The medication conundrum...

Oh, to medicate or not to medicate, that is the question. First of all everyone is different and there is no single answer when facing the choice of taking a medication that will potentially alter your delicate brain chemistry. I know many women who have chosen to tackle their ADHD quite effectively with an altered diet, increased exercise, and added nutritional supplements.

I would also be remiss if I did not also mention my own strong feelings against pharmaceutical drugs in general. I think that we are vastly overmedicated as a society in a way that is both extreme and unnecessary, and that many physical and mental problems could be alleviated or eliminated with a change of diet and increased nutritional protocol. That said, however, after extensive research and coming to grips of the extent that my own ADHD has affected me I had to consider the possible benefit that I could be afforded by turning a medication that potentially could greatly reduce years of suffering and inability to create the life that I wanted. So what is the verdict? Well, for me it was to try medication. In my case I was diagnosed by my incredibly astute and compassionate therapist. She urged me to see a psychiatrist to try medication and see if it would work for me.

If you read my earlier blog about living a life in which the lights were turned off I will keep this simple: The medication turned the lights back on.

Now I strongly believe that medication alone is not a solution. ADHD is like an old tree that has a root system that is diverse and widespread throughout every facet of my life. Medication allows me to see the roots and focus clearly to thrive despite their presence. Therapy, organizational structures that work, and a strong support system are also equally important components to my recovery.

We will talk more about this in future posts, but keep in mind there is no right or wrong.