I think im ADD and very lost.

[tmo24]

well ever since i was young ive always had trouble reading never could focus and even go a whole page without thinking about something else or getting side tracked by just the littlest details. as i grew older it decreased but it is still there and has effected me and my school work threw out the rest of high school. i always barely passed or just failed classes because i was lazy true but also very hard for me to do work involving lots of reading. im in community college right now not doing good at all confused and just blah with my life i have no idea what to do and how to solve this if i am ADD. i have read up on alot of things about ADD and ADHD with symptoms and i for sure have had alot when i was young and still have them now. maybe this is enough for somebody to understand what im trying to say thanks for reading.

[MammaZuk]

If you have medical insurance you will probably have to start with your family doctor for a referral.  If no insurance you can try going through your school's health center.  They might also be able to refer you to a psychiatrist to diagnose and a counselor to help you with the self-esteem issues.  Good treatment would include both of these.  I know that cost can be a roadblock.  I have a psychiatrist to prescribe medication, but I have insurance.  There are places that will do this for a reduced price.  Try some non-profit mental health agencies.  Your school probably has a list.  I don't know where you live but there are usually some local government mental health agencies such as County Public Health.  There are also some support groups that can help you because you see there are others just like you.  Try to do this soon.  The holidays are coming and you want to be able to enjoy them.  You can with some support from places I have suggested.  Good luck.

[tmo24]

thanks alot for the info on this I really appreciate it. But do i just see any doctor? like family practice, general practice doctors etc? Ive tried to get help from my family about this but they dont really support it and dont believe in it so its hard trying to find help and knowing where to go. any tips?

[MammaZuk]

To be diagnosed ADD/ADHD you must have symptoms as a child.  Many adults grow up struggling with the symptoms but never being diagnosed.  I was 45 when diagnosed and suffered many of the symptoms you describe.  I too had trouble concentrating on reading.  I did ok until I got to college because I was a good student in high school and could remember what teachers lectured.  I was bombing in college though.  Couldn't focus for long on boring textbook stuff.  Please visit a doctor for evaluation and you may want to try some counseling in your school's health center.  You also sound like you have some symptoms of depression.  You need to not be so down on yourself.  If you are ADD, the things that your are discourged about are commom.  As a note of encouragement, I have been on the meds for 11 years and have finished both a bachelor's and master's degrees and have a wonderful job I love.  You can get there too but first you have to take the steps needed by getting a medical evaluation and getting some counseling.

[Sarahzilla]

I would see a councilor.  I know at my community college they test for learning disorders in the Department that works with disabled students.  It might be worth a try to check them out, they might give you some more suggestions.  It may not even be ADD, but another learning disorder that you've had for a long time.  You might have picked up some bad habits, like avoiding certain behaviors that seem to manifest like ADD does.

I'd just try the testing first and go from there.  Maybe enroll in a class to learn study habits too.  I had to relearn how to study after I was diagnosed, it sucks but I must have done something right, I've got straight A's this semester!  First time ever!  So there's light at the end of the tunnel.  Good luck!!