Focused Distractions

Thursday, February 24. 2005

Packing for Trips, or...the hell before the glory

Let me ask you something. When you have to pack for a trip, do you:

1. Wait till the night before and throw a bunch of things in your suitcase, without flinching?

2. Wait till 2 hours before departing, take a Xanax, scream at your spouse and kids, while wildly packing up 3 more suitcases than you really need?

3. A few days before leaving, write a list of all the things you need to do, pack, prepare, etc...then still find yourself freaking over all the decisions needed to prepare for a lousy trip, whether it's for 2 days or 20?

If you answered #3, you have joined my Packing, Panicking and Paralyzed Club. I mean really, now- do I truly need 8 t-shirts, 6 shorts and 4 pairs of shoes in Florida, knowing that in the past, I've worn the basics- 2-3 tshirts and 2 pairs of shorts? Do I EVER wear those nice slacks I bring every year? No. Do I wear all that makeup I bring? No.

Then why do I torture myself?

I think it's that paralysis of indecision that gets me every time. I see all the options and instead of choosing a few, choose them all! So like all the years of packing for Florida, I again have over-packed.

Now I thought I had improved somewhat, in that THIS time, I planned things out 3 days in advance. There are plusses and minuses to that strategy. The plus side is that I don't obsess the morning of the flight over what I need to pack. By Day 3, I'm nearly done (yes, it does take me 3 days to pack). The down side to this- and this is a true stroy; I'm sure many will relate- if I pack too soon before a trip, I've forgotten what I've packed.

This means, I have to UNPACK to see what I have and don't have. So gee, how does planning things out early really help matters? Yes, I've written my list and checked things off, but there is still that gnawing question- did I pack the socks or not?

Well, the packing is done. I'm here in Florida and all is well.

Wait...where are my sunglasses? My cell phone charger....

Back to the drawing board.

Till next time,

Terry

Posted by Terry at 00:10 | Comment (1) | Trackbacks (0)

Tuesday, February 15. 2005

Dr. Ned Hallowell on The Jane Pauley Show today

Did anyone see it? As much as I know and live ADD, I was glued to the screen. Dr. H has been taking a dfferent spin on ADD, showing how it's not all doom and gloom. That's not to say that living with ADD is a bed of roses for many, but I like what he has to say, ie that with the right kind of treatment, one can access one's gifts and creativity. I agree with him when he says that most people with ADD are creative.

The research doesn't show this (has it even been done?), but I sure see it in my work with adults. It's like they are drowning in creative ideas! With the right supports, those ideas and dreams can come to fruition.

This was probably the best show I've seen on ADD. No sensationalism. No devil's advocate. Just plain ol' good information and a positive message. What a breath of fresh air! You can get Ned's new book, Delivered From Distraction HERE.

Later,

Terry

Posted by Terry at 21:58 | Comments (5) | Trackbacks (0)

Saturday, February 12. 2005

Clinical Trials

One of the things I do every morning, besides read my zillions of email, is to read about research and resources on the web- primarily mental health related things; mainly AD/HD. So I will try and post things here that I think might be of interest.

Today I was reading about Clinical Trials that NIH is conducting (National Institute of Health). Though they are housed in the DC area, the studies are conducted at clinics around the country. Check out who they are looking for to help with a variety of AD/HD related studies: NIH Clinical Trials.

One that looks interesting is the use of herbal remedies for the treatment of AD/HD. I get this question all the time- do herbals work? I come from a strong medical model but am finding that with age and experience, that I need to broaden my way of thinking. For instance, Omega 3 is now showing some good results in areas like mood disorders. <note to readers- when searching for information on herbals and natural remedies, be cautious. Many less than reputable companies and anti-medication folk will try and scare the hell out of you. Only read articles from solide, reputable websites, ie the one for Omega 3 above>

At any rate, once you choose to enter a clinical trial, you often are given a free evaluation if you've not yet been diagnosed with AD/DH, free treatment and a certain amount of followup. Be careful though, in deciding to participate. There is always a risk in trying to treatments. Then again, not all trials are drug-based. Check them out.

Till next time-

Terry

www.addconsults.com

www.myADDstore.com

Posted by Terry at 09:56 | Comments (9) | Trackbacks (0)

Thursday, February 10. 2005

Adderall Bites the Dust in Canada

So yet another story comes out about the problems with medications. Most, lately, have been targeted against the anti-depressants, which I have some thoughts about, but today a press release came out from Canada, exressing alarmist concerns that Adderall is causing death and stroke in some children. Canada is withdrawing Adderall and Adderall XR from the market.

I would certainly like to see the studies proving the dangers of this medication and wonder if Canada was too quick to respond and too cautious. Ok, so I'm biased- Adderall XR has been a miracle med for my daughter and since we've tried just about everything out there, I shudder at the thought that it could be taken off the US market as well. <huge shudder>.

As for the anti-depressants, there were suggestions that they could cause some children to become suicidal. From my understanding, these studies do not show the possibility that the children might have been severely depressed before being put on the medication and would have considered- or acted upon- suicidal ideations regardless. The sad thing is, that I will bet that there will now be higher rates of suicide in depressed kids because they might not have access to the medications they need.

Till next time-

Terry

Posted by Terry at 08:10 | Comments (6) | Trackbacks (0)

Wednesday, February 9. 2005

An ADD Moment- yea, it happens to me too

For years, I was the CHADD Coordinator for my local chapter, here in Michigan. On occasion, I'll still stop in to hear some of the wonderful speakers that are generous enough to come out and speak to the group.

Last week, Diane Kennedy, author of the ADHD/Autism Connection, came for a special presentation. I ran out to hear her speak, settled in next to a colleague of mine, and looked around to see all of the people who had stopped in to hear the talk.

I was thrilled to see a dear friend of mine rush in, looking for a seat. I hadn't seen her in a few months; we really only see each other a few times a year, so I was glad to have time to spend with her at this presentation.

As she passed my row, I yelled out to her to come sit with us. She looked at me quickly, then came to sit, saying "Ok, well...I really didn't want to sit over 'there' anyway".

Since I'd known this person (who will remain nameless so I don't further embarrass myself) for a number of years, I was puzzled at how distant she was acting towards me. Normally, she's up for a big hug and spills out the latest "scoop" on her life.

Instead, she sat down pleasantly and attentively waited for the presentation to begin. I couldn't figure it out! I kept glancing at her from the corner of my eye and then was horrified to realize that she wasn't my friend after all! (if she's reading this, please forgive me for staring at you for the first 10 minutes of the session). They really didn't look all that much alike- same haircut, but different hair color. Same shape lips..but that's it!

It's funny, now that I think about it. But how....ADD of me! Gotta laugh.

Terry

Posted by Terry at 14:11 | Comments (4) | Trackbacks (0)

Monday, February 7. 2005

Welcome to my new blog

Hi everyone! Welcome to my blog. I'll be posting all kinds of things here, mainly AD/HD-related- and hope to hear from you with your comments. Let's make this fun and a way to connect.

If you'd like to check out my main websites, please do so and tell me what you think. I direct ADD Consults and myADDstore. Lots of resources over there.

Till next time-

Terry

Continue reading "Welcome to my new blog"

Posted by Terry at 03:38 | Comments (5) | Trackbacks (0)

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