Medicate this?

Getting medicated for ADHD still receives a lot of stigma, and not rightly so. Finding the right medication can be life-changing, but it’s a trial-and-error process. ADHD medication is not ‘SPEED’ and not always stimulants. So if you have a heart condition, there are still options to explore.

Fighting the clichés: It doesn’t turn you into a zombie, it’s not addictive and it doesn’t change your personality, but a silver bullet, it is not. However, it can really help to regulate attention, focus and even tiredness. Many people choose to not go with medication, or only use it at specific times in their lives, or find other coping strategies – yoga, mindfulness and such can be brilliant tools with or without meds. Choosing a career that fits your ever busy brain is also a good option (rock star, bungee jumper, entrepreneur, anything that doesn’t involve too much routine!).

For example, my hyperactivity is as mental as physical (maybe even more so!), and my sleep is hugely affected as a result – no such thing as feeling ’refreshed’, every night felt like a marathon of ideas and crazy dreams, often waking up and not going back to sleep at ridiculous hours. Since taking medication, I am much more able to function normally during the day and sleep better at night.

It has also really helped curb my insatiable sugar cravings. Something I felt guilty about all my life but never realise was my brain desperately calling for dopamine.