I Took Ritalin to Change My Life

In this video I go detail how getting an ADHD diagnosis and beginning Ritalin Treatment at 25 completely change the trajectory of my life.
0:00 Intro
00:28 Before Diagnosis
05:16 After Diagnosis
Naruto Clip from: • Rock Lee vs Gaara | Na... B)

[@daviddickey9832]

For me ADHD is like intrusive thoughts, you're trying your hardest to pay attention to something that you're truthfully not interested in and without you even knowing it you're day dreaming about something else or dwelling on something in the past unrelated to what you're trying to pay attention to.

[@misstrunchbull3953]

Completely agree

[@xJussBE]

Broooooo, TELL ME ABOUT IT. It’s a STRUGGLE to pay attention when thoughts/daydreams come into play. Meditation has been helping greatly but I’m also considering getting a psychoanalysis and see if any recommended prescription will help.

[@xJussBE]

@Walking Boy It wouldn't hurt to get checked out if you've experienced this for quite some time.

[@louisnissimov494]

hey bro, say anything u need to get those scripts amiritE?

[@daviddickey9832]

@@louisnissimov494 I didnt really ask for it, the doctor had to convince me to take it. Its a pain in the @$$ also and expensive af.

[@monteanthony1022]

That story of you being "lazy" wasn't laziness. With adhd we have an executive disfunction. We know we need to do it, the thought of doing it hurts and the thought of not doing it hurts.

[@EarlyOwl]

Indeed, I don't feel like I'm lazy anymore :]

[@technetiumsoul]

This is how I feel at my work. How do I even start the conversation with a GP without coming across as an addict

[@infowazz]

exactly! maybe that is why i never got married or had kids. well that is why. fucking crazy!

[@descai10]

This is why I say there's a difference between what you "want" to do and what you "feel" like doing. With ADHD you can want something a lot but if your body doesn't feel like doing it it's nearly impossible. You aren't lazy, you just lack the capability to override what your body feels like doing with what you want to do.

[@descai10]

@@Austin01Powers Ignoring your problematic ideology that men must be tough; The problem isn't just that it hurts. With executive dysfunction, you literally cannot force yourself to do it. You can sit there pushing as hard as you can to start and your brain won't budge. It's not just a case of "push through the pain", it's an infuriating brick wall you cannot break past.

[@madeleinewilliams9952]

Ritalin made me the person I always wanted to be. Great feeling. The only problem was I thought it *was* me and I was overworking/undersleeping like a human dynamo. This led to a 6 month burnout. Remember to sleep, enjoy your weekends, and not to overdo things on the work front.

[@Sketch_Sesh]

Yeah, it’s legal Amphetamines... similar to Methamphetamines.. They used to call them “pep” pills and gave them to soldiers in WWII & Vietnam so they wouldn’t sleep. Check out the history on it

[@knowbuddy0]

@@Sketch_Sesh ritalin isnt an amphetamine

[@EarlyOwl]

Haha yeah, both sleep and rest is important. When it comes to improving your productivity I mention getting adequate rest a lot more than Ritalin on this channel 😬 I think taking breaks (especially short breaks through out the day, like going for walks) is something most people overlook, at least its something I never even considered for like the first 3-4 years of trying to be productive, and I couldn't figure out why I wasn't able to stay productive consistently.

[@wogboi29]

@@knowbuddy0 why are you saying ritalin isnt an amphetamine when most add medications are amphetamine based. including ritalin.

[@knowbuddy0]

@@wogboi29that's not true, i am saying it because ritalin is not an amphetamine.... "Both Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) are central nervous system stimulants used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Methylphenidate (also sold as Concerta) isn't an amphetamine and its effects tend to be milder than those of Adderall."

[@Somusicais]

Psychedelics are just an exceptional mental health breakthrough. It's quite fascinating how effective they are against depression and anxiety. Saved my life.

[@HAMZAPINE]

Can you help with the reliable source I would really appreciate it Many people talk about mushrooms and psychedelics but nobody talks about where to get them. Very hard to get a reliable source here in Germany. Really need

[@socialworkgroupa5256]

Yes, dr.porass. I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction and Mushrooms definitely made a huge huge difference to why am clean today.

[@KenDeep-ky8oi]

I wish they were readily available in my place. Microdosing was my next plan of care for my husband. He is 59 & has so many mental health issues plus probable CTE & a TBI that left him in a coma 8 days. It's too late now I had to get a TPO as he's 6'6 300+ pound homicidal maniac. He's constantly talking about killing someone. He's violent. Anyone reading this Familiar w/ BPD know if it is common for an obsession with violence.

[@HAMZAPINE]

Is he on instagram?

[@socialworkgroupa5256]

Yes he is dr.porass.

[@meganstanyon1902]

I'm 29 and was diagnosed with ADHD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder a couple of months ago. All my life I thought I'd just hit that ceiling of my own potential and been thoroughly disappointed. I started on Ritalin a month ago and it has already begun to improve my life in ways I never thought possible. I am sitting here with tears running down my cheeks. Your video has given me so much hope for the future. Thank you for making this video and sharing your journey.

[@EarlyOwl]

Thank you for sharing as well! Love reading comments like this. Hope you keep up the positive trajectory!

[@rmorph33]

Thank you, i am 29 and was just diagnosed. Lifes a trip.....i send you my best.

[@BrandiXo]

Have you taken any other sdhd meds that made you sleepy or reverse effect? Trying find right med to work for me amd help change my life.

[@annamartinez53]

Yes I’m 29 years old too it feels like a miracle now I understand the education on mental health movement

[@MarcusDaGrand]

I have ADHD and GAD as well. My doctor prescribed Vyvanse and it made my insomnia worse. Does Ritalin affect your sleep at all?

[@atablevendetta1429]

I never realized how hard it was to do things until the pandemic hit, when I had all the free time in the world, but no attention or will to do it. The frustration of having to re-watch a 5 minute video 12 times just to remember made me want to scream.

[@EarlyOwl]

Yeah can relate, also a problem with the live class room struggles that then you don't have the ability to rewind and everything is just lost into the ether. Hopefully you figure out some good way forward though, good luck!

[@atablevendetta1429]

@@EarlyOwl Thanks, I'm probably gonna see a doctor soon

[@infowazz]

damn these comments are making me think. i am in a marketing program that can totally put me in a great place financially. they hold your hand, have live chats 4 days a week. really awesome group. members are making 3,4,10,20, or 60K a month. even more than that. its been almost 2 years and i have barely done anything. i take notes, watch a lot of vids. i procrastinate on everything. especially if it can actually help me. watching a 5 minute video is torture unless you are in the right frame of mind. my sister has the opposite of add. she did homework all day long and now her son doe the same.

[@Enhancedlies]

fuck this hits the nail on the head

[@dustinl6047]

@@EarlyOwl ,,. Dvmbv. G g g day. Vnv. V. C. N.

[@marctestarossa]

I got diagnosed at 32, earlier this year. I started to research, take Medikinet (it's the same as Ritalin) and work with my psychiatrist and my occupational therapist. It's now close to 6 months later and I can actually say: It changed my life. The past, the present and probably the future. Changed my life from being a wonky structure that's about to collapse completely at any given moment, to being able to actively do something about it, work on creating a foundation to build a perspective on. I have other chronical illnesses and almost died because of it twice already, because my ADHD prevented me from taking constant care about myself. I lost several jobs and I had to live at my parents house again for over a year, because I lost my apartment due to not paying my rent reliably. Now I have the greatest girlfriend on this planet, we live in a beautiful apartment and we try to rebuild our lives. We have a lot of work in front of us (she is diagnosed with depression, borderline personality disorder and eating disorder) but for the first time of my life, I don't have the feeling of 'it's always five after twelve o'clock', and I am confident that we together can succeed. Sending you much love

[@EarlyOwl]

Thank you for sharing, love reading stories like this. Sounds like you are already on a good path so just keep up the good work! :]

[@QuantumPhysics4u]

"Pursuing that diagnosis... ...does require some minimal amount of concentrated effort... So it basically took me three years" I never got diagnosed with it, but this is perhaps the most relatable thing I've ever heard 😐

[@EarlyOwl]

Haha yeah its insane to think about it looking back. I had already been prescribed ritalin for like a month or two so i KNEW how it could impact my life, but when push came to shove it took me several years to actually pursue it.

[@koribokki2234]

You should definitely look into getting diagnosed man, i'm gonna try when my GP opens tomorrow cause i'm just getting sick of being like this lmao

[@nae-naelynn2659]

By far the most relatable statement in the video. Idk if anyone will ever see this but does anyone else get anxiety from having to put in that concentrated effort?? It absolutely sucks because "concentrated effort" is half the battle! Nothing gets better if you can't put that effort in. I just started straterra, a higher dose now. It's a non stimulant but I hope it does something. Sorry for the rant. If you read this far, thank you 🙂

[@user-jd9sj1mq2b]

I literally had my mom setup appointments for me because I know that I wouldnt do it.

[@borys4]

This right here. Similar situation with me 6 months ago. Still have to make that doctor's appointment.

[@lemonpie8819]

Dropped out of college this year and got diagnosed with Depression and ADHD-PI , and damn the SSRI's and ritalin changed everything. I feel like I can build my life back together again

[@YesNo-qr9xy]

That is amazing. Congratulations 🎈 I'm drinking Ritalin 40 mg at moment and i dont think i see a lot of changes, but a little. How was your tratement? You drunk it in very slowly doses too? Or how much you drink and when you feel the difference?

[@EarlyOwl]

Thats great to hear, I know both of these medications are a bit controversial for some people, but its pretty clear that for the right person at the right time it can be life changing.

[@bxstar5276]

Did they prescribe other meds? I have anxiety and terrible concentration. I’m sure if I could focus I would have less anxiety!

[@lemonpie8819]

@@bxstar5276 ive switched antidepressants and have an atypical antipsychotic to chill me out and make me more stable, maybe ask your psychiatrist for a medication switch if its not working out for you.

[@joachimgauckler8555]

@@lemonpie8819 I hope it works for you. For me it was a double bladed sword. My grades increased dramaticly without even studying at home, but my mental and physical health got alot worse. I had problems with depression which only disappeared when i got off Ritalin. Since then i did fine, got my degree in mechanical engineering and working normal. At the end i would suggest you follow your heart, if you feel something is wrong, change it. Hope you are doing fine, remember it WILL get better. Greetings from Germany

[@NoticingTHEM]

I really thought all this stuff was normal for everyone and I was just dumber than everyone else. I’m so glad to hear that there is a chance to at least understand the things being said to me.

[@EarlyOwl]

ADD can be difficult to catch because the symptoms is something everyone struggles with to some degree, and at that point the question just comes down to what degree. So you just need to decide for yourself how much this is impacting you and if its having a serious negative impact on your life might be worth seeking an assesment. Good luck!

[@garchafpv]

Welcome to the club of being extremely intelligent but being a failure at simple tasks

[@Juice-chan]

Good finding this video after all the time. I am 38 now. A life with the same issues that you are talking about. I barely finished high school. I started 2 different subjects in university and quit eventually after losing years with half assed trying. In fact it was more self indulgence than any meaningful studying. One subject was physics. One was intermedia design. I had the ability to finish despite needing very different talents. But one major thing I was missing. The ability to even remotely rely on my self. I could not. And after all those years I figured out that my brain is just dysfunctional. I still need to get that diagnose. But I am on it right now calling different doctors trying to get an appointment. It's difficult to get a hold of them because millions of people have mental health issues. But I will keep trying until one door opens.

[@MaddieFrankX]

Thanks for your story. I was diagnosed when I was 16, but my parents never did anything about it. Then as I grew up I always had in my head "I should probably seek a therapist about it", but never did until a few weeks ago when I started binging a bunch a ADHD videos and realize how impactful it is on my life. Now I'm 29 and I have an appointment with a Psychologist in a couple of days. I guess it's better late than never.

[@EarlyOwl]

Better late than never indeed! Hopefully it works out for you :]

[@cristian-bull]

how did it go?

[@ickeberlin6364]

Push

[@chriscros13]

yeah howd it go

[@MrUltimaPro]

I'm kinda weirded out why your parents would have to do anything about your diagnosis ?...you can quite easily figure it out on your own

[@YesIndeedIDo]

This video hits hard because it feels like watching a possible future. Ty for sharing this

[@EarlyOwl]

Glad you took something out of it, thanks for the support :]

[@jakekelly4239]

That's exactly how i would put it too. When he said about it being emotional looking back now, it gives you a clear vision of hope. Isn't it amazing how impactful sharing your story can be? That gives me the motivation to share my own story. Damn, what a motivational video this is!!

[@tastyw0rm]

Am 46, was diagnosed today with ADHD and will be starting the Ritalin journey. I too don't have the hyperactivity, I never looked into ADHD as I thought you needed to be hyperactive. I wish I had known of this earlier! Thanks for this video Jarle!

[@EarlyOwl]

You are most welcome, and thats good to hear. Hope it has a positive impact on you, good luck! :]

[@tastyw0rm]

@@EarlyOwl 100% - medicating has made an amazing difference. Disappointed I didn't know 20 years ago.... But very thankful I have it now!

[@deb9ragorton742]

I am 50 and diagnosed recently. It is hearbreaking realizing the wasted years and anguish that COULD have been relieved. And crushing seeing the psychologist and doctors PITY on their faces , it read " this is tragic , your case is really bad, why have you waited so long? " .....instead of " this is positive that you at least know". I felt stupid and embarrassed seeing the disbelief and pity. Especially as I gave a "yipppeeeee I am SO excited " as the doctor wrote the script with a "whew please don't expect miracles from s pill look on her face"......well.....that pill DID turn out a miracle. I am so grateful for their help.

[@florianwurm4220]

The H gets internalized with 30. Look within yourself? Do you feel hyper inside without Ritalin? I was never really hyperactive as a kid, but the inner restlessness was always there.

[@LiverpoolEngland2.0]

Im 40 years old, and just found out i had ADHD..! , I got the hint finly when a woman i had a crush on told me online - She Felt she was talking to a 15 year Old ,,, If i had known and had help since i was 15 years old, I would have a Home, Good Job, Finish Collage, and what hurt's the Most, HAVE A FAMILY... But Thanks for the Advice Bro !!!

[@EarlyOwl]

Haha thanks, yeah I do sometimes think about what life would be like if I was diagnosed earlier as well, but better late than never, all uphill from here hopefully!

[@StabbingN00bs]

Hey man I just wanted to say that I really appreciate you putting the time in to share your story. At the moment I’m struggling with uni, especially at home. I can’t muster the attention to watch my lectures etc and it’s a big driver of hopelessness and self loathing. I haven’t got my diagnoses yet, but it’s been 6 months of me trying to make the changes and put in the effort to actually get the diagnosis. Seeing people like you succeed really gives me hope, which is so important as I’m reaching a point where I feel like my life is starting to become a life of underachieving and never fulfilling my potential and dreams. I really hope getting diagnosed helps, I’m so motivated but lack execution of anything. I really appreciate the video.

[@EarlyOwl]

Glad you got something out of it, good luck on the assesment. For sure the main reason I made the video was to give a nudge in the right direction for people in the same position as I was.

[@jessipanda]

"sure have some ritalin" meanwhile I had to do 4000 dollars of testing before doctors here in Canada would even CONSIDER putting me on stimulants (that have hugely helped me!) Absolutely wild how healthcare differs and makes me understand more why people look into medical tourism.

[@EarlyOwl]

Yeah it is a weird world. I Spent 6 months trying to get a diagnosis in Norway, first going through the public health sector and then when that didn't work I ended up going to a private psychiatrist who specialised in ADHD.

[@MisyeDiVre]

Four flippin thousand eh!? Jeez.

[@alexitanguay]

That’s extreme. I spent 20 minutes with my family doctor and he explained everything and tested me. Literally took 20 minutes and I was on my way testing treatments. Life changing and it does depend on the doctors. He was like, I don’t think you want to go out there spending thousands on psychological evaluations. What a legend. I’m sad it’s not the same case with everyone. Although it might be better that way because often therapy should be step one. I’m a psychology student in graduate school so we could chat more in-depth about it.

[@DirtyDingo54]

@@alexitanguay suprising also. I thought i was going to have to go through psychological assessments after going to get diagnosed here in canada last month. Two visits to family doctor, survey assessments, and got put on a low dose and changed my life around and i haven't paid a cent minus being on my partners drug coverage. Alberta health really did me a big one.

[@lucian5389]

I was the opposite, prescribed Ritalin from the age of 7, completely fucked me up. Yeah, I worked better, but that was all I did, I remember having these crazy tunnel vision effects, feeling like I was locked into my own body, couldn't be happy, couldn't be sad, just a constant state of mellow. By about the third grade I started flushing them down the toilet and noticed an immediate improvement, never went back. Throughout the years I learnt to somewhat handle my ADHD to the point that it only really effects my schoolwork. My grades aren't good but I'm not sure I want to be going back on that drug anytime soon.

[@MikeBSalazar]

Great testimony and life lessons. This is the second time I’ve heard a ritalin testimony. It’s inspiring to see you push to improve, and witness a piece of your work ethic from the power hours. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@EarlyOwl]

Thanks, I find a lot of people feel weird about Ritalin (including myself when I started). I actually didn't take Ritalin for the first 2 days after I got my diagnosis because I felt guilty or something (which is obviously just ridiculous.). So felt it was important to share how helpful its been for me.

[@MikeBSalazar]

@@EarlyOwl Yeah man. It’s definitely intimidating to be recommended solutions that have negativity associated with them but your story shows that not all experiences and stories are about abuse or misuse of solutions, and that ultimately health is personal and holistic. Ritalin helps you be the you you want to be and accomplish much more.

[@dylanmydude]

When I first saw this video close to when it came out, I was similar, I had no career or education, I now have a HC in mobile app and web dev and I am in my first year of a BSc in IT. At the start of the year I also started working as a junior web developer. I have only started taking Ritalin this year though and I can see how much I have been struggling and that medication definitely makes it all a lot easier. But I come back to this and watch it often, so thank you.

[@nikmohamed5906]

Funny but true story: The moment I am finally 100% sure I have ADHD is when a "friend" gave me 2 lines of cocaine and funnily because cocaine is a stimulant, I became sober, normal and my though was CRYSTAL CLEAR with temporarily no ADHD symptoms 😂, whereas the other guys were getting super hyper-energetic and jumping all over the place after taking that.

[@mayjeganmogan4514]

same thing happened to me w mdma 😂😭

[@EarlyOwl]

Haha, maybe you should create a similar video to mine titled "I Took Cocaine to Change My Life" 😬

[@yijapra]

So true!

[@nikmohamed5906]

@@EarlyOwl too lesser extent, meth too (accidentally and unknowingly took it hahaha) And also, fun fact, I did a brain scan and my brain scan show a sign of brain volume issue called called prominent sulci (the brain groove is wider than normally) and which may be also why my ADHD symptoms is especially horrible

[@JeffMcDuffie72MeridianGate]

You should try crack.

[@Senne_Maebe]

I’m happy that your life changed for the better! I have struggled with ADHD/ADD my whole life myself. This story was very inspirational for me because it was very relatable.

[@EarlyOwl]

Glad you got something out of it :] Hopefully it can lead to some positive changes.

[@onenonlysarahd5158]

It's refreshing to hear a story so close to mine, extremely rare, in fact it makes me quite emotional 🥲 I greatly appreciate you sharing your story and it's helping people, too. Thank you sir ☺️🤟💕

[@EarlyOwl]

Awe, thank you for the kind words ^_^ 💕

[@ricoco7891]

Exhibited all the ADHD symptoms as a child. Now as an adult, I'm watching your adult experiences too, and feel understood like never before.

[@EarlyOwl]

Might be worth talking to a psychiatrist about it if you haven't, good luck out there!

[@ericmckinley7985]

I thought it was corny at first but the first 20 seconds after "im sure this sounds familiar" felt like you were reading my mind. Skipped a year of math then hit the wall at calculus. Medicated 10 years later- still adapting, still experimenting. Awesome video!

[@EarlyOwl]

Thanks, glad you liked it, and hope your experimentation works out for the better!

[@agaragar21]

Still haven't beaten Calculus....now I'm a shitty Plumber !

[@fooxzin0411]

I just turned 18, and I feel that I have missed so many opportunities of studying and learning in high school. Now I am in college, but I simply can't study. I could never study, since I was a little boy. But as I am getting older, I have to take responsibilities, and I feel so damn lost and anxious and depressed, I don't know what to do with my life. I am sure I am adht, but I was never diagnosed, my parents wouldn't belive this shit is real. I hope to one day be able to try Ritalin. If it was life-changing for you, so it gives me hope. Thanks for your video.

[@EarlyOwl]

Thanks for the comment. One of the reasons I wanted t make this video outside of the obvious about Ritalin and ADHD is also to point out how I started a lot later than many people. I didn't start studying until I was 25, before then I basically had no experience of any value and had not finished highs school. And Now at 32 I am very happy with where i'm at in life in terms of success/career and whatever else. So at 18 you definitely don't need to feel bad about falling behind, hopefully you can pursue a diagnosis soon and it helps you like it did for me, but don't stress too much about you feel like you should have accomplished at any given age.

[@fooxzin0411]

@j thanks for your answer. I Got a diagnosis, I'm taking ritalin la every morning of studying days, and now I am within the best students of my period, i always knew I had some "potential", but I could never use this potential. I'm taking ritalin with a medical prescription, but I don't wanna be dependent only on meds. I'm keeping a healthy routine with exercises and good sleep, and I feel great. for the first time in my life, I feel like I am able to "do stuff" it's hard to explain how it feels.

[@TonyTheSharkBaloney]

I took Ritalin and Valium at the same time and I began running 8 miles a day, during my sleep.

[@EarlyOwl]

😬

[@elsmacko919]

😅😅

[@christineklutts3082]

Bwhahaha me too!!

[@stopdropandgame9506]

I took ritilan and a beer and it made me so fucking hyped lmao

[@dmitriantonov2611]

Cool story. I took a benzo on a stimulant and I was less anxious.

[@IMAJORIPAYNE]

Thank you for this video. It resonated so deeply for me that it made me feel vulnerable and emotional. I am 31years old and have never thought about looking into Ritalin. I do feel weighed down by my lack of attention/motivation to focus when I KNOW I want to learn more and better myself. I'm inspired by your success and look forward to seeing your continued progress.

[@EarlyOwl]

Thank you for the kind comment and support ^_^ Hopefully some of what I make can give you a nudge in the right direction as well.

[@Enhancedlies]

same, its scary if im honest.

[@dinotje070]

Same here, also diagnosed at 31 and ready to try Ritalin.

[@douglasduda9826]

Go to a Professional and get them to prescribe whatever, Not every medicine works for everyone with ADHD also have to weigh the dosages with its effects and side effects. A small percentage of people with ADHD have 0 benefit from the stimulants.

[@josiahburrow]

This was an amazing video - you literally described my entire life word for word. Amazing to know there are so many others that are going through the same thing. My medication changed my life as well.

[@EarlyOwl]

Thanks for sharing, good to hear I'm not the only one!

[@mustafasolmaz5946]

same for me, but still didnt try ritalim because im scared of its side effects

[@islandofmelanat]

Wow, your story is incredibly similar to mine, at least so far. I'm 25, got diagnosed at 24. I dropped out of high school and got a GED instead (basically a homeschool diploma). From like 17 to 24 I did literally nothing with my life, just working minimum wage jobs and playing video games. After getting diagnosed I got medication and therapy, and now I'm doing quite well enrolled in a cyber security program and constantly learning new things about programming and security. Things are still very difficult at times, but I feel far more in control and just capable now. Honestly your story here gives me a lot of hope and confidence that I can make it in a tech field, so thank you for making this video!

[@EarlyOwl]

Ah that is cool to hear. It was a pretty dramatic change for me how much more tolerable school became when I was actually able to pay attention and do simple tasks. It also helped that I Was studying something more interesting (e.g programming), but I think at high school I also just retreated socially because I felt like I couldn't keep up with school and instead just played WoW 🤓

[@allypezz]

Been called a putter-off-er and last-minute man my whole life. Hard to absorb information listening to people and have invisible shackles that stop me from doing things early or even on time. There has to be a hard deadline, a plane flight etc. to motivate me. Personal goals are always pushed to the next day even though I'm telling myself I should do it. Videogames are the only things that truly engage me. Think I need to get diagnosed.

[@Nas___Nas]

or tv series

[@aidankessell2990]

same

[@EarlyOwl]

Can't hurt talking to your doctor or a psychiatrist about it at least :]

[@benedekjuhasz5592]

Im the same like you. Im too afraid to tell anyone about this.

[@jagmannenarbrand8373]

@@benedekjuhasz5592 please tell someone, your life will be better and you will achieve your dreams with help with this stuff. It’s a struggle to do this alone with adhd.

[@omselection438]

Absolutely amazing. I'm "almost emotional" for you! Well done.

[@EarlyOwl]

Thank you for the support ^_^

[@chrissmith6653]

It's nice to see someone have such a positive outcome! I was diagnosed last month at 28! I've not started treatment yet as I'm due to go in for tests tomorrow and will only start once those are back(which may take a while with Covid etc). Seeing this partly fills me with so much hope but also scares me to death thinking what if they're wrong or what if it doesn't work for me. I'm getting into it all a bit late but I hope things get better in time, if I can achieve half of what you have I'll be extremely happy!

[@EarlyOwl]

Hey Man, good luck, hopefully it all works out. Even if it doesn’t though, I don’t know what your situation is right now but part of the message I hoped to send with this video is that dramatic change is possible. Before I started Ritalin I didn’t really expect there to be something out there that would impact my life in such a way, but then something did and I was better for it. So even if this specific thing doesn’t work out you don’t know what could happen tomorrow that nudges you in a better direction.

[@user-dr8eb1nk6k]

Thank you for sharing this because I'm 39 and in my late 20's was treated for ADHD & for once my life made sense but since then... Has gotten chaotic, interrupted & just all over the place. I'm glad you shared this so the ones who really do struggle just to stay on task can find help once again. Thanks for this motivation.

[@EarlyOwl]

Glad you got something out of it, you said you started treatment at 20 are you still being reated or did you stop? Regardless hope things become a bit less chaotic in the future :]

[@ewp7615]

Thanks for making this video! I had a bit of fear after seeing the thumbnail, thinking it was just some guy taking Ritalin without diagnosis. Luckily I clicked. Thanks for sharing this story, watching these videos from time to time makes me feel much more legitimate.

[@EarlyOwl]

Haha yeah, the thumbnail/title is a bit dramatic 😬 I like it though!

[@Jacobe]

Thanks for sharing. Vyvanse helped me so much. Before taking meds for ADHD my mind was always wandering or day dreaming. It was so exhausting to keep my focus. I hated myself everyday and felt so stupid because I just couldn't make any logical connections or remember things. I dropped out of school two times but I had the drive in me to finish school. It was very exhausting to reach that goal. It took so much effort. Vyvanse calmed my brain in ways I cannot begin to explain. I can focus now and stop my mind wandering better.

[@EarlyOwl]

Thank you for sharing love hearing stories like this from others, yeah very relatable. I must have said this a bunch already but its pretty weird to think about how for a long time one of the key aspects of my identity was that I was unreliable lazy or couldn’t get anything done and now its pretty much the opposite.

[@domo.sapien]

Dude this is really inspiring for me... Thank you for sharing man. I think I needed to hear this.

[@jna3826]

Very helpful and very inspirational video! I just turned 24 and have my first psychiatrist appointment next week, I'm so excited to get my life on track. I've suffered for 20+ years believing I was just stupid/lazy/lacked motivation and willpower because that's what I was told. I started university recently and it really made me realise there was something deeper going on, I've been reading up on ADHD ever since and it is unbelievable how much I relate to most of the symptoms (I too don't believe I have the hyperactive aspect, maybe mentally but not physically). Thanks for the insight, it's always so nice to find someone to relate to. Also happy to hear how well things have turned out for you!

[@EarlyOwl]

Ouff yeah the stupid/lazy thing is tough. I think I was lucky because I definitely never thought I was stupid, and don't think I ever thought I was lazy either, so it was maybe a bit easier for me to find the way out. But I Can see how being put in that bucket can easily make someone start to believe it themselves and give up :[ Good luck with the psychiatrist!

[@charliethecat720]

Yep, uni brings it out of you. If not for the university I wouldn't realise, that I've had it, I mean that it impacts me that severely. But you start to smell the coffee there really fast.

[@Barakakwitonda]

News ? :)

[@jna3826]

@@Barakakwitonda Hi! I was diagnosed in September and tried Ritalin and then Vyvanse (which I'm still on currently). Psychologists are really tricky to get a hold of right now, I had a big issue with a referral at the place I was going to so I am starting to look elsewhere now as it's just taking way too long and I believe CBT and just general skill building will benefit me greatly. Also my diagnosis has given me the ability to apply for reasonable adjustment at my university, which provides me with things such as 1 week extensions without needing to provide reason, extra exam time, access to tech learning tools etc. Things have still been difficult of course, I struggled for 24 years and am now having to unlearn things and learn others, but I'm glad I have answers and access to resources now :)

[@moikanos11]

Every single thing, everything you said, from how you felt at school, how you felt like you could do more, to the age of your diagnosis, your state before that, the online poker experience, thinking of that rock lee clip and losing the shackles being the equivalent of how you felt on medication - every single thing you mentioned is exactly what happened in my life. I got diagnosed at 25. Ever since my first day on meds I've been thinking of that rock lee clip and how perfectly it described day 1 on medication. I've put it in stories and told it to friends, and always wanted to put it in a video. On top of that, I'm also going back to my developer school! It's honestly giving me the chills how similar our experiences are. Let's hope my future is as bright as yours.

[@EarlyOwl]

Haha thanks for sharing that is funny to hear, I had a similar experience with my late girlfriend where when I met her we just had a staggering amount of coincidences. We dropped out of high school at the same time got diagnosed at the same time started studying programming at the same time were playing WoW at the same time. I guess we are not the only ones seeking out a way to get our shit together at this age.

[@darrenbishop4327]

Congratulations on being able to accomplish what you set out to do and I hope nothing but the best for you and your family.

[@EarlyOwl]

Thank you for the very kind comment ^_^

[@DarthAlgar5]

Dude very encouraging. Thank you so much. I went to a bootcamp and barely scraped by. I just had a baby boy and now I have the motivation to finally get this treated. I kind of needed this video. Thank you.

[@EarlyOwl]

Great to hear, hopefully it works out for you :]

[@anphiibian5013]

Ive been even delaying the ritalin treatment, im 25, this video means a lot. Thanks man

[@hmorseth30]

Don't delay

[@anphiibian5013]

@@hmorseth30 thanks bro

[@hmorseth30]

@@anphiibian5013 Any time. It's not weak to take medication that you need to live a full life. You do your part to eat well, stay hydrated, and strive for improvement; medication will lower you down from your suspension above the track, and let your shoes actually hit the ground so that you can run.

[@EarlyOwl]

Good luck! Don't make the same mistake I did and wait for another few years after this realisation :p

[@anphiibian5013]

@@EarlyOwl Its been really helpfull, Im sharing it with friends that need it

[@lone9604]

My first day on Ritalin it’s been 3 hours I feel very calm and relaxed. I did stuff easily without the urge of doing something else. It’s like my mind is very calm and I don’t have any bad thoughts. I feel confident I’m happy. It’s a little sad that we who have ADHD have to use stimulants to make sure we get everything done and feel better.

[@EarlyOwl]

I’m not sad that we take them I’m just glad they exist 😬

[@FaultyFrontalLobe]

Perhaps look at it a different way. If you had type1 diabetes you would take insulin because your body doesn't produce enough on it's own right? If you needed glasses to see better because your eyes can't see better without them you would wear them would you not? Of course you would this is the same principle. I struggled my entire life being a failure, being told I was lazy. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Took medication for years but nothing got better I still struggled with the same things that made me depressed then one of my children was diagnosed with ADHD and as I sat there listening to her check all the boxes I realized so did I then I went and got a formal diagnosis and began taking medication and the only thing I'm sad about is because I was not diagnosed sooner. And interestingly enough I can fall asleep after taking some ADHD medications and I sleep better. I'm more rested. I hate the stigma behind adhd medications. I have to laugh when people say "oh you'll become addicted. " because honestly I can't become addicted to something half the time I forget to take. 😆 In all seriousness though. You did nothing wrong that caused your ADHD it's how your brain is wired you were born with it try not to beat yourself up over it because the uneducated neurotypicals in our society say there is something wrong with you because there isn't. I look at it too like a left-handed person trying to do things in a right-handed world. They can but they struggle because it's not natural. So the sad part is people not understanding that there's nothing wrong with us and telling us that there is because we don't fit in there tiny little box.

[@florianwurm4220]

isn't that spooky? Like it even affects your thougth life. Bad thougths are so much less, you are calmer, and more quiet inside. It really IS a gamechanger on so many levels. I wish I had known it before.

[@Aaron48586]

It takes so long to be diagnosed with adhd. I’m year 10 and close to year 12 wth. I need Ritalin too!!!

[@armandoaguilar5105]

As a 33 year old; with a growing family a toddler and a baby on its way… i started Ritalin 10 days ago; ive been dignosed with ADD since im 10; NEVER had a treatment for it, mom was to scared for me to try it. Took me 10 years to understand that i need this to change my life, but ADD got in the way. Its hard simetimes to talk about it to my wife being so overachiver, she kept me in mu toes and im thankfull for her for making me the person i am now; but talking to my doctor about starting ritalin is givibg me a new light on life… im sooo ready to keep gooing and taking this shackles off… this video and people who are on ritalin tell me its a game changer. And to stumbe upon your video… and basically hearing my life through you…. Made me cry and see a brighter future…. THANK YOU

[@mikebasketball11]

So happy to read your comment. I’ve tried it myself, but it seems to work best when other facets of life are in place too. How are you doing these days? Would appreciate a brutally honest update ❤

[@lizard45sa]

Thanks for the video bro! I was diagnosed as a kid and took meds, but this stopped and I've been battling with this till today. I'm 43 and got my diagnosed again today!!! I will be starting Ritalin soon! I hope my story is similar to yours! ✌❤🦎

[@shiaishehwnsjs]

This inspires me to share my story, it’s identical to yours even down to the small details. Thanks for sharing this, it’s important that people like us learn that there is a medical problem that can be treated

[@Tonixxy]

How so you know if you have it?

[@EarlyOwl]

Yeah, part of the reason I wanted to share this is because I think some people feel guilt around all of this. And also I would never have sought out treatment or known about this if someone had'nt told me ADD (e.g ADHD without hyperactivity) existed.

[@nikmohamed5906]

I finally got diagnosed and prescribed adderall this year January and it was super LIFE-CHANGING (for the better). And then amazingly I finally got 90+% grades average and was even able to hold down a job. Before the Adderall, I procrastinated so many important things and has SO MANY CLOSE CALL with deadlines: I even almost had to repeat the whole school (Canadian university) year. There was also one time I also literally forgot to write my name in the final exam and failed that course BECAUSE I missed the deadline to request for grade recheck. I even missed my internship because I missed so many job applications. And then there is also the missed credit card payment... the missed flight... the missed school assignment and even got fired from my job. 😂

[@EarlyOwl]

Haha yeah can relate that when looking back a lot of the mistakes and things you just end up not doing or putting of until its a disaster/emergency seems insane in hindsight. Good to hear that you also had a positive impact from it though, love to hear stories like this, thanks for sharing!

[@marsysatala6471]

Thank you for sharing such an inspirational story 🙏🏻❤️ It filled me with hope! I’m 39, waiting for the diagnosis which takes forever 🥺 I’m a standard case, also without the hyperactivity. which is probably why it got missed in my early years. I’m very successful in my corporate job but I’ve been working 12 years to get to where I am now. All other areas of my life are pretty much on hold as managing my career takes up all my energy and focus. I felt frustrated through my entire life as I knew that I was intelligent and bright yet could never reach my potential and mostly to others looked like lazy slob. I’m feeling hopeful hearing your story and seeing how you’ve turned your life around with the little support you’ve had. Thank you for sharing it & wishing you all the best for the future 😘xx

[@EarlyOwl]

Thank you for the nice comment and for sharing your story Marsy, hope it all works out with the diagnosis and that it helps you out, good luck!

[@marsysatala6471]

@@EarlyOwl 😘 Wishing you all the best! And a lovely Christmas & New Year ❤️🎄🎁

[@22SeaJay]

About to start the diagnosis process. Your video gives me hope 💜 Thank you

[@EarlyOwl]

Best of luck, hope it all works out!

[@durianriders]

What dosages did you start at bro? Do you ever have breaks from it? What dosage have you been running this year? Thanks mate. :)

[@XxXnonameAsDXxX]

I think he doesn't want to discuss this cuz probably you have to talk this out with a doctor

[@PsycosisIncarnated]

mix that ritalin in with your sprite, and cereal with added processed sugar bruh. should be a real kick lmao

[@-chilly-142]

Damn you’re everywhere haha

[@EarlyOwl]

I answered some followup questions around ritalin in my recent Q&A video here: [kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHXQanqvmZeagbM&t](kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHXQanqvmZeagbM&t) but I started at 10mg 0-3 times a day and I am still at that dosage (I was up to 20mg 0-3 times a day for a few years but moved down after I changed my diet.) I do take breaks from it when I'm travelling etc but don't really take breaks from it when I'm working/focusing,

[@beingamo4]

@@EarlyOwl thanks for sharing you’re journey it helps so many people. Do you feel like it has an affect on your heart? Im on 5mg 3x a day and when its wearing off I feel stress on my heart

[@gregfoster2264]

Bless you for sharing this man. I wasn't diagnosed until a few months back after a friend casually joked that I was most definitely ADD/ADHD. Started on concerta (ritalin variant I guess) and it made a world of difference. Intrusive thoughts mostly faded away, anxiety levels in check now, I can hold conversations better and look people in the eyes. Quite literally changed my life for the better. Thank you for making this video, I am really glad to hear that you are doing better. To anyone possibly struggling with ADHD, please put in the initial effort to go get checked by a psychiatrist. It is worth it ten-fold.

[@EarlyOwl]

Thanks for sharing, love seeing similar stories to mine in the comments!

[@finity9316]

Wow I’m waiting for my diagnoses and hoping the result you got is what I will get because there the same things I have problems with anxiety is just there for no reasons and and having conversations with people is hard to stay concentrated hopfully I get something to help me

[@pupstermobster8567]

I struggle with looking people in the eyes when talking. I can't concentrate on what they say, it's extremely distracting. I went to a neurologist and received questionnaires about my childhood. I wasn't able to proof sufficiently of suffering with ADHD as a child so I ended up not diagnosed with ADHD and ended up diagnosed with depression. This was 5 years ago. I'm 33. Fortunately, I just got prescribed Ritalin for my narcolepsy. Story short for some people like me finding the right doctors is difficult. Some of them relies way too much on childhood experience and are not willing to diagnose adult ADHD.

[@yayo685]

Thanks to the KZbin algorithm I found your video and for someone who has mostly had this most of my adult life, I am currently trying therapy for it instead of going the way of ritalin first. I was diagnosed with this officially at 33. I wish you the best on your journey.

[@EarlyOwl]

Thank you, best of luck on your journey as well :]

[@jakekelly4239]

Someone below said watching this video is like watching a possible future for yourself. That's exactly how i would put it too. When he said about it being emotional looking back now, it gives you a clear vision of hope. Isn't it amazing how impactful sharing your story can be? That gives me the motivation to share my own, quite unique story. Damn, what a motivational video this is!!

[@EarlyOwl]

Thank you for the super nice comment :] Comments like this is why I wanted to share this story.

[@AlexSamuels]

Great video truly inspirational, resonated with similar issues I had growing up being dyslexia, thank you for putting this out there. 👍

[@EarlyOwl]

Thanks for the comment (and for the shoutout in the exec call :D), glad you liked it.

[@krimsonsun10]

Ritalin saved my life, literally. Thank you for sharing your journey. I will email you if that is ok.

[@EarlyOwl]

I am very happy to ^_^ And sure, go ahead! A bit swamped between everything going on in my life right now but if I get an email I'll forsure respond eventually even if it might take some time.

[@memenazi7078]

Saved your life?

[@djcalvinate]

I have recently been diagnosed and am due to start Ritalin shortly. This has given me a lot of hope. Thanks

[@EarlyOwl]

Good luck! Hope it all works out well for you!

[@simondayan2737]

I'm here on this channel today because I'm taking time to invest in my mental health and productivity. Thank you for this video I've been afraid to get the Dr requisition for attention meds but this video is helping me see what is possible.

[@vgstellar]

I have a doctor's appointment next week to hopefully start on a stimulant. I've tried a non-stimulant years ago and it did nothing but give me headaches. I meditate, work out, eat fairly healthy, schedule my days out and bills in a planner, but none of that has helped as much as I'd like it to. I've had adderall a couple times and noticed a significant difference in attitude, performance in focus, doing things I don't WANT to do (rare for me), even the stuff I love to do and usually hyper-focused on, it feels like I have a new love for it. Then just stayed away all together because I thought stimulants were too addictive and I do have an addictive personality if I don't check myself. But i've done my research and am starting to understand more that in low doses and doing the work, it can be managed well. Fingers crossed and paragraph concluded.

[@smyumyu8526]

Hope you’ll find the fit medication for you. Taking pills could be helpful.

[@EarlyOwl]

Good luck, at least for me personally Ritalin has never been addictive at all, but yeah people do definitely start abusing it and get into a bad place from doing that, so just make sure to be extremly strict with your doses and (obviously) never use it recreationally, and I would advise you to stay on the starting dose for as long as possible even though you will inevitably build tolerance. Good Luck!

[@magicmerls291]

I'm on 100mg of Ritalin a day andy biggest problem with it is that I forget to take it sometimes. Can't be all to addictive if you just forgot you wanted to take it lmao.

[@audhdcreativity5899]

I heard that for people with ADHD, stimulants are not addictive, they just bring you to a "normal" energy and focus baseline, but that tolerance is an issue and that breaks are necessary. At 50, I am pretty sure I have ADD and am autistic (my 8 year old was just diagnosed with ADHD and is also being assessed for autism) ... will be talking to my doctor soon about getting diagnosed. Stories like all of yours make me so hopeful!

[@MaddieFrankX]

I just saw a comedian who said "Have you ever seen a smoker forget to have a cigarette? If ADHD medication was addictive they wouldn't forget to take it for over 6 six weeks."

[@kielhawkins9529]

Just found this and I’m glad to hear this is a pretty common reaction to meds when you have adhd. I’m 40 and just now finally getting treated. Ive gotten married, had 3 kids, gone through college and now a director of It. It been be a massive struggle though and Everything is more difficult to initiate and finish than it should be. My wife puts up with a lot of emotional instability that she shouldn’t have to. I’m hoping that I’ll be prescribed something that will just make me feel normal. I can’t imagine where I’d be in life if I’d been able to take care I’d this 20 years ago. If there is anyone reading this and now sure about treatment or if they have adhd. See someone and get tested. Get help and don’t put it off.

[@mikebasketball11]

I'm so happy to hear you received the help that you need! Very similar story from me: My school reports are littered with repeated comments of 'struggles to stay on task, gets distracted easily, high achiever when wants to be, talks excessively'. Always struggled with organisation throughout school. Spaced out a lot. Fell into video gaming to an insanely unhealthy degree post-highschool. Currently in my final course to finish an undergraduate degree (in my 7th year at the age of 26...) My father's been diagnosed with ADHD and has sporadically taken medication for it on & off for 20 years (he has auxiliary health difficulties that prevented him from taking stimulants for the most part). Here's where things are tricky for me: I've spent the better part of a year wrangling with my psychiatrist for an ADHD diagnosis & treatment... to be repeatedly told that I'm probably just struggling with learning difficulties/anxiety/depression. Seeing a 2nd psychiatrist at the end of next month & I'm so absolutely desperate to feel that I've been adequately heard on my ADHD concerns...

[@EarlyOwl]

Hopefully it works out. Have my own tragic experiences (unrelated to ritalin) with concerns not being adequately heard from health care professionals. We would like to hope and believe that every doctor is equal and you are going to get the same or similar treatment regardless of who you go to, but in reality doctors are people same as everyone else and everyone has their own biases and opinions, some will overprescribe ritalin/ADHD and others will underprescribe it. Just need to navigate it in whatever way feels right for you, the one thing I learnt from my journey is just to go to a psychiatrist who specialises in ADHD, because ny first attempt at going to a psychiatrist I waited 6 months for an appointment and when I got there he just told me he didn't know anything about ADHD.

[@mikebasketball11]

@@EarlyOwl Thanks so much for the advice mate - appreciate your reply. I tried booking for an ADHD specialist recently but he's not available for another 5-6 months.. Hopefully the collection of clues pointing towards inattentive ADHD will be enough to get a diagnosis and more appropriate treatment with the next psychiatrist I'm seeing. Best wishes to you man.

[@DustinHarms]

Wow, I look forward to watching more of your videos. Your story sounds so crazy similar to mine. I just recently stumbled upon How To ADHD also on KZbin, and I don't know why no-one has ever even mentioned the possibility that I may have ADHD, but here I am, at 32, and just now realizing that pretty much everything lines up for that being the case. I still need to get officially diagnosed, but currently am uninsured and can't afford to. Hearing stories like yours make it seem like just maybe I might be able to pull out of this dark hole I've been in for...well, ever. So thanks.

[@EarlyOwl]

Hopefully things work out for you. I think particularly if you have non-hyperactive ADHD, our age or older its a decent chance it goes undiagnosed. Hope you get some value out of some of my other videos as well, thanks for the comment! And regarding the price yeah it sucks, as I said I ended up going to a private psychologist in Norway so even if we have public health care I didn't use it for this diagnosis. But looking at the potential upside it was a relatively small price to pay. If you do end up seeing someone just make sure to properly vet them and that they are a good person to talk to about ADHD so you don't end up going to a psychiatrist and then they tell you they don't know anything about ADHD (like I did at first =p )

[@DustinHarms]

@@EarlyOwl Thanks for the response, and the advice. =)

[@ImberFatalis]

This has given me hope to finally get an assessment, thank you.

[@EarlyOwl]

Ahh good luck. One thing to keep in mind, I mean this is always true in any profession, and always true with any doctor. But it is also true when dealing with an assesment like this that you are kind of rolling the dice with what doctors you get and their preconceived attitudes where some people would be very reluctant to prescribe medical treatment and others would not. Also depends a lot on where you live.

[@ImberFatalis]

@@EarlyOwl It was a challenge and my psychiatrist didn't want to believe me at first ("You finished your A-Levels!" Yeah awesome, but I've been stuck trying to get my degree for 10 years now and my life is a constant fucking mess), but I got referred to and then assessed by the ADHD department at our local hospital (ADHS Spezialambulanz im AKH Vienna, in case anyone from Austria happens to read this) and they said I'm a textbook case. I'll be starting Ritalin next week. I'm so happy and relieved to know that it's not all "my fault" for being weak-minded or something, if you know what I mean. Thank you.

[@Don_Amo]

Extremely inspirational my friend, glad you finally found a cure. Will definitely take valuable lessons from this video!

[@EarlyOwl]

Thank you for the comment! A cure is maybe a bit of an overstatement but have definitely found a way to feel like I'm contributing instead of just being a drain to society.

[@lizvvv]

Hello! I'm 25 and The last year I got the diagnosis of ADHD I'm from Colombia and I just hug that diagnosis and cry. Tears of happines. I couldn't start a treatment in one hand this desorder didnt let me took the desition to start to doing something and the other I had to move to europe. Now that I'm here I just made the appointment with the doctor and I can't wait... Inside of me I know that I can do BIGGEST THINGS, cosas extraordinarias and I can't wait to be able to do it. I am tired of motivacional books and me dont being able to take that to the practice. Thanks for the video! Motivates me a lot.

[@EarlyOwl]

Thanks for Sharing, good luck with getting situated in Europe hope everything works out. Don't know how things will be from Colombia to Europe but for me it was pretty straight forward to get treatment (in the UK/Czech) after I had my ADHD diagnosis from Norway :]

[@manueldelarosamartinez2]

Wow you just described everything ive felt for as long as i can remember. Im 28 and I was just diagnosed with ADHD without the hyperactivity literally yesterday and was prescribed Ritalin and im so exited to start this new chapter in my life. Watching your video just gave me a lot of hope.

[@army-st3dx]

Plz tell me about it

[@SlamboSVV]

I really appreciate the video and thanks for sharing your story with us. I have had so much difficulty throughout school, and also now in high school. I'm right now dropping out of the 2. year of high school cause of poor grades and planning to re-do it after the summer vacation. I've been going to a psychiatrist for a few months now, and recently they diagnosed me with ADHD and offered me treatment/medicine. Today's my first day of taking 18 mg of Methylphenidate medicine, and so far it's been doing great, and also I'm not feeling any side effects. I hope this medication will help me throughout the rest of my high school years.

[@cianbroderick4145]

This is the most inspiring video I’ve ever seen. You are my Ritalin right now

[@EarlyOwl]

Haha, thank you. Appreciate the comment and support :D

[@igor-yp1xv]

Your story is inspiring. I also struggle with ADHD and hard depression, it's been pretty tough.

[@Straydingo]

Thanks for sharing your story mate. My 11 year old was diagnosed with ADHD this year and I've been on the fence about having him take medication hence how I've found my way to your video. Its great hearing from folks like yourself on how medication has helped you out. Thanks again for sharing.

[@EarlyOwl]

Hey, glad you got something out of it! One thing I will say is that I think the decision when it comes to medicating kids is more difficult. Big disclaimer that I am not at all qualified to speak about this and have no experience with ritalin and kids, but I have noticed a pretty strong trend in the comment section of this video that almost everyone who reports negative experiences with ritalin started it as kids. For me personally I didn't start it until I was 25, it might have been alright to start it a bit earlier but I don't really regret not starting it before I was an adult at least. I'm not saying its necessarily a bad idea for some kids I'm sure its the right decision and its a decision best made together with your doctor/psychiatrist, but just saying that I think as an adult its a lot easier for you to figure out how it is impacting you and make the decision to keep taking it or not, but with kids that becomes a bit more compliated.

[@tollph3314]

I would not give it to the kid unless its 100% necessary (I am not a Doctor) i think there are some studies that claims it can do some damage when it comes to brain development of kids. Just my opinion.

[@EarlyOwl]

I would be curious to hear if anyone has experienced something similar. Either a distinct point in your life that you feel changed the trajectory you were heading in, or getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult and how that impacted you Let me know in the comments if you have something to share :] Edit: Hey Friends, lately this has gotten a decent amount of attention (which is great!) but with that also comes to a lot more divisive comments, so just wanted to leave a note here. I don't mind comments being negative about myself or the videos, but if the comment is of a nature that might dissuade people from seeking help (e.g being aggressively anti-medicine by saying Ritalin is the same as crystal meth, saying ADHD is fake and people are just lazy etc), I'll just hide it. People who have had negative or different experiences with beginning treatment are welcome and encouraged to share, but I don't like the idea that this comment section house comments that are just trying to dismiss the idea of pharmaceutical treatments to make your life better or the concept of ADHD ^_^ To add some caveats to the video about Ritalin: It is a strong drug that has the potential for negative health or side effects, effects abuse, and dependency, so starting it is not a decision to be made lightly. It's not going to change you or f.ex make you more motivated (but could potentially make you more able to act in a direction you want), Ritalin and any other ADHD treatment affects everyone differently. Finally, I'll just say that this video and my story is about an adult ADHD diagnosis. I think it's quite different with children who don't have the same authority an adult has over what medicines are right for them.

[@sethjg3d]

Hopefully will get treatment in the next week or so

[@unspecified.entity_]

Hey, I would love to have a talk with you, I have a similar story and im now at a Crossroads. If you want you can contact me on Instagram. Mike_Dryson

[@Mattyroosak]

I have recently started Ritalin at age 51. I can’t believe the difference in clarity and focus. It has changed my life. Also great video.

[@EarlyOwl]

@@unspecified.entity_ Hey Mike, Don't have Instagram 😬 You can send me an email to [e-mail] though

[@manso306]

Just got prescribed Vyvanse 7 days ago, shortly after my diagnosis at 27yo. It's amazing so far! I noted 26 very positive changes on the first day, and subsequent days were very similar. Few and mild side-effects. I still have to do my medical examinations to be sure if I can take it long-term though. History of high blood pressure in my family, and so far my heart rate has been a bit too high. I'm optimistic though that my body will adjust! I think I'll do some math today. Though I'm a bit torn, because I've got about 7 pages of ToDo-lists to work through, which have accumulated over the past few years. Maybe I'll be able to make time for a bit of both :) I think my story so far is not extremely similar to yours, but also not too dissimilar. I think that might be in part to my autism, though I of course don't know whether you're autistic. Had a hard time finishing school, though I did make it through high school. Didn't finish my bachelors in molecular biology after 11 semesters of (not)studying. I've already spent a significant amount of my time and energy learning how to organize myself effectively, learning-strategies, and so on -- though until last week, I had to spend all of my "executive energy" on maintaining my organizational systems on a basic level. I did start a government-funded education in programming a year ago, at a center for rehabilitating people who have become unfit for their old line of work. Currently I'm taking a break from that because I couldn't keep up, even though it's not even full-time, so now I'm just sorting out my ADHD stuff. Hoping to jump back into the course at the next opportunity, in a few months! Though I might have to wait a bit longer if it turns out that I can't stay on Vyvanse and have to try extended release Ritalin or whatever. And if even that doesn't work out for me, I might have to apply for disability pension... But as I said, I'm definitely optimistic :)

[@tobygonzalez4194]

I just started my ritalin treatment this week. I'm on Day 3. I can't believe how much I'm able to do. I was slacking so much.

[@scrub3359]

congrats!

[@EarlyOwl]

Cool to hear! Just 1 word of advice is that the effect of the first few weeks will taper off so just be prepared for that and try to find a dose that works for you long term.

[@Husqvarna777]

Do you know where to buy or order them?

[@scrub3359]

@@Husqvarna777 yeah, a doctor needs to prescribe you it

[@tobygonzalez4194]

@@Husqvarna777 They're available at specific drug stores where I'm from. You just need to get a prescription.

[@adamwayne6476]

Your anime digression is SO ADD and to be celebrated! Thanks for the video. Really helpful for me.

[@EarlyOwl]

Haha thanks! Quite glad I was able to fit some anime into this video

[@clairecooper197]

That’s a really inspirational story. I’m a 45 year old women I haven’t been diagnosed , but the more I discover about ADHD the more I believe I also suffer.

[@huffin_and_puffin]

Just turned 26 and my prescribed packs of Ritalin came in. Figured out it was adhd at 25, and everything in my life (quite literally everything, and how it all became a trainwreck as the years went on) suddenly made sense. Your story, just like other adhd ones I got to hear about this last year, is so relatable it’s bittersweet, but how you turned your life around in the end is no short of brilliant so big props to you! I hope in my case it will help too, even a tiny bit 🤞

[@EarlyOwl]

Thank you! And best of luck to you, feel free to send me an update in a few months here on how its gone I'm always curious to hear how these stories turn out.

[@Neity_]

I can relate to almost everything you said, school years we're soooo painful it was hell just to go in the morning.

[@EarlyOwl]

Indeed. The last year I Failed in big part because of inattendence but the reason I didn't go is because it was so hard to pay attention so I would just sit there for hours and not get anything out of it.

[@benncube3529]

This Just Gave Me Soooo Much Hope. You Have No Clue. Thank You For This...

[@wapane7721]

the first time i took ritalin was the most significant day of my life. I felt like I had actual agency for the first time ever. You are living the kind of life I am aspiring towards now that I can finally see a way forward :)

[@entvea]

Ritalin almost destroyed my life, but Sertraline helped a lot together with getting a dog. Ritalin just gave me to much anxiety sadly, and therefor get even more impulsive in trying to escape the anxiety. But I also think I was very depressed from all my defeats, and Ritalin kinda made me focus on my depression way to much.

[@MrUltimaPro]

Yeh to much concentration sucks

[@EarlyOwl]

Yeah ritalin definitely not for everyone. I've seen others say it can worsen their anxiety as well. For me I never had issues with anxiety or depression so that was not really an issue. Glad you found something that works :]

[@FrostyLime120]

Yeah same with adderall and ritalin if i take them alone, they def make my depression/anxiety worse. thats why im on prozac with adderall

[@Simonesanderss]

I always associated ADHD with hyperactivity, and it’s interesting to hear your perspective. I started a course this year, and I am a quiet person, and don’t have any difficulties in being still. I would sit and try to pay close attention to my teachers, and I looked at them, I didn’t get distracted with my classmates or the environment around me. But at the same time I couldn’t register what the teacher was saying!!! If he made a question seconds before I couldn’t answer. And the same happened while reading the books. Apparently I was “concentrated” but my mind couldn’t focus or process what was happening…. And I felt so sleepy, so disengaged…It’s really bad… Then I found Ritalin from a friend, and wow, I feel like my brain is active, and I really understand and process what I am reading. I am really helpful to this pill. I think with him I am how I truly am. When I take it, my whole perspective changes. My brain gets so focused. And I feel more in control of things. But there is a price to pay, and after the effect disappears I normally feel very depressed. 😔 I wish the effect would be more constant.

[@EarlyOwl]

Ah I've never really gotten depressed after ritalin. Can relate a lot to your description of not being able to focus though. If you feel a really strong both effect and side effects afterwards could maybe be worth trying a lower dose?

[@luciaporta6663]

Hi, Did you experimented tolerance to Ritalin? I have tried with Concerta 18 mg during a year but as time passed I have been feling less and less the effect. Because of this I incremented the dose to 36 mg but it is still not eorking for me as it worked at the begining of the treatment. Excuse me if my written was’t good at all, I am from Argentina.

[@Simonesanderss]

@Lucia Porta Unfortunately I have 😔 It still works but it lasts only 1h to a maximum of 2h and that’s it. And I always stop from times to times for a few days to even feel that short effect! Ritalin is so amazing because it really makes you feel well, you can feel it kicking in and it’s like your mindset all of a sudden changes! But then when the crash comes it’s really bad and doesn’t end rapidly. If the effect would lasted longer it would work for me as an antidepressant because it makes me feel well and positive. Elvanse is so much more consistent but.... well it’s “soft” in comparison. You know what really helped to improve the effect of ritalin? (Because there was days I woul feel almost nothing) There is a supplement called L-Dopa. It’s a little expensive but I really noticed that by taking that the effect would be stronger and last longer. I think it’s because the supplement helps the brain to produce more dopamine. While the ritalin uses it. 🤷‍♀️ I am also not an English native speaker 😅 Stay well 🤗

[@luciaporta6663]

@@Simonesanderss Thanks for your answer, it's really helpful for me to learn about other people's experiences. It's a pity that ritalin does not funcion efficiently for you anymore. However if you try increasing the dose you will probably feel more the effect, but I am happy for you that you could find such a great suplement. Stay well too!

[@conceptofeverything8793]

Class sleeping were the time I were able to concentrate the most on what the lecture were about. I quickly learned that and used as a tool that would get me through education for a couple of years. Forget homework though. I did have cPTSD though, so the other kids at class didn't disturb my attention that much - just didnt care about them. Most of the time, I did spend time thinking about life difficulties and videogames and the minimum attention I had for class was compensated by high intelligence. 130 IQ at that age. Am currently 28 and still dont make my bed or make a breakfast. Learning it atm.

[@tafouktinou7854]

Thank you for this video, it's given me hope.

[@Waytogodavid]

I feel like you deserve more subscribers. Appreciate the video sir, I'm 28 and was just diagnosed with ADHD

[@EarlyOwl]

Ah thats great to hear, and thanks! Slowly climbing up there :]

[@richardofredemption]

Thanks for the great video. I too became a programmer out of nowhere. I suffered from ADHD my entire adult and youth life. I recently got a position as a data scientist without a bachelor's degree and ritalin (concerta) is what I have to thank for having that accessibility. I'm actually listening to your video while doing Python homework for an intermmediate course I am currently in. Thank you for being an inspiration.

[@EarlyOwl]

Thank you for the support, good to see in the comments that I'm not the only one who has had a new path in life opened up after treatment.

[@supportmerit]

I’m glad you found something that worked for you!! I use nutritional yeast, vitamins, NAD, L-tyrosine, 5-HTP, lots of exercise, and 1-2 cups coffee each morning “max” and I only drink coffee when I’m doing graduate schoolwork. I find reading while on a stationary bicycle is absolutely amazing/ the only way I can study. I read for 5 hours a few months ago and my bum fell asleep/I fell off the bike, luckily I was done reading 😂😂. It’s funny how much impact your diet has on attention too. If anyone reads this, cut out the sugar, increase the exercise “30 minutes of walking briskly per day” will change your life seriously. I wish you all the best of luck and have a great day!

[@EarlyOwl]

Thanks for the input and I agree. Diet especially has a huge impact. When I went Keto I halved my ritalin dosage because it had such a noticeable effect on my focus.

[@SarahsSevenSisters]

Love your story, thank you for sharing 💜🙏🏻

[@LucaMuntz]

I love your room! Very me in lots of space but also everything you enjoy/need

[@aaronp9306]

What a damn good video! A great story my friend, and congrats on your well earned success.

[@EarlyOwl]

Thank you for the support, on and upwards! :]

[@Squize.]

I was diagnosed at a pretty young age. I can't remember a whole lot from my childhood but I do remember the pills, slim sticky blue and white ones that tasted terrible. I still can't drink from ceramic mugs without tasting them to this day. But one day still at a pretty young age I fought my parents so hard on taking the already expensive pills that I was able to stop taking them. I'm 25 now and have ignored the fact I ever had it since that day, I think I may have even tricked myself into thinking I had outgrew it. I don't even know what to say past that but I'm gonna go talk to a doctor on the next paycheck.

[@EarlyOwl]

Good luck! I think its much easier to make a decision on if the treatment is right for you or not as an adult.

[@MotifMusicStudios]

Really appreciate your perspective and story.

[@michelesperrow-chenie2445]

If every one capable of prescribing this wasn’t an evil bastard! I’m suffering without. ADHD has ruined my life, now I’m just gonna sit here and cry til I die!

[@MetinSenler]

Great video man! Thanks for sharing your story 🙌

[@EarlyOwl]

Very happy to share ^_^

[@Virtues4U]

Ritalin is a life-changer. However, wished I had been diagnosed earlier in my life. Only problem is possibly Ritalin's quick release leads to extreme tiredness. Now I'm on it but I can't take it consistently because it's too expensive.

[@taulantbeqiri2655]

wow really inspiring story , glad you were able to overcome this difficutly. good luck in the future

[@EarlyOwl]

Thank you for the kind words, good luck to you as well :]

[@mo_7199]

your video gave me a lot of hope. thank you. i just started concerta

[@Geeoorrgeee]

Thank you for this reassuring message. I have an almost identical situation, being 26 and about to start my titration process onto Ritalin after many years of degrading my self esteem through retaking years at college and university and changing my trajectory from my dream jobs to something merely to get a pay check. Thankfully I’ve had enough years of setbacks to not jump to conclusions of how this will go, but this video has definitely created some positive thoughts about the possibilities. Thank you

[@andree.3506]

I have been struggling with concentration and impulsivity as long as I can remember, so this week at the age of 23 - I went to my first neuropsychological examination, where I was told that I clearly have symptoms that can match ADD, and the psychologist told me that he'll be surprised if I don't have ADHD. Got my first psychiatrist appointment on the 7th of February, can't wait! I really wish I did this earlier, I barely managed to get C average during my bachelor's degree (and I even had to take an extra year to fix grades and take some courses I failed earlier). Was also told by my doctor that I can't possibly have ADHD because I graduate university and have a job in the tech field. The struggle is real. It feels like my mind is constantly doing its own thinking, and I am just an observer.

[@EarlyOwl]

Sounds like you are moving in a good direction so I hope it all works out. And 23 is definitely not too late for anything :] For me personally I’m not sure I wish I started earlier (started at 25) because I’m happy where I ended up.

[@nateboutcher]

I emailed my family doctor to make an appointment in the middle of this video. Thank you. Subscribed

[@EarlyOwl]

Thanks for sharing, can be a bit of an annoying journey but hope it works out well for you :] If it does its definitely worth it.

[@michaelbeukes]

Thank you for this video. I turned 40 this Feb and I thought since high school something whas wrong. I started this week with meds. Hope things change for me..... Thanx again

[@NathanHesselman]

Beast! this is a great video :) thank you for sharing keep up the good work.

[@EarlyOwl]

Thanks for the support Nathan! 💯

[@evan3741]

I had been misdiagnosed with dyslexia because I couldn't or wouldn't formulate my thoughts easily. Issue was that I was forgetting what I wanted to say while I was saying it. I cannot find the right word and many times I can't even use the correct language because I just forget word in my own native tongue. I don't know how or where to get help about ADHD

[@EarlyOwl]

It can be more or less complicated depending on what country you live in, but if you are able to see a psychiatrist that specializes in ADHD for an assessment then thats probably your best bet :]

[@offline-jg7lp]

Thank you so much for sharing this. Needed this so bad.

[@apokk88]

This is really inspiring. I'm 32 and very recently diagnosed with adhd. After trying two other medications that failed I try ritalin for the first time this Monday. I want a life changing experience, I need it. I've struggled all my life with this without knowing exactly what my problem was. I have the dreams but need some help to fulfill them. I'm so nervous and excited. 🤞 Thank you for your video.

[@EarlyOwl]

Ahh that is good to hear, I hope Ritalin works out for you as well as it did for me. I know different people have different reactions (in terms of side effects etc) from the various ADHD medicines. I've only really tried Ritalin since that worked well for me from the start.

[@alarmsquadnj]

Good luck 👍

[@Barakakwitonda]

News ? :)

[@apokk88]

@@Barakakwitonda ritalin was okay but I ended up being switched to adderall. My life is absolutely more organized. I can focus better and get the things I need done. I'm not perfectly where I'd like to be mentally but its definitely a big improvement. Thank you for asking. ♡