Appreciate the well wishes and the thoughtful response.
I don't want to be dependent on medication for too long is one of my worries, but I do need to figure out how to get some therapy to work through some things.
I know most folks who drink and do drugs are coping for sure, I don't need to add more issues to the list.
My lack of socializing is most likely adding to my mental state as well, been inside since March of last year lol.
The bolded is how I lived my life so far, but I need to focus on one issue at a time. A close friend of mine swears I have ADD, so it's interesting that you bring that up.
I fidget with every damn thing and can't sit still for shyt
This past year has definitely been challenging. The pandemic may have changed socializing forever. I used to struggle alot being in the house since March
I'm an introvert that loves time alone but even I was feeling some type of way when I couldn't go out without a second thought and kick it with friends. I discovered that video chats, phone calls, game chats and small gatherings when possible were the best way for me to socialize in this climate. We can't live like how we did before the pandemic although it's still good to do what we can to maintain our social life
I feel you bro I can't sit still either unless I'm laying in bed. My ADD is more on the inattentive side than it is the hyperactive side though. ADHD is just a difference in cognition in my opinion. I don't really think of it as a mental illness (or at least how I experience it, I feel like I'm in the movie Limitless when I get into my hyperfocus modes lol)
Managing my attention drifting and hyperfocusing by being mindful of it and making an effort to be productive with it is how I've grown to use it to my advantage. Setting schedules, using positive reinforcement and opposite action to get myself to spend time focusing on productive things, and daily meditation have been huge for me
That's another thing you should talk to a therapist about. If you have insurance and can afford co-pays, I'd highly suggest vetting and seeking a therapist that fits your needs. If money is an issue, I'd suggest either looking into therapy through your county healthcare division or looking up free/inexpensive therapy options
A quality therapist will really get you on the right track. To me, it doesn't seem like you would be someone that would need medication for a long time, if at all really. Not saying that to diagnose you but just to give you my perspective
Medication dependency is a real thing. However, it's not always the case for everyone. There are many people who have used medications and ended up being weaned off with the help of their psychiatrist.
Especially with alternative methods of psychotherapy coming into play like CBD, I feel like medication will not only continue to evolve but also potentially become obsolete next to non-pill prescriptions. But that's a topic for another thread
At the end of the day though, it's your decision whether or not you want to use medication. Collaborating with your father/support system and therapist will give you more perspectives to weigh and consider before you make the best decision for yourself
