42
How to relax? (lemmy.ml)

If I don't take meds I feel I should be doing things and then feel bad when I don't.

Or if I do take meds I get a lot of things done and feel productive but zaped of energy.

Hobbies are either invested in and dropped or I just feel 'bored' and don't want to get any of the stuff out to do them. If they stick around a bit longer they then feel like a chore or become a larger project and just another thing in the to-do pile and not relaxing.

Where is the off button and how do I relax?

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[-] Baggie@lemmy.zip 3 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

So obviously it might be a medication/dosage issue, we'll take that as considered.

If you're new to medication you might find that you have problems like you describe not because of the medication exactly, but the way you're used to regulating yourself is maladaptive, and coming out as the need to be doing things.

It's obscenely common for people with ADHD to get by with anxiety or unhealthy thinking patterns replacing the neurotypical drive to do things. This works for a time, but now you have the ability to actually do things, you feel like you need to do them ALL THE TIME, because you're actually capable of that now. But that comes with a nasty cost, which it sounds like you're well aware of.

It might be worth spending time with yourself to relearn how to relax whilst medicated, how to keep in contact with your body and energy levels. A psychologist might be helpful if that's an option for you. It's also important to maintain regular usage of what medication you're using at the time, as you'll need to let your body become used to it. It takes some effort, some getting in touch with yourself, some honestly about what you and your body needs, but it's very possible to achieve a balance between productivity and health.

Also, remember to be gentle with yourself. You're adjusting to what is widely considered to be a disability, it's not fair to expect perfection from yourself. Just keep attempting it over time, you'll get there.

[-] MonaySimpson@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 day ago

I mean it's been like 24 months see https://lemmy.world/comment/26155092

Any service with ADHD here is online and unregulated. You can't tell honest people from those just regurgitating TikTok. I haven't had success with psychs and it's so costly and mentally taxing.

But you make some good points.

this post was submitted on 04 Oct 2026
42 points (100.0% liked)

ADHD

13617 readers
460 users here now

A casual community for people with ADHD

Values:

Acceptance, Openness, Understanding, Equality, Reciprocity.

Rules:

Encouraged:

Relevant Lemmy communities:

Autism

ADHD Memes

Bipolar Disorder

Therapy

Mental Health

Neurodivergent Life Hacks

lemmy.world/c/adhd will happily promote other ND communities as long as said communities demonstrate that they share our values.

founded 3 years ago
MODERATORS