Young Soldier seeking help and advice

[jill]

Welcome to the board Soldier. I do not have much to add only if you want more information on ADD/ADHD google it.

[charliegirl]

Chris, Since you want to spend time in the military, please try counseling to help you do the best you can before you consider meds. Its possible an ADHD coach can help you learn techniques that work for you which you haven't tried so you can manage without them. Lying is never good and frankly, if they find out the consequences can be severe. I have no idea what you would face but I think, realistically, a dishonorable discharge would be a good possibility. It isn't worth the risk.

I do think you would do best on meds but I also think you owe it to yourself to try every other option before you take that last step that could hurt you. Please think carefully before you do something that can hurt you that much. We will help you all we can.

[soldierseekinghelp]

I went in for my evalutation today and you guys were absolutely right there was nothing to be nervous about. The Doctor asked me alot of questions and then performed some concentration tests on me and said I showed all the classical signs of adhd and that i showed some signs of manic depression, but he is a wonderful gentleman and along with medication he is conducting further therapy to make sure I get all the help I need.

Thank you all for your support and I will continue with updates on how my progress is doing and how thigns turn out.

Also charliegirl dont worry I read up on it and because Im in the reserves the medication is not an issue and all is fine, thank you for your concern.

[jj]

I know sometimes it is a bit hard, initially, when they give you the official DX, even if you thought you were prepared, and at the same time it explains a lot of "why's". I imagine you are going through at least some of that.

I'm glad you have a great doc. I'm not sure what med they will start you on but keep in mind it isn't a magic pill and many times you have to try a different meds and doses to find the perfect one for you. What works wonders on one person may not on another.

I'm really happy you are getting at the bottom of things. Please do keep us updated. I think we already adopted you into our family. ;D

[anon4now]

Hi and sorry I didn't get to say hello earlier. I enjoyed reading your posts and I'm sure many of the mom's on here are just hoping their sons and daughters grow up to the same aspirations. I know I am.

One thing I was going to mention (and possibly put in perception) is how you mentioned how wonderful you did during training (?). You may find during service you don't have the concentration problems that you find sitting in a classroom with pen and paper in hand with a teacher droning on in a monotone voice. It could possibly have something to do with a highly structured environment, a sargeant screaming at you at the slightest error, and yours and your fellow reservists life in your hands. Kind of puts someone at attention real quick!



My point being, the medication may not be necessary and the cup of coffee may just do the trick.

I'm glad you are closer to answers. Defining your past will put you at ease and hopefully you will see how much stronger you are for battling all of those obsticals and still coming out on top. Even if you didn't get straight A's...at least you didn't drop out. You overcame challenges some people just can't do. Now you'll have an edge on the competition and who knows, maybe you'll be announcing your acceptance to Harvard!

Keep up the great work, and seeking answers. You'll be in my thoughts.

Anon

[John]

Chris, You are so lucky to have discovered this at your age. I wasn't diagnosed until I was in my early 50's. I've been on med's for several years and did Cognitive (meaning: to think through) therapy for about three years. Both have been invaluable to me. I've seen a huge change in myself because of this.

Good Luck.

[trid]

It seems that the rank of PVT should be short lived in your case. You'll make PFC in no time, and onto CPL quickly. You show more determination than almost any 17 yr. old I have seen in quite a while.

My now 18 y.o. is dx'd with ADHD, spent 4 yrs. doing Army JROTC, earned his way to CSM and then Sr. year he was 2LT. He is looking forward to a career in the Army, but he is taking some time off this year, since his dad died during his senior year.

That you are already through BCT gives you a huge step above. When you were at BCT, you did well, because you were learning for a reason, with a tangible goal that is important to you. It will be the same when you go for AIT, even without meds.

My late-DH always felt that our son's ADHD was more a matter of hyper focus on one important item and no focus on useless stuff. My son has been med free for over 2 years now, and is doing quite well. He also had the grades for West Point until senior year, which understandably dropped off terribly when dad became so ill.

You've stated you thrived at BCT and during the structured home life that was based on military regimen, so you are in good shape. You don't have to "adapt" to anything but the knowledge that you now have a clear understanding of what your "difference" is called. You are still the exact same person you were last week, just with another new piece of knowledge.

You will, of course, continue to learn new strategies to help you with your life experiences. You have already exhibited multiple coping techniques, not just to yourself, but to all of us. We can see, if you can't, why your parents are so proud of the man you have already become. Keep doing what you love, and you'll always make them proud.

And, BTW, Thank You and your family for your service.

[soldierseekinghelp]

I have been on my prescription now (10 mg adderall) for almost a week now and I have never been Happier. I never knew that i could have this kind of self control and I never knew how impulsive I truly was. My family, my teachers, and coworkers have noticed a huge improvement in my behavior and and work.
My entire room and car are for the first time completely organized. All my work has been getting done in school in a timely manner, Im no longer distracted by anything and can sit and focus and get a task done. At first everyone was a little shocked to see the big change in me but once they saw it was for the better and how happy I was , they all were all overjoyed.

How my teatment plan works is two methods. one is with my RX and another is with a list organizational method. Everytime i know i need to get something done, or im given an assignment i write it down on a list of things to do. Once i get home i simply go down my list by what is most important and simply get it done. And for dates and times my doc gave me a personal planner which i use and have never been so on track. I feel for the first time in my life im in control of everything. I now am the one in control of my life and its an indescribable feeling (i know some of you reading this know what im talking about) and now that im getting everything done I never realised how much free time I had. Im thinking of taking up piano now, (something i tried once but was never able to grasp because of my condition) but it is my favorite instrument and now i believe it is something I may actually be able to achieve.

I never knew i could experience such kindness from strangers on the internet but your words have been invaluable to me and I want to let everyone on this site know that you have made a difference in someones life by your actions and god bless all of you. I promise to keep you all updated on what is to come for me.

-Chris

[bugsmom]

Chris...I am so thrilled for you. My heart is jumping leaps and bounds and I even teared up a little reading your post.

Please keep up posted on your coming months. I think you've touched all of our hearts here and we're really rooting for you. You sound like your off to a wonderful new start and I'm so excited for you.

[misty]

Oh, I'm so happy for you! I'm so glad that the meds are making such a positive difference. I'll be keeping tuned to see how things are going for you over time. We are honored you chose us to come to when you needed support.