I was diagnosed in 2019; late in life, mid 30s. One of the biggest issues I’ve been struggling with lately are these huge cyclical mood swings that can last weeks. I’ll be up and active, optimistic, and productive for a week or so, and feel like there’s nothing I can’t do. I’m excited about everything and often make a lot of overly-aggressive plans. Then the wave of depression comes, and I’ll spend a week in bed, crying, and then a week or two basically just disassociating and actively avoiding any responsibilities. The down is always longer than the up, and I feel like I’m slowly losing ground to the depression. I’m not sure if I’ve always had these issues or if they’ve just gotten worse lately. My ability to look into the past, especially in regards to my own emotional state, is limited.
My doc says that “cyclothymia” or mood cycles are not uncommon with ADHD, though they are not technically related I guess. That said, I don’t see too many people talking about it. Anyone else dealing with this sort of thing?
Yeah I’ve gained some weight in the last couple years. I hurt my back pretty bad a while back, and that combined with a bunch of new meds since then have not done my figure any favors. I don’t drink, though, haven’t for years. I definitely don’t crave sweets or foods in general, but I’m not nearly as active as I probably should be, given the back and the computer job and the 105 degree summer heat lately. I’m not thin by any stretch of the imagination, but I did just do a 4 day hike through the eastern Sierras so it’s not like I do nothing.
I agree with you that the meds don’t seem to help much. That said, I do trust my doc, and she has preached a slow and steady approach with good documentation, so I’ll keep taking the meds for now.