybe this time I can actually keep this job Then my ADD symptoms kick in, I screw up on stupid mistakes, my confidence level plummets, resulting in even more mistakes, and eventual alienation by my co workers, who think I am "slow." Sometimes the employer will talk to me and see if there is anything they can do, sometimes they will just berate me and say this is my last chance. I start not caring about the work I do, and start showing up late or taking longer lunch breaks. Usually by this time, I will have made a couple of friends from my co workers but most dislike me for lack of a better word. The employer eventually takes me into his/her office and gives the "Sorry, but you just are not working out, I am letting you go. Maybe this line of work just isnt for you."

I am not writing this longer post to say I give up and I want to die. I hate giving up. What I do need is to vent, I will admit, and to see if anyone else has been in my situation, and if there is anything different I can do about it. Problem is, that I am in a catch-22 situation. Obviously, I am unable to work and I should seek treatment, but I need to work to survive and have a roof over my head.

I guess I am done....for now

 

[Bible_Belt]

You make a good case for trying Ritalin or Adderall.

Are you in the US? If you get officially diagnosed with ADD, you are supposed to be protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you can't afford the prescription meds or don't want to take them, fish oil may provide some of the same benefits. There was research released last month that showed that fish oil controlled hyperactivity in children as well as other meds. A diet high in Omega-3 fats is good for your health in many ways.

People with ADD are better at some things than "normal" people. Ironically, you can concentrate on items of interest better than other people. Also, you are probably better at handling multiple sources of input and multi-tasking. Pilots, NASA mission control operators, stock market day traders, and coaches of multi-person athletic teams are all forced to handle massive simultaneous input. You can excel at fast-paced, rapidly-changing tasks.

Maybe you could try sales? The same traits that impress employers would impress clients. And you meet new people all the time, so it's challenging in that it is hard to get bored.

 

[Doctormad]

You make a good case for trying Ritalin or Adderall.

Are you in the US? If you get officially diagnosed with ADD, you are supposed to be protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you can't afford the prescription meds or don't want to take them, fish oil may provide some of the same benefits. There was research released last month that showed that fish oil controlled hyperactivity in children as well as other meds. A diet high in Omega-3 fats is good for your health in many ways.

People with ADD are better at some things than "normal" people. Ironically, you can concentrate on items of interest better than other people. Also, you are probably better at handling multiple sources of input and multi-tasking. Pilots, NASA mission control operators, stock market day traders, and coaches of multi-person athletic teams are all forced to handle massive simultaneous input. You can excel at fast-paced, rapidly-changing tasks.

Maybe you could try sales? The same traits that impress employers would impress clients. And you meet new people all the time, so it's challenging in that it is hard to get bored.

Well, first of all I am in Canada, and while its easy to get medical coverage here, its very time consuming. As a result a lot of people slip through the cracks (I am one of them. I have had this condition for 30+ years and I still havent been officially diagnosed)

I actually have been taking fish oil capsules rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. They have helped a miniscule amount. I have been looking to change my diet to a more ADHD friendly one.

My last job was a lot of multi tasking. I would have to work on several computers at the same time, plus deal with customers. As for sales, I actually wanted to try doing that, but I have a bit of a speech problem (brain goes to fast for me to handle speaking sometimes), and I am very shy almost to the point of social anxiety disorder. Still, it is something I may try in the future, even if its just to say I tried it and did my best.

I found a local ADD chapter and I sent them pretty much the same message that was in this original post. They are my best bet at getting help and treatment for this condition. In the meantime, althought I cannot work, I am at least going to give it a try (even if its mindless, unskilled, boring labor), and I know of at least two non-profit organizations that need computer help. I didnt want this post to seem like a self pity trip (although I do admit I am feeling a bit down right now), which is why I am taking action of my own to help with my problem

 

[Vulpine]

I hear coffee works well. The caffeine actually HELPS your focus. My buddy and I have ADD (mine's not bad). I gravitated to a job where I have to multi-task constantly, whereas he bounces from one easy, boring job to the next without much success - much like you.

 

[Bible_Belt]

I was thinking of coffee, too. It's a stimulant, like the rx meds. The ADD group will probably all urge you toward Adderall or Ritalin. I don't trust drug companies, but some people swear by the ADD meds, so it is your decision to make. Joining the speech club Toastmaster's will help with your speaking. Your 'self-help' attitude is an asset. Good luck.

 

[Titanium]

Doctormad,

I read your post this morning, so hopefully I've recalled it well enough...

Besides ADD, it sounds like anxiety is also significant. Anxiety can contribute to ADD symptoms, and in my opinion, is less 'manageable' and more debilitating than ADD. The worst thing about anxiety is that is effectively erodes confidence.

Many studies nowadays indicate that ADD symptoms are often correlatable with chemical sensitivities / and food allergies (as are Autism and rheumatoid arthritis, to name a few).

Parents with ADD children find that removing instigators like carpets and chemical cleaners in the home can improve symptoms significantly. As for food allergies….milk, sugars, wheat, and additives (ie MSG)...(and coffee as other have mentioned) are big culprits for contributing to (or causing) ADD.

A good way to test this is by an elimination diet…..go for a week of eating very pure and unprocessed foods….raw veggies, fruits and small quantities of fish (juicing may be a good way to try this)….similar to a mild fast. See if you notice any improvement. When you slowly add normal foods back into your diet, it will be somewhat obvious as to which ones contribute to the problematic symptoms.

As for anxiety…there are many different kinds. Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, etc etc. If you feel anxiety is a significant issue for you, then you may want to look into the various treatments available. From what I understand, once it sets in at a substantial degree, anxiety doesn’t go away on its own.

Lastly….I don’t think you should feel hesitant in posting this. In my opinion, there are many, many people that deal with issues like this (especially in stressful work environments – hell our society is an instigator of stress), and you never know who you may benefit by sharing your own experiences. If you are dealing with both anxiety and ADD, then its likely that its not only your work / career that’s being affected, but all other aspects of your life as well. Above all of this…it does sound like you have a positive attitude, and that you’re willing to assess yourself constructively.

Knowledge is power. If / and when I come across any helpful resources I will post them here – or pm them to you.

 

[Doctormad]

Doctormad,

I read your post this morning, so hopefully I've recalled it well enough...

Besides ADD, it sounds like anxiety is also significant. Anxiety can contribute to ADD symptoms, and in my opinion, is less 'manageable' and more debilitating than ADD. The worst thing about anxiety is that is effectively erodes confidence.

Many studies nowadays indicate that ADD symptoms are often correlatable with chemical sensitivities / and food allergies (as are Autism and rheumatoid arthritis, to name a few).

Parents with ADD children find that removing instigators like carpets and chemical cleaners in the home can improve symptoms significantly. As for food allergies….milk, sugars, wheat, and additives (ie MSG)...(and coffee as other have mentioned) are big culprits for contributing to (or causing) ADD.

A good way to test this is by an elimination diet…..go for a week of eating very pure and unprocessed foods….raw veggies, fruits and small quantities of fish (juicing may be a good way to try this)….similar to a mild fast. See if you notice any improvement. When you slowly add normal foods back into your diet, it will be somewhat obvious as to which ones contribute to the problematic symptoms.

As for anxiety…there are many different kinds. Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, etc etc. If you feel anxiety is a significant issue for you, then you may want to look into the various treatments available. From what I understand, once it sets in at a substantial degree, anxiety doesn’t go away on its own.

Lastly….I don’t think you should feel hesitant in posting this. In my opinion, there are many, many people that deal with issues like this (especially in stressful work environments – hell our society is an instigator of stress), and you never know who you may benefit by sharing your own experiences. If you are dealing with both anxiety and ADD, then its likely that its not only your work / career that’s being affected, but all other aspects of your life as well. Above all of this…it does sound like you have a positive attitude, and that you’re willing to assess yourself constructively.

Knowledge is power. If / and when I come across any helpful resources I will post them here – or pm them to you.

After reading your response, I am starting to wonder if my ADD/anxiety is largely in part due to food and/or chemical allergies. What I might do, if I can afford it, is to go to a naturopath and get tested for food allergies. Also, a couple of months ago I bought a detox program (cheap, but you know), and try eating more healthy for at least a week or two.

I actually did used to have really bad panic and anxiety attacks. Even when people meet me for the first time, they become uncomfortable because I make them nervous. Or as my former coworker said one time, "Man, Doc you gotta chill out. You are waaaaaaay high strung." That is one reason I personally think caffeine or other artificial stimulants are NOT a good idea for me.

While I may seem positive (and believe me I do try to be), there are some times that I feel utterly hopeless and there have even been a couple of occasions that I wanted to end all trace of my existence. Then i realize that there are people who are blind, have no limbs, cannnot even speak, yet they are surviving and leading normal lives. I then wonder why the hell am I complaining for.

I know that there are guys out there that are in a similar position. Maybe my story will help other guys in my situation, or maybe its an entertaining read. But if my situation helps even one other person then it will be all worth it.

 

[IsiMan84]

Not debunking any theories about ADD/ADHD/etc., but any attention or behavior problems I may have had as a child were promptly beat out of me by my parents. So either all that stuff is a bunch of bull or my parents are miracle workers.

 

[Doctormad]

Not debunking any theories about ADD/ADHD/etc., but any attention or behavior problems I may have had as a child were promptly beat out of me by my parents. So either all that stuff is a bunch of bull or my parents are miracle workers.

Most likely option *B*. My parents used to beat the sh!t outta me

 

[Titanium]

After reading your response, I am starting to wonder if my ADD/anxiety is largely in part due to food and/or chemical allergies. What I might do, if I can afford it, is to go to a naturopath and get tested for food allergies. Also, a couple of months ago I bought a detox program (cheap, but you know), and try eating more healthy for at least a week or two.

Some good ideas. Getting tested for food allergies by a Naturopath may be helpful…. although, I wouldn’t rely on those results alone. You may want to try a few different approaches, just because allergies can be very difficult to pin point.

Treating for food allergies / chemical sensitivities would be helpful for ADD, but perhaps not for anxiety.

Considering how debilitating anxiety can be (in terms of an anxiety disorder) I wouldn’t hesitate to actively pursue any treatment available. Its interesting to note that a large number of alcoholics, cocaine addicts, and smokers, landed that way by self medicating for anxiety.

Not to say that you would ever find yourself in such a scenario….but just to emphasize the fact that coping and dealing with it is very challenging. Don’t get down on yourself for the job situation, or any other ways ADD and anxiety may have created challenges in your life. Just keep doing the best that you can, and be your own best advocate.

And when it comes to our health, we really have to be our own advocates. I tend to think that standard medical health care needs to be supplemented with naturopathy, because of the differences in approach. The former treats the symptom, while the latter treats the cause. Thus, a combination of the two is more ideal.

Re: food allergies, I do have some information that may be helpful for you….and I will pm this to you - eventually.

 

[Page]

I have Dyspraxia (it's a neurological condition that adversely affects my balance/coordination, creates an oversensitivity to light, sound, and other stimuli, plus it has all the symptoms of ADHD. I also get tired very easily, and lately that last aspect has been getting worse no matter how much exercise I do) so I feel your pain.

My short-term memory is useless, so I've had to label everything and make reminders for myself so I don't forget about stuff at work. Maybe this could help you too.

 

[Shiftkey]

Not debunking any theories about ADD/ADHD/etc., but any attention or behavior problems I may have had as a child were promptly beat out of me by my parents. So either all that stuff is a bunch of bull or my parents are miracle workers.

You probably didn't have ADD, etc to begin with, but that doesn't mean other people can't actually have it.

 

[Doctormad]

One thing I should mention, and I have no idea wether or not its because of my ADD, is that often the reason I lose my confidence in a job is because of pressure. Whenever I have done volunteer work, I would screw up a few times but no big deal. After all its volunteer work. But when I get a real job, then comes this pressure of doing a good job. Its ironic, but the more I am afraid of screwing up, the more I screw up (I think this goes with just about anyone)

 

[IsiMan84]

You probably didn't have ADD, etc to begin with, but that doesn't mean other people can't actually have it.

Well as soon as I started college and they weren't around as much, I started going back to those habits. I don't think it's a coincidence that diagnoses of "ADD" went up like 10x in the 90's. Parents would rather have their kids on drugs than do actual parenting.

 

[Doctormad]

Well as soon as I started college and they weren't around as much, I started going back to those habits. I don't think it's a coincidence that diagnoses of "ADD" went up like 10x in the 90's. Parents would rather have their kids on drugs than do actual parenting.

If I recall correctly that was because in the 70s and 80s ADD was a relatively new term. I do agree that often it is overdiagnosed and lots of kids are being put on meds that dont need them.