There is someone on Tik Tok who puts on tavern music and turns the lights low to pretend she's a middle earth bar maid clearing up for the night when she does dishes, cracks me up!
Ohhh, as a Skyrim and LOTR fan, this idea is **everything!** It adds to the gamifying factor, too. Such as "Clean kitchen level-up! Roll for level up points." Something like that, anyway. 😅
Cas you need your own reality show because we will tune in ALL DAY!!! On top of everything, you are a natural comedian with impeccable timing and relatability!! You are a STAR 🌟 🎥👏
Hey Cass. Great tips. Half my family has ADD OR ADHD. some people dont understand about it. Some meds help but you also need non medical coping issues.😊❤
I have ADHD. I was diagnosed when I was 11 and have been on and off meds since then--I'm now in my mid-30s. I'm also a psych major so while I'm NOT a psychologist, I know a bit more than the average joe. So, I would say that if you're feeling like your brain is "shutting down" the dosage may just be too high for you to feel yourself. AND THAT'S OKAY! Part of slowly raising a dosage is to find out where to stop, and if you've hit the level where you want to take a step back, then that's good! Now you can tweak the dosage in minor ways instead of major "jumps" like you described. Personally, I have found different dosages have worked for me during different parts of my life. A dose I was on a few years ago may not be comfortable to take anymore once I'm back on it. I've started and stopped my meds both willingly and unwillingly, so I know what I'm like with and without meds at the best and worst times. When my meds are working correctly, I feel like I've been squinting around on a bright sunny day and I finally have found my sunglasses. But also, meds feel like I've turned my flashlight from dim and wide, to bright and focused. I become less aware of all the tiny distractions, like birds flying near a window, but I also feel like my brain was tensed up pushing hard at something, that suddenly became super easy. If you still are feeling like you're losing part of yourself taking your meds, even after tweaking the dosage, maybe try doing your "B days" off medication, or weekends off? Sometimes having a break, and letting your brain just... be itself, can be really powerful. It's important to recognize that your meds are a tool for you to use, not something chained to you. Just make sure your doctors know, especially if you're being drug tested to make sure you're taking your meds, and especially especially if you're still enrolled in the program you spoke about that is trying to find a way to help you manage your adhd.
I completely agree. Meds of any kind should be a tool! I'm really struggling in life to the point it's causing me pain.(yes I have ADHD) So I just started the long process of finding a med that works for me! I genuinely suspect for me, someday I won't need them any more. It's about what you need right now. And using the tools given to you. When I was first looking into meds, and being very resistant to it, I had the thought. I wouldn't keep my arm out of a cast if it was broken. But I also wouldn't put a fine arm into a cast. It's about balance.
Cass I have “ADHD” and my husband is weirdly similar to yours. When I listened to your ADHD story I felt like you were telling my childhood story. And from what I can tell, we both have what I call “the ADHD personality type”. I can relate to so many things you talk about. One of the many things that stood out to me, when you told your ADHD story, was when you said that “people really like your energy at first, then they get tired of you”….That’s my whole life. The only person who hasn’t gotten tired of my high stung personality is my husband (we have been married 32 years, and we have 4 sons) I’m silly, irreverent, I like to do things my way, I think I’m fun. But I have been told I can be a “bit much”. I’m 51 now but, In my early 40’s I felt like I needed to fix that stuff. Be a “normal” adult. My doctor gave me ADHD drugs. They worked. I became more “normal”. But after a while i realized I missed myself. I wasn’t as fun anymore. I wasn’t me anymore. So, I stopped my meds. I decided instead to try really hard, to become more aware of who I am and how I spend my time. I try to be self aware of how I act in social situations and when I get too hyper. I try to recognize when my brain gets distracted, and if I get too unfocused. I consciously bring myself down a notch. I don’t want to stop being me. I just try to be a more in control me. This is a work in progress. It doesn’t always work. But I am always trying to be better and I find things that help. Like your RUclips and your books. I also listen lots of other books to keep my brain busy while I get other stuff done. How my brain works is not bad, or I needs to be fixed. I believe ADHD is a personality type. So, Just like our husbands are Laidback, quiet and more thoughtful… and not hyper like us. Does that mean there is something wrong with them? Should they take drugs to become more energetic and more silly like us? I like who I am. I just try to take deep breaths and’s stay focused. And watch your RUclips 😄. Cuz you are “my people”. lol. I have a hard time being focused, I work on that. So in closing, maybe ADHD is just who we are. I like who we are.
This, all this. I'm 61 and I only got diagnosed a year ago. I've been my whole life the way I am - over-thinking, skitty, fun, a foil for my "boring" husband, in hyper-drive. My daughter actually diagnosed me when she was doing a Masters in Neurodivergent Thinking for education. I never knew that girls get different ADHD. I have always been high-functioning and would always pick up on the little important things that people missed at work - my superpower. I am, however, exactly like Cass and any ADHDer about housework. My husband (and I) never understood it. He also never got why my mind never shut up. It now all makes sense. How did I cope all those years without meds? Mindfulness therapy. It works.
Perfectly said. If medication works for you (anyone), I would never suggest to stop taking it, but if you “miss yourself” then I believe it’s critical to ask yourself if your life was in need of “fixing”, or just adapting to the way your brain works? I would hate the world if everyone was the same. Read Thom Hartmann’s ADD: a Different Perception, completely changed the trajectory of my life!
My 21-yr-old has inattentive ADD (no hyperactivity). He was properly diagnosed at age 17. After the psychiatrist tested, re-tested, rinse, repeat for over a year, Son is at almost the highest dose they recommend is safe. He's been cold-turkey for 4 days before due to office error (we ended up changing doctors... solely because of her office staff), and for those 4 days without medication, he was so completely inattentive. He couldn't drive, couldn't do his school work, couldn't keep up with a conversation, and was miserable the whole time. With the medicine, he's a normal guy and still has the ADD superpowers that none of the rest of our family has. He's Mr. Attention... does homework, carries on a conversation, plans his week, and basically does a bunch of things incredibly well at the same time. Thank goodness we now have a reliable psych's office.
Hi! Which medication is he on? I also have inattentive ADD. The stimulants worked somewhat, but not perfectly and I got anxiety, heart palpitations and then irritability when they wore off. I am now on Wellbutrin, which helps me function okay and really helps depression and anxiety. I'm just curious if there's something better out there nowadays, or if I just need better coping habits. Thanks! I'm so glad your son has a supportive mom that advocates for him!
yeah but think about it, its a stimulant, there are risks to the heart according to my dr. he did a blood pressure test before he would sign off on my medication. i take the lowest dose of concerta and get a noticeable boost. i also i notice my pulse is 20 beats faster regularly on my fitbit. be aware
LoL 😂 .. I had to slow down the playback speed so i could catch what she was so saying so rapidly. I need a few extra moments for what I hear to sink into my brain cells. Plus, I was writing down the tips as we went along and she can talk way faster than I can write.
I have a 'Get ready to go' alarm and a 'Leave' alarm on my phone. I just changed the time for whatever time I need to go that day. I set them 15 or 30 min apart depending on what I need to do before I go. 😊
I do this too. But I add an extra one to let the dogs out/in, and get them settled before I leave. It takes 15 min, but if I don't set that alarm, I end up leaving late.
Same. And I have my Alexa tell me when to do certain things that have to be done manually, but if I can automate it with a smart plug etc then you can bet I’ve found a way
Cass, please don't shut your brain down! I don't NEED to watch your channel - my house is decluttered and my housework etc gets done, I watch you because you are so high energy and entertaining. I love people with ADHD, they bring excitement and life to the world!
Why do you need a full shut down? What about half? I think that a danger exists in trying to shut off adhd and they will alter your personality. Be assertive in maintaining your comfort level. They are capable of turning you into a zombie.
Yes, I agree. As someone with ADHD I would never shut down my brain even though it can be torture at times....because our brains move faster than the average person which means we also catch things that others will miss (because they don't overthink). I wouldn't trade that ability for anything. It can save lives!
@emeraldtiger7135 I feel the same way. I don't feel myself without the voices in my head and I love jumping around from one task to another, it makes me so productive in my own way. I think medication can be great when people seriously struggle like Cas when she was younger. But for those who accepted their different brains and adjusted their life according to their needs, it is ok to not have a normal brain. Normal is overrated when hacks and trying different things can get you through struggles.
@@ronjab4586 well I wouldn't say I'm not struggling because I am...time management is my biggest issue. But I do love variety in my day and I don't want to feel like a zombie just doing repetitive tasks with little creativity. So it's like you said, use the hacks and practice some form of meditation to quiet the mind for a bit. I prefer moving meditation cause I can't sit still for too long. And that's not a bad thing when you're 50.
I love the comments concerning your medication issue. Much to ponder from all sides. As a 67 year old woman who is probably ADHD I have lived long enough to know you don’t stay the same person all your life anyway. You enter into seasons, you learn new things all the time, you adjust constantly, you look back and wish you knew then what you know now, you strive to find a better way each day. Things I loved during one season of life leave me ‘meh’ now. Change is par for the course whether through educated discipline or assisted by medication or both.
I love this part of aging. I'm in a really (well, pretty good) place now. My daughter is struggling but I can encourage her that things change, even our body chemistry. Thank you for sharing this hopeful message. 🌻🍄
Edit: I just saw the ending😭 I impulsively comment the moment I have a thought. I also cried the second* time I was approved for medication as a 23 y/o on my own as I was the only one who believed I have ADHD. I want my medication but it makes me twitch/tic a lot more and I don't think it works well. Our health care is not that advanced that you have a team checking on you .. I do feel my brain gets quieter but I still have no motivation to do the thing in front of me. Which is making my boring office job such a depressing experience... but with the free time I have when there is nothing to react to at work, I use the creative punches of thoughts to do all sorts of junk. Like I'd learn to code a new programming language, and design random things on Canva, and draw, and start a new bullet journal (again)... And think of ideas for starting a company, watch hours of mindless RUclips content or research hours of a topic like ADHD, or talk to chatgpt or plan my whole currently non-existant, future, successful RUclips channel. But I'm actively doing nothing of importance. None of the creative things I do have any affect on my quality of life. I usually also don't finish doing the things and forget about them. I wish I could just afford to go to a real, good therapist to tell me what to do about all this. Help me get rid of the memories of my dad saying I won't make a living with art or making things and being a blogger/vlogger(7 years ago) is not a job and I'm wasting my time on useless things and I HAVE to study and get a degree. I want the anguish to just go away. I want to actually be productive again.
@@NakeyNayNay I was recently watching a quit-sugar summit. There is lots of evidence that food can affect brain chemistry. Some of us can be addicted to sugar (white flour, processed foods etc.); while others can be emotional eaters (stuffing our feelings down with food). The dopamine hit is really what we're searching for. If you're up for exploring diet to help you get off the meds, there are lots of "quit sugar" videos on RUclips... Even if you're not, love your brain, you are perfectly imperfect and you are enough. Sending blessings...
@@snickersclown2897 Aw, thank you so much! I'll definitely look into that. It may then be processed foods. I did grow up consuming a lot of processed foods and it's a bad habit I retained as an adult, to go for quick rather than healthy. However I've been off sugar for some time now. I only use a liquid, non-nutritive sweetener that I've found tastes the least chemical-ly of all the artificial sweeteners. The ingredients say: Contains Water, acesulfameK, Sodium Saccharin, Citric acid and Potassium Sorbate, if you were curious. I'll go check out what those mean for my brain chemistry. Thank you for the suggestion and the supportiveness😊 💜❤️ My heart goes out to everyone who can relate, and the people who don't hesitate to reach out to help where they can💖
I want to share how I was able to get my kids (both with ADD/ADHD), to help with the house cleaning and upkeep: 1) I tell them I need to start laundry so to get their clothes, towels and bedding (if needed) together so I can start a load. Once they completed that task, I go to the next step. 2) Then, I ask them to gather all the dishes that are scattered throughout the house so I can load and start the dishwasher. Once completed, I go to the next step. 3) Then I hand them a trash bag and ask them to get all the trash together and run it out to the trash cans. Once completed, I go to the next step. 4) Since the major items are now picked up, I have them pick up and put away anything left on the floors…toys, books, etc. 5) And finally, I have them vacuum their rooms and the main living areas of the home. I learned that if I say “Go clean your rooms”, they tended to get lost in there. So I did a focused task, one at a time, in order to get the house in a live-able state. I started this when my youngest was 8-9 years old. I learned this idea from my kids ADHD therapist. It probably took my son a month to figure out what I was doing but he realized that it worked really well so he kept doing it. He took this process into his own home as an adult. Was it always perfect…no, but it got our home looking better than before we started doing it. Also, we might focus on 1-2 tasks a day or would be able to complete them all in one day. It all depended on our schedules. One other huge tip I can give is that when you are doing laundry, finish it all the way…hang up or fold items straight from the dryer and put the clothes away. It was a HUGE game-changer for me and I no longer had piles of clean, but wrinkled clothes laying around. Trust me on this one…❤
Not a mom but a former kid, being told to clean my room just filled me with dread. I didn't know where to start and was left to deal with those feelings of overwhelm and self loathing by myself. Helping guide your kids while also allowing them to do these tasks themselves feels like a beautiful balance. They are getting the support they need and not not being made to feel like they can't do anything.
I hung a shower curtain rod above my washer and dryer. Clothes come out of the dryer, get put on a hanger, and hung up right there. They may not always make it to the closet, but at least they’re not wrinkled!
I have ADHD. My racing thoughts were usually very self destructive, and sometimes downright scary. Medication has been a blessing because it gets rid of all those self-loathing thoughts so I can get things done instead of dwelling on all the ways I could possibly be falling short. It's not perfect, but it's faaaarrr better.
I'm working on finding a medication that works...but when adderall did work, the quiet was... so comforting. I am comorbid with OCD/GAD/Panic disorder, so maybe that's why I love the quiet. I also am very self destructive and impulsive so having it drowned out was really nice
This is why I need to get diagnosed so I can see if the meds will quiet my brain. I'm down right cruel to myself even when I try not to be. The voice never shuts up. 😔 I am just coming to the realization that I may have ADD and finding out that there's medication that can relieve the torture almost makes me want to cry.
Fellow ADHD mom here. I’ve I just gone back to taking medicine for my ADHD after years of not needing it. I have gone back and forth with many chapters of my life. For years I had a job that was perfect for me, outside and constantly changing with frequent non negotiable deadlines. I found I was more productive without meds in that roll. Now I have found I’m not the mom and leader I want to be. the meds help me stay on task at work, remember the dance bag, wipes, extra clothes etc. It also helps me regulate my emotions when mom overwhelm hits. I know I will have another chapter where my ADHD habits will allow me to thrive. Till then I will take it and (most days) be glad it’s a tool to build systems to manage my ADHD and be the mom and leader my kids and team need. I love your channel and your videos have actually helped me to love my brain again. I find that with the right meds and dose I’m still my high energy self. It’s just less exhausting and takes less food.
I lost my husband 20 years ago and struggled to get anything done. A therapist friend of mine told me to pick 3 things to do each day. That allowed me to quit doing chores after the 3 things were done. If I did the 3 things and wanted to do more- that was a bonus
Oh my gosh I absolutely LOVE that feeling of my brain being quiet. My first experience of taking stimulants was like walking from a busy street into a church or a museum, it was sudden sense of everything going quiet, and I'm just like 'Oh wow, everything is so peaceful, I'm going to meditate now!' and I did. It was awesome. --- It really isn't that you stop thinking, but that suddenly you have the focus to think of only one thing at a time, and that is a heck of a thing to get used to!
I don’t have adhd but I have dealt with clinical depression. I was on medication for years and it worked. The racing thoughts led to anxiety and addictive behaviours. I don’t need the medication anymore. I taught myself to be mindful. Not having the racing thoughts did take some getting used to, but I wouldn’t change it. I am the most boring person now but the medication also aloud me to take myself off the hook. I’m a human being, not a human doing. I enjoy the journey instead of trying to find ‘what’s next’.
Very well said. I like your statement "I'm a human being, not a human doing." I'm going to borrow that and see if I can teach myself the meaning of that statement.
I was diagnosed with ADHD at age 50. I was studying to get my masters and as I was going through this I had talked to my psychiatrist and I actually cried about the fact that I am very successful, but it is so damn hard and I have to have so many checks and balances in my life. we started slow on medication and found one that works for me. And the first time I read through stuff for my masters class and realized that I had read it in two hours and hadn’t gotten distracted, I cried because I was sad that it could have been like that sooner in my life. That being said, I do not find that my brain has, completely shut down or that it is super quiet in my head. I am still me. To be honest, I would see if there’s another medication. Or at least see if you still feel the same after you’ve been on it for a week or so, and your body has gotten used to it. My husband says he can tell the difference because I am at least less likely to interrupt him, but I am still telling stories and having tangents and connecting the dots that other people don’t see.
I think the key to medicating ADHD is finding the perfect balance of quieting the chaos just enough to help you function better, but not so much that it changes who you are. I’ve been off medication while pregnant and now breastfeeding and I miss it! But it’s certainly possible to live without.
Cas I cried when you said it stopped. That happened to me years ago. I saw a psychiatrist for years. They thought I was bipolar but the meds they gave me actually made it worse. I struggled so bad. I saw a new psych doc and she said with such a gentle, kind voice so not to cause offense, “I don’t think you’re bipolar, I think you may have adhd.” I was thrown by that to be honest. We tried different meds and one day I felt the quiet for the first time. I get you Cas! Seriously when you said that it brought me right back to that moment when the “mania/ hyperactivity “ just stopped. I won’t lie and say it wasn’t hard when those random thoughts stopped. I had no idea how to live a life without it. I struggled a bit. However until then I just couldn’t do anything without getting distracted then suddenly I was publishing my first book. I was getting my life together. I was saving money. I kept a clean home. Things just changed. So now it’s ten years later and my meds have not been working so great. I’ve fallen a little bit and started struggling again. Your channel is a great help btw. I feel so understood because you get the struggle and are so open about it. I appreciate the candor, truly. Please give us an update here on your journey with it. Also what type of adhd therapist are you seeing? I need to look into that myself. I’ve never seen an adhd therapist but I think that would also help me.
@@nahedsherif5120 the med that helped me originally was low dose adderall. My body doesn’t process the extended release medication so I had to take the old prescription and it worked well for over 9 years. It’s only currently not working as well.
@@allisonlink6311 I’d talk to your med provider about it. You might be on the wrong dosage or the wrong meds all together. I recently spoke to a woman who told me that after many years she had to go down on her adhd meds because they stopped working but the doctor kept raising the meds. She took a lower dose and it got better. Just remember our bodies change over the years. I hope you figure it out because I know personally it can be very frustrating
Cas. Been a follower before you shared the ADD diagnosis… I think I take adderal and still feel my mind races and my Blood pressure now scares me as it was low now high… I’m late diagnosed ADD … but have been doing tons of research on perimenopause/ menopause and how the loss of estrogen can exacerbate the presence of ADD … though low estrogen can mimic to look like ADD… very weird looking back I think I have always had ADD… but with the addition of a couple hormone I feel like a normal person though the mind races a bit … obviously, if your reading this LOL. Anyway 1. I’d like to know what med you were switched too 2. Encourage you to have your hormones tested by someone associated with the former menopause society… could be low estrogen… with is associated with increases in cardiovascular problems, stroke, Type 2 Diabetes,High cholesterol … and a multitudes of weird issues brain fog, frozen shoulder, depression and many more. I am blessed to watch,learn and laugh with you! Thank you
At the end of your video, I think you raise some of the most common questions those of us who struggle with brain issues face: what is the difference between my disordered thinking and my personality? Is there a place where I end and my mental issue begins? If I change my brain chemistry, am I changing who I am? And then there's the cost/benefit side of it too--how much have I gained from the weird way my brain works versus what I may have lost? I like that you're giving the meds time because that will help you see what kind of fun and creativity emerge, even with the meds. It's a tough, and entirely individual, decision. I'm glad you have a therapist and a great family to support you.
Love the idea of an A/B Day--My busy brain needs the structure of a schedule, but also some variety and a bit of opportunity to procrastinate (like telling myself "today is closet laundry put away day--you can put off the cube storage stuff until tomorrow")
My son takes Vyvanse for ADHD and he absolutely loves it! He’s doing so well in school, he can concentrate and still have fun. His temper is under control and he’s just so happy. He has only been on meds this year-he’s 16. I didn’t want to put him on meds any earlier due to addictive tendencies on both sides of the family but when he ASKED to be put on meds, it was a no brainer! Last week, his psychologist asked if he planned to take it over the summer. My son said, “Absolutely yes!”” It’s not just for the classroom. This has really changed his life for the better.
I have also been put on Vyvanse since my diagnosis (it’s only six months, lol) and the difference! Wow! I can’t help but imagine what my own high school life would’ve been like if I’d had this ability to just focus. Glad he’s found that it makes such a difference in his day-to-day life.
Exactly the same as my son…his grades were better …he took meds for his adhd at 18…he can concentrate and generally life is better and more productive….we didn’t know he had it till around 17…it’s a pity he wasn’t on meds for his last year at secondary school….but he’s at university now and it’s a game changer….I’ve just discovered I have adhd too , at 54…. It does effect me significantly, im off with fairies all day long, always have been…Am wondering,contemplating whether it’s worth starting on meds though….
Him being able to focus outside of school will allow him to learn all kinds of useful skills they don't teach in school. While taking breaks off meds is good, it's still important to get to enjoy non productive free time when one is at their best on the meds.
When I'm particularly unmotivated, I put on a RUclips channel that fits whatever it is I need to do. Cas for cleaning, pc channels or productivity channels for office work, "how to RUclips" when I need to make a video, etc. It's really helpful.
I have ADHD and I love to clean the house! I drive people crazy with all the cleaning and organizing I do, and the rearranging of things. I also forget to eat (or buy food), so I stopped buying food. I love your tips on food. I also put a tablet near the kitchen so i would stay in the kitchen, when i do need to be in there! Oh my gosh when you talked about going to bed....that's ME!
Hello, fellow ADHDERS! I have been on Adderall 15 mg for about 3 years now. I like feeling like I am on control and don't mind living on the ADhD edge. I have found it helpful to have had a counselor as well as an ADHD acoach to talk things over with. It makes a difference when you can talk to people with multiple people who have tried medication themselves. I can relate to everything you expressed in this video and hope you find your flow. P.S. you activated my Alexa while I was watching this video!😂😂😂
I decided against medication for this reason. I've gone more the life hacks route. But I very much support everyone doing what is best for them. Thank you for speaking about it. And you gave me a lot of things to try.
I'm currently dosing down Wellbutrin for the summer, I have SAD, tried going down before and found out Wellbutrin is given for ADHD. went back on, So far its not totally effecting my ADHD. What are you taking?? would love to switch to something else.
Everyone’s adhd varies in severity so while that might work for you, some people, like me, can’t even find the motivation to do these hacks without medication. I take meds every day and my life is still a struggle 😅 That’s great that you don’t need them, just remember to never judge people who do! Sounds like you already have the correct mindset I just wanted to offer a reminder :)
@@alliedanielle2897 Did you read my whole comment? I said “sounds like you already have the correct mindset.” I even put a smiley face to assure you I wasn’t attacking you. Jeez The pipeline from “I don’t need medication” to “other people don’t need medication” is dangerous and although I KNOW YOU DONT think that, I just wanted to remind you, so you don’t fall down the hole
Having your house adapt to us, rather than us adapting to our house made me feel so comforted. Thank you Cass. You have improved the quality of my living space. I'm not perfect, but thanks to you, I'm making strides.
I raised a grandson with acute ADHD and acute ODD. In first grade he was removed from school and placed in a partial program for a year. He was diagnosed and meds were tried to address his needs. When he returned to school in second grade he took meds in the morning, but they wore off and he needed a booster dose. We scheduled them for when he would have an unstructured time. Unfortunately they also wore off in the evening, but he was already on maximum doses. His behaviors were beyond believable. Good thing God gave me patience. He is grown up now, (26) and finally able to manage his ADHD on his own. Some kids absolutely need the meds. Some kids don’t. I learned so much. A friend of mine criticized my giving him meds. As she sat in my living room watching him rum back and forth like watching a tennis match, I said it must be 4 o’clock time for the booster dose. In minutes after taking it, he was sitting at the coffee table coloring. She still comments that if she didn’t see it herself, she would not have believed it. ADHD is real!
I worked as a pediatric psych nurse in a residential treatment facility for 8 years. So many medications prescribed for those kids. One thing I would say, you shouldn't feel "flat" or not like yourself. The medication shouldn't dull your brain, just make it work for you! Does that even make sense? Lol
With my ADHD I went through a similar experience when I was in middle school. I told my mom that it felt like I'd lost my personality on my pill. We had a really good heart to heart about the "real me" and I can honestly say that I love who I am on my pill now. What she told me and what I did was: rather than, not taking my pill and struggling to think and get things done, I should try to taking my pill and work on being my outgoing exciting self. Well, it worked. I got my enthusiastic personality back but because of my pill I could think. Now, when I miss my pill, I hate how my brain feels and I take my pill as fast as I can so my brain will work in the morning.
I LOVE that you are sharing more and more about your ADHD journey!! I have an almost 16 year old daughter who was only diagnosed a year ago. I'm still learning so much, and your videos are very helpful and insightful! Thank you!!
I LOVE that idea of putting my bathroom stuff in a basket, then putting the basket on a free floating shelf when I'm done! I've been trying to figure out what to do with my many things on my bathroom counter. And I've got a very small counter and bathroom. Game changer! I'm gonna go buy a basket and a shelf!! 😁❤️🥰 THANK YOU!! ❤️
I've only known I have ADHD for about a year and am on meds. And it's exactly as you described, silence in my head! But for me, it sparked tears of joy! I never felt more relaxed and at ease in my life! I felt like I could take on the world, because there was now space for it. I felt like I had TIME to do the things. After a few months, I must say, it feels like the meds don't do anything. Because I'm used to my brain being like this. When I'm very tired and stressed, it feels like I didn't take my meds at all, like it cancels each other out, kinda. But somewhere, I do feel that little support I get from it. The few seconds extra to RESPOND to things instead of REACT, because without them I feel like there's no time to respond, only to react. As in, I can't stop my brain from reacting instead of responding.
It's wonderful that you have a doctor who is willing to titrate the doses of your medications. See how this goes. You might be able to cut back to just slightly under the dose you are on now... I hope you land where you are most comfortable. Comfortable AND functioning!!
I was thinking this, too. Maybe a slightly smaller dose would be a happy medium. Ability to focus a little better, without feeling like a "boring, blah" person.
Here is the thing. You took years to understand how your mind works. Adhd and all, you are successful, your own boss, and you get to work from home. Everything you do is an introverts dream! If i were in your position, i would be terrified to be messing around with that genius active brain and creating a chance to sabotage your productiveness. You are not broken. Change can be good or hard. Either way, you have changed many of our lives that i can gladly say we are here for you even if you're not your quirky self anymore.
Meds are fabulous for me. My brain still has a million ideas bouncing around, but I can finally get ahold of a few to focus on rather than the warring thoughts knocking each other away to get attention. It's not totally quiet, but it's quiet enough to feel far more calm and composed. It felt weird at first, but I embraced it. For the first time, I could find myself okay in a quiet room, not needing at least music to keep me from being the hyper mind over focusing on every detail around me.
One great thing about ADHD meds is that you don’t have to take them every day. So you can decide what you want to do. Maybe have A and B days :) You’re awesome, by the way, so funny and relatable and your channel always makes me feel good!
Great tips! For 'timed events' (your example of calling the dog back in) I always use timers, as they only remind me to do whatever thing it is once it's actually due. A constant reminder like the wristband wouldn't work for me personally, only for things I generally still need to do, but not those with a specific time to do them. And, as a bonus to preparing bedtime early: brushing teeth right after dinner means that I won't eat anything after that, and just drink water. It doesn't just prevent it because brushing twice or going to bed without brushing are not a real option, but I actually don't feel like eating anything afterwards. Nice side-effect that I'll shamelessly make use of!
I love the meds! I am not aimlessly roaming the house! I don’t feel so overwhelmed at everything that has to get done and I don’t know where to start and is it the right place to start am I failing again?!? Then I hyper focus into something ridiculous and the rest of the house isn’t done at all!!! So yes I love the peace and serenity! Also I don’t have a bottomless pit of a stomach either!!! Woohoo! I have some sort of control in what I think and the thoughts I allow to occupy my brain!!!! Everything that is different feels weird at first but if it healthy and in the right direction for you and your family it’s ok to change!
I have ADHD and this video validated sooo many things I started doing and/or thought about starting!! I love your videos!! I do not take any medication right now. I don’t love the “voices” but I think the “no noise” would freak me out. 😜
Never had prob til after divorce. Moved out of 20yr home. Unable to figure out how to organ new home. Realized my trauma had set up ADHD! Found your kids. AMAZING!! The ideas you've shared have restored my abilities to focus! I've gotten so much more done, depression has lifted over not being able to get things done. I asked GOD for help, and I find your posts!! Tks so much!!
Wow! Thank you so much for this amazing video!! I have had a brain trauma from a car accident. These tips will help me immensely!! My symptoms are the same issues you have! 🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦
I wish I could show off my new reminder trigger bracelets - you're genius! I regularly leave laundry in the washer overnight, so I bought a set and marked one "laundry." Now I'm working on ideas for some of the others! My ADHD brain and my utility bills thank you 😂😂
Thanks Cass, I totally identify with all that you shared! You're a great inspiration! I watch your videos to be inspired and to learn how to better organize as a butterfly. Thank you so much for sharing your gift with all of us! I just joined the club whoop whoop!!!
You are authentic adhd, thank you for actually displaying it and not editing it out. It's hard to not hide it or filter it to be quirky or whatever. Thanks for the help sis
Cas, you will never be boring. I honestly don’t take my adhd meds anymore…. But I also majorly struggle with the get up and go and contemplate going back to them. I stopped taking them because it felt like a chore to get them every SINGLE month… why would they make someone with adhd need to order it online, email my dr to approve it then go to the pharmacy in person and wait in line, only to have to wait 30+ mins to have it filled then wait in line again once your name is on the board. Nope….
I am 58 and have always had adhd (long before it had a name). These are super tips and I stumbled upon many of them through the years. I would also suggest taking high quality B vitamins and fish oil, tea/ coffee (just a couple of ounces) throughout the day, regular moderate exercise and timers galore.
The good thing with our medication is: we can adapt the dose to the day. Maybe have a day A and day B dose? Just try out what works best for you and then also ask Joe and the kids what they think. I promise : you will NEVER be boring! You will still be the amazing Cas 🤩
I know what you're talking about when you say ADHD meds shut your brain off and I think it's good to have that when you NEED to focus. I take mine on the weekdays and then let my brain frolic on the weekends, since I'm usually doing things I actually chose to do on those days. My ADHD meds also calm my emotions down so that I'm not busy being angry or annoyed when I should be working---sometimes I could swear I've been tranquilized lol
I learned many years ago to keep little notebooks handy. Writing stuff down is critical to learning to remember life. I make notes every where and keep my daily list in my journal/ calender book. It works.
Quiet is nice. Don't worry, your house + kids + videos + declutter clients + dog + hunger pangs + To-Do's + .... will keep you busy enough. And you'll be able to chill when you want. So you'll have CHOICES !!!
My dear friend and former coworker has ADHD. She calls it Whirling Brain Syndrome. 😂She’s on medication, but is still all over the place and I love it! I’m glad she’s still whirling around, although I imagine it can be frustrating for her. (Her computer desktop puts me in panic mode!) But being around her makes me happy! All this to say, I love your high energy. I think we all do. Who says it’s “normal” to be boring and have nothing going on in your brain? If it’s causing you big problems, maybe medication is right for you. If it’s causing you inconveniences, but you’re functioning well because you have tricks and hacks, and you’re happy without medication, that’s great too! We each need to do what will work best for our individual circumstances, needs, and wants. 😊
I don’t have adhd but I like the idea of an A and B schedule. I do get bored with routines even though I like them. It feels weird to say that as an adult because I thought being bored was just part of being an adult.
I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Hemiplegic migraine, I can't exercise, I changed to eating butter, not margarine and lost weight. Added to my diet, Ceylon cinnamon, avocado, lemon water, greek potset yoghurt then I add my favourite fruit and sometimes some Ceylon cinnamon. I have lost more weight. I still eat donuts, drink full cream milk, eat white bread. My favourite smoothy is banana, full cream milk, honey and Ceylon Cinnamon. I have allergies galore so finding something that isn't hard and not giving me a reaction is important. I was a Australian size 22 now a size 16-18. I am still loosing weight. I often have an apple before I have the yoghurt. I can't take supplements or probiotic drinks, so I have been researching what are foods I can use to get similar benefits. Important to be happy not stressed and restrictive. My clothes are getting looser. Stay away from sugar free, artificial colours, sweetners. Better to have a small amount of sugar than these harmful, unhealthy products. Anything that says zero sugar is not good can confuse your body into thinking it is getting sugar.
I mean, tidying is going to be never-ending whether we feel like it or not... The only difference is if we want to be on top of it or not. That being said - I haven't had the courage to implement it yet so who am I to talk? 😂😅
My meds don’t shut down my brain, but they make my brain’s brakes more effective. And they make things in general less annoying, which was a very nice surprise. I take mine just about every day and I wish I had ones that lasted as long as I am awake each day, after 60 years unmedicated, I’ve had quite enough of that.
I am having problems with my Dr. I am on the wrong med. I don't sleep at night. It is so amazing you get the help. And thank you for sharing the tools. To help others.. I enjoy your stories.
@@cindy844 Yes sadly we all can nod. I got to know myself well but still think "I can do it" without setting alarm etc. Now Siri is my friend and tells me to get something or turn something off.
I was taking an Rx that completely put my mind on quiet mode and I had no thoughts at all...I then noticed myself trying to focus on having a single thought at all.. it was a little scary bcus I couldn't focus on one single thing no matter how hard I tried. the quiet was nice but it was too much for me.. I needed a happy medium.. I, not thinking, decided maybe I would take a half dose and then stupidly went through a week long withdrawal... omg! so after I recovered from that, I was switched to another Rx that doesn't turn my brain off completely, allowing me to have a little chaos in my mind, but nothing that completely overwhelms me anymore. I think we all need balance, so we can still fully enjoy and experience this gift of life! ❤
God made you just the way you are!! Your are one of very few people talking about ADD. You are not crazy and you don't need meds!! Finding solutions to life's challenges helps so much. I get you Sis!! Truthfully, seeing a holistic practitioner would be better than anything! It won't fix you but if you find a good one the brain fog and SOME of the forgetfulness will subside. Just remember, we love you just the way you are. The biggest ting is YOU loving you just the way you are. I am still doing those Cass-a-thons every chance I get. Thank you for being so authentic! Blessings!😊
I do not like the punch in the face with thoughts! I didn’t know I had adhd myself but when I went to my first appointment with my therapist, she asked me if I had adhd and/or autism. I was like… no? But then I read about it and it’s a hardcore yes to ADHD, and maybe to the autism. I’m 37 and I’ve been playing life on hard mode this whole time. 😂 I tried ADHD medicine one time after and it made me feel like a person. I could get all the work that I planned on doing in my head, done. That being said- your ADHD videos are great. Keep them coming. It helps me personally because I’m right behind you in my journey & I’m unmedicated at the moment and they really help!
This video was so helpful! Thank you! As a recently diagnosed 50 yr old, it’s great to know, I’m not the only one!! And I’m team meds! The train runs as I get up and brush my teeth. But as soon as I get out into the kitchen And take my meds…ahhh calm and order starts to set in and allow me to transition into my day. I wish I had known years ago!
Im not sure how helpful this is, as i dont have ADHD...I have CPTSD instead, which gives a lot of similar symptoms. I found that when my antidepressants were put to the highest, that i got worse. I dont like being shut off. Im very spiritual, and to no longer hear my own inner voice was horrific. Put it this way, having peace is one thing,and i think is acheivable through a mid level dose and therapy. But being switched off means switching off your soul and what makes you unique. The people that tell me, i wish i had your ideas and creative brain...well i love my creative brain too. I love that i can see one point of view at 100 angles, that i can problem solve quickly because i think differently, and above all, i love that i can create beatiful things from the random thoughts i have in my head. Look at what you create Cas. Its phenomenal and we all love you for it. Dont switch off who you are...go middle ground intead and practice techniques that will help quieten the brain when you most want and need it. I believe in you, as you believe in all of us. Youve got this, just as you are!
Thanks for your - seeing an idea from 100 angles - that’s how I think. I’ve always seen it as 100 options to consider before deciding. There are sooooooo many ways to approach anything. Random thoughts and a notebook is the way to go. I am learning to discipline all this without losing my superpowers.
@alynmaus5029 absolutely 💯 its about learning how to quieten it when you need peace the most. For me, I used a few techniques - one was to treat that side of my brain as though it were a different person and just firmly say "no" (I'd change it up and expand occasionally but the simple no worked best) and say I'm just going to concentrate on this candle - the candle is all that exists. I now do it with the colour blue so I can do it anywhere. It's hard at first - don't get me wrong - but it is so worth the effort. I do still have notebooks everywhere, I do still have millions of thoughts at once. But sometimes we really need to switch off. I happen to know that Cas will say focusing on a candle is boring lol that's true! But it depends how much you want to have some peace occasionally, and whether that peace is worth the effort involved. For me it really was - I can actually sleep at night now lol
I went thru a weird time in life where I had to be on some medication....and, I also wound up in the hospital w/ therapy for awhile...it was a really wierd time....can't describe it other than that. I was so grateful to the therapists I saw...and the medication I was on. I gained alot of weight from the medication...trying now to lose it,...then that day when the doctor finally told me that I could come off the medication came Life had returned to normal...I wasn't the shell of myself that I was during that really awful time. I am grateful for all the help out there that can help a person return to their normal state....whether it's during the time of medication. ..helping to get sane, again...or, afterwards. Yes, I can relate.....to feeling a little fuzzy brained at times....they did try their best to regulate the medication to my needs. I'll be praying that your doctors can find that happy medium with your medication. I know ADHD presents some real challenges for people....and I cannot imagine the struggle you go thru daily. You're an AMAZING individual. ...you've accomplished SO MUCH despite the daily struggles. And, you have helped myself and SO MANY OTHERS. I don't talk about my mental struggle with life ...I would like to forget it....but, felt it necessary to mention it, here. Maybe the LORD allowed you to have this struggle to help us.........and, we are truly grateful. ❤
Just giving it time is the best way to go in my opinion. It's not like you can't go back and stop taking the meds if you give it a chance and don't like it.
I love your personality. I just hope the meds don’t change that. Please listen to your inner voice. Trust yourself. If you make a mistake, learn from it and move on, but trust yourself first.
I love the A day vs B day idea. In high school we did block scheduling. My junior year it worked out by happenstance that all my core classes were "red" days and all my electives were "white" days. It was actually a really nice schedule because I could relax every other day. I never thought to incorporate it into my adult life. 🤔
I have ADHD… I’ve been on a stimulant med for about 15 years. And it really helps with distractions… I can actually get my laundry done in one day, not three. And I don’t burn foods like I used to… you are missing the hyperactivity but that’ll change… you’ll actually stick to your list and get it done!! I hope you’re doing okay with your med!!!
Cas I love how much I can relate to all you're saying. I HATE cooking. If it's not fast and easy it's boring. Watching food cook is like watching paint dry! I do puzzles while I'm cooking. But you're hack will keep me closer to the hot pans. I've use TV, pod casts, and music to keep me focused on my job for years. I have an old fashioned Sony CD/radio player. It works! The hack to bring your dog home is priceless. Keep them coming girl, they are a blast!
I watched this video during cooking. 😂 And I can understand that "boring and be distracted" feeling. I feel this so often and watching or listenening to RUclips videos during cooking, scrubbing my house or even getting ready in the morning helped me a lot to get things done. 🙏🏻 I love your content! Please be careful with that medicin, I could not take it not to feel like myself. 🙈 ❤
I find that now that I’m retired (and live alone), I still have all the scrambled thoughts but they’ve toned down a lot! Why? Because I’ve decided it’s OK to talk out loud… to myself, or to the commercial I don’t like, or when I’m preparing food, or to motivate myself while doing chores, etc. I know! We’ve been conditioned to think that’s crazy people stuff or signs of old age or whatever! But I find it actually calms my brains overstimulation. And depending on what I’m “discussing” with myself, it helps me to stay focused. Crazy? Well…maybe, but I feel more in control AND I think it helps to keep me from retreating into a silent introverted state that I was frequently in beforehand.
Oh, I did forget to mention however, that there is one heavy drawback to allowing myself to talk to myself is that my phones AI is probably taking notes, lol! Or silently laughing 😂
Wonderful video! I love taking my meds. It IS odd with the quiet. However i love love love thinking "hey, those dishes need to be done" and then just getting up and doing them. No negotiation or argument with myself, just the action that needs to be done. Will you be boring? No!! You will be you with more focus. Have no fear, you are innately weird and we love you for it!! PS collab with how to adhd when? ❤❤
I keep a JIC, just in case, bag with me all the time. Nail clippers, lip stuff, hair ties, etc. People also thought I was crazy when I said I have to listen to music/watch videos while trying to concentrate on projects/studying. Now it's understandable.
Love the ADHD tips! More! More, please. I combine my love for Alexa with audiobooks. I have an Alexa “group” named everywhere and I put ALL my Alexa devices in it. When I’m home alone, I say Alexa, play audible everywhere. Then as I go from room to room, the audiobook is playing everywhere so I don’t have to deal with headphones or my phone/other player. BTW, so glad Alexa can handle more than one BFF because it’s my BFF too. Tip: When boiling pasta, out a wooden spoon across the top of the pot, it really does help keep it from boiling over, though it can still boil dry.😂 When I set a timer or a reminder and I, not finished with the task yet, I tell Alexa to snooze ten minutes because I also get distracted.
Cas, I love this video! I'm a pan killer, which means I get bored, walk away, and realize I left a pan on the stove when the smoke alarm goes off! I try to watch RUclips videos when I'm cooking, but sometimes I remember that I need to do something and still walk away, so I'm going to try your spiral bracelets, fingers crossed! And cleaning the shower, I'll spray the stuff, let it sit for 10 minutes, or 10 hours, and I cuss myself out when I jump in the icky shower in the morning. Thank you for being yourself!
I like the wrist tags idea! If you write on the plastic part of the tag (not paper insert) with permanent marker, it can be removed for a new reminder by scribbling all over the permanent writing with erase/wipe-off marker and then swiped with a tissue. Ta-da! Old (permanent???) note gone and room for a new reminder ready.
Cass, you are my twin! There are so many of your hacks that I have come to on my own through many painful years of learning!!! I wish I could travel back in time and watch this video when I was 20. I was laughing my butt off with the Starbucks thing because I keep old Starbucks cups so I can fool myself into thinking I went to the drive-through by making my ice string at home before I leave because it’s literally the only way I can control my impulse to go through the drive-through. And your costumed cleaning…. 😂❤️, I have literally done this my family will attest to. my teenage son said that it’s impossible for me to embarrass him since he has lived with me his whole life and that I’m “only embarrassing myself” . 😂 I would absolutely love more of these videos. The A and B day thing I think is going to really help me. Thank you, feeling really validated and love hearing the science behind why my brain needs to do things the way I do.
Cas, I LOVE your videos! I love how "real life" you are, so please keep it up! When my son (VERY ADHD) got his wisdom teeth out, the surgeon prescribed hydroxyzine with his pain pill. The hydroxyzine was supposed to help the pain pill work longer. Hydroxyzine also made his brain quiet! We talked about it, and he had a bad experience on regular ADHD meds in elementary school and he's not wanting to take meds right now. But he knows he can go to the Dr if he changes his mind. What you said at the end of your video reminded me of that. The struggle is real!
You've just made it completely clear that I have undiagnosed ADHD. I do everything that you do. I will burn food because I just can't stand there... watching paint dry. I have been hacking my life for 39 years. I have to write everything down and put everything away immediately or else it won't happen.
I CANNOT get my son to make lists and set alarms. Then he complains that he was late on getting something important done. (Yes he’s an adult) He’s going through alot, but he needs to use whatever hacks he can.
When your brain goes quiet, it's like a giant weight has been lifted and you get to actively choose what to think about and what to do. I wouldn't call it "empty headed" to me it's more like the air traffic controller for my brain has been on vacation and he's suddenly back and everything is running smoothly like it should
I don't have ADHD but I do have a busy brain, and yesterday I walked away after startiing some oil in the pot and had a kitchen fire! SO what I do is I clean the kitchen so I don't leave the kitchen and don't get bored lol
There is someone on Tik Tok who puts on tavern music and turns the lights low to pretend she's a middle earth bar maid clearing up for the night when she does dishes, cracks me up!
That is so clever!!!!
I love this idea!
😂😂😂❤
Ohhh, as a Skyrim and LOTR fan, this idea is **everything!** It adds to the gamifying factor, too. Such as "Clean kitchen level-up! Roll for level up points." Something like that, anyway. 😅
So cute 😂😂😂
Please continue to share adhd content. It helps me so much.
Yes please
Cas you need your own reality show because we will tune in ALL DAY!!! On top of everything, you are a natural comedian with impeccable timing and relatability!! You are a STAR 🌟 🎥👏
Why are we here in this life? Why do we die? What will happen to us after death?
@@nevergiveup5939We are here to worship God. To live a good life here and then live in heaven after we die.
She hosted Hot Mess House like 6ish years ago on HGTV or some similar channel.
I'll watch you most of the day😁💞🙋♀️🙏
And Just Say No to Reality Show🙏🙏🏽🙏🏾🙏🏼😁 Because it's not Real and Families don't stay Together on Them😬😁☺️😂😂🥺
Hey Cass. Great tips. Half my family has ADD OR ADHD. some people dont understand about it. Some meds help but you also need non medical coping issues.😊❤
I have ADHD. I was diagnosed when I was 11 and have been on and off meds since then--I'm now in my mid-30s. I'm also a psych major so while I'm NOT a psychologist, I know a bit more than the average joe. So, I would say that if you're feeling like your brain is "shutting down" the dosage may just be too high for you to feel yourself. AND THAT'S OKAY! Part of slowly raising a dosage is to find out where to stop, and if you've hit the level where you want to take a step back, then that's good! Now you can tweak the dosage in minor ways instead of major "jumps" like you described.
Personally, I have found different dosages have worked for me during different parts of my life. A dose I was on a few years ago may not be comfortable to take anymore once I'm back on it. I've started and stopped my meds both willingly and unwillingly, so I know what I'm like with and without meds at the best and worst times. When my meds are working correctly, I feel like I've been squinting around on a bright sunny day and I finally have found my sunglasses. But also, meds feel like I've turned my flashlight from dim and wide, to bright and focused. I become less aware of all the tiny distractions, like birds flying near a window, but I also feel like my brain was tensed up pushing hard at something, that suddenly became super easy.
If you still are feeling like you're losing part of yourself taking your meds, even after tweaking the dosage, maybe try doing your "B days" off medication, or weekends off? Sometimes having a break, and letting your brain just... be itself, can be really powerful. It's important to recognize that your meds are a tool for you to use, not something chained to you. Just make sure your doctors know, especially if you're being drug tested to make sure you're taking your meds, and especially especially if you're still enrolled in the program you spoke about that is trying to find a way to help you manage your adhd.
I completely agree. Meds of any kind should be a tool! I'm really struggling in life to the point it's causing me pain.(yes I have ADHD) So I just started the long process of finding a med that works for me! I genuinely suspect for me, someday I won't need them any more. It's about what you need right now. And using the tools given to you.
When I was first looking into meds, and being very resistant to it, I had the thought. I wouldn't keep my arm out of a cast if it was broken. But I also wouldn't put a fine arm into a cast. It's about balance.
Cass I have “ADHD” and my husband is weirdly similar to yours. When I listened to your ADHD story I felt like you were telling my childhood story. And from what I can tell, we both have what I call “the ADHD personality type”. I can relate to so many things you talk about. One of the many things that stood out to me, when you told your ADHD story, was when you said that “people really like your energy at first, then they get tired of you”….That’s my whole life. The only person who hasn’t gotten tired of my high stung personality is my husband (we have been married 32 years, and we have 4 sons) I’m silly, irreverent, I like to do things my way, I think I’m fun. But I have been told I can be a “bit much”. I’m 51 now but, In my early 40’s I felt like I needed to fix that stuff. Be a “normal” adult. My doctor gave me ADHD drugs. They worked. I became more “normal”. But after a while i realized I missed myself. I wasn’t as fun anymore. I wasn’t me anymore. So, I stopped my meds. I decided instead to try really hard, to become more aware of who I am and how I spend my time. I try to be self aware of how I act in social situations and when I get too hyper. I try to recognize when my brain gets distracted, and if I get too unfocused. I consciously bring myself down a notch. I don’t want to stop being me. I just try to be a more in control me. This is a work in progress. It doesn’t always work. But I am always trying to be better and I find things that help. Like your RUclips and your books. I also listen lots of other books to keep my brain busy while I get other stuff done. How my brain works is not bad, or I needs to be fixed. I believe ADHD is a personality type. So, Just like our husbands are Laidback, quiet and more thoughtful… and not hyper like us. Does that mean there is something wrong with them? Should they take drugs to become more energetic and more silly like us? I like who I am. I just try to take deep breaths and’s stay focused. And watch your RUclips 😄. Cuz you are “my people”. lol. I have a hard time being focused, I work on that. So in closing, maybe ADHD is just who we are. I like who we are.
This, all this. I'm 61 and I only got diagnosed a year ago. I've been my whole life the way I am - over-thinking, skitty, fun, a foil for my "boring" husband, in hyper-drive. My daughter actually diagnosed me when she was doing a Masters in Neurodivergent Thinking for education. I never knew that girls get different ADHD. I have always been high-functioning and would always pick up on the little important things that people missed at work - my superpower. I am, however, exactly like Cass and any ADHDer about housework. My husband (and I) never understood it. He also never got why my mind never shut up. It now all makes sense. How did I cope all those years without meds? Mindfulness therapy. It works.
Good comment. Insightful.
I'm begging for paragraph breaks. ❤
Perfectly said. If medication works for you (anyone), I would never suggest to stop taking it, but if you “miss yourself” then I believe it’s critical to ask yourself if your life was in need of “fixing”, or just adapting to the way your brain works? I would hate the world if everyone was the same. Read Thom Hartmann’s ADD: a Different Perception, completely changed the trajectory of my life!
I love this whole comment but especially this part - “I don’t want to stop being me. I just try to be a more in control me.”
My 21-yr-old has inattentive ADD (no hyperactivity). He was properly diagnosed at age 17. After the psychiatrist tested, re-tested, rinse, repeat for over a year, Son is at almost the highest dose they recommend is safe. He's been cold-turkey for 4 days before due to office error (we ended up changing doctors... solely because of her office staff), and for those 4 days without medication, he was so completely inattentive. He couldn't drive, couldn't do his school work, couldn't keep up with a conversation, and was miserable the whole time. With the medicine, he's a normal guy and still has the ADD superpowers that none of the rest of our family has. He's Mr. Attention... does homework, carries on a conversation, plans his week, and basically does a bunch of things incredibly well at the same time. Thank goodness we now have a reliable psych's office.
Hi! Which medication is he on? I also have inattentive ADD. The stimulants worked somewhat, but not perfectly and I got anxiety, heart palpitations and then irritability when they wore off. I am now on Wellbutrin, which helps me function okay and really helps depression and anxiety. I'm just curious if there's something better out there nowadays, or if I just need better coping habits. Thanks! I'm so glad your son has a supportive mom that advocates for him!
@@theflowergirl55 He's on Vyvanse.
yeah but think about it, its a stimulant, there are risks to the heart according to my dr. he did a blood pressure test before he would sign off on my medication. i take the lowest dose of concerta and get a noticeable boost. i also i notice my pulse is 20 beats faster regularly on my fitbit. be aware
Bless you for speaking fast and getting to the point inmediately
LoL 😂 .. I had to slow down the playback speed so i could catch what she was so saying so rapidly. I need a few extra moments for what I hear to sink into my brain cells.
Plus, I was writing down the tips as we went along and she can talk way faster than I can write.
@@briannab5296 I’m the same way. Sometimes I slow vlogs down so I can listen. Other times I speed them up because I just want to hear the vlog. 🤷♀️
Amen!!!
I have a 'Get ready to go' alarm and a 'Leave' alarm on my phone. I just changed the time for whatever time I need to go that day. I set them 15 or 30 min apart depending on what I need to do before I go. 😊
I do this too. But I add an extra one to let the dogs out/in, and get them settled before I leave. It takes 15 min, but if I don't set that alarm, I end up leaving late.
Same. And I have my Alexa tell me when to do certain things that have to be done manually, but if I can automate it with a smart plug etc then you can bet I’ve found a way
Cass, please don't shut your brain down! I don't NEED to watch your channel - my house is decluttered and my housework etc gets done, I watch you because you are so high energy and entertaining. I love people with ADHD, they bring excitement and life to the world!
Totally Agree!
Why do you need a full shut down? What about half? I think that a danger exists in trying to shut off adhd and they will alter your personality. Be assertive in maintaining your comfort level. They are capable of turning you into a zombie.
Yes, I agree. As someone with ADHD I would never shut down my brain even though it can be torture at times....because our brains move faster than the average person which means we also catch things that others will miss (because they don't overthink). I wouldn't trade that ability for anything. It can save lives!
@emeraldtiger7135 I feel the same way. I don't feel myself without the voices in my head and I love jumping around from one task to another, it makes me so productive in my own way. I think medication can be great when people seriously struggle like Cas when she was younger. But for those who accepted their different brains and adjusted their life according to their needs, it is ok to not have a normal brain. Normal is overrated when hacks and trying different things can get you through struggles.
@@ronjab4586 well I wouldn't say I'm not struggling because I am...time management is my biggest issue. But I do love variety in my day and I don't want to feel like a zombie just doing repetitive tasks with little creativity. So it's like you said, use the hacks and practice some form of meditation to quiet the mind for a bit. I prefer moving meditation cause I can't sit still for too long. And that's not a bad thing when you're 50.
I love the comments concerning your medication issue. Much to ponder from all sides.
As a 67 year old woman who is probably ADHD I have lived long enough to know you don’t stay the same person all your life anyway.
You enter into seasons, you learn new things all the time, you adjust constantly, you look back and wish you knew then what you know now, you strive to find a better way each day. Things I loved during one season of life leave me ‘meh’ now.
Change is par for the course whether through educated discipline or assisted by medication or both.
I love this part of aging. I'm in a really (well, pretty good) place now. My daughter is struggling but I can encourage her that things change, even our body chemistry. Thank you for sharing this hopeful message. 🌻🍄
This is the most relatable hack video I have EVER seen. Like all the problems sound like you're solving my life
Edit: I just saw the ending😭 I impulsively comment the moment I have a thought.
I also cried the second* time I was approved for medication as a 23 y/o on my own as I was the only one who believed I have ADHD.
I want my medication but it makes me twitch/tic a lot more and I don't think it works well. Our health care is not that advanced that you have a team checking on you .. I do feel my brain gets quieter but I still have no motivation to do the thing in front of me. Which is making my boring office job such a depressing experience...
but with the free time I have when there is nothing to react to at work, I use the creative punches of thoughts to do all sorts of junk. Like I'd learn to code a new programming language, and design random things on Canva, and draw, and start a new bullet journal (again)... And think of ideas for starting a company, watch hours of mindless RUclips content or research hours of a topic like ADHD, or talk to chatgpt or plan my whole currently non-existant, future, successful RUclips channel. But I'm actively doing nothing of importance. None of the creative things I do have any affect on my quality of life. I usually also don't finish doing the things and forget about them. I wish I could just afford to go to a real, good therapist to tell me what to do about all this. Help me get rid of the memories of my dad saying I won't make a living with art or making things and being a blogger/vlogger(7 years ago) is not a job and I'm wasting my time on useless things and I HAVE to study and get a degree. I want the anguish to just go away. I want to actually be productive again.
@@NakeyNayNayi hate how relatable this is. 😢
@@NakeyNayNay I was recently watching a quit-sugar summit. There is lots of evidence that food can affect brain chemistry. Some of us can be addicted to sugar (white flour, processed foods etc.); while others can be emotional eaters (stuffing our feelings down with food). The dopamine hit is really what we're searching for. If you're up for exploring diet to help you get off the meds, there are lots of "quit sugar" videos on RUclips... Even if you're not, love your brain, you are perfectly imperfect and you are enough. Sending blessings...
@@snickersclown2897 Aw, thank you so much! I'll definitely look into that. It may then be processed foods. I did grow up consuming a lot of processed foods and it's a bad habit I retained as an adult, to go for quick rather than healthy.
However I've been off sugar for some time now. I only use a liquid, non-nutritive sweetener that I've found tastes the least chemical-ly of all the artificial sweeteners. The ingredients say: Contains Water, acesulfameK, Sodium Saccharin, Citric acid and Potassium Sorbate, if you were curious. I'll go check out what those mean for my brain chemistry. Thank you for the suggestion and the supportiveness😊 💜❤️
My heart goes out to everyone who can relate, and the people who don't hesitate to reach out to help where they can💖
I want to share how I was able to get my kids (both with ADD/ADHD), to help with the house cleaning and upkeep:
1) I tell them I need to start laundry so to get their clothes, towels and bedding (if needed) together so I can start a load. Once they completed that task, I go to the next step.
2) Then, I ask them to gather all the dishes that are scattered throughout the house so I can load and start the dishwasher. Once completed, I go to the next step.
3) Then I hand them a trash bag and ask them to get all the trash together and run it out to the trash cans. Once completed, I go to the next step.
4) Since the major items are now picked up, I have them pick up and put away anything left on the floors…toys, books, etc.
5) And finally, I have them vacuum their rooms and the main living areas of the home.
I learned that if I say “Go clean your rooms”, they tended to get lost in there. So I did a focused task, one at a time, in order to get the house in a live-able state. I started this when my youngest was 8-9 years old. I learned this idea from my kids ADHD therapist. It probably took my son a month to figure out what I was doing but he realized that it worked really well so he kept doing it. He took this process into his own home as an adult. Was it always perfect…no, but it got our home looking better than before we started doing it. Also, we might focus on 1-2 tasks a day or would be able to complete them all in one day. It all depended on our schedules.
One other huge tip I can give is that when you are doing laundry, finish it all the way…hang up or fold items straight from the dryer and put the clothes away. It was a HUGE game-changer for me and I no longer had piles of clean, but wrinkled clothes laying around. Trust me on this one…❤
Okay, the rest sounds like gold, so I'm gonna trust you on the laundry....😂 well, I'm gonna try it, at least lol.
Not a mom but a former kid, being told to clean my room just filled me with dread. I didn't know where to start and was left to deal with those feelings of overwhelm and self loathing by myself. Helping guide your kids while also allowing them to do these tasks themselves feels like a beautiful balance. They are getting the support they need and not not being made to feel like they can't do anything.
Finishing my laundry whenever I do it has been a game changer for me as well!! No wrinkles and a ten minute job doesn't hang over me all week!!
This is how i clean and i have adhd
I hung a shower curtain rod above my washer and dryer. Clothes come out of the dryer, get put on a hanger, and hung up right there. They may not always make it to the closet, but at least they’re not wrinkled!
I have ADHD. My racing thoughts were usually very self destructive, and sometimes downright scary. Medication has been a blessing because it gets rid of all those self-loathing thoughts so I can get things done instead of dwelling on all the ways I could possibly be falling short. It's not perfect, but it's faaaarrr better.
Thank you for teaching us something new about ADHD. I can understand now how it could be harmful.
What do you take?
I'm working on finding a medication that works...but when adderall did work, the quiet was... so comforting. I am comorbid with OCD/GAD/Panic disorder, so maybe that's why I love the quiet. I also am very self destructive and impulsive so having it drowned out was really nice
This is why I need to get diagnosed so I can see if the meds will quiet my brain. I'm down right cruel to myself even when I try not to be. The voice never shuts up. 😔
I am just coming to the realization that I may have ADD and finding out that there's medication that can relieve the torture almost makes me want to cry.
Fellow ADHD mom here. I’ve I just gone back to taking medicine for my ADHD after years of not needing it. I have gone back and forth with many chapters of my life.
For years I had a job that was perfect for me, outside and constantly changing with frequent non negotiable deadlines. I found I was more productive without meds in that roll.
Now I have found I’m not the mom and leader I want to be. the meds help me stay on task at work, remember the dance bag, wipes, extra clothes etc. It also helps me regulate my emotions when mom overwhelm hits.
I know I will have another chapter where my ADHD habits will allow me to thrive. Till then I will take it and (most days) be glad it’s a tool to build systems to manage my ADHD and be the mom and leader my kids and team need.
I love your channel and your videos have actually helped me to love my brain again. I find that with the right meds and dose I’m still my high energy self. It’s just less exhausting and takes less food.
I lost my husband 20 years ago and struggled to get anything done. A therapist friend of mine told me to pick 3 things to do each day. That allowed me to quit doing chores after the 3 things were done. If I did the 3 things and wanted to do more- that was a bonus
Oh my gosh I absolutely LOVE that feeling of my brain being quiet. My first experience of taking stimulants was like walking from a busy street into a church or a museum, it was sudden sense of everything going quiet, and I'm just like 'Oh wow, everything is so peaceful, I'm going to meditate now!' and I did. It was awesome. --- It really isn't that you stop thinking, but that suddenly you have the focus to think of only one thing at a time, and that is a heck of a thing to get used to!
I don’t have adhd but I have dealt with clinical depression. I was on medication for years and it worked. The racing thoughts led to anxiety and addictive behaviours. I don’t need the medication anymore. I taught myself to be mindful. Not having the racing thoughts did take some getting used to, but I wouldn’t change it. I am the most boring person now but the medication also aloud me to take myself off the hook. I’m a human being, not a human doing. I enjoy the journey instead of trying to find ‘what’s next’.
Very well said. I like your statement "I'm a human being, not a human doing." I'm going to borrow that and see if I can teach myself the meaning of that statement.
allowed, not aloud .. two different meanings.
But I love your message, human being not a human doing.
I was diagnosed with ADHD at age 50. I was studying to get my masters and as I was going through this I had talked to my psychiatrist and I actually cried about the fact that I am very successful, but it is so damn hard and I have to have so many checks and balances in my life. we started slow on medication and found one that works for me. And the first time I read through stuff for my masters class and realized that I had read it in two hours and hadn’t gotten distracted, I cried because I was sad that it could have been like that sooner in my life. That being said, I do not find that my brain has, completely shut down or that it is super quiet in my head. I am still me. To be honest, I would see if there’s another medication. Or at least see if you still feel the same after you’ve been on it for a week or so, and your body has gotten used to it. My husband says he can tell the difference because I am at least less likely to interrupt him, but I am still telling stories and having tangents and connecting the dots that other people don’t see.
Omg This totally made me cry 😢 because I too have been diagnosed in my 40s your comment is so similar to mine thank you for sharing ❤
As someone who also struggles with adhd I can't tell you how much I appreciate you making these videos!
Yay!
I think the key to medicating ADHD is finding the perfect balance of quieting the chaos just enough to help you function better, but not so much that it changes who you are.
I’ve been off medication while pregnant and now breastfeeding and I miss it! But it’s certainly possible to live without.
Cas I cried when you said it stopped. That happened to me years ago. I saw a psychiatrist for years. They thought I was bipolar but the meds they gave me actually made it worse. I struggled so bad. I saw a new psych doc and she said with such a gentle, kind voice so not to cause offense, “I don’t think you’re bipolar, I think you may have adhd.” I was thrown by that to be honest. We tried different meds and one day I felt the quiet for the first time. I get you Cas! Seriously when you said that it brought me right back to that moment when the “mania/ hyperactivity “ just stopped. I won’t lie and say it wasn’t hard when those random thoughts stopped. I had no idea how to live a life without it. I struggled a bit. However until then I just couldn’t do anything without getting distracted then suddenly I was publishing my first book. I was getting my life together. I was saving money. I kept a clean home. Things just changed. So now it’s ten years later and my meds have not been working so great. I’ve fallen a little bit and started struggling again. Your channel is a great help btw. I feel so understood because you get the struggle and are so open about it. I appreciate the candor, truly. Please give us an update here on your journey with it. Also what type of adhd therapist are you seeing? I need to look into that myself. I’ve never seen an adhd therapist but I think that would also help me.
can you please tell me the name of the meds that worked for you
@@nahedsherif5120 the med that helped me originally was low dose adderall. My body doesn’t process the extended release medication so I had to take the old prescription and it worked well for over 9 years. It’s only currently not working as well.
I have ADHD and my meds don't make my mind quiet. I wish they would.
@@allisonlink6311 I’d talk to your med provider about it. You might be on the wrong dosage or the wrong meds all together. I recently spoke to a woman who told me that after many years she had to go down on her adhd meds because they stopped working but the doctor kept raising the meds. She took a lower dose and it got better. Just remember our bodies change over the years. I hope you figure it out because I know personally it can be very frustrating
Cas. Been a follower before you shared the ADD diagnosis… I think
I take adderal and still feel my mind races and my Blood pressure now scares me as it was low now high… I’m late diagnosed ADD … but have been doing tons of research on perimenopause/ menopause and how the loss of estrogen can exacerbate the presence of ADD … though low estrogen can mimic to look like ADD… very weird looking back I think I have always had ADD… but with the addition of a couple hormone I feel like a normal person though the mind races a bit … obviously, if your reading this LOL. Anyway
1. I’d like to know what med you were switched too
2. Encourage you to have your hormones tested by someone associated with the former menopause society… could be low estrogen… with is associated with increases in cardiovascular problems, stroke, Type 2 Diabetes,High cholesterol … and a multitudes of weird issues brain fog, frozen shoulder, depression and many more.
I am blessed to watch,learn and laugh with you!
Thank you
At the end of your video, I think you raise some of the most common questions those of us who struggle with brain issues face: what is the difference between my disordered thinking and my personality? Is there a place where I end and my mental issue begins? If I change my brain chemistry, am I changing who I am? And then there's the cost/benefit side of it too--how much have I gained from the weird way my brain works versus what I may have lost? I like that you're giving the meds time because that will help you see what kind of fun and creativity emerge, even with the meds. It's a tough, and entirely individual, decision. I'm glad you have a therapist and a great family to support you.
Love this response. My faculty in a PhD program Tell me that I see connections that nobody else notices, between widely divided and different things.
Love the idea of an A/B Day--My busy brain needs the structure of a schedule, but also some variety and a bit of opportunity to procrastinate (like telling myself "today is closet laundry put away day--you can put off the cube storage stuff until tomorrow")
My son takes Vyvanse for ADHD and he absolutely loves it! He’s doing so well in school, he can concentrate and still have fun. His temper is under control and he’s just so happy. He has only been on meds this year-he’s 16. I didn’t want to put him on meds any earlier due to addictive tendencies on both sides of the family but when he ASKED to be put on meds, it was a no brainer! Last week, his psychologist asked if he planned to take it over the summer. My son said, “Absolutely yes!”” It’s not just for the classroom. This has really changed his life for the better.
I have also been put on Vyvanse since my diagnosis (it’s only six months, lol) and the difference! Wow! I can’t help but imagine what my own high school life would’ve been like if I’d had this ability to just focus. Glad he’s found that it makes such a difference in his day-to-day life.
Exactly the same as my son…his grades were better …he took meds for his adhd at 18…he can concentrate and generally life is better and more productive….we didn’t know he had it till around 17…it’s a pity he wasn’t on meds for his last year at secondary school….but he’s at university now and it’s a game changer….I’ve just discovered I have adhd too , at 54…. It does effect me significantly, im off with fairies all day long, always have been…Am wondering,contemplating whether it’s worth starting on meds though….
Him being able to focus outside of school will allow him to learn all kinds of useful skills they don't teach in school. While taking breaks off meds is good, it's still important to get to enjoy non productive free time when one is at their best on the meds.
When I'm particularly unmotivated, I put on a RUclips channel that fits whatever it is I need to do. Cas for cleaning, pc channels or productivity channels for office work, "how to RUclips" when I need to make a video, etc. It's really helpful.
Me too!
Me too! ❤
Absolutely
Agreed!!😊
Great idea..I will try it. But you don't get stuck watching videos?
I have ADHD and I love to clean the house! I drive people crazy with all the cleaning and organizing I do, and the rearranging of things. I also forget to eat (or buy food), so I stopped buying food. I love your tips on food. I also put a tablet near the kitchen so i would stay in the kitchen, when i do need to be in there! Oh my gosh when you talked about going to bed....that's ME!
I love when you address cleaning from an ADHD perspective!!! Ty!!!
Hello, fellow ADHDERS! I have been on Adderall 15 mg for about 3 years now. I like feeling like I am on control and don't mind living on the ADhD edge. I have found it helpful to have had a counselor as well as an ADHD acoach to talk things over with. It makes a difference when you can talk to people with multiple people who have tried medication themselves. I can relate to everything you expressed in this video and hope you find your flow. P.S. you activated my Alexa while I was watching this video!😂😂😂
I decided against medication for this reason. I've gone more the life hacks route. But I very much support everyone doing what is best for them. Thank you for speaking about it. And you gave me a lot of things to try.
I'm currently dosing down Wellbutrin for the summer, I have SAD, tried going down before and found out Wellbutrin is given for ADHD. went back on, So far its not totally effecting my ADHD. What are you taking?? would love to switch to something else.
Everyone’s adhd varies in severity so while that might work for you, some people, like me, can’t even find the motivation to do these hacks without medication. I take meds every day and my life is still a struggle 😅
That’s great that you don’t need them, just remember to never judge people who do! Sounds like you already have the correct mindset I just wanted to offer a reminder :)
@@Prettyswagdad did you even read the whole comment? Where was the judgement? I literally said I support others decisions on what works best for them.
@@alliedanielle2897 Did you read my whole comment? I said “sounds like you already have the correct mindset.” I even put a smiley face to assure you I wasn’t attacking you. Jeez
The pipeline from “I don’t need medication” to “other people don’t need medication” is dangerous and although I KNOW YOU DONT think that, I just wanted to remind you, so you don’t fall down the hole
You don't know how much I appreciate this video
LOL😂 The way you "slapted" the dust from your plant and swept by pretending you're a wizard was hilarious! 😅❤
Glad you think so!
"The cleaning tool chooses the cleaner, Mr/Ms (insert name), it's not always clear why." I had to. 😂
Having your house adapt to us, rather than us adapting to our house made me feel so comforted. Thank you Cass. You have improved the quality of my living space. I'm not perfect, but thanks to you, I'm making strides.
I raised a grandson with acute ADHD and acute ODD. In first grade he was removed from school and placed in a partial program for a year. He was diagnosed and meds were tried to address his needs. When he returned to school in second grade he took meds in the morning, but they wore off and he needed a booster dose. We scheduled them for when he would have an unstructured time. Unfortunately they also wore off in the evening, but he was already on maximum doses. His behaviors were beyond believable. Good thing God gave me patience. He is grown up now, (26) and finally able to manage his ADHD on his own. Some kids absolutely need the meds. Some kids don’t. I learned so much. A friend of mine criticized my giving him meds. As she sat in my living room watching him rum back and forth like watching a tennis match, I said it must be 4 o’clock time for the booster dose. In minutes after taking it, he was sitting at the coffee table coloring. She still comments that if she didn’t see it herself, she would not have believed it. ADHD is real!
I worked as a pediatric psych nurse in a residential treatment facility for 8 years. So many medications prescribed for those kids. One thing I would say, you shouldn't feel "flat" or not like yourself. The medication shouldn't dull your brain, just make it work for you! Does that even make sense? Lol
With my ADHD I went through a similar experience when I was in middle school. I told my mom that it felt like I'd lost my personality on my pill. We had a really good heart to heart about the "real me" and I can honestly say that I love who I am on my pill now. What she told me and what I did was: rather than, not taking my pill and struggling to think and get things done, I should try to taking my pill and work on being my outgoing exciting self. Well, it worked. I got my enthusiastic personality back but because of my pill I could think. Now, when I miss my pill, I hate how my brain feels and I take my pill as fast as I can so my brain will work in the morning.
I LOVE that you are sharing more and more about your ADHD journey!! I have an almost 16 year old daughter who was only diagnosed a year ago. I'm still learning so much, and your videos are very helpful and insightful! Thank you!!
I LOVE that idea of putting my bathroom stuff in a basket, then putting the basket on a free floating shelf when I'm done! I've been trying to figure out what to do with my many things on my bathroom counter. And I've got a very small counter and bathroom. Game changer! I'm gonna go buy a basket and a shelf!! 😁❤️🥰 THANK YOU!! ❤️
I've only known I have ADHD for about a year and am on meds. And it's exactly as you described, silence in my head! But for me, it sparked tears of joy! I never felt more relaxed and at ease in my life! I felt like I could take on the world, because there was now space for it. I felt like I had TIME to do the things. After a few months, I must say, it feels like the meds don't do anything. Because I'm used to my brain being like this. When I'm very tired and stressed, it feels like I didn't take my meds at all, like it cancels each other out, kinda. But somewhere, I do feel that little support I get from it. The few seconds extra to RESPOND to things instead of REACT, because without them I feel like there's no time to respond, only to react. As in, I can't stop my brain from reacting instead of responding.
The ADHD struggle is real. I always check your channel for hacks. Such good ones. Thank you.
It's wonderful that you have a doctor who is willing to titrate the doses of your medications. See how this goes. You might be able to cut back to just slightly under the dose you are on now... I hope you land where you are most comfortable. Comfortable AND functioning!!
I was thinking this, too. Maybe a slightly smaller dose would be a happy medium. Ability to focus a little better, without feeling like a "boring, blah" person.
Here is the thing. You took years to understand how your mind works. Adhd and all, you are successful, your own boss, and you get to work from home.
Everything you do is an introverts dream!
If i were in your position, i would be terrified to be messing around with that genius active brain and creating a chance to sabotage your productiveness.
You are not broken. Change can be good or hard. Either way, you have changed many of our lives that i can gladly say we are here for you even if you're not your quirky self anymore.
Meds are fabulous for me. My brain still has a million ideas bouncing around, but I can finally get ahold of a few to focus on rather than the warring thoughts knocking each other away to get attention. It's not totally quiet, but it's quiet enough to feel far more calm and composed. It felt weird at first, but I embraced it. For the first time, I could find myself okay in a quiet room, not needing at least music to keep me from being the hyper mind over focusing on every detail around me.
One great thing about ADHD meds is that you don’t have to take them every day. So you can decide what you want to do. Maybe have A and B days :) You’re awesome, by the way, so funny and relatable and your channel always makes me feel good!
For stimulants this is true. Non stimulant meds need to be taken every day.
Great tips!
For 'timed events' (your example of calling the dog back in) I always use timers, as they only remind me to do whatever thing it is once it's actually due. A constant reminder like the wristband wouldn't work for me personally, only for things I generally still need to do, but not those with a specific time to do them.
And, as a bonus to preparing bedtime early: brushing teeth right after dinner means that I won't eat anything after that, and just drink water. It doesn't just prevent it because brushing twice or going to bed without brushing are not a real option, but I actually don't feel like eating anything afterwards. Nice side-effect that I'll shamelessly make use of!
I love the meds! I am not aimlessly roaming the house! I don’t feel so overwhelmed at everything that has to get done and I don’t know where to start and is it the right place to start am I failing again?!? Then I hyper focus into something ridiculous and the rest of the house isn’t done at all!!! So yes I love the peace and serenity! Also I don’t have a bottomless pit of a stomach either!!! Woohoo! I have some sort of control in what I think and the thoughts I allow to occupy my brain!!!! Everything that is different feels weird at first but if it healthy and in the right direction for you and your family it’s ok to change!
I have ADHD and this video validated sooo many things I started doing and/or thought about starting!! I love your videos!! I do not take any medication right now. I don’t love the “voices” but I think the “no noise” would freak me out. 😜
For me, I find taking my adhd medication when I’m REQUIRED to do executive functioning tasks really helps me.
Never had prob til after divorce. Moved out of 20yr home. Unable to figure out how to organ new home. Realized my trauma had set up ADHD! Found your kids. AMAZING!! The ideas you've shared have restored my abilities to focus! I've gotten so much more done, depression has lifted over not being able to get things done. I asked GOD for help, and I find your posts!! Tks so much!!
Wow! Thank you so much for this amazing video!! I have had a brain trauma from a car accident. These tips will help me immensely!! My symptoms are the same issues you have! 🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦
I wish I could show off my new reminder trigger bracelets - you're genius! I regularly leave laundry in the washer overnight, so I bought a set and marked one "laundry." Now I'm working on ideas for some of the others! My ADHD brain and my utility bills thank you 😂😂
Thanks Cass, I totally identify with all that you shared! You're a great inspiration! I watch your videos to be inspired and to learn how to better organize as a butterfly. Thank you so much for sharing your gift with all of us! I just joined the club whoop whoop!!!
You are authentic adhd, thank you for actually displaying it and not editing it out. It's hard to not hide it or filter it to be quirky or whatever. Thanks for the help sis
Cas, you will never be boring. I honestly don’t take my adhd meds anymore…. But I also majorly struggle with the get up and go and contemplate going back to them. I stopped taking them because it felt like a chore to get them every SINGLE month… why would they make someone with adhd need to order it online, email my dr to approve it then go to the pharmacy in person and wait in line, only to have to wait 30+ mins to have it filled then wait in line again once your name is on the board. Nope….
Zebrasrock31 those drugs are addictive, so they keep a close watch on the patients.
God, right?! You also reminded me that I still need to schedule the annual drug test so they keep letting me take it
I am 58 and have always had adhd (long before it had a name). These are super tips and I stumbled upon many of them through the years. I would also suggest taking high quality B vitamins and fish oil, tea/ coffee (just a couple of ounces) throughout the day, regular moderate exercise and timers galore.
The good thing with our medication is: we can adapt the dose to the day. Maybe have a day A and day B dose? Just try out what works best for you and then also ask Joe and the kids what they think. I promise : you will NEVER be boring! You will still be the amazing Cas 🤩
I hear you! I am a retired woman and finally coming to terms that I have ADHD. So loving your videos.
I know what you're talking about when you say ADHD meds shut your brain off and I think it's good to have that when you NEED to focus. I take mine on the weekdays and then let my brain frolic on the weekends, since I'm usually doing things I actually chose to do on those days. My ADHD meds also calm my emotions down so that I'm not busy being angry or annoyed when I should be working---sometimes I could swear I've been tranquilized lol
I learned many years ago to keep little notebooks handy. Writing stuff down is critical to learning to remember life. I make notes every where and keep my daily list in my journal/ calender book. It works.
Quiet is nice. Don't worry, your house + kids + videos + declutter clients + dog + hunger pangs + To-Do's + .... will keep you busy enough. And you'll be able to chill when you want. So you'll have CHOICES !!!
My dear friend and former coworker has ADHD. She calls it Whirling Brain Syndrome. 😂She’s on medication, but is still all over the place and I love it! I’m glad she’s still whirling around, although I imagine it can be frustrating for her. (Her computer desktop puts me in panic mode!) But being around her makes me happy!
All this to say, I love your high energy. I think we all do. Who says it’s “normal” to be boring and have nothing going on in your brain? If it’s causing you big problems, maybe medication is right for you. If it’s causing you inconveniences, but you’re functioning well because you have tricks and hacks, and you’re happy without medication, that’s great too! We each need to do what will work best for our individual circumstances, needs, and wants. 😊
I don’t have adhd but I like the idea of an A and B schedule. I do get bored with routines even though I like them. It feels weird to say that as an adult because I thought being bored was just part of being an adult.
I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Hemiplegic migraine, I can't exercise, I changed to eating butter, not margarine and lost weight. Added to my diet, Ceylon cinnamon, avocado, lemon water, greek potset yoghurt then I add my favourite fruit and sometimes some Ceylon cinnamon. I have lost more weight. I still eat donuts, drink full cream milk, eat white bread. My favourite smoothy is banana, full cream milk, honey and Ceylon Cinnamon.
I have allergies galore so finding something that isn't hard and not giving me a reaction is important. I was a Australian size 22 now a size 16-18. I am still loosing weight. I often have an apple before I have the yoghurt. I can't take supplements or probiotic drinks, so I have been researching what are foods I can use to get similar benefits. Important to be happy not stressed and restrictive. My clothes are getting looser.
Stay away from sugar free, artificial colours, sweetners. Better to have a small amount of sugar than these harmful, unhealthy products. Anything that says zero sugar is not good can confuse your body into thinking it is getting sugar.
"Never leave a room empty handed" - love this! Also, did anyone else involuntarily stress about whether she was remembering to call the dog back in? 😂
I don’t think she did! 😂
🙋🏼♀️
😂 yes
I’ve tried this hack. I hate it. It feels like I am always cleaning. Yuck 🤢
I mean, tidying is going to be never-ending whether we feel like it or not... The only difference is if we want to be on top of it or not. That being said - I haven't had the courage to implement it yet so who am I to talk? 😂😅
My meds don’t shut down my brain, but they make my brain’s brakes more effective. And they make things in general less annoying, which was a very nice surprise. I take mine just about every day and I wish I had ones that lasted as long as I am awake each day, after 60 years unmedicated, I’ve had quite enough of that.
I love your adhd series ! And your podcasts. They’re so insightful and gets me through hard times. Thank you Cass for being you ♥️
I am having problems with my Dr.
I am on the wrong med. I don't sleep at night.
It is so amazing you get the help.
And thank you for sharing the tools. To help others..
I enjoy your stories.
I absolutely watch my shows and RUclips while I'm in the kitchen. I have been known to burn pots as all the water boils away. Great hack!
Me too, twice in 6 months but I caught myself second time. I always think I'll remember.
Went to the neighbor's apartment next door and forgot all about the pot of water on the stove until the smoke detector went off. Yep, that was me 😂😂
@@cindy844 Yes sadly we all can nod. I got to know myself well but still think "I can do it" without setting alarm etc. Now Siri is my friend and tells me to get something or turn something off.
I was taking an Rx that completely put my mind on quiet mode and I had no thoughts at all...I then noticed myself trying to focus on having a single thought at all.. it was a little scary bcus I couldn't focus on one single thing no matter how hard I tried. the quiet was nice but it was too much for me.. I needed a happy medium.. I, not thinking, decided maybe I would take a half dose and then stupidly went through a week long withdrawal... omg! so after I recovered from that, I was switched to another Rx that doesn't turn my brain off completely, allowing me to have a little chaos in my mind, but nothing that completely overwhelms me anymore. I think we all need balance, so we can still fully enjoy and experience this gift of life! ❤
God made you just the way you are!! Your are one of very few people talking about ADD. You are not crazy and you don't need meds!! Finding solutions to life's challenges helps so much. I get you Sis!! Truthfully, seeing a holistic practitioner would be better than anything! It won't fix you but if you find a good one the brain fog and SOME of the forgetfulness will subside. Just remember, we love you just the way you are. The biggest ting is YOU loving you just the way you are. I am still doing those Cass-a-thons every chance I get. Thank you for being so authentic! Blessings!😊
I do not like the punch in the face with thoughts! I didn’t know I had adhd myself but when I went to my first appointment with my therapist, she asked me if I had adhd and/or autism. I was like… no? But then I read about it and it’s a hardcore yes to ADHD, and maybe to the autism. I’m 37 and I’ve been playing life on hard mode this whole time. 😂 I tried ADHD medicine one time after and it made me feel like a person. I could get all the work that I planned on doing in my head, done. That being said- your ADHD videos are great. Keep them coming. It helps me personally because I’m right behind you in my journey & I’m unmedicated at the moment and they really help!
This video was so helpful! Thank you! As a recently diagnosed 50 yr old, it’s great to know, I’m not the only one!! And I’m team meds! The train runs as I get up and brush my teeth. But as soon as I get out into the kitchen And take my meds…ahhh calm and order starts to set in and allow me to transition into my day. I wish I had known years ago!
Im not sure how helpful this is, as i dont have ADHD...I have CPTSD instead, which gives a lot of similar symptoms. I found that when my antidepressants were put to the highest, that i got worse. I dont like being shut off. Im very spiritual, and to no longer hear my own inner voice was horrific.
Put it this way, having peace is one thing,and i think is acheivable through a mid level dose and therapy. But being switched off means switching off your soul and what makes you unique. The people that tell me, i wish i had your ideas and creative brain...well i love my creative brain too. I love that i can see one point of view at 100 angles, that i can problem solve quickly because i think differently, and above all, i love that i can create beatiful things from the random thoughts i have in my head.
Look at what you create Cas. Its phenomenal and we all love you for it. Dont switch off who you are...go middle ground intead and practice techniques that will help quieten the brain when you most want and need it.
I believe in you, as you believe in all of us. Youve got this, just as you are!
Thanks for your - seeing an idea from 100 angles - that’s how I think. I’ve always seen it as 100 options to consider before deciding. There are sooooooo many ways to approach anything.
Random thoughts and a notebook is the way to go.
I am learning to discipline all this without losing my superpowers.
@alynmaus5029 absolutely 💯 its about learning how to quieten it when you need peace the most. For me, I used a few techniques - one was to treat that side of my brain as though it were a different person and just firmly say "no" (I'd change it up and expand occasionally but the simple no worked best) and say I'm just going to concentrate on this candle - the candle is all that exists. I now do it with the colour blue so I can do it anywhere. It's hard at first - don't get me wrong - but it is so worth the effort. I do still have notebooks everywhere, I do still have millions of thoughts at once. But sometimes we really need to switch off. I happen to know that Cas will say focusing on a candle is boring lol that's true! But it depends how much you want to have some peace occasionally, and whether that peace is worth the effort involved. For me it really was - I can actually sleep at night now lol
I went thru a weird time in life where I had to be on some medication....and, I also wound up in the hospital w/ therapy for awhile...it was a really wierd time....can't describe it other than that.
I was so grateful to the therapists
I saw...and the medication I was on.
I gained alot of weight from the medication...trying now to lose it,...then that day when the doctor finally told me that I could come off the medication came
Life had returned to normal...I wasn't the shell of myself that I was during that really awful time.
I am grateful for all the help out there that can help a person return to their normal state....whether it's during the time of medication. ..helping to get sane, again...or, afterwards.
Yes, I can relate.....to feeling a little fuzzy brained at times....they did try their best to regulate the medication to my needs.
I'll be praying that your doctors can find that happy medium with your medication.
I know ADHD presents some real challenges for people....and I cannot imagine the struggle you go thru daily.
You're an AMAZING individual. ...you've accomplished SO MUCH despite the daily struggles.
And, you have helped myself and SO MANY OTHERS.
I don't talk about my mental struggle with life ...I would like to forget it....but, felt it necessary to mention it, here.
Maybe the LORD allowed you to have this struggle to help us.........and, we are truly grateful. ❤
Just giving it time is the best way to go in my opinion. It's not like you can't go back and stop taking the meds if you give it a chance and don't like it.
I love your personality. I just hope the meds don’t change that. Please listen to your inner voice. Trust yourself. If you make a mistake, learn from it and move on, but trust yourself first.
I love the A day vs B day idea. In high school we did block scheduling. My junior year it worked out by happenstance that all my core classes were "red" days and all my electives were "white" days. It was actually a really nice schedule because I could relax every other day. I never thought to incorporate it into my adult life. 🤔
I have ADHD… I’ve been on a stimulant med for about 15 years. And it really helps with distractions… I can actually get my laundry done in one day, not three. And I don’t burn foods like I used to… you are missing the hyperactivity but that’ll change… you’ll actually stick to your list and get it done!! I hope you’re doing okay with your med!!!
I so appreciate your honesty about your concerns with the meds. Thank you, its so rare for someone to say this stuff. Its really valuable. Xxx
Cas I love how much I can relate to all you're saying. I HATE cooking. If it's not fast and easy it's boring. Watching food cook is like watching paint dry! I do puzzles while I'm cooking. But you're hack will keep me closer to the hot pans. I've use TV, pod casts, and music to keep me focused on my job for years. I have an old fashioned Sony CD/radio player. It works! The hack to bring your dog home is priceless. Keep them coming girl, they are a blast!
The bracelet reminder might help me remember to turn off the water on my trees and the like. Thanks!
I watched this video during cooking. 😂 And I can understand that "boring and be distracted" feeling.
I feel this so often and watching or listenening to RUclips videos during cooking, scrubbing my house or even getting ready in the morning helped me a lot to get things done. 🙏🏻
I love your content! Please be careful with that medicin, I could not take it not to feel like myself. 🙈 ❤
I felt similarly getting on meds for anxiety. I’m so chill now, and it weirds me out!
I find that now that I’m retired (and live alone), I still have all the scrambled thoughts but they’ve toned down a lot!
Why? Because I’ve decided it’s OK to talk out loud… to myself, or to the commercial I don’t like, or when I’m preparing food, or to motivate myself while doing chores, etc.
I know! We’ve been conditioned to think that’s crazy people stuff or signs of old age or whatever!
But I find it actually calms my brains overstimulation. And depending on what I’m “discussing” with myself, it helps me to stay focused.
Crazy? Well…maybe, but I feel more in control AND I think it helps to keep me from retreating into a silent introverted state that I was frequently in beforehand.
Oh, I did forget to mention however, that there is one heavy drawback to allowing myself to talk to myself is that my phones AI is probably taking notes, lol! Or silently laughing 😂
at the 5:56 mark, I hit pause and ran and started a load of laundry!
Wonderful video! I love taking my meds. It IS odd with the quiet. However i love love love thinking "hey, those dishes need to be done" and then just getting up and doing them. No negotiation or argument with myself, just the action that needs to be done.
Will you be boring? No!! You will be you with more focus. Have no fear, you are innately weird and we love you for it!!
PS collab with how to adhd when? ❤❤
Interesting! I have your symptoms, so I will try most of your tips for sure! Thanks for sharing! This is mental health, mindset. Thanks ❤
I keep a JIC, just in case, bag with me all the time. Nail clippers, lip stuff, hair ties, etc.
People also thought I was crazy when I said I have to listen to music/watch videos while trying to concentrate on projects/studying. Now it's understandable.
We need an update on Mr. Bojangles.
Love the ADHD tips! More! More, please. I combine my love for Alexa with audiobooks. I have an Alexa “group” named everywhere and I put ALL my Alexa devices in it. When I’m home alone, I say Alexa, play audible everywhere. Then as I go from room to room, the audiobook is playing everywhere so I don’t have to deal with headphones or my phone/other player. BTW, so glad Alexa can handle more than one BFF because it’s my BFF too. Tip: When boiling pasta, out a wooden spoon across the top of the pot, it really does help keep it from boiling over, though it can still boil dry.😂 When I set a timer or a reminder and I, not finished with the task yet, I tell Alexa to snooze ten minutes because I also get distracted.
I love this. Esp the podcast thing while doing boring stuff. And eating the ice cream not the frog first❤
Cas, I love this video! I'm a pan killer, which means I get bored, walk away, and realize I left a pan on the stove when the smoke alarm goes off! I try to watch RUclips videos when I'm cooking, but sometimes I remember that I need to do something and still walk away, so I'm going to try your spiral bracelets, fingers crossed! And cleaning the shower, I'll spray the stuff, let it sit for 10 minutes, or 10 hours, and I cuss myself out when I jump in the icky shower in the morning. Thank you for being yourself!
I like the wrist tags idea! If you write on the plastic part of the tag (not paper insert) with permanent marker, it can be removed for a new reminder by scribbling all over the permanent writing with erase/wipe-off marker and then swiped with a tissue. Ta-da! Old (permanent???) note gone and room for a new reminder ready.
Exactly what I did. I put a paper insert in but wrote on the outside. Great minds think…….
Otherwise I would need twenty reminders on my wrist at one time 🤩
Cass, you are my twin! There are so many of your hacks that I have come to on my own through many painful years of learning!!! I wish I could travel back in time and watch this video when I was 20. I was laughing my butt off with the Starbucks thing because I keep old Starbucks cups so I can fool myself into thinking I went to the drive-through by making my ice string at home before I leave because it’s literally the only way I can control my impulse to go through the drive-through. And your costumed cleaning…. 😂❤️, I have literally done this my family will attest to. my teenage son said that it’s impossible for me to embarrass him since he has lived with me his whole life and that I’m “only embarrassing myself” . 😂
I would absolutely love more of these videos. The A and B day thing I think is going to really help me. Thank you, feeling really validated and love hearing the science behind why my brain needs to do things the way I do.
Awww I have a colorful ToDo booklet like that. And I use colored pens. Helps me so much.
I have the same one too. I lose mine about 10x a day.
Cas, I LOVE your videos! I love how "real life" you are, so please keep it up! When my son (VERY ADHD) got his wisdom teeth out, the surgeon prescribed hydroxyzine with his pain pill. The hydroxyzine was supposed to help the pain pill work longer. Hydroxyzine also made his brain quiet! We talked about it, and he had a bad experience on regular ADHD meds in elementary school and he's not wanting to take meds right now. But he knows he can go to the Dr if he changes his mind. What you said at the end of your video reminded me of that. The struggle is real!
You've just made it completely clear that I have undiagnosed ADHD. I do everything that you do. I will burn food because I just can't stand there... watching paint dry. I have been hacking my life for 39 years. I have to write everything down and put everything away immediately or else it won't happen.
I CANNOT get my son to make lists and set alarms. Then he complains that he was late on getting something important done. (Yes he’s an adult) He’s going through alot, but he needs to use whatever hacks he can.
You will never be boring, just a bit more focused. Love you 😘
When your brain goes quiet, it's like a giant weight has been lifted and you get to actively choose what to think about and what to do. I wouldn't call it "empty headed" to me it's more like the air traffic controller for my brain has been on vacation and he's suddenly back and everything is running smoothly like it should
I sadly can’t take medication because of health issues. I like you the way you are. I love your videos.
I don't have ADHD but I do have a busy brain, and yesterday I walked away after startiing some oil in the pot and had a kitchen fire! SO what I do is I clean the kitchen so I don't leave the kitchen and don't get bored lol