@ArraDreaming
specifically with ADHD, I have identified that when my Type 1 narcolepsy is not adequately managed, there are some symptoms which are similar
“narcolepsy / impaired executive function: ADHd / what is this Executive Function you speak off?”
In Narcolepsy this is caused by sleep deprivation and amplifies any Executive Function issues with my ADHD.
i feel this is worth sharing because in my sample of one person (🙈) sleep deprivation plus , for example Vyvanse , has the result of Vyvanse been ineffective. And anecdotally this has been validated by my psychiatrist.
As the Department of Health makes requests approximately every 5 years or so to “review and reassess my narcolepsy treatment plan it is unfortunate that this has been occurring whilst I deal with a severe mental health relapse.
in saying that, it has also highlighted to me the need for structure 🙈🤯 and I have the ADHD which requires structure , does well with structure and struggles to set up and maintain structure.
The main areas in which my medication does not help are
- time blindness
this is a big big challenge for me, and even some sort of assistive technology or person or accountability framework, I still struggle with “when I am?”
an example of how this can escalate very quickly, we recently had a power outage and my use of “smart” decives resulted in highlighting to me the need for a mitigation plan… as I sketched out an ideal plan for solar powered solution , and three days later realised I hadn’t eaten 🙈
task paralysis is a huge challenge, especially right now when I have essentially been “unwell for two years” and every room I enter is a flood of “ too many tasks “ and it feels like almost all aspects of my life are impacted.
it is so hard to describe this to someone who doesn’t experience it and also has a misunderstanding of the issue. I am considered “book smart” and my inability to just start what feels like an overwhelming task of objections and having no idea how to prioritise , causes some sort of dissonance in the non ADHD brain, or at least in those that I have tried to explain.
i have almost a phobia of storing items in the usual places (aka clothes in drawers) . I literally forget the exist the moment they are tidied away, and the amount of money that I have spent purchasing something I need , is troubling.
this then leads to “doom piles” which I inadvertently fall into if my narcolepsy triggers cataplexy… plus just as many others, I need a chill , zen, clutter free environment to thrive …
I do struggle with identifying if I am experiencing Task Paralysis or a Trauma Freeze response, or cycling between the two. As I can become non verbal in both cases, tense and unable to move and I have been told by those who have seen me, the only difference is that my Trauma Freeze response suddenly stops and I either sleep or am relieved ; whereas my ADHD task paralysis seems to last for longer and longer.
I am yet to identify a “reward” system which I can use to motivate me to “get started” .
I definitely fall into the “consequences are not a facotor” mindset and if the “reward” is too far away , eg I love snowboarding and if I book a snowboarding holiday, that doesn’t motivate me to restart healthy eating and exercise 🤷♀️
I have tried vision boards, I have tried saving up for something I want , I have even purchased an item and left it in clear view , and none of these have worked so far.
I welcome all and any suggestion, I will try anything 🥰
