I’m not writing out of personal experience, but I surely know that it’s not easy to parent a child who battles ADHD. I'm sorry that you're stressed out, but it's good to read that you’re planning to make an appointment with your doctor. You may also be interested in the book -- Why A.D.H.D. Doesn’t Mean Disaster, by Dennis Swanberg and Diane Passno. You can check with your local library or an online bookseller. I’m praying for God to comfort you. (Hug)

Yes when we were having a lot of trouble with my ADHD child, I talked to my doctor about being depressed (and I'm not a depressed person usually). He thought a few months of an antidepressant would help me - its not necessarily forever. Luckily my son turned a corner and I am more relaxed now without drugs.

I have PTS from our interactions with the schools- that there's that. I try to meditate, take walks, cook.......

I self medicate with food too much, but am trying to exercise more instead. I rarely drink, but every now and then a glass a wine is needed. When I found myself sinking too much due to all of this and other stressors piling on, I went on Welbutrin for a while.

I feel the opposite. I worry I'm not worried enough about DD's problems and that maybe I don't understand the severity or ... something. She goes to her therapies and we do all the homework every day and I just don't worry about it.

Maybe we should trade some of our feelings so we're both evened out?

OP here.

Thanks everyone for your advice.

I have been self-medicating with food, but lately it's not filling the void. I don't drink alcohol, but I thought maybe a glass of wine or two might actually be beneficial. I'm just too uptight...Type A personality!


I will make an appointment to see my doctor, and discuss my concerns. I really do think I need counseling and/or medication.

Burn out is real at work and parenting a child with special needs is more than equivalent to an intense job. It is hard to think that you are burnt out from your own children, but I really believe it happens.

Self-care can help, but it is really hard to find the time discipline to put yourself first. ANd I have troubel convincing myself that I will be happier after a walk than a Reeses' cup.

I agree with all of the previous posters
-find a professional to talk with
-find a group of supportive parents (perhaps DCUM)
-get medication if that is indicated

For me the icing on the cake is that when I am anxious/ stressed- it makes my kids 1000 times more anxious/ stressed themselves. So no pressure there.

I got up to over 200 pounds stress eating before I started taking Wellbutrin. Wish I had started antidepressants about 50 pounds ago. Learn from my mistake, friends.

Anonymous wrote:I would think about finding someone you can talk to, but I would discount the idea of medication. It may be for the short term, counseling may be sufficient, but why suffer unnecessarily?

Depression isn't a character flaw and anti-depressants are much healthier overall than over-eating and drinking alcohol more. When I've been better able manage by depression which included meds, finding comfort in food or alcohol was less appealing.

ADHD runs in families and there's often co-morbidity with depression. It may not be an anti-depressant that you need. GL

+1 Alcoholism and ADHD/anxiety/depression runs in our family. Not good having a greatuncle, mother, etc. who were drunks. Self-medicating is not a good solution when there are better medications available.

I am a much happier person on Ritalin and not a drunk.

I would think about finding someone you can talk to, but I would discount the idea of medication. It may be for the short term, counseling may be sufficient, but why suffer unnecessarily?

Depression isn't a character flaw and anti-depressants are much healthier overall than over-eating and drinking alcohol more. When I've been better able manage by depression which included meds, finding comfort in food or alcohol was less appealing.

ADHD runs in families and there's often co-morbidity with depression. It may not be an anti-depressant that you need. GL

I don't have SN kids, but two active boys. I would love to drink every night, but so far I've been able to hold back. I stuff candy in my face instead.

YES! I medicate with food, and talking to DH and my friends, plus this board. Thank you, parents of the Special Needs board

Hang in there, OP. Don't drink too much...

Have you tried talking to someone about how you are feeling? There are probably mental health benefits as part of your health insurance. Before turning to medication or alcohol, see if talking with someone who is non-judgemental would help. A LCSW helped me through a difficult time and was just a good, objective, third party sounding board to relieve stress and gave me valuable parenting and marital advice.

I definitely have this sort of thought--you're not alone.

I've always felt that I was a mentally strong person, but nowadays I just feel defeated.

I've been so stressed lately with raising my ADHD child, that I feel like I need to be on medication or at least start drinking alcohol at night.

Anyone else experience/feel the same?