My ADHD Story

Though therapy was somewhat helpful, the side effects of Paxil made everything worse. I immediately stopped the Paxil. Still and always many problems with the world continued, I just didn't drink or smoked cigarettes/drugs over them. I read spiritual books regularly and tried to be of service (I'm a psychotherapist).

Finally I couldn't cope, my behavior was depressed, I had trouble understanding daily life, was overwhelmed by everything and disliked myself. Nothing helped - I read more good books, exercised, increased meditation time, got a new job, prayed, pushed myself harder, sought support from my spouse, children, family and friends. But nothing worked.

At last, at the age of 37 while training/working at The Scarborough Hospital: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Clinic, under the supervision of psychiatrist/ADHD specialist, Dr. David Ng, I discovered my ADHD.

One "special" day, after having listened to 100s of ADHD stories by children, parents and adults, my own life story hit me in the face like a bombshell.

I realized that "this condition that has debilitated and affected every aspect of my life" had a name that fit my life like a perfect glove.

For the first time, I was able to understand the reasons to my low energy-mood-self-esteem-tolerance problems. My anxiety, social fear and anger issue no longer needed a diagnoses and be treated with anti-depressant medication. No longer did I have to define myself with negative labels, such as: lazy, dumb, different, under-achiever, trouble-maker and oppositional. No longer was it "my fault" in becoming distracted, anti-social, an under achiever, a procrastinator and a "hater" of school. All the behaviors were symptoms of my undiagnosed/untreated ADHD deficits.

After discovering my ADHD, I learned that I am highly intelligent, creative, artistic, intuitive, empathetic, visionary, inventive, sensitive, original, loving and exuberant. Immediately after the discovery, I started psycho-stimulant treatment.

Once the right dosage was reached, the positive response was noticeable within a few days. The energy/mood level immediately increased and stabilized for hours at the normal level of 7.5/10. The attention, work performance and patient tolerance increased immensely, and the over-active mind and anxiety/anger issues calmed down for the first time. I was able to relax in social settings and hold good conversation.

My life satisfaction score changed from a 5/10 to a 9/10. I started to feel normal. I was able to belief that

Since the ADHD discovery in 1999, my life goals have become reality. I am forever grateful to God, Dr. Ng and every ADD/ADHD life story by helping me discover my ADHD gift.
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