For me, it’s how much better I can do things I thought I was already fine at. Like engaging in conversations, handling complex logic, or just consciously relaxing.
When I first started my meds, the level I could focus improved immensely, to the point my boss took me aside and praised it and said he was happy our talk helped…I told him nah, it’s meds…
I was able to control my focus with ease instead of having it yanked away by almost anything, and also got able to control the hyperfocus periods (as in, being able to stop whatever I’m doing to take care of other important needs).
As a side benefit, my mood also got better, during medication effects I feel less anxiety and am less prone to anger.
feel less anxiety and am less prone to anger
This is a huge one for me, too. I managed my transition to a new provider poorly and am consequently out of medication, and I have so much less tolerance for other people and their bullshit. It took conscious effort to not be cunty with a store employee the other day when he had the temerity to interrupt my search of a shelf for a thing to offer to help with my search. 😂 It wasn’t until I was relaying the story to my husband that I went from “can you fucking believe that asshole” to “can you fucking believe what an asshole I am omfg.” 🤦
I very nearly replied to his second, “What are you looking for?” with “None of your fucking business!!” 😂🤦 jfc. I just ignored him instead, which I’m sure was also offensive.
I just can’t go out into public after mid-morning until I get more medication, I am a menace. 😂
In my case I often get stressed with my step-son, because he’s not only got the worst case of ADD I’ve ever seen (without the Hyperactive part) and is always absent-minded, but he also puts zero effort into attempting to overcome his challenges. Teenagers are so damn hard to deal with 🤦♀️
And at my work I have some “difficult” co-workers who just can’t seem to understand the concept of “asynchronous communications” and demand instant attention all the time. Wonderful for someone with a tough time focusing 😅
I can catch myself drifting. I can tell myself, no, get the trash out first then do that other thing. Doesn’t mean I don’t slip up but it helps a lot. Also I had a metallic taste in the mouth for the first week (I’m told it’s normal)
I can actually verbally articulate things and not meander. Much better focus and thoughts. The only trouble I have is breaking that focus sometimes. I’ll get into a groove and completely lose track of time.
I lost like 30 pounds in like 6 months, LOL! There’s a reason why ADHD medications used to be a common (if dangerous–for non-ADHD people) weight loss treatment.
