Managing Medication: Insights from an International Student’s Journey
Welcome back to the ADHD Goals blog, where we explore the various dimensions of living with ADHD through personal experiences and expert insights. Today, we’re sharing an inspiring conversation with Omar Yassin, an international student from the University of Arizona who opened up about his unique journey with ADHD. Omar, who studies pharmaceutical sciences, provides a detailed look at his challenges and strategies for managing his condition.
Introduction to Omar’s ADHD Journey
Omar Yassin’s ADHD story is not what you might expect. Unlike some who are diagnosed early, Omar’s awareness of his ADHD only came into sharp focus during his college years. “I was never one of those kids diagnosed with ADHD,” Omar reflected. “It was only in college, when the coursework intensified, that I noticed difficulties in maintaining focus for longer hours.”
In high school, everything seemed simple to Omar, and he hadn’t struggled much with focus. But college brought a new set of challenges. The significant increase in coursework and study hours prompted him to self-diagnose before consulting a professional for confirmation. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his journey toward managing ADHD.
Challenges of College Life
College revealed how much of a struggle it can be for those with ADHD to maintain focus. Omar discussed his maximum capacity for studying—just two or three hours at a time before his concentration waned. Unlike typical fatigue, he experienced a persistent energy but lacked the capability to extend his focus.
The realisation that his symptoms might point to ADHD led Omar into deeper self-exploration. He wisely chose to seek professional help, validating his concerns and receiving a formal diagnosis.
Understanding ADHD Symptoms
A common misconception about ADHD is that it only manifests as physical hyperactivity. Omar debunked this, explaining, “I was always a calm person, even now when I see hyperactive kids, I misunderstand ADHD. It’s more of a mind thing as an adult.” ADHD, he pointed out, often involves a restless mind continually occupied with multiple thoughts, making it difficult to stay engaged in one task for long periods.
Omar’s insights underline the importance of broadening our understanding of ADHD beyond the stereotypical images of hyperactive behaviour in children. ADHD also significantly affects adults, particularly in organising their lives and maintaining focus.
Medication and Its Effects
One of the more controversial topics related to ADHD is medication. Omar shared his experience with ADHD medication, detailing its initial effectiveness and subsequent challenges. “ADHD medications work similarly to stimulants like coffee,” he explained. They temporarily improve focus and energy by increasing dopamine levels. However, long-term use often leads to diminished effectiveness and increased anxiety.
Omar likened the process to drinking too much coffee: initially, it perks you up, but too much can make you jittery and anxious. Over time, the body builds tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect, which also leads to increased anxiety and dependency.
Dealing with Dependency
Recognising the dependency risk, Omar decided to stop taking his medication. “I don’t like being dependent on anything. If something starts having power over me, I cut it off.” He shared how hard those initial weeks were but emphasised the importance of building natural habits and routines to compensate.
Strategies like ensuring adequate sleep, staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, and regular exercise became crucial in managing his ADHD without medication. Omar highlighted reflecting on what contributed to good days and integrating those practices into his daily routine.
The Power of Routine and Focus Workouts
Omar’s experience underscores the importance of setting new standards and building endurance. He adopted methods like the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working in focused intervals followed by short breaks. This method helps train the brain to sustain concentration over time.
He also stressed reframing activities to make them more engaging. Turning tasks into competitions or games can be particularly motivating for those with ADHD. For example, practising focus can be thought of as a “mental workout,” increasing the duration over time much like physical exercise.
Balancing Ideas and Realistic Achievements
One significant insight Omar shared is the importance of managing expectations. “It’s easy to feel like you’re underachieving because you have so many ideas,” he noted. For those with ADHD, setting realistic goals and categorising future ideas can help mitigate feelings of failure. It’s crucial to balance creativity and productivity, ensuring that the pursuit of new ideas doesn’t lead to an overwhelming sense of incompletion.
Conclusion
Omar Yassin’s journey highlights both the struggles and strategies for managing ADHD, particularly for students navigating demanding academic environments. His experiences and insights offer valuable lessons in understanding, medication dependency, and the power of routine and focus. Omar exemplifies resilience and adaptability, finding ways to use his ADHD as an asset rather than a hindrance.
For anyone dealing with ADHD, whether diagnosed early or later in life, Omar’s story is a poignant reminder that it’s possible to manage symptoms effectively, fostering both personal growth and academic success.
Thank you for reading. If you found Omar’s story helpful, please share it with someone who might benefit from this insight. For more stories and advice, stay tuned to the ADHD Goals blog. If you’re struggling to manage your ADHD and seek guidance, feel free to reach out for coaching support. Until next time, take care!
In this episode of the ADHD Goals Podcast, host Laurence interviews Omar Yassin, an international student from the University of Arizona who is studying pharmaceutical studies and managing ADHD. Omar shares his journey of discovering his ADHD during his college years, strategies he uses to manage his focus, and his experiences with ADHD medication. The discussion delves into the benefits and challenges of medication, the importance of developing daily habits, and the role of physical fitness and mental discipline in managing ADHD symptoms. They also touch on Omar’s future goals, including his interest in psychiatric pharmacy, and end with a light-hearted conversation about soccer. Join them for an insightful discussion filled with practical advice for anyone dealing with ADHD.
Omar’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omaar_alaa/
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– 1:1 ADHD Coaching
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:53 Omar’s ADHD Journey
01:29 Challenges in College
03:39 Understanding ADHD Symptoms
04:45 Social Interactions and ADHD
15:49 Medication and Its Effects
19:11 Caffeine and ADHD
26:41 Managing ADHD Without Medication
33:12 Overcoming Dependency and Setting New Standards
34:30 Cutting the Source and Avoiding Temptation
35:46 Natural Strategies and Reflecting on Daily Habits
37:36 The Placebo Effect and Realistic Expectations
39:58 Building Endurance and Focus Workouts
42:22 Gamifying Tasks and Competing with Yourself
49:01 Balancing Ideas and Realistic Achievements
51:30 Football Fandom and Personal Interests
56:12 Future Plans and Final Thoughts
57:37 Outro to the ADHD Goals Podcast
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