Some days you just don’t have the energy to cope with your partner’s ADHD symptoms any more. What can you do? Here are nine tips to help you survive…
Keep your cool. Blowing up will only hurt, compounding your image as a nag or unreasonable spouse. This is not in your best interest, as it allows your partner to write you off rather than remain respectful. So, instead of getting angry, let the issue (whatever it was)“slide past” you when you just don’t have the energy to deal with it calmly right then.
Jot it down. Non-ADHD partners are sometimes slow to let things pass because thy fear their partner will “wander off” and that will be that. Counteract this by jotting a note about what needs to be addressed so you can deal with it at a later time, perhaps with a counselor. For example, you might write “late getting kids to school on Tuesday by 30 minutes” or “interrupted multiple times at dinner on Friday.” After a while, you may see patterns that will help you convince your partner that his or her behavior is more difficult than they originally thought.
Do something nice for yourself / be selfish. When faced with persistent ADHD symptoms, non-ADHD spouses tend to focus more and more on their ADHD spouse, rather then on themselves…to their detriment. For example, in my case, the more unhappy I became, the more I started thinking about my husband - what he wasn’t doing and should have been; how much his actions impacted our family; how inconsiderate he was, how unreliable he was, etc. This meant I forgot about me – very unhealthy! So when things really get tough, do something for yourself – take a nap, do that project that’s been hanging over your head (unapologetically dump the kids on your spouse), get a massage, read a book in the local park, eat some really healthy food, go to bed early, or exercise. All will improve your state of mind, the last (exercise) particularly so. Or, as the ad says, “you deserve it!”
Insist on being heard…later. When you are exhausted and frustrated is not the time to address difficult issues. Wait until you are in a better frame of mind, then sit down with your partner and explain what you need - calmly. You don’t want to give up on your needs, but neither do you wish to sabotage yourself by seeming unreasonable, angry or otherwise difficult to deal with. (This sabotages you because it gives your partner an excuse to retreat – and nothing gets solved that way!)
Keep a journal. Sometimes exhaustion is another form of not having any more ideas. Writing in a journal can help you expose your feelings and explore alternate approaches to your problems. It also can provide some much-needed quiet, self-focus time. Writing in our forum is also a good way to get new ideas.
Find a friend. Go out for dinner or drinks, take a walk together, visit a local museum. Get a sitter if needed. Knowing you have support helps you get through. Too many non-ADHD partners isolate themselves as they struggle to work through their marital problems, maintain control of their lives and the house.
Listen. When you’ve finally found the energy you need to interact again, make sure to listen. All too often non-ADHD spouses get used to “ordering” their ADHD spouses around and don’t realize they aren’t really listening to their partner. Converse, don’t order. Listen and question. This will encourage participation in your partner, and that can be enough to re-energize you.
If you can afford it, hire it out. Get stuff off your plate by hiring it out. Housework, yardwork, filing, decluttering and organizing, and babysitting can all be effectively hired out. This type of delegation will help prevent future stress.
Create a plan. The eight tips above should help you find more energy and new approaches. Creating a plan about how to get out of your current slump will make you feel better.
For the longer term...
Eventually, it will help a great deal if you can explore and strengthen your boundaries. Though this is hard work, it will help you stop any rescuing, parenting and enabling you may be doing with your partner. The process of creating stronger boundaries includes looking at your own values, placing your wants, desires and deal breakers into a hierarchy so that you can determine what you must fight for and what you can let go or negotiate...and then aligning your actions with what you've discovered. That's the hardest part, of course, because it's easy to get sucked into the chaos of your household and the issues your partner faces. But, ultimately, you will feel better and be healthier if you are able to keep enough attention on your own behaviors and your own needs.
- MelissaOrlov's blog
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Comments
When Reality is Ignored
Submitted by Melomom on
I liked these suggestions so much, I bookmarked this page and will probably refer to it often. We are starting the couples seminar next week, and I'm really hoping it will save our marriage.
But, what happens when he literally doesn't see what is actually happening? What do I do when his recall of what JUST happened is factually incorrect, and we go to Argue-ville and there's no return? I retreat into my tears, hopelessness, frustration, anger, hurt, etc only to wonder how something so small is piling up to something SO big - like the end of a marriage.
I have often said/thought if only he could see a video of himself, he would be SHOCKED. Maybe our divorce will be the final reveal for him.
I have often said/thought if
Submitted by HappyMedium on
I have often said/thought if only he could see a video of himself, he would be SHOCKED.
I used to think the same way. That if I could just record our life to show him..... Lately though, I realize that would be useless. He's gone from mostly denying to putting the blame on me. He might admit he over reacted or was verbally abusive or whatever else, he might even apologize for it. But then he justifies it by either putting the blame on me or pointing out what he perceives as a character flaw on my part. A really good example of this is the day before Christmas Eve. He went out bar hopping with his friends and I was pretty upset about it. Especially when I seen how much money he spent (earlier in the week he had made a big deal out of me spending $75 at a bargain store on Christmas gifts for our children, while my friend was in the room). In his mind, his actions were acceptable and I wouldn't be so upset if I weren't so materialistic and selfish. I didn't think I was being materialistic or selfish, I was actually thinking along the lines of "it's better to give than receive" and putting others before yourself. Spending money he could have used for his family (who have helped us out tremendously in the past year) or his children, on booze was acceptable to him. He further solidified his thoughts by telling me that until he spends more on himself than what we spend in food for a year, that I have no right to say anything. What he didn't realize is that last year, he did exactly that.
I believe with my DH, there's a level of narcissism that accompanies his ADHD. His word is law, because it's HIS word.
sounds like bpd
Submitted by Beckyd58 on
Sounds like he is borderline personailty disorder of which can be confused with adhd, rea about bpd, makes alot of sense, he can have both.
Sounds familiar!
Submitted by masmam1 on
I believe with my DH, there's a level of narcissism that accompanies his ADHD. His word is law, because it's HIS word.
I know exactly how you feel! I'm thinking mine has PTSD and anti-social personality disorder as well.
Control
Submitted by Dansgirl on
Wow! I'm beginning to see that control is a common theme. I get what you're saying. His word is law and there's no room for other opinions, especially mine. His way or the highway... How do you handle it? Because I'm not sure I can anymore... I love him, but I am me and need consideration, too...I don't even want him to touch me anymore, it feels wrong. I don't think ADHD is all of it, either. He's also cold hearted and selfish. Wish I had a live support group... This is good, but I would love a hug from one of you who gets it.
Where to next
Submitted by mandi k on
Hi dansgirl,
Isn't it uncanny how we all have such similar stories, even down to the patterns of speech that occur during our household meltdowns? I hear you loud and clear about where your feelings are at in your relationship. As you will have noticed, most of us non ADD/ADHD partners are at our wits end, confused and hurt and feeling very stuck as we do love our partners but are falling apart ourselves from doing all the supporting and allowing, without anyone being there for us. I'm sending you (and everyone else out there) a gigantic HUG that hopefully you can feel and think about and enjoy again and again when times are getting you down. We all love you and wish we could all just get together and have a massive group hug to make up for all the times when we really needed hugs and our partners were too distracted to notice.
I've been up and down the rollercoaster of emotions since 1995, have two kids that also have behavioural differences, and have decided that at the moment I will focus on keeping my wellbeing intact. I have tried leaving, I have tried kicking him out, I have tried counselling of three different types, and we are currently in the arduous process of getting a proper diagnosis and hopefully some management strategies for him. I have to remain positive for my own sake and the sake of the children who are REALLY over being told off for no good reason or belittled or just plain ignored. I have come to accept that most of the time I will be a single parent even though their father does live here with us. So now my new way of being is to focus on not getting emotionally entangled when he flips out and tries to blame me for every little thing, or has a mental moment or is just allowing everything to P*#$ him off. Sometimes it feels a bit as though I'm being fake and pretending to be ok, but mostly I concentrate on priorities like getting food on the table, the garden watered, the kids to school, etc. By staying absorbed in family priorities I am more easily able to detach from the control dramas he dishes out every five minutes, and it also gives me an 'out' when he goes into poor-me-mode after his dramas are ignored. I simply state quite calmly that I'm sorry he's not feeling happy right now, but that I have to take care of other people's needs right now. It's really challenging and I get so tired all the time from having to be the only adult in the house, but I am now also making a conscious effort to take 'me' time - to do some of the things I love that help me feel good about myself. I'm a singer and a performer and I miss having the time and headspace to make music, play circus arts and laugh, so I create opportunities for myself to do these things when I can. Also, having upbeat and fun friends to call up or hang out with is great. If I'm feeling really down, I'll call someone up and just have happy chats without talking about my down feelings, and eventually I find myself feeling better. I know the negative feelings seem to outweigh the happy ones, but it's really just up to us to tip that balance. It's also a personal choice as to whether you stick with it or not, knowing that without proper management the situation is never going to be any different. Big hugs and love to all who suffer this poison dart we know as ADD/ADHD.
Thanks
Submitted by Dansgirl on
Thanks for the virtual hugs! I wish I had read this a few days ago. I was so tired of being disrespected and disregarded, and I confronted him. His response was "you know how I am. Deal with it or don't". I interpreted that as him saying it doesn't matter if I stick around or not and I was so hurt! I asked him if that's how he really felt and if he wanted me to leave. He couldn't even see why I was hurt, in his mnd I was just being dramatic, and things escalated out of control. For me, I need forums like this to refer to so that I can remember that it's not just me and I can alleviate some of the fighting if I can slow down and recognize that his words are not always what he means to say. It's just that his mouth says them before his mind has had the chance to realize just what he is saying.
So thanks for the support, everyone.... I saw a poster that kind of sums it up for me: We're all in the same game, just different levels. Dealing with the same hell, just different devils.
this is who I am.. very familiar
Submitted by patriciasm44 on
How reassuring, although somewhat sad, that over and over I am reading the same words and phrases I hear from my ADHD spouse. Deal with it, Leave me alone, and the very worse, not understanding or having a clue that anything he does, says or blurts out hurts ! I am so sorry anyone else is experiencing this, but glad to know I have company in this ugliness is helpful in a strange way. My DH has just been diagnosed and started medication. His physician is not very forthcoming with any helpful information or offering referral for therapy, and the only thereapist that has taken the courses this book recommends is an hour away ( on a no traffic day) and her charges are not within any possibility for us. Imust tell you that since the meds are somewhat working now, his attitude, and ability to think thru a situation ( not really a problem, but a situation which clear begining and end) is not short of amazing. He even said he realized he had said hurtful things to me ( in reply to my not telling him i was hurt) knew what he said, and apologized for saying them. I know it is not the end of the ADHD nightmare, but this blog and reading your comments is really a life saver for me too. Thanks for sharing, and letting me share too.
Not sure what to do next
Submitted by end-o-rope on
I have been with my ADHD spouse for for 14 yrs and am wondering where my life went. He is medicated and I am trying to break the parent/child anger cycle but feels like no use. I am so tired of his blow-ups/rude behavior in public ( i.e the embarrassment ADHD spouse freaks out and gets all weird and blamey because car door doesn't unlock fast enough or some other minor frustration). My ADHD husband is not physically abusive but gives off that controlling/anger vibe when frustrated ( which occurs often). I have been yelled at in restaurants because he can't find the table we are sitting at and instead of asking the hostess where we are seated( in the event I don't answer the 10 phone calls he's made in 5 minutes because my ringer is off and I am minding our 5 year old) I am oblivious there is a "crisis" because he has been gone for 5 minutes but he comes back to the table livid with anger because I did not pick up the phone - join me in the Twilight zone anyone? The forgetfullness/lack of attention& follow-through & messiness get to me but its the inability to own up to his behaviours and constantly warping situations to place blame on me that is the straw that is breaking the camels back. Example, I set a glass down on a table near the bed, he and my son have a pillow fight after I leave the room,pillow hits table- glass breaks - my fault for putting glass on table - he will not take responsibility for anything!
He can be very charming and fun but after 14 years of varying levels of dealing with ADHD craziness ( combined with anger, alcohol dependance, possible PTSD due to abusive childhood) my feeling for him are pretty much gone and we have a marriage of convenience (his since I am in the financial support role). I am trying to get marriage counseling again but wondering if it will do any good, he is medicated but convinced that we mostly have "normal" Venus and Mars marriage / difference of opinion issues. First round of counseling helped bring me back from brink of nervous breakdown and he actually got his own a counselor which seems to help start to deal with the other issues outside ADHD but then we had to relocate to California suddenly due to my job loss and are back to square one.
To his defense he takes medicine and has tried to deal with the ADHD and has toned down ( mellowed with age?) as in doesn't throw/break things as much anymore) but comes from an abusive family and has self esteem issues which lead to over defensiveness & he doesn't see /really understand the full impact of his behavior on the marriage or our son. Again most things are my fault for being bothered by yelling,breaking things, drinking most nights since I am too soft due to growing up in "Mayberry" - I am just a spoiled "princess" (yet in reality am more the tomboy type and parents were depressed and/or alcoholic so not exactly your fairytale home).
I would like to salvage the marriage for my son not sure I have enough feelings left for him to go through this again. Honestly I just feel like I hate him sometimes and am tired of living with and supporting someone that not only acts irrationally & regularly drives me crazy but is constantly blaming me for the difficulties he deals with in life due to his own ADHD.
I understand it takes two to tango have stopped nagging/ try speak in short sentences and when angry about whatever crazy BS thing is happening suck it up and keep my mouth shut as much as possible but am only human and refuse to be a doormat. I do not want my son to see me succumb to bullying by his fathers aggro behaviour and think this is appropriate man behaviour. I dread weekends and going on vacation because it is more time dealing with him. There is a lot of water under the bridge. How do you regain trust and love for someone that is fundamentally unpredictable to deal with and goes on the attack on a hair trigger?
ADHD spouse is very vindictive and revenge focused so know that if I do try to separate no matter how easy a landing I try to make it for him ( ie find him apartment, pay support etc...) he will to do everything in his power to fight me/make my life hell.
Not sure what to do next, wish I had left before things got more complicated by having a child. Wondering what it would be like to have a life partner that was actually a support rather than drain on my energy. Feel completely detached from him & life, tired, dejected and only thing that keeps me going is my son these days.
Hi, end-o-rope (what a great
Submitted by PoisonIvy on
Hi, end-o-rope (what a great name; unfortunately, so applicable for so many of us). Welcome to the club that no one wants to be a member of. You might want to create a new topic (e.g., under "Anger and Frustration") with your story. Sometimes the new topics get more reads and responses.
My husband does not get openly angry very often but he's often in a bad mood that is expressed by a tone of voice that conveys that he's pissed with the people around him (for example, me or our daughters). When this is pointed out to him, he gets even pissier. It's hard to deal with. My solution, living apart, would not work for most people who are still married or have children at home. (Our are young adults.) It is a huge challenge to deal with ADHD in a relationship, and you have my sympathy.
Thanks for your message and
Submitted by end-o-rope on
Thanks for your message and words of support. It has been very helpful to read other people's experiences with this set of symptoms. No matter the level of anger/pissiness it certainly takes it toll. Living apart sounds appealing but is not realistic for my situation. Hoping next round of marriage therapy will help current situation or at least give some indication that it will be possible to find some happiness again.
I just wanted to say that I
Submitted by Yukka on
I just wanted to say that I hear you! I have logged on to this site for the first time, today, because of exactly the kind of scenario you are describing. The difference for me is that my husband does have some self-awareness, and really hates how he acts and how he treats me, but he is unable to change. I truly do see him trying, but he is so sensitive to basically all stimuli, it seems impossible for him to act appropriately. It's heartbreaking to see how much he hates himself, but it's also heartbreaking to feel myself slipping away, and to see my daughter's behaviour change, be unable to have the patience for her (she's only 3), and to lose any hope for a better future. I'm so tired and I don't know anymore if I'm doing anyone any favours by working so hard to keep us together. Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your story: it helps so much just to know that others understand the kind of hell we are in.
i am in the same boat as
Submitted by peace on
i am in the same boat as "end of the rope". i would love to know if things have progressed for the better? i am feeling at the end of my rope as well after 14 years with very little progress from him in actually taking actions to better the situation. i forced him to get tested, which he tested at the top of the class!! problem is you cannot force someone to take their medication, btw even when they see that it is helping tremendously! sometimes its as if they actually enjoy their behaviors and the turmoil it brings to their spouse and family.
i just wrote you an entire
Submitted by BFFJ on
i just wrote you an entire message and it was deleted. Maybe it meant I should not send it :) I just wanted to know if you made any progress . I am in an eerily similar situation to you. I am the sole financial provider now for the past almost year as he "works" from home but has no income resulting to contribute to the household. We have been together 17 years and married 12 adn now we have two young boys. I am at my wits end too. I love him but these behaviors make it impossible. I feel like we are on a viscous never ending cycle that spirals more out of control each time and then he honestly believes that it is "me" and is completely oblivious to his behaviors . he is living the life , doing what he wants and has time for hobbys too , even though he has no earnings at all the past year and does not get a job to supplement us at all the past year, he uses his time on weekends for hobbys and "projects" that are needless, self created instead of using this time he apparently has leisurely to actually earn an income and help support his household. HIs latest was this weekend when he has no money to consistently help with the necessities of life the past year (for mortgage , bills , food , etc) he finds a way to spend some found retirement money of his, on his latest "projects" that are self created, needless, never ending, cost money he does not have and only take time away from me with the kids. the kids LOVE to watch these "projects" that take away from the little time I Have with them when I am not working like frantic to make a living and support us all. when I became upset outwardly, an isolated incidence at best but i was exploding inside, he caught me crying, I told him why, and the pressures I am under and seeing him do these "projects" buying and planting bushes, trees, you name it, for the yard, for pretty , nothing at all that we 'need" , he then blamed me and that he thought i was upset and crying about something bad like a phone call i received etc. Isn't this "life" bad enough? . It was truly crazy making and unreal for me. How long can one endure and keep going like this and in this cycle of behaviors .
For end o rope
Submitted by Libbyandrew09 on
I think I can make you laugh... Was trying to prove to my mother that he has add and told her the following.... Last night he got angry at the dish washer.. We got a new dishwasher at x mas and he insisted on installing it.. The dishwasher has never fit properly and has to be. Slammed shut.. He refuses to spend the money on having it properly installed ... So... He got it in his head that he needs to "fix" it again and actually pulled out all of the stuffing which keeps the washer in place then ...when I tried to load it this morning I pulled open the dishwazher and all of the drawers fell out! He immediately got mad at me for not being more gene with the dishwasher!! As I read these stories I am delighted for the first time to know that I'm not alone! I labedled the entire playroom and under lard games he put a coffee maker!!
Guy here...Can't help it....
Submitted by c ur self on
Dishwasher's are made off balance if you will....The front of a dishwasher has clips that must be put in slots in the top front of the dishwasher and anchored w/ screws into the underside of your counter tops....Or the results is it will fall forward, and never set stable....
There maybe styles out there that don't connect this way...But, this is typical....
Blessings libbyandrew09...
C
Not sure what to do next
Submitted by Exhausting on
I am reading this post from 2014 in 2021, and wonder what happened to this lovely lady who seems to have suffered so much. Oh, how her story resonated with me. This IS my life, except that my (suspected) ADHD spouse and I do not have children. There are so many similarities here it's just not funny. I'd love to know the outcome if you are still out there end-o-rope?
Still here
Submitted by end-o-rope on
I am still here and unfortunately in same situation. I have stayed in the marriage because of my son and belief that my situation would be worse parenting separately with my spouse.
Still on the rollercoaster, emotionally detached from him and now dealing with some health problems that may be result of chronic stress.
He has mellowed some with age but still drinks, engages in destructive and manipulative behaviors that limit possibilities of developing a healthy relationship.
Have been in counseling again, may try a round of marriage counseling but currently am taxed with additional travel due to work situation and not sure have energy for it.
My son is a teenager so probably going to wait out the next few years and then leave and move on with my life.
I have been in over my head with my Jeckyl/Hyde person and have not taken the right steps to get enough outside help. On good days he is charming, funny, interesting, dedicated dad/husband, fun and very likable. However, still get a lot of his anger and frustration directed at me and the constant stress of living in an unpredictable situation has taken its toll.
Warning to others that pick this path, can attest that although I have mostly let go of anger and try not to engage with him when upset, chronic stress will degrade not only mental but physical health.
Wish I had a better update but has been particularly rough week with a few incidents with him that have left me feeling a bit depressed, tired, overwhelmed and hopeless again.
Control
Submitted by lynne1 on
Love your comments here is a hug. I am still learning about ADHD but the best tools I have been doing and work are all things I have learnt on Melissa's courses. They have not only saved our relationship but make us both realise it's hard work but worth it. The best for me is the negotiation skills technique when we both get a opportunity to write down why we should and should not do something or have something. More often than not we come to a total different out come better than what either of us wanted. Synergistically thinking's have resulted in getting a better outcome. It makes us both feel heard or listened to and considered.
Memory issue...
Submitted by YYZ on
We ADDer's have issues with Short Term Memory moving to Long Term too quickly or disappearing altogether :-? The reason I know about being So Sure of a memory is because I recall it very well, the problem is it can be like the Cliff's Notes of the conversation. The bullet points with detail missing and that can make a huge in the future discussion.
I would Hate this, but if you have your phone on you, just record the conversation. Then if it comes up again, you have Real Memory of the conversation of Both of you. A little un-fair because the ADDer would not know he was being recorded.
I can tell you that after being treated for my ADD with Adderall, my memory has improved quite a bit. There is hope :)
Sorry, it wont work (at least
Submitted by lululove on
Sorry Lulu...
Submitted by YYZ on
It's too bad he does not understand what is happening inside himself. Even now I have to try and hold back reacting to things at home. My wife cannot seem to let go of her anger. Not just at me, but when she is agitated it quickly get pointed at me. It is weird that many times we are just goofing around (Fun has been rare for a while), then at some point it turns into an agitation to her. Like she realizes I've tricked her into not being productive and now she feels like time has been wasted...
keep notes
Submitted by curiouscat on
I keep notes on our conversations and then text him to confirm any decisions we have made. I also have a special notebook that I use to take notes in when we have a conversation and read the notes and the final decisions back to him at the end of the conversation. Sometimes we even sign the notes.
I have thought about
Submitted by Melomom on
I have thought about recording him many times, and knowing him the way I do, if he found out, he would absolutely feel attacked, blind-sided, ambushed, and he would come out swinging. A small example of how I know this was when I had made a list to take to one of our therapy sessions about specific things that had happened in our interactions. I brought the list out during the session, and he looked/acted like I had physically attacked him. He was sweating, nervous, shaky, reactive, he completely shut down and didn't hear anything that was said. He said he felt "attacked", and then felt "defensive" and "how could I compile a list and blind-side him with it at a therapy session?"
I understand that short term/long term memory is an issue with how "crowded" and "noisy" his brain is. I've done the research, the reading, I try to learn more every day. What bothers me is that he absolutely refuses to admit that what he did, was actually What He Did. He thinks just because he didn't have the Intention to be an a**hole, that automatically means he Wasn't. He also thinks that if he apologizes for it, everything is ok. (See my post on "I've just heard the Millionth apology").
He was on Adderall, and stopped taking it b/c he claimed it caused sleep disturbance. (Never mind the Gallons of alcohol, his daily schedule that he changes widely every day, the other meds he's on, etc. - No, that wouldn't cause sleep disturbance - it was Automatically the Addrerall.) When he was on it, I saw pauses in him before he would react. I saw slower thinking. I saw concentration. I saw an awareness of those around him. But, he decided to just stop taking it, and not tell me until 6 weeks later In A Therapy Session!
I vascilate on the Hope Scale every day, every hour sometimes, from complete down in the depths despair to maybe, just maybe, a miracle will happen.
If someone came to me with a
Submitted by summerwine on
If someone came to me with a list of all the things I did wrong that week or a video they made of me without my consent to show me how awful I am that would be a deal breaker. I'm pretty sure that I would freak out just thinking of it upsets me. Like seriously I had to get out of my chair and walk around just now! I know that I am worthless and stupid and horrible compared to other women because of my ADHD you don't have to rub my nose in it or collect evidence.
I can understand that
Submitted by lululove on
When I have thought about
Submitted by Melomom on
When I have thought about recording/video taping, it has always been in a desperate, dark hour. It's never something I would want to do to hurt him, simply to reveal to him in hard black and white evidence the things he does that he is so vehemently denying. (See my post above.)
I understand how you would
Submitted by Melomom on
I understand how you would feel if someone came to you with a list...........but here's where it gets complicated. In my post I said: "I had made a list to take to one of our therapy sessions about specific things that had happened in our interactions." I did not say a list of 'all of the things he did wrong' or that he is 'worthless and stupid and horrible'. However, that was his reaction too, unfortunately. He took "the list" as a bad thing, as a negative, as something I was using against him. I hadn't even said in my post what "the list" contained. On the advice in Melissa's book, and from the advice of our marriage counselor, I had written down specific things that had been said by both of us during certain interactions that ended badly. This "list" was meant to clarify exactly what had been said, what had been misinterpreted, what had not been heard, etc. This "list" was meant as a learning tool to see what exactly happened that made the interaction end so badly, and how to change a similar interaction in the future. This applies to both of us, because my reactions to him are equally just as much of a culprit for things going bad as anything he does. I have long ago given up the notion of trying to 'rub his nose in it' because it doesn't do anything but hurt him, and me. I want us to learn what is going wrong in the moment, and stop it dead in it's tracks, and change it in the future.
"List"
Submitted by Clara on
I agree with you about the list, also understanding that what you mean is not so much a "list", but rather, notes on occurrences that need to be acknowledged and discussed.
My (suspected) ADD spouse has difficulty perceiving the frequency of events: to him, something that has happened a few times - happens 'all the time'; and something that happens frequently - he perceives to have happened only 'once or twice'. (I lump this occurrence in with his overall difficulty with "putting the pieces together" - which affects his ability to plan and complete tasks, and to manage his time.) At some point in our relationship, I started to diarize events, because his distorted accounts made me feel as if I was going crazy, and losing my memory. So I record events for my own sanity, as well as sometimes being my spouse's back-up memory.
I record occurrences to try to see patterns in behaviour (mine, as well as his). I also record occurrences that are too volatile for us to discuss in a meaningful way without the help of a mediator.
I don't see it as a negative thing, given its positive intention. Hopefully, your therapist will reinforce your intention with your spouse.
memory?
Submitted by deb711 on
I have tried this with my ADHD partner, we resolve or talk about a few of the things on the list/record, but the next time he loses it, ALL this goes out the window, he forgets everything we talked about! Everything from his past comes back like it was yesterday, and anything that pisses him off, is my fault...even things that happened before I knew him! We have been together for nearly six years now, and I thought I could cope with his illness, he used to flip out once or twice a year, but now it is every two or three weeks. I am so not the happy, bubbly person I used to be.
He blames everybody else for anything that doesnt go right, and takes absolutely no responsibility for the harm and hurt that he dishes out...apparently, we deserve it. Things get so messed up in his brain, there is absolutely no logic at all, and trying to talk to him when he is ranting, is useless ( I am now sitting out in my garage, ( with two very scared dogs) with the door locked to keep him out)( I have even cleared all my photos of my family and my precious stuff out of the house as he has started to throw my stuff out and break things when he flips - I get accused of wanting to be back with my exhusband if he sees a picture of my daughter)
He seems to want someone to argue back, because when I am not there ( I try to remove myself from the situation - the garage has now become my 'safe' place) he goes out onto the street and yells at the neighbours...taunting and wanting a response from someone...and if that doesnt work he starts to make malicious phonecalls to whoever had pissed him off 20 years ago!...I have to wait till the bill comes in to call them back and explain that he was 'having an episode' and not to take his hate to heart. I have txt messages from business clients asking what the heck is going on...I seem to be trying to keep the peace ALL the time, and trying to clean up all the damage he has done with his misguided nastiness....the vicious words that come out of him are so hurtful. He demands perfection from everybody else, but cannot see (when he is manic) that he, also, is human and has his own faults. He is soooo good at manipulating conversations, he can twist anything I say around, to make it sounds like I am accusing him of something, and taking things out of context, so that he can throw them back at me. It is really hard not to retaliate when hurtful things are hurled at you incessantly.
It is always going around in circles...
Incessant blame
Submitted by mandi k on
Yep
Submitted by deb711 on
Mandi....
You are so right...its like they think have had permission from someone to just not GROW-UP!! How dare they just breeze through without any of the repercussions...we always cover for them..why? Sometimes I wish I had the ADHD label so I could do and say whatever I like without any consequences!!
No repercussions or so it seems
Submitted by Berlie66 on
I am feeling this way too at the moment. Funny how things can be good for a few days with no real issues coming up due to ADHD/ADD then all of a sudden Mr. Right and Mr. I can do what I want come out to play. The man is a complete jerk by the end of the day, is quite fine apparantly hanging out with the guys watching Superbowl but is confused about anything else regarding home.............yes buddy you do have a daughter to say goodnight too, he comes across like he does not care and when you question the behaviour he thinks he has done nothing wrong. It is pathetic as a normal person would not behave this way. Why do we have to do so much friggin changing just to make it easier for them when they are making our lives hell!!!
Blind-sided by a list would be bad...
Submitted by YYZ on
I think it would only work if both had a list and the couple agreed on when to review, or present the list in a therapy session. Sometimes I think about making a list myself regarding angry moments bringing up old history, unless I start repeating it of course then I would deserve it, or references to Adderall as Speed, rarely calling it Adderall. I'm sure my list could compete if we decided to do something like that for a therapy session.
Summerwine... You are not worthless or stupid compared to other women, I think everyone is defective in one way or another. We just have ADD and are trying to deal with it. I think dealing with your issues is more of what defines you.
I haven't had to resot to a list
Submitted by Aspen on
I haven't had to resort to a list of the type that is being talked about here, but I see nothing AT ALL wrong with doing it in a plea for help.
I don't get the extreme reaction some people are having to a list and/or video. When one person is saying "X is happening daily, Y is happening multiple times a week, and Z is out of control and these are things that are becoming deal breakers in the marriage", and the reaction of the other person is "None of those things are happening and all our problems are caused by YOUR lousy attitude" what else could provide such complete evidence of what exactly is happening?
We read here all the time " I had no idea that my behavior/attitude/treatment of my family was so bad until after my diagnosis and taking meds", well a list/video can cut through some of that immediate denial and cause a reasonable person to say 'HOLY CRAP WHAT AM I DOING?' Even if it doesn't cause that reaction in the person in ADD, it certainly can help a doctor who is getting a lot of he said/she said, with the information needed to make a diagnosis and get the help coming faster.
I just find it ridiculous to hear that having a list or vid made of them could be a deal breaker for some. What the heck?!?! A deal breaker.....really? When your mate hasn't used the behavior as a deal breaker but is instead trying to get help for you both but cutting through the BS and proving once and for all THIS IS HAPPENING and we have to DEAL WITH IT?
I think a list/video is a good idea for a mate in denial, but fortunately my ADD mate never drove me to that point. If in the future he ever goes into denial about his behavior at any point, I will do what is necessary to try to pull him out because I love him and our marriage. I would certainly hope he'd do the same for me if I am the one in denial!
I am so baffled by this is that I called my ADD husband in share the scenario, and he said it would be embarrassing to him to have a list come out at the doctor's and that he'd probably get quiet because of that. He also said it would be an upsetting thing, but that he certainly can't believe it would be more upsetting than what I would be going through in having him so in denial that I need a list to wake him up. He also came back in to make it clear that his embarrassment would mostly be about having behaved this way without realizing it and then having to have it pointed out in front of another person to make him accept it. He does NOT think that would be my fault if I was driven to do that.
BUT I put him on notice that if he ever goes into a denial that is hurting our marriage, I will definitely makes lists and/or videos to get us help, so he can't claim it was done entirely without his knowledge...he laughed and agreed to that :)
Seriously I wouldn't like this to happen to me either....no one would want to be in this situation but I see the greater problem to be in bad behavior that is being denied verses taking a video to reveal this bad behavior and get help. It isn't to be used as a club to beat another person with.......it is a tool to get HELP. When 2 people aren't seeing the same reality, something has to happen to get them on the same page if you don't want your marriage to be destroyed.
Hubby just came back to say
Submitted by Aspen on
that he has thought of recording our family meetings just for his own reference because when we disagree on what was decided, he could often swear that he is right.....unfortunately this is seldom true. He'd like to have it for his own reference and to help him understand where the breakdown occurred. I take notes at our meetings (too many disagreements about what we decided so now there is a written record), so he usually goes with what is written down BUT in his head he still kinda believes something else was said or he is curious about how he got his thought if that wasn't what was actually said. He thinks a recording could help him trace the problem.
This is the first I've heard of him doing that, but I will encourage him to do it at our next family meeting. I have no problem with recordings as I think a completely unbiased 3rd party can frequently cut through the emotions attached to yet another misunderstanding. Just go back to the record and see.........the end. Sounds blissful to me!
Recording with consent
Submitted by arwen on
Aspen, I really think you and hubby are on the right track here.
There have been several times along the journey of life with my ADHD spouse that I have had recourse to recording, with his consent.
I don't see this as a mechanism for "gotcha". It's a mechanism to provide an objective reference. My memory isn't perfect either, even if it is a whole lot better than his. So I have always proposed it to him as simply that, an objective reference, so we don't have to spend so much time arguing, we can just go back to the tape. And, the recording will show whether *either* of us is doing anything inappropriate. For my spouse, this is better than the alternative of not taping and arguing, because he knows that I will not let a truly important conflict go, I will persist and drive him nuts with it (but in the nicest possible way -- not by being naggy, or self-righteous, or superior -- but because I am truly disturbed), plus it drives him even crazier than the persistence if I begin dysfunctioning because I don't have resolution.
This proposal has had some interesting effects. After the first time, my husband was dismayed at how poorly he had recalled what he'd said/done, and had to admit that my recollection had been closer to what the recording reflected. The second time, he didn't want to repeat the same experience as the first time, so he worked harder to behave more thoughtfully. That was fine with me -- I don't care much *how* or *why* he improves his behavior, if running a recorder does the trick, OK by me. The third time, he somewhat shame-facedly told me that recording wasn't necessary, he could see I was right if he really thought back on it, and he would work to improve. The fourth time he angrily answered that it was fine with him, he didn't care, but it sounded mostly like bravado to me, and darned if his behavior didn't improve even though I didn't record.
I didn't need to propose recording all that much, because we had kids who have excellent memories and could recite back to him, "chapter and verse", conversations and actions that they had witnessed. So they had already "primed" him to some extent for the results of the recordings.
I should mention that there were other benefits from the recording. I discovered that *I* had some conversation/negotiating habits that I wouldn't have liked being on the receiving end of, too! Fixing them helped our relationship along. And my spouse was more willing to be recorded, knowing that I would be fair and criticize my own behavior as thoroughly as I criticized his.
I think if you can genuinely approach the idea of recording your interactions with your spouse in this kind of way, and not use it as a "told you so" whip, you may be able to make some useful progress with this kind of tool.
"It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be." Albus Dumbledore
recording conversations
Submitted by beensolong on
this is SO helpful! I bought a recorder years ago but didn't have the nerve to record conversations. I kept thinking if I remember it with enough detail, he'll realize I'm the one who's remembering correctly. I've finally realized that even if I relay vivid details to him, that doesn't mean he'll be reasonable. He's an intelligent man & how can he ignore reason?-sure doesn't work that way-it's such a great idea to record him with consent because I don't know about anyone else but my husband's behaviour is always appropriate with other people besides the people in his house. How much of this,
I wonder though can be attributed to-he'll behave as badly as he can get away with-can anyone relate to this?
Dear Summerwine
Submitted by JandJ on
You are NOT worthless and stupid and horrible compared to other women because of your ADHD. Nor am I. This kind of thinking is a trap. Out of all of these comments this struck a chord in my heart. I understand. I always think to myself: "Do you think I LIKE being this way? Yes, it is FANTASTIC!!"
NOT
.. however. Even my very frustrated non-adhd husband, would not tolerate me speaking about myself that way.
When I DO feel this way, and hubby can tell I'm deeply hurting (and he is not over the edge frustrated with me!) he says: "All you can do is get up every morning and try again."
Sounds familiar...
Submitted by YYZ on
When you said "Do you think I LIKE being this way? Yes, it is FANTASTIC!!"...
I had a similar response to my DW one day when I got blasted for forgetting to pick up something from the store on my way home from work. I remembered all day long that I only had one thing to get on my way home. During my commute an old friend called out of the blue and derailed my objective. I instinctively drove home on auto-pilot and ended the call with my friend in my driveway. I walked inside without my "Item" and both barrels of her gun fired at me. "How could you...!!!" In the past I would have wanted to crawl in a hole, because nothing I said would be right or not sound like another excuse. I am not so quiet anymore. I looked at her and said "I forgot On Purpose, because I didn't want to pickup "The Item" and because "THIS" is such a FUN conversation!!!"
I don't usually say some of the bad thoughts about myself out loud, but have certainly thought them many times...
As the non partner in the marriage
Submitted by Aspen on
I have also heard these statements you seem to find to be so brilliant. "I forgot because I wanted to", "I forgot because I find this conversation to be so much fun". I know it is said out of frustration, but here is the problem from the other side.
Our mate is the one forgetting all the time and makes us feel at times that he/she absolutely can't be relied on to simple things and major things in our marriage. This makes us feel all alone and like the weight of everything is on our shoulders. We both get frustrated that you can't remember, but YOU are the only one who can do anything about it. We feel like we are just along for the ride sometimes.
You always seem to want us just to be 'it's ok, I know it is hard for you to remember, no biggie' and we try. Sometimes we do feel that way, but sometimes that seems like it makes you relax and forget MORE...at least with my husband as I certainly can't speak to your experience.
When I get angry things seem to snap into focus for a bit and he really gets on the ball with using his external tools to remember things. So often the attitude from the ADD/ADHD partner is that we are expecting them to all of a sudden have an awesome memory. I don't know a single nonADD mate who feels that way. What we want you to do, since it is a given that your memory is poor, is to consistently use the tools that we've come up with together to help you remember. Remember that smart phone that we had to have so you could remember better? Yeah it isn't only for angry birds. We want you to demonstrate that you are aware....every time my husband agrees to do something and doesn't write it down......or especially if I remind him to put it in his phone and he says "it's ok hon I've got it". I know there is at least a 50% chance that he doesn't have it.......why doesn't he realize that? And I am doing my best to be supportive when I hear, "I forgot all about that. I am so sorry. I should have put it in my phone the way you suggested". And I am trying to support and just say to try to do it that way next time, when sometimes what I really want to say is "YOU THINK?!?!?!" "Only had this diagnosis for 4 years now....still living in the I-have-it-in-my-memory Fantasyland?"
So when I get really frustrated after a week of support support support.......cause we all know a bad week can cause a lot of the balls to come crashing down all together. And say, perhaps angrily I can admit it, "How could you forget again?" "We talked about this twice.....we blah blah blah" and when the reaction is a angry/sarcastic/frustrated "I forgot because I really really like having this conversation with you!"--well I can't even tell you how infuriated that makes me.....like I want to unload both barrels at him of every forgetful irritating thing he's done.
We ALL have to stop acting like we aren't in this together. Based on my marriage if you think you are doing something about 70% of the time, it is probably being done at best about 50%. To be fair we are now on an 'as needed' medication plan...so he is not on medication much more than he is, so maybe some of you are doing better than that, but even at his very best my husband was forgetting a lot and thinking he was doing great. We're trying to give you credit for all the things you do well. Please try to give us credit for all the times we don't yell/get angry/get hurt by the things you forget.
We had been doing great on this issue before my husband's doctor decided to try him on meds on an 'as needed' basis.....meaning he only takes one or two a week on a our busiest days. This is causing him to forget more and me to feel like our steps are going backward instead of forward. But then I find out that since he is out of the habit of taking a pill every day, he sometimes forgets to take them on the busy days.............AHHH I see the problem now. And fortunately he goes back to his doctor on Friday to review this stupid "as needed" plan, but in the meantime when I try to talk to him about all the balls he is dropping, he is willing to discuss it but he is baffled because in his mind he is completely the same as on full medication.
When I mess up or forget
Submitted by summerwine on
When I mess up or forget something people aren't looking for me to say I'm sorry and I will try harder. They want to rant on and on about every little thing I did wrong all week. Then I am expected to agree that I am such a horrible person. The I have to promise that I will stop being such a horrible screw up. Do you really think we should just lay there like a dog and be kicked for having a disability? Do I really have to hand out constant apologies for my disability? This is why we are trying neutral reminders with my counselor. Instead of moralizing and making the person who screwed up feel worthless we just remind them. No need to apologize or explain or excuse or get into how crappy a person you are. Just "You forgot this, do you need help remembering tomorrow?" end of story.
Summerwine, I can see the value of that
Submitted by Aspen on
I can see why you don't want to apologize for having a disability (perhaps your ADD is far worse than my husband's because he insists that is it no where near the level of disability--there is nothing he can't do, but it is hard for him to get all the ducks in a row and doall the things that need to be done consistently).
No one should have to apologize for having a disability/challenge/difference......whatever you want to call it. But what do you see as your responsibility in this?
I have no issue with "You forgot this. Do you need help remembering next time?" Not one tiny bit........but after say 5 times on the same thing or some other arbitrary number that will also be affected by my stress levels and whether or not I am doing 10 other things while you struggle to remember this one......I am really over the happy happy nice nice response. We are all human. No one has limitless patience. And sometimes the person who is forgetting is the one that needs to be doing something else to remember.
Do I think that should become a tirade on everything that has been forgotten over the course of a 10 year marriage? NO NO NO I think that is wrong. But I think sometimes in defensiveness there is the above response "I forgot cause I LIKE to...cause this is just so #*( FUN!" and yes the reaction you are triggering with THAT response if you give it to me is, "you think I don't have reason to get upset at your forgetfullness?? Well lets just take a walk down memory lane!"
Do I think this is right? NO and I try to restrain it, again but it is wrong on both sides. Being disappointed personally for forgetting again doesn't justify taking it out on the other person who was relying on you. Actions have consequences and there are various levels of hurt and disappointment based on what got forgotten and how important it is. I think the way to handle that when you forget (and hey I forget too and I try to do it also) is to step up like an adult and take responsibility for failing in whatever responsibility was forgotten. It doesn't matter if it happens 10 times a day, if you drop the ball you should apologize for it and hopefully brainstorm a better way to remember or perhaps accept you are never going to do it and decide if the other mate wants to take it on.
My position is when my husband is remembering the majority of things, and some fluke comes up like XYZ getting that phone call on the way home that screwed up his plan to pick something up. Ok that is something that happens to everyone. Based on how badly I need the item, I could go into town and get it (we are about 15 min out so it is best to get things on the way), or he often offers to go get it (which I usually don't have him do unless it is important) or we just laugh or eye roll together and try to remember it next time.
I have never kicked my husband like a dog or anything else for having ADD, and I am honestly rather offended on behalf of nonADD mates everywhere that you would even suggest such a thing. But I am just going to assume that you are dealing with abusive situations or great frustration that I am not identifying with. I can certainly agree that is a horrible way to feel if that is what you feel is happening to you. I would be interested to hear what the explanation would be from the other side too.
Summerwine, I am honestly interested in what your solution to the memory issue or any other common ADD issue is. I believe I have read the majority of your posts on this site and you come across as defensive and like you feel you have to defend ADD/ADHD mates everywhere because as a group you are under attack.
If I have contributed to that feeling for you or for any other person who has ADD, I sincerely apologize. All the nonADD mates that I know and almost all of the ones I read about here are trying our best to support a mate who is giving us very little feedback in what they need...mostly because they just don't know what they need and don't tend to be the most introspective people and thus don't spend a lot of time figuring it out. There are books like Melissa's or Dr Hallowell's that help, but sometimes we are just all flying by the seat of our pants and trying to figure it out and sometimes getting it wrong.
I really look to women with ADD to help me know what is really needed maybe because I just see the females to be so much better at communicating the needs and feelings of the ADD mate to me. I need this. I appreciate this.
But genuinely sometimes I feel like the advice amounts to 'be patient always, loving always, accept what they did and praise them for it, be quick to let of what what didn't get done and remind gently'. I am working on those things but I am human too with regular stresses. And sometimes those behaviors seem to heighten the problem as it makes the ADD mate feel like it isn't a big deal that they forget.
My husband seems to do fairly well with a mix of kindness, patience, gentle reminders, and an angry butt kicking once in a while! I am not kidding.......that seems to get him back on track even if neither of us want it to happen, sometimes I have to say "You have put this project off for 2 months and have moved the deadline that you set for yourself 3 times (we are at this point with a work project) So my position on it right now is "This is unacceptable and I am going to set a new deadline and heaven help him if he misses it again" Now I haven't said that because it sounds too parental, but something along that line has to happen, but I am not sure how to address it without fury at this point.
He and his coach discussed it yesterday and she said he was being ridiculous and had to do it, but I didn't get any specifics as to when what I need might be in my hand.
I don't know, sometimes I just can't figure out what the ADD/ADHD mates really want, need, and expect of us. Limitless patience I do not have, but limitless love I do.
Disclaimer: I have had an exhausting week and don't mean to sound testy if that is how I am coming across. My husband has been forgetful and not good at accomplishing things this week that need to be done by him but that he also doesn't like to do.
On the plus side: This morning I ended up taking the day off volunteering cause I slept badly and woke with a terrible headache. He was really gentle with me and offered to make tea so I could lay down on the couch. He asked if I was feeling bad as I was slow to get going, and I just said I had a really bad headache and was going to have a low key day. He kissed my forehead, looked at me very lovingly, and said "Yeah I think this headache is on me. I hope you feel better hon" and it made SOOO much difference to me. I know he isn't stressing me out on purpose, but it is good to know that he also realizes the result of this type of stress for me is migraines and that he does see part of his job as a loving mate is to not cause that too. Hopefully when he gets home that might even translate into him getting some things done!
Just a for instance from yesterday
Submitted by Aspen on
Not sure if it was handled well or badly quite honestly, but it was all I had in me at the time. Our computers and printers are networked, but the hub computer (or whatever the heck you call it) is my husband's and his motherboard shorted so the hub is down which means every time I have to print something, I have to wade through the pig sty that is his office and plug the printer into my laptop directly.
We have many many discussions about his office, he cleans it, I clean it, we clean it together and within 1 day it is heading back into pig sty territory....he seems to think "my man cave can look however cause it is my space", but food dishes, old drinks, stacks of unfiled work papers--none of this is ok and he knows it and at least verbally agrees with it.
The original computer problem was his video card which was still under warranty and after no less than 6 months of nagging him, he got it replaced for free from the company......to be fair for at least 3 of those months he honestly apparently thought he had sent it in. I will never understand that but I can accept it. For those 6 months he was hyperfocusing on his new netbook, so he didn't care that the hub was down, but his desktop is his gaming computer and there is some new online game he wants to play, so now all of a sudden he is interested in fixing it.
Got new upgraded vid card and turns out when the old one went bad it also shorted out his motherboard. Now since he didn't care about this computer for 6 months, I really don't care about it anymore, but now he is suddenly interested and is pressuring me to add a motherboard to the budget.
He mentioned it again yesterday as I sat in his office chair surrounded by crap, and I looked at him and said "I don't want to hear one more word about a motherboard until after this office is cleaned up. You promised it would be cleaned up 2 weeks ago, and I don't want to hear about anything that you want that you can't use your own blow money for until some of these things you have been avoiding get done."
Does that sound like a parent? Sorta it does to me, but you know what else it sounds like? Someone who isn't going to allow their patience to be taken for granted. You make the agreement and you fulfill it or you certainly don't suggest that our family prioritizes your wants--esp whims.
Suggestions as to how to deal with it better?
The way I see it is this" If
Submitted by summerwine on
The way I see it is this" If you husband got hit on the head at work and the doctor said "he is not going to remember stuff like he used to" would you see any point in getting angry with him when he forgets things? Wouldn't you change your priorities? If it takes Sherri twice as long to walk somewhere because of her disability should I make her apologize for being slow and making us late? Or should I just say "Hmmm I think we should leave earlier next time". If she refused to leave earlier next time then I can see why you'd be annoyed but not if she is always trying to go as fast as she can. I am always trying to go as fast as I can but I still keep having people scream at me to HURRY UP! That doesn't make me want to hurry up, it makes me want to say FUCK YOU and walk away.
Here's a link to ADHD and working memory retraining working memory can work with kids but it's almost impossible for adults. Instead we have to try to use external things like calendars and stuff. It's crutches. I am walking around with a bad leg, the crutches make me go faster than if I don't have them but I will never walk as fast as you. I want the world to please stop screaming at me for not being as fast as you.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treatment_of_ADHD_through_working_memory_tr...
WHY DO YOU EXPECT YOUR ADHD HUSBANDS TO BE CAPABLE OF DOING THINGS AND REMEMBERING THINGS LIKE SOMEONE WHO DOESN'T HAVE ADHD?????????
I, for one, do not have this expectation
Submitted by Aspen on
WHY DO YOU EXPECT YOUR ADHD HUSBANDS TO BE CAPABLE OF DOING THINGS AND REMEMBERING THINGS LIKE SOMEONE WHO DOESN'T HAVE ADHD?????????
The short answer: I don't
Because I am not capable at leaving anything at a short answer LOL....
What I do expect is that when he chooses to take on a project that is important, that he USES his crutches to keep this project from falling completely off the radar. You take it on and you do it, or you revise it, or you go talk to the person you committed to and explain why you can't do it. DO NOT leave it sitting for months on end doing nothing about it.
I am not trying to hurry a man up constantly who is trying to walk with crutches. I am walking alongside him trying to carry the other stuff so that he can use his hands for the crutches. If he chooses not to use his crutches cause he thinks he can walk just fine alone, he is going to be expected to do as well as he had been doing with his crutches or go back to the crutches. Function at his best......that is all any of us are expected to do, right?
I think the memory problem we are having currently is that the 'as needed' medicinal route has not worked well......mostly because the majority of the time he was doing it, no one bothered to inform me. I went from a very well functioning husband to one who was doing substantially worse, esp during stressful times when he was needed to be stepping up. I was regularly trying to find out why he seemed so overwhelmed and was dropping balls, but he honestly didn't notice that he was so he couldn't say "I did well yesterday cause I took my meds and since I didn't take them today, I am a bit fuzzy headed" He honestly did not notice a change other than I seemed to be asking a lot about what was going on...he thought his memory and output were the same. THIS is the true danger that is ADD in my mind.
And this makes me have a REAL issue with doctors messing with the meds of a person who has a disorder that causes perception issues without clueing in the mate. Eric says he didn't tell me because he wanted an honest reaction from me as to how he was doing and not one colored by whether or not I knew he was taking a pill that day. He has gotten an earful from both me and his coach about why that plan was detrimental to what we were actually trying to accomplish.........but that is obviously another story.
After his last appt I was filled on the planned schedule of which days his pill would regularly be taken and what additional scheduling issues would trigger him to take it at other times. I found out this week that 1/2 the time he is forgetting entirely to take it when he told me he would be. This is a lot like a man who is refusing crutches to me......or refusing his crutches (the meds) and then also deciding to forgo the braces too (external reminders).
I haven't had to be involved in reminding him to take his meds for years. It is something he absolutely wants to do himself, but he is going to have to change what he is doing in some way so that it will start to work or go back on daily meds. I don't care which, but he needs to be working as well as he is able to......whatever that happens to be.
Honestly, it seems to me that frequently just saying "I have X expectation for my mate with ADD" is too often met with the response, "You can't expect him to act like a person without ADD". I am NOT expecting that. I am just expecting him to act like a person with ADD who is doing his best to get the things done that he has decided are important. It is hard for us all to determine what that level is.........add in a mate who is frequently not self-aware and it just got harder.
It is true that a person without ADD will never understand what is like to have it, but it is also true that a person with it will never understand what it like to live without it. If you have ADD and also happen to have a loving, supportive mate (certainly not the case for all), you have no idea of how many accomadations are being made for you and how much your nonADD mate is already doing. If they ask for you do better in one area, it is not fair to quickly jump to the conclusion that they are now expecting you to act nonADD. Believe me my husband, as generally high functioning as he is, does not act like he doesn't have ADD....nor he is expected to.
I don't know if you saw the
Submitted by SherriW13 on
I don't know if you saw the videos Summerwine (I THINK??) posted a link to..but the doctor that spoke in that series of videos said that "part time" or "only during the week" kind of dosing for ADHDers was a thing of the past and 'old school'. Do you think the doctor pushed this on your DH or do you think your DH was OK with it? Why would anyone, who is benefitting from the meds, want to 'cut back' on their meds?
I agree too, as much as we might not agree on the memory/forgetfulness issue, there is a lot of compensating being done that we don't talk about, aren't getting credit for, an is not seen by anyone here. That, to me, is part of being married...but the truth of the matter is, there is a lot more to compensate for and 'accept' when you're living with someone who has ADHD...and most definitely someone who is untreated. I'm not here to ask for kudos for any of that, nor do I want my husband to feel bad about it or feel like a burden or like he makes my life harder...but there are some of us here to are TRULY trying to give the kind of acceptance our spouses so desperately need...and only want to be met in the middle.
I have been trying to figure that out
Submitted by Aspen on
I am going to start a post on the subject and hopefully get some help!
Stevie Wonder driving a car
Submitted by MagicSandwich on
Yes oh my!
Has there been a documented incident when Stevie Wonder got into a car and insisted to his family and to the press that he was totally able to drive? Nope. Try saying yes to that absurd scenario and you'll have an idea of what it's like dealing with ADHD reckless entitlement and bravado. The equally frustrating inverse of this situation - having to spoonfeed a capable person - can crop up at any time. Either way, the non-ADHD person (or better controlled ADHD person) is told they are either expecting too much or too little.
Le'Magic
The memory aids
Submitted by YYZ on
I have survived by these for years, especially after Outlook went mobile :) The issue on that particular day was walking in the door and getting my Arse jumped. I have been much better since Adderall came to know me and I know it will take years of remembering "Most of the time" to change the perception of forgetting "Most of the time". I totally get that. The thing to me is I would never jump my DW for forgetting something, let alone launch an attack as she walks in the door. This was what set me off, which is not that easy to do anyway. I would have acknowledged what I forgot and gone right back to get it.
We seem to be doing better for the most part and my example was a pretty rare one. My DW has anger issues to work on and I have my obvious ADD Oblivion to work on. It has just been a learning process for me to adjust my reactions to many visual and verbal cues I never saw before. Anger is not something I deal with well anymore.
I definitely know it is never 50/50, but I try to do as much as I can and always have. Being more aware has helped me help my DW in more timely ways and I keep working on it :)
I read about the "As Needed" plan for us ADDer's and I don't think it would work for me. When I wake up in the morning I know I am functioning sub-par and I hate feeling like I used too. Second, for me, anything but a strict regiment would me to be inconsistent taking my meds on the days I need to take them. Even now, If I get working on a project I can easily miss my regular scheduled time and end up taking it late.
I forget (I am the non-ADHD
Submitted by SherriW13 on
I forget (I am the non-ADHD spouse) A LOT...a LOT of the time. It has NOTHING to do with my commitment to my husband or marriage. I can honestly tell you, if he ever 'fussed' at me ("how could you forget again?") it would really piss me off and make me resent him...because ANYONE who forgets ANYTHING pretty much wishes they hadn't and having to face the firing squad because of it is just wrong. Forget the kids at school? SURE, you deserve to be bitched at. Forget the dry cleaning? Shit happens. All marriages should be give and take...and if you have someone in the marriage who simply has a forgetful nature (ADHD or not) then why not compensate a little?
I know I don't know all of the details...and if you need to feel you can rely on him to not 'forget' in order to feel appreciated and loved, then so be it. But speaking from my own personal experience (and granted, 'forgetfulness' is NOT a problem in my marriage...although it is a problem for my husband on his job sometimes) and being someone who has always been forgetful, I really don't want to be treated like a child because of it. If I could help it, I would. I make lists and forget them. It really isn't as easy as you would make it seem.
...to clarify...I usually do not forget IMPORTANT things...just annoying, daily things that cause me twice the work.
Maybe it has to do with the type of ADD
Submitted by Aspen on
My husband is primarily inattentive....no hyperactivity....so no bad impulsiveness, can hold a job, is self aware as to his ADD and taking steps to correct them.......etc
Our major issue is that he forgets things ALL the time. Big things, little things, important things, unimportant things...pretty sure this is what you get when you are inattentive. Forgot to pick up butter at the store....no biggie normally. Called him on his way home because I need butter for the potatoes for the dinner party for 12 I am home cooking for.......and he forgets it. It becomes a much bigger deal to me.
Annoying, daily things I really don't care unless he has already forgotten a myriad of really important and unimportant things so that I have no patience at all left.
if you have someone in the marriage who simply has a forgetful nature (ADHD or not) then why not compensate a little?
Oh I totally agree, but where I think my hang up comes is in "a little". I think you must have no idea the compensations having a forgetful mate can cause or you wouldn't say that. The problem is when you are compensating, and they are compensating, and they have a coach, and they have a smart phone, and you try to twist yourself into whatever pretzel they next think is going to help them remember.......patience wears thin.
and being someone who has always been forgetful, I really don't want to be treated like a child because of it.
I wouldn't either, but then the solution is to do your best to remember, right? Now you say you don't forget important things so you are doing something to remember the most important things. That is what all people with a forgetful mate want....confidence that when it is important it will be remembered.
We were probably around 80-90% before the 'as needed' meds and now we are probably 70-75% for things regardless of importance (assuming some effort is being made by him to remember or we are at 0-10%) less obviously if we are talking about remembering on first request. That percentage is too far below my comfort zone, so something has to be done.
If I could help it, I would.
I agree and I don't. In your situation, you are helping it so that you don't forget things that are important. I think everyone can 'help it' to that extent though granted I can see how it would harder for a person with ADD who has no natural hierarchy structure in his/her brain.
Beyond that level of memory that we all need to have......we are all going to be on a spectrum. I have a fabulous memory usually, but I don't expect the whole world to have one too. Maybe having a good one, I just have less natural empathy for ppl without as I can't really identify with their experience.
If anyone yelled at me for forgetting something unimportant I would be really upset. If they were yelling cause I just screwed up their whole day, I hope that I would have more sense than to say "Well I did it because this type of conversation with you is so much fun"
I don't know why, I just do
Submitted by SherriW13 on
I don't know why, I just do not forget important things. I rarely forget anything that has to do with the kids, but I have taken my son to school and realized when I got there that I had forgotten to give him his seizure meds. Back home with him I go! I recently thought I had paid the water bill, was certain I remembered doing that...online. I hadn't. Thankfully they just hung a reminder on our door. Does it happen every month? No, that was the first time in 10 years, but it still makes me angry with myself and worry what I will forget next that might cost us more than a friendly reminder. My husband found the reminder...handed it to me...and said nothing. No anger. No lecture. Just "I found this on the door" and then off to the next subject. Maybe he has faith in me...maybe it is his ADHD 'nothing is urgent' attitude...who knows? All I know is that I forget to mail cell phones back, I forget water bills, I forget to make bank deposits, I forget to get my books before school starts, I forget to send lunch money with my daughter (thankfully the lunch ladies know I am good for it, by now). I forget to buy that one vital ingredient for the dinner I planned on making and have to make something completely different (or make yet another trip to the store for the forgotten item). My DH is wonderful about picking up stuff for me on his way home, but I don't like to ask because he DOES have impulse control issues and sending him to the store for a gallon of milk would end up costing us $40. I KNOW this is a weakness for him, so I do not put him in that situation unless I am desperate and we have the extra money I know it'll cost us for him to run the errand for me. If you KNOW your DH is not the best at remembering the butter, then I don't see the harm in running to the store for it yourself. Just like I know there is a 90% chance that my DH will overspend if I ask him to pick up something for me, you know there is a ??% chance your DH will forget if you ask. I know it seems awfully unfair...but I would like to think my marriage is far more significant than him being pissed at me because I forgot his cigarettes. (the most common forgotten item...since I do NOT buy them with any regularity...and I forget them probably 50% of the time he asks. He graciously gets up, puts on his shoes, and runs to the store to get them himself...usually only saying "that's Ok honey, no big deal" when I say "I'm sorry, I forgot your cigarettes") He has been known to run all the way back to our house to get my camera...because I inevitably forget it almost every holiday...short of hanging it on my neck, I've tried everything to remember it.
I see your point...there is no point in having a marriage if we cannot rely on our spouses for ANYTHING, but I just feel if there are ways to compensate, even if it means you give 70% and he gives 30% on an issue such as this, then to me it is worth it. I am so very thankful, for all of his faults, that he does not hold my forgetfulness against me. Ever.
I don't know....
Submitted by Aspen on
he doesn't do a lot of other things that get me pissed at him, so maybe this is just my thing LOL I mean if he were treating me badly or acting like a bully/@hole/etc I would have bigger fish to fry.
It had almost become a non issue with the meds which is probably why I am no longer mentally prepared for some of his forgetfulness. I guess if I mull it over, he is better with important things than unimportant things, but then I consider a lot of the things that you list as fairly important. I consider things like invoicing for work correctly, making the deposits if he is the one in the city with our branch, and dropping off a bill if he agreed to take it 'on his way out' to all be fairly important things.
I guess we do really all have different levels of importance and that sometimes there isn't a right and wrong with it. Maybe I just need to relax some of my perfectionism in this area...again maybe I am just not fully empathetic to this issue never having had it.
Before we had a diagnosis and he was just being in general unreliable with things he agreed to, I had tried to take everything really important on for myself but this does cause me a lot of resentment. Once he got diagnosed (I originally typed that as 'once we got diagnosed' which really is how this type of thing goes...but I fixed it for clarity) and really finally had sufficient treatment, he was mostly reliable again, so I dropped my guard. With the 'as needed' meds, neither of us has found any traction with how to get a handle on the situation just yet.
Regardless....I think if you make a mistake and your mate gets frustrated....which happens to us all.... the mature thing to do is own up and apologize and bite your tongue when you are tempted to get frustrated back when you caused the situation in the first place.
My husband is like yours in that he never gets angry and frustrated with me when it is me forgetting something or making the mistake. I appreciate it and I tell him so, and he just laughs and says of course he is sympathetic as I do it to him less than a 1/10 of when he does it to me.
Aspen If You're Out There?
Submitted by kellyj on
My husband is primarily inattentive....no hyperactivity....so no bad impulsiveness, can hold a job, is self aware as to his ADD and taking steps to correct them.......etc
I'll skip any lengthy intro here..and skip any means that might sound like I'm being defensive ( only assumed possibly? LOL ) right to the point of me making this post specifically to you here? I went back and read a lot of your old post and you have made it clear....that you are easy to approach and are open to discussing things so with that.....I wanted to make a comment and thank you for including the things you've said including this one about the differences between hyperactive type...and inattentive type ( predominantly ) and making this comment about impulsiveness? I have been trying ( really hard ) to place myself into one of these two categories ( now and in the past )...and I have decided that I started out most definitely predominantly Hyperactive which you made mention of the bad behaviors that come with it and speculating that the inattentive type might be a reason why you and your husband have been successful?
I will say this for anyone reading this as well? I strongly feel at this point in time....that there is a counter balancing effect of both or flip side to the coin in either form? The flip side...is what I wanted to mention? For the sake of argument....this impulsive problem associated with the hyperactive part has definitely posed real problems in my past and there is no denying it? At this time after years of being medicated and getting these impulses under control much better than any other time in my life....I can say a couple of things to add here that (others ) might find interesting as well?
Which typ is better? And which type is harder to deal with? My answer is: Depends on!! LOL
I feel my wife is the inattentive type and memory is a real issue for her? Ironically .....memory for me is not so much my issue and never has been ( as much ) Saying....my memory has not been the major issue of concern which is interesting because that alone...accounts for the bulk of the problems I here with some...but not with others? When I'm stressed out....I have trouble remembering things but so do most people so I don't see myself that different in that regard so what is the flip side that I told tend to do like I hear so often with others who have ADHD?
-Don't have trouble following conversations. Even long ones and lots of detail in them?
-Don't day dream or "space off".....too much? Saying I do in "blips"....but I don't go deep inside my head and never come back out?
-Don't really have that much trouble...ironically with attention...meaning....I get locked into hyper focus attention and can direct that outwardly....easily to what ever? To the point when I go into Laser focus as I call it....this is all outwardly directed not inwardly into my head and now I go into what I'm calling...."High Alertness" mode which means....my Attention gets so focused on one entire singular concentration.....it doesn't get narrow....but widens and takes everything in but only on the area I'm focused on? Which means....in school....at work....with people ...and with conversations......I can stay focused and follow and not be impulsive at all? Literally like a Laser beam where light in concentrated into a narrow beam and with an intense energy? In my case...that energy is Attention.....not inattention.....which is an interesting comparison?
So when you were mentioning having trouble keeping or holding a job? That registered with me and the light bulb went on? I have never been fired from any job I have had...and my performance was always in keeping ( or even better ) than others that I worked with because....of this ability to hold that Attention for prolonged periods of time and absorb everything in? Which means it goes to my permanent memory and I do not have memory issues because of it?
But what I have is what I call at times......"missing" things? Which means...if I am not paying attention or my attention gets narrowly focused....I will miss it....entirely...which means...if I miss it....it's not like I saw it...and then didn't remember? Or that I heard it...and didn't remember? On the contrary...if I hear...I will most definitely remember it..and if I see it....I will almost always remember it which means as I was saying this.....to remember something in the first place....you have to notice it first?
And ironically when I went back to get a little more context to what you see in your husband....the issue with cabinet draws and doors came up...which made me really stop and think about this more?
I almost never not close doors or drawers...and this is not because I had a problem with this really ever? I notice these things and I notice details like that? In fact...if I am Laser focusing on anything....I never miss anything in my field of vision you might say? Even when I am working in the kitchen and leave them open while I'm working...it occurred to me why I would do such a thing...and the answer there is: Laziness. Honestly....it took me a while to figure out what I was hearing and why I was scratching my head thinking...."well that's really never been an issue or anything anyones ever made comment about?
And the reason why is exactly what I said? I do get lazy at times and it's not from forgetting? It just being lazy and not bothering at times which is differently than not "noticing it" or not "seeing" these details?
When I was very small ( or young ) I did experience dissociative episodes due to the abuse I experienced...but even with that as I have found in my own research has been said to a healthy defensive response to such things as long as it wasn't too severe to protect you from the shock of these times which I definitely experienced? Like Astral-projection....out of body experience? Kind of? But then I would come .....'back in" and that would not occur again unless I was exposed to the same thing twice? And if I wasn't exposed...then this wouldn't happen?
So as close as I can say that I went....."out there in space somewhere in my head" or became "spacey" or 'day dreamy" ? That really didn't....or doesn't happen that much but it might look like this for another reason? If I am concentrating or trying to do math in my head for example .....you can picture someone looking upward and trying to think "hard" on doing calculating in your head? With me....and this laser focus or even hyperfocus.....that is not inattention as I'm beginning to understand this better? What may look like inattention....is actually highly concentrated attention to the point of attention gone crazy and in very focused way? And when I do this...I don't miss anything and I remember everything even though from the outside looking at me...I might not look like I am?
And this is what I wanted to say to anyone else reading this too? My experience with my wife has taught me many things about myself when seeing her and how she behaves and what it looks like to me? And what it looks like to me....is almost the opposite of what I look like? Seemingly......"lights on and no body home"...to put this into context? I hope that isn't offending anyone because this is not a judgment or a criticism? It is more to give you a visual image to work from in how it appears ( not literally )
And with me...which is the thing I really wanted to say? Outwardly....as has been reported my entire life so I know this without question? Outwardly...I would be the opposite of that in respect to saying it this way instead. "Lights off.....and everyone home and plugged in and turned on" LOL Meaning...it may look like no one is home....but only because the lights on the outside are turned off? Seemingly???a
Anyway...for what it's worth.....I'm starting to see the contrary things or opposites in appearance and behaviors and especially in the memory department compared to my wife and the one big difference that seem to come with my brand....is more self awareness and awareness of other and my surroundings even though....that's not what it looks like which is a paradox as such?
And....my wife appears to be the reverse of this in everyway which is also an interesting phenomenon? Seemingly....appearing like it on the outside....but not on the inside?
Could it be....that this is the real difference between these two types? I'm thinking it is...but that's only with anecdotal evidence in my case but I thought it would be worth mentioning?
I'm saying this especially after I went on Adderall? I'm thinking the Adderall is like the miracle cure for impulsiveness as it was for me? On the other hand...I wonder now if this is why medication seems to make others flat or like a Zombie which makes absolutely no sense to me? That would be the last way I would describe it which just seems to point to more reason to think along these lines for myself?
J
All I look for is an acknowledgement
Submitted by Julia on
If my husband forgets to do something, I just want him to tell me and do something about it. I don't want to hear why he forgot, what else he did, what I did wrong (I should have reminded him) etc... I don't even need or look for an apology.
Just: I forgot, I'll take care of it tonight/tomorrow/next week etc...
The times that he has done that, it has diffused any sort of argument.
Our last chance
Submitted by littlesherry on
I am the non ADHD'r and we are on our last chance. My boyfriend of 4 years starts medication today. My hope is that the lies, verbal abuse and irrational behaviors subside. We have both decided that if the medications don't start making changes, we are done.
Either way, this forum has been a godsend. It has pulled me through some pretty tough times. Thank you all!!
I cannot tell you how many
Submitted by SherriW13 on
I cannot tell you how many times my husband has asked me to pick him up something (usually begins by me ASKING him if he wants something) and I will be 2 minutes from the house and realize I forgot...and off to the convenience store up the road, paying more and pissed at myself. Today I had only 3 things to get at the grocery store...was going to be quick, in and out...dog & cat food, stuff for salads, and lemons. I had thought about the lemons for 2 days. I read that putting lemons in water was good for your liver, metabolism, and helps with weight loss. So excited to get some lemons. Forgot the lemons.
Thank God that my husband RARELY gets mad at me for forgetting, because 3 times out of 10 I am already home before I remember that I forgot. LOL He, with ADHD, NEVER forgets.
It's Normal to forget :)
Submitted by YYZ on
Shopping without a list is Bad... Grocery stores make a living at distracting you into everything other than what you came for. Then they get you twice when you go back for what you missed ;)
That's too bad...
Submitted by YYZ on
Sure... If you take your Adderall too late you will have trouble going to sleep. I was never a big drinker, but I found after I started my Adderall treatment that I did not want very much to drink because it Un-did my Adderall and I did not want to go back to feeling that way. I like feeling sharp and clear headed. As far as a schedule goes, I do Much better on a schedule of routine. I can adapt on days where things are out of the ordinardary way better than in the past, Un-medicated I was no fun to deal with on days not governed by a strict repetitive routine. It sounds like the Adderall could work for him, if he would give it a chance, but he also needs to understand his condition too.
i hope things improve for you...
That's EXACTLY it...
Submitted by RollercoasterOfLove on
I vascilate on the Hope Scale every day and every hour, too. That one sentence sums everything up for me. I just want off this rollercoaster but it's not that simple when your life is woven with theirs so intimately and you love them so. Sigh...
when he literally doesn't see what is actually happening
Submitted by MagicSandwich on
But what’s even more frightening to me, as I have often thought the same thing about videotaping what actually happens, is that he won’t see what’s happening on the video in the same manner that he won’t see what’s happening in real life. You know?
Great suggestions
Submitted by mandi k on
Thanks Melissa for reminding me that these things are all valid and that I am allowed to be 'selfish' sometimes, and I am allowed to speak my mind and my feelings too. I often find that it is just so exhausting to have such a regime for basic communication that I end up not bothering though. My H is soooo argumentative (although he insists it's me of course) that broaching any subject, even later when things have cooled down, usually result in another fight - he just picks up where he left off which I find interesting that he remembers that well enough, but not other important things day to day. I know he would be shocked to hear himself when he goes off, but I don't think he would even listen to a recording if I did it, even if it was just to keep the facts straight.
Apart from visiting this site or receiving counselling, are there other things we can do for ourselves to alleviate the stress and exhaustion of living with an ADHD partner? It's such hard work that I quite often forget to include myself when I'm making sure the whole family has what they need.
Factually Incorrect II
Submitted by Clara on
Wow. It may be in part that misery loves company - but I am so reassured to not be alone in my experience with my (suspected) ADD spouse.
My husband always insists that the problem is with me: it's not that he is forgetful - it's that I have a freakishly good memory; it's not that he is messy and disorganized - it's that I am extremely Type A in my need for order; it's not that he is overly-sensitive - it's that I'm callous; it's not that he's financially irresponsible - it's that I am overly anxious, etc, etc. In disagreements, he too will create a version of the truth (which he believes to be true, I think) to reinforce his argument. I think you and I are probably asking the same question: "How can we reach any sort of resolution, when my spouse's recall/interpretation of events is not based on fact?"
I have often contemplated carrying a mini tape-recorder, to replay his own words for him (or a therapist). I think he could benefit greatly from seeing a therapist on his own, but the thought of him taking advice based on his distorted account of events scares me, so I have not encouraged it.
His behaviour with me is so different from the behaviour that everyone else sees (he won't help me with the simplest of tasks, but would help a stranger move a piano) that I've learned to keep my complaints to myself - because everyone thinks he's so wonderful and charming. I am so tired of always being the bad guy.
He's agreed to being tested for ADD (if only to appease me) but has made only token gestures to inquire with his physician (and made a joke of it at that, saying "My wife will kill me if I don't ask, but she's wondering if I might have ADD"). That was a year and a half ago...
I so get that.
Submitted by Julia on
I feel like I'm going crazy sometimes. Often. Most of the time. We go around and around in circles. He will "teach me" how I should behave, talk to him, ask him, praise him etc... so that he doesn't feel "small", he feels valued etc... I will try to adjust that but then the next time he doesn't like it either and complains that he never said that.
I also get the "because you" answers: I didn't clean "because you" didn't remind me. "Because you" didn't give me a list. "Because you" gave me a list and that's mothering. "Because you" ask too much of me and I'm overwhelmed. "Because you" don't ask me to do as much as you do and that's making me feel inferior.
Yesterday morning, I was making myself a list of things I needed to do that night. I know DH has a lot on his list and I am leaving it alone. So I make my list and I ask: Can you do just 1 thing for me? (We did some home repair and I need some help with 1 thing. I was not going to ask for a lot off MY list because I don't want to overwhelm him. He says he "freezes" when there is too much to do). What happened? He got angry. "Because you" are belittling me by asking to do only 1 thing. I can handle a lot more than 1 thing.
So I explain to him why I said what I did: I know you already have a lot on you plate, I respect that and I trust that you will take care of it so I did not mention those items. . That would be nagging. You have told me before that when I make a list I need to be specific of what is being asked of you, so I'm being specific. His answer? A lesson on HOW i should be speaking to him: Don't list everything YOU need to do. Don't use the word "only" when asking to do something.
*sigh*
Damned if I do, damned if I don't
Submitted by Clara on
Oh my do I know how that feels... A "to do" list is too overwhelming for him, so I am only to give him one or two things to do at a time. And still he will not do them. I'm in trouble for not asking him for help, then I'm in trouble when I do ask him for help.
I am trying to be as understanding as I can be because I believe that ADD is at the root of all of this, but he gets angry and resentful when I suggest the possibility of ADD, like it's some sort of personal attack. Once again, all of the responsibility is on my shoulders. I'm finding it extremely difficult to be both on the receiving end of his inconsistent (and frequently inconsiderate) behaviour, and have to be the saint who is all-forgiving, when he will neither acknowledge nor take any steps to improve his potential ADD.
Argue-ville
Submitted by jesswilliams419 on
Oyy, reading this made me empathize so much! my fiance just found out about his ADHD, so we are taking the necessary steps to improve. But I still struggle with times where he would tell me I said things, when I know I didnt. Or he would say things and completely deny saying them. All of those instances come to me being "out of my mind" or selfish, or unable to listen, or how I only care about myself, or sometimes more simply put... "Im a C***"
Its so frustrating. And sometimes I find the strength to let it go, but other times I can help but yell at him. And then I feel weak.
I just found this forum and feel so much better that I am not crazy! and that our problems are not because we are falling out of love, or that we arent right for eachother. But that it is just symptoms of ADHD rearing their ugly heads.
I love him so much. He is my partner in life and in business, and I am dedicated to being the source of strength for him. and I think sharing experience is definitely helping, so thanks to you and everyone!
Keep a journal
Submitted by Clara on
Keep a journal of conversations, agreements, arguments that might come up later, so you have an account of what was said. Maybe let him know about it, and its purpose, so it's not later misinterpreted, and so he doesn't feel like you are being "sneaky". It will be time consuming, but might save later arguments.
"How to Remember Agreements When ADHD is Involved"
Submitted by Clara on
How to Remember Agreements When ADHD is Involved:
http://www.adhdmarriage.com/content/how-remember-agreements-when-adhd-in...
Hope seminar helps
Submitted by geofan11 on
I get what you're saying about not seeing what is happening. Not seeing anything, like how pissed I am, how tired i am, why I'm so tired, how many chores need to be done, how he just can't get onboard with any schedule of chores, how he thinks he only needs to do that chore one time and then he's done, blah, blah, blah. Work, sleep, and TV is all he does, unless I write him a list, but with his dyslexia, he can't seem to read the list. I don't know anymore. And now he's exhibiting symptoms of dementia. No, he is not diagnosed, and no, he is not medicated. Says there's nothing wrong with him. He just flows through his days, while I struggle through mine.
thats me
Submitted by Troyhenn2 on
I hear you.
Submitted by Carriedout on
Hey there, wow it's been many
Submitted by mandi k on
Hey there, wow it's been many years since I've been here, but your post coming through brought me back. The only answer I have for you is that you can't communicate this. The only getting past it is to move on. It was super hard for me also with the same thing happening in my marriage of 20 yrs. The first day of the rest of my life began with me accepting what my psychologist said - that my husband couldn't change, didn't want to, and I needed to make better choices. I and my children have been the happiest we've ever been for the past 2.5 yrs with my new partner who is not narcissistic. I give you my best wishes and love in remembering yourself and honouring your right to be free and happy.
I'm always fascinated by these comments
Submitted by Sueann on
I don't have the problems with overspending, infidelity, etc. that so many on here describe. But I find the advice to not worry about what your spouse is doing impossible to follow. Some examples:
He has an appointment with his therapist today. He could not remember the time or find his card, so he used GAS I PAID FOR to drive down to the office to check the time. While he did that, he left the dog on the line outside and I had to go through a very scary part of the house, where I have fallen in the past, in my pajamas to let him in.
I have had to throw out things because he left then on the floor to get stepped on and broken. I am mobility-impaired and always afraid of falling in this pit of a house.
He has no job. I am supporting us both with what is meant to be a part time job. Almost all of Melissa's suggestions cost at least some money, and we don't have it.
So how am I supposed to just skip through life when my house is not safe, or heated, and I have to do so many things that are physically difficult for me? How do I NOT let his problems affect me?
How do I not let it affect me?
Submitted by MagicSandwich on
This is where Melissa and other ADHD advisors just don't get it. Being around unsafe people makes you unsafe. Period.
There is no way a rational person can ignore the antics of an unsafe spouse who is engaging in doomed financial practices, unsafe driving, pack-rat sloppy living and/or devious sexual liaisons that could very well bring a disease into the marriage bed.
Safety issues are paramount
Submitted by arwen on
As a non-professional ADHD advisor of a sort, I take exception to your claim. I most definitely "get it", and so do many many other ADHD advisors.
Let's be honest, OK? -- life is *never* safe. Ever. By yourself, or with others. Each of us does unsafe things from time to time, without meaning to, without realizing. Even if *you* behave perfectly safely, there is no guarantee that you will not be harmed by some natural event that you cannot predict or escape. All you can do is try to mitigate the danger to whatever degree may be possible.
However, I have no argument with the statement that being around unsafe people makes you *even less* safe. And this is a danger that can and should be mitigated.
Safety issues were certainly the biggest concern I've had with my ADHD spouse. Driving, tools, leaving hazards on the floors, supervising children, were all areas where my spouse had real safety problems.
So we tackled them first. Before the finances (since his problems were not bad enough to make us unsafe). Before the messy habits (that didn't create safety hazards). Before the mundane chores (that didn't directly affect safety). I *never* let a safety issue go by without a talk with my spouse. We dealt with them quickly, strongly, and persistently. No excuses, no exceptions. However, when I thought that something my husband was doing might result in a *minor* injury, I didn't talk about it until after he was done -- so that he could suffer any "natural consequences" that occurred, as they often did. This way, I also underscored his experience, instead of only preaching. It helped. With the driving, I simply forbade our kids to ride with him until he could drive safely -- this was so disturbing to him that it focused his attention wonderfully on the problem.
My husband (once on meds and counseling) trained himself to drive totally differently. He is now probably a safer driver than I am, which is saying a lot. He trained himself to the habit of never walking away from tools until they were put away (at least, while we had young kids in the house -- once they got older, he relaxed a little, now occasionally leaves screwdrivers and pliers and hammers around -- but has kept the rigid training about power tools). We rearranged his supervision responsibilities to make it easier for him to improve, and to reduce the chance for something really bad to happen. And so on.
I don't think anybody is advocating that one should ignore unsafe practices. On the other hand, not *every* behavior of an ADHDer is an "unsafe" one, some are merely annoying. *These* behaviors are the candidates for being ignored.
"It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be." Albus Dumbledore
Nobody here ever claimed life
Submitted by MagicSandwich on
Nobody here ever claimed life was 100% safe. But there have been many suggestions in this blog that the non-adhd spouse must at least try to accommodate the unsafeness of the ADHD-er. There seems never to be any sliding scale about this. Having a spouse with mobility issues means never ever ever leaving scraps of stuff on the floor. You know?
Almost done
Submitted by sheila195 on
I have been reading this site for a while and every time I read it, I cry because I don't feel as alone. I see all these people struggling. My husband has been diagnosed with ADHD for 10 years now and it wasn't until this summer that I realized how large an effect it has on me. I have given up my dreams and plans to be with him. He has been out of work for 5 years and we have two kids. So I went back to work to support us financially. I believe I have finally let go of the resentment I felt towards him for not being able to provide for our family when our kids were newborns but I am still waiting for him to get some sort goal. I constantly am told how much he does and I feel like I do as much if not more. I am so lost and I have no more energy to fight. I just shut down now and try to get the strength to keep battling this God damn disease or genetic disposition or whatever it is but it is hard. I know my husband is a good man and everyone loves him. I just can't do it all anymore. I wish so badly he would read the ADHD effect on marriage but no matter how many times I have asked, other things become priority. I feel selfish all the time and like a bad person because I want to be with the man I married. The one who loved to be with me and around me. I am on this site because I asked him to do something with me alone (without friend, booze, etc) and he told me he thinks we should do less stuff together and not talk so much. I feel so alone and yet maybe he is right. Maybe we should talk less. The problem is I never wanted to be with someone who didn't like/enjoy being with me and now I think he is at the point that I piss him off all the time. I was very angry, I know that is my fault. I must go now, everyone is home.
me too
Submitted by Xwifey on
Im ready to leave him, he also asks for his space, it just ridiculous because he has more time away from me than i do from him. My husband read the book and then was on denial of his ADHD. Medication and marriage therapy help but doesnt cure it. Their brain is wired differently. I think you should take care of yourself so you can take care of your kids. you are not alone *hugs*
Almost Done
Submitted by Exhausted@ADHD on
Shiela, i read your post and i felt myself practically in tears for you and feelings of anger towards your husband only because i feel the mistreatment you are feeling and how it's affecting you as did I feel same kind of things from my husband. Although it is the symptoms of ADHD talking, there's no excuse and you shouldn't accept it. Its his responsibility to get treatment if he wants to stay married to you or even deserves to be with someone who is supportive and loving as you are being to him. Sometimes you need to shake him a little and make him relaize that he could very well lose you if he doesn't do something about his problem.
hopeless
Submitted by Xwifey on
Husband has adhd and anger problems. All these worked only when we were in weekly therapy. I isolated myself from my friends, and people that know me. Its really hard to keep my cool when i have this angry, disrespectful, evil, person shouting at me. I only have 18 month married and Im ready to dump him. yes dump him, im so tired, my anxiety is high, and dont want to be around him when he is at home. Im scared of his temper tantrum. We are seeing a new therapist for insurance reasons and this is it! I have a lot of resentments.
from my perspective I say..
Submitted by LeeL on
Get out NOW!!! You may be able to get it annulled.
Day dreaming/ trouble attending to conversations
Submitted by readingteacher on
I really like Melissa strategies for the non adhd spouse to use when they are frustrated. I'm wondering if anyone can give any tip for the following scenario.
I take36 mg of concerta at 6am in the morning before I go to work. When I come home from work it is very hard for me to conversations with my partner because the medicine is completely worn off. The first hour it wears off, I'm very loopy and have trouble attending to oral conversation and will often daydream and miss pieces of conversations. There are others times during the day when I find it very hard to attend such as if I haven't eaten enough protein, am super stressed, or if I'm in the car. It's also really hard to understand my partner when she talks fast. When I miss what she is saying I often will ask my partner to repeat what she just said or slow down. She often gets annoyed because:1. it is hard for her to feel connected to me when she feels I can't attend to what she is saying, 2. she doesn't like repeating a story because its no fun to tell it the 2nd time, 3. sometimes she feels like "I just want to have a normal conversation where I can tell a story and have you listen. It frustrating for me to tell you a story, have you miss it and have to repeat it"
I'm going to talk to my doctor and see if he can prescribe a small dose of concerta which may help.
I'm not sure of what I should do if I'm in a state where I REALLY CAN'T attend ( such as a night when the medicine is wearing off )
Should I just try to be alone at this time? Should I just avoid my talking to my when partner the medication is wearing off? " Honey it is going to be hard for me to attend right now, so maybe you should tell me this story at another time?"
What should I do when I "zone out" when she is talking to me? She gets frustrated and annoyed when ask to repeat herself or tell the story over; so should I just jump in and try figure out what happened? Is it feasible to ask have the add partner repeat a story that the add spouse missed from daydreaming? I feel like this reasonable, but if the non add partner feels like its annoying.... so maybe it's not reasonable?
I've also asked my partner to make sure I'm attending before she starts talking, and she said she doesn't want to do this because she doesn't want to treat me like a child. I've also explained that I need for her to talk slow. She's often said that it is not fair for her to have to change what she is naturally doing sand wants to have a conversation without analyzing everything. In other words " I don't want to put on a big show, just so I can talk to you?" Are these reasonable requests? What exactly is a reasonable role for the non add partner to play
I've explained that I really want to hear your stories sometimes I just can't attend to them and need you to repeat them. My partner has tried to be patient but ultimately feels so annoyed when I tune out when she is speaking and am completely unaware of what just happened. Is it even possible for partner to learn to be patient when I miss things because of daydreaming? If she finds this so annoying she can't even repeat herself can she learns skills to be more patient or is this one of those things where "you are patient or you are not"
Don't get me wrong, my partner is not a villian, and I think it is completely natural to feel frustrated when you are not being heard. After a tough day at work it is hard to be patient.
I'd love to hear people comments for strategies on what do do when the add partner day dreams when the non add partner is talking? What are reasonable strategies both partners can implement?
sounds reasonable to me
Submitted by gardener447 on
Hi,
You wrote: I've also asked my partner to make sure I'm attending before she starts talking, and she said she doesn't want to do this because she doesn't want to treat me like a child. Sounds like she'd also like to treat you like someone without ADHD. If you need X so she can get Y, the refusal to do it is just not accepting reality. If you're willing to put more effort in paying attention, once you know she needs it, then she ought to be able to come halfway. And: or is this one of those things where "you are patient or you are not". She can learn to be more patient, but it sounds like she'd rather not. I have to continually remind myself not to get frustrated when a 60 second conversation goes off the rails, and slow down and repeat. But of course it's possible. When I want maximum attention (notice I didn't say full :) ) I touch him, say "honey?" wait until he changes gears, be concise, ask for confirmation of what he heard and that works so much better than just being starting "cold" and rattling away like I might while talking to my kids or friends. I would really encourage you to find a way to spend time with your wife when you are medicated, instead of saving the down time for her. My guy won't take anything, so I just have to catch him when he's well-rested and hungry. He'll pay attention when he thinks there might be dinner in it for him. ;) She might want to learn to better read the cues you give off when you've tuned out... One question for you, though. When you become aware she wants/needs you to "attend" do you stop any other activities that may be going on? Turn off TV (NOT just mute), put down smart phone, turn away from computer, etc? You might think, since you are "aware" for a moment that she's talking to you, that you can resist refocusing on those things, but you really can't. Also, take her hand or touch her arm while she's talking, if she isn't doing that with you. The physical can help you connect better in your brain, too. Another idea for staying "connected" when the lack of medication is present... DO something together that you both enjoy. A game? A home improvement project? The dishes? If you are both engaged in a cut-throat game of Yahtzee, YOU will be less likely to drift off, the conversation will tend to be about "fun" topics, you might even laugh and flirt while you trash-talk your opponent. That can feel very good, even if you really can't pay attention to the story of the bad day at the office. And lastly, does your wife know that men, in general, without ADHD, are bored to tears with most of our stories? :) Best wishes.
This was a great
Submitted by readingteacher on
This was a great response! Thanks so much I really appreciate it!
Men are bored by women's
Submitted by MagicSandwich on
Men are bored by women's stories? WHAT?
The "Everybody Loves Raymond" type of sexist sentiment is unnecessary here.
the best way to talk to my
Submitted by Exhausted@ADHD on
the best way to talk to my adhd partner is when he is not distracted by anything, like tv, cell phone, tablet, computer, radio, other people, not doing an activity pretty much not alot of time but i ask for his attention and and time limit, like can i get your attention for 5 - 10 mins it's important and i am told by my adhd husband to make it short cuz he hates long conversations, get to the point and don't repeat. So to avoid getting interrupted while im speaking cuz i may be taking longer than he is capable of listening. I tell him what i need and then ask him if he understood and sometimes ask him to repeat what I said or what he understood from the conversation. But all conversations are a struggle, cuz he will not give me any feedback, his opinion or comment when I want to engage in a stimulating topic cuz he loses track and his always off topic and then I end up confused and fustrated. So it's better to keep it simple and short and to the point to avoid an arguement.
A couple of things; 1) It
Submitted by Gary Ares on
A couple of things;
1) It would probably be a great idea if our spouses, along with us ADHD'ers, understood how the mind and brain work. Not like a PhD, but at a 101 level. I have spent a ton of time over the past few months completely mesmerized by what I've learned and now understand about myself.
2) Our original brain (sometimes called the "lizard brain) is finely tuned to threats, and it doesn't take too much at all for the alarm to go off! Oh, that triggers what's called the "fight or flight" response.
3) If the threat alarm goes off, the front part of the brain becomes much less effective at important tasks like reasoning and short term ("working) memory.
There's so much more, but I'm not trained in this area, but just a neophyte, so I'll stop here. I'd recommend for anyone who wants to learn more details on the brain and the ADD/ADHD mind, there are plenty of excellent videos, including those by the expert owners of this site, on the web.
I'm battling to
Submitted by L McGeer on
I'm battling to differentiate between ADHD symptoms in a person & the persons manipulative traits. Is manipulation automatic if you have ADHD?
Differentiating is easier if you have knowledge on your side
Submitted by Gary Ares on
Hello,
Being ADHD, and knowledgeable on the disorder, brain-mind functioning, AND relationships, I'd definitely recommend learning. I'm not trained in this area, but have done a huge amount of reading authored by Doctors, PhDs, and other accredited health care professionals.
I can say there are people in my life who are as honest as the day is long, but sometimes seem to make stuff up as they go along. Another annoyance is the rationalizing and excuses to absolve anyone or anything that appears to need one. Nothing terrible, mind you, but disconcerting.
OK, now, manipulation is NOT automatic in anyone, but if the person was "gifted" in this area they'd be a 6 or better on a 1-10 scale of ADHD. Really, I'll go back to knowledge as the best fog-clearing, and BS meter around. I can spot a guilt trip, or any type of manipulation a mile away. Things like using words including "should", "always", "never" might be good tip-offs. Using the word "you" at the beginning of a statement can be a signal as well (verbal finger pointing). Yelling or bullying of ANY kind is an immediate buzzer for me. Being a guy, it's the crying that get me all kerfugled.
Seriously, the more you understand the emotional workings of people, the mind, and relationships the better you are in any interactive communication. My local library is fantastic, because I can get electronic info as well as a huge selection of books online. It's a good investment in your time, because you have the knowledge and skills for the rest of your life.
All the best.
The Three Stooges
Submitted by gardener447 on
My guy has developed three major "coping" strategies for times when his ADD causes him to, in his opinion or someone else's, "mess up". I call them the Three Stooges: Deny, Deflect and Distort. As in "I didn't do that", "it's actually you", and "You took it wrong". These are all things he does so he doesn't feel like crap. He is still in denial about ADD... so he's spent 50+ years wondering why he just can't keep it all together as "easily" as other people. In order to not feel like he's failing, he denies, deflects and distorts. For years I thought I was crazy.... except I wasn't crazy with anybody else. Anyway. I guess I could characterize the use of these strategies as "manipulating" because he was always trying to shift the blame or even shift reality. I have never felt like he was intentionally manipulating me... but another personality type might well do so. I would have to say manipulation isn't a feature of ADD... but it could be a crappy coping mechanism for someone with ADD.
Yup
Submitted by SherriW13 on
Just the other day I got an apology that went something like this:
"I am sorry for talking to you that way, I shouldn't have...but you shouldn't have gone on and on about it..it just makes me furious...but I shouldn't have talked to you that way". Yes, it is my fault that you told me you were a "grown man" and would do whatever you wanted, when you wanted...(inserting the f-word every other word...in front of our daughter!!) when I found out he was considering trading his truck (mechanically sound, almost paid off...we owe $500 on it) to my nephew for his truck (an older diesel, major mechanical issues, nephew owes $3000 on it). DH's truck is several years newer too. Yes, when I try to thwart his latest attempt to screw us financially...then I deserve to be talked to like a dog. Just once in my effin life I would like for him to say "I shouldn't have said that" and leave off the "but". I started to say something, but I just didn't, I used to...not worth it anymore. All I could muster was "OK" I am sure if I would have said "your reaction is 100% your responsibility, and has nothing to do with anything I do or say...so stop adding the 'but' to it" he would accuse me of 'wanting to fight' or he would scream "just forget it!" and be mad all over again. Not that he doesn't understand that it is true, that his reaction was not my fault...just makes him feel better to make it about ME objecting to his 'plans' (over and over again...in his words...I said it twice "we cannot afford for you to trade...we do not know what is wrong with his truck and we know yours is dependable and sound").
Sherri
Submitted by NJTWINMOM on
Can't say we've had THAT issue, but O M G .....clearly, the lame ass, argument inducing apology is a "classic ADHD" apology (if one can even call it that).
Been there....lived through it....own several T Shirts by the way.
Sherri, Most of our
Submitted by newfdogswife on
Sherri,
Most of our arguments were very similiar. Immediate rebellion including yelling and screaming and sometimes throwing things when I didn't go along with his plan or fantasy idea. It wasn't until we researched ADHD that we discovered that the brain could sometimes react to situations like that of a teenager. Boy, what an eye-opener that was. Our relationship had truly turned into an adult/child relationship. The reality of learning this gave me almost instant peace and stress reduction but unfortunately hit my husband like a ton of bricks. We found out what a major hurdle was in our relationship and he knew he could no longer use the coping mechanisims he had used in the past. The reality of having to "grow up" is still a struggle for him and probably always will be. I just pray for him daily that he makes it without too much difficulty.
I'll third that
Submitted by NJTWINMOM on
Same here to all of it.
Also, I am sure you have read, as I have, that they, the ADHD person, subconsciously "liked" the arguing effect, as it gave off the dopamine their brains lacked. I wonder if THAT is one of the main reasons behind it. Who would choose all that arguing?
Isn't it just grand that the
Submitted by Exhausted@ADHD on
Isn't it just grand that the ADHD argues and feels dopamine and stimulated and alive when in an arguement and the Non-adhd gets to feel depressed and sad and fustrated and hurt and angry by it!! Opposite effects. They use us to get what they need by argueing and fights and we feel used and abused and conquered and defeated...again why do we put up with this craziness!! how can we cope with this or guard ourselves from it, cuz they won't stop until they get the reaction from you they need. I keep asking myself why I stay? i guess I keep hoping and waiting to experience who I originally fell in love with the exciting, great loving passionate and wonderful man I was so impressed with, who could do anything and was fearless, warm and entertaining. I do see glimpses of that now and then but waiting like an obedient lapdog for the next time and if he notices me ..is pathetic and the bad sh**t seems to over power the good, but I keep waiting for the good days.
endless apologies
Submitted by beensolong on
this is so familiar to me-even tho' he's an intelligent person I think I'm realizing that doesn't mean -able to reason or be reasonable. Do we give up on trying to reason in the moment and bring it up later when they're in a happy mode again or just give up on reason? Sometimes it's worked to even say "let's ask someone elses opinion". This has made me realize that sometimes he really is convinced that he's reasoning well-sometimes he backs off right away because he knows he's just being an 'you know what' and trying to start a fight.Apologies mean nothing to me anymore either-just does it because he doesn't want me to be angry anymore-if I don't instantly forgive him he's angry all over again.I'm new to this website & I'm finding so much comfort in everyone's story
Yes, I know how you feel,
Submitted by Exhausted@ADHD on
Yes, I know how you feel, apologies from my husband don't feel like he actually means them, but I make him apology all the time regardless if he means them or not, it makes me feel better.
de`ja vue!
Submitted by beensolong on
after 500 million"I'm sorries" and nothing changing i went in search of the true meaning of an apology-when you repent for something-not just saying it & expecting anything back but saying specifically what you are sorry for & making amends-actually doing something that shows how sorry you are. Maybe if that happened, they wouldn't forget over & over & over. But no, that wouldn't work either because he rarely sees how he actually has behaved. I'm going to try recording conversations with consent! I'm so comforted by your story! Thank-you!
Agree to ALL THREE
Submitted by NJTWINMOM on
My husband, before Adderall was the Almighty KING of all three DENY...DEFLECT and DISTORT!!!!.....Those definately were his way of life!!!!
Three Stooges
Submitted by lynnie70 on
Gardener, how did you get past thinking you were the crazy one? I am finally realizing (through infinite reading) that HIS reality did not really happen physically -- only in his mind. However, he is a PhD, and can outmaneuver me to the point that I think I am just a crazy lunatic. In front of counselors, they have told me my complaints seem so trivial. He can say and do all the correct things in front of a person he wants to impress, but tells me he lives in a fog, can't remember things that are important to me, etc. We can have an agreement after talking for HOURS, and the follow week, he will bring it up again, with his blinders on, like it is a completely new subject, seemingly oblivious to the fact that we had already reached agreement! Once, we made a contract, he signed it, volunteered that he would clean a sink or bath fixture when he failed, but he told me his counselor said he should never do anything like that -- it was too demeaning. Funny thing, he typed up the terms, but added (small print) and EXPIRATION DATE at the bottom without mentioning it. He can't remember much of anything unless he senses that I don't remember all the details, then suddenly he remembers EVERYTHING about the conversation, all details, and they are all skewed toward him having done/said everything right. And he will fight to the death defending his stance, even if I start to remember the real details as the conversation continues. I'm so tired of counselors saying, "Well, everyone has their side of the story." As if anything made up on the spur of the moment is obviously just as relevant as the FACTS. I'm so tired....
I am wondering the answer to
Submitted by wifeatmywe on
I am wondering the answer to that question too! My husband and I have recently read Melissa's book. I felt like I was reading a novel about our marriage. He thought there were only a few similarities, yet has decided to see a doctor in a few weeks because he thinks either he might be depressed and/or suffering from anxiety because of how I make him feel or possibly he's suffering from ADD. One thing he took from the book is setting boundaries and told me it's something he believes needs to do. I completely understand the need for boundaries. I learned their value through a year's worth of counseling for myself (my counselor suggested ADHD might be a problem in our marriage). One boundary I've set for myself recently is that I'm going to consistently initiate mirroring conversations with my husband so I can understand exactly what he means to say. Just about every conversation results in one of us misperceiving what the other intends to say. So, today at the end of a tense 5 minute conversation that mostly consisted of me asking for clarification of something he said that bothered me (because he did something that I've consistently asked him to stop doing), he got angry that he was having to explain himself, said he couldn't talk to me anymore to save himself, and left slamming the door behind him. When he came home later he didn't breathe a word of it. When I asked him about when we could talk about what happened, he said he figured "that" conversation would take hours and we would probably end up talking about it tomorrow. I've told him how frustrating is for me when he says he will "probably" do something and how is frustrating when we don't set a time to have a discussion about something that needs to be discussed. I'm so tired of feeling stuck in the trap of our inability to communicate effectively...and all the other feelings that so many people have posted on this site. I can't tell if he's being manipulative or if he truly doesn't realize what he's doing. I've let go of anger from the past because I truly think there's some condition at play, but I find I'm trying to deal with anger that creeps up from daily interactions. I feel like we need a diagnosis or the ruling out of one before I can move forward. The thought of having another conversation with him about anything is extremely unsettling.
Start with Men are from Mars-Women are from Venus
Submitted by Gary Ares on
What came to my mind while reading your post were 2 books about male-female communications and relating; the first is "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus" by John Gray, and "He said - She Said", by Lillian Glass (may be hard to find). One very important thing I took away from Gray's very popular book was that men relate completely different than women (my layman's view). I think of women like waves of emotion, where as men are like a piston action of push-pull.
I can remember resisting any kind of emotional squabbles when my ADHD was flaming, because I'd approach it logically, and she would approach it very differently from her feelings. I recall one long and drawn-out discussion that ended when she said "it's not just that, it's everything!!!" Sorry to say, I just started laughing and did not stop for awhile. I can also state that Gray's idea of gaining or losing points was true, because I completely emptied my points bank account that day.
One thing I have learned is the importance of consequences. I let people know, ADHD or not, well in advance, what will occur if a particular behavior continues, or a commitment not kept, so if the time comes when the feces hits the fan, my follow through with actions can not be a surprise. Works well for me, and gives the other party an option to opt in or out.
Maybe doing some reading of related books or blogs could be very beneficial?
Take care & breath deep.
Been there done that and too tired to keep searching
Submitted by LeeL on
These are nice suggestions, however I am so far down the road with this I have given up trying. I have been battling my own issues--the thing is that because I have had depression issues in the past, everywhere you look and everyone you talk to seems to assume I am the one with the problems. I have ALWAYS taken care of my self physically, emotionally, consciously and by instinct. When professional help is needed, I hire it use it follow the medication protocols to the letter and keep my caregivers informed about everything. My husband has deep anger issues is stubborn and thinks that I am the one with the problems. He may be ADD, may also have a borderline personality disorder--but will not get a diagnoses. We have been through no less than 8 joint counselors and he has been through several individual ones for very short periods of time. They are all "Jerks", everyone he encounters is a "jerk". He lost several jobs because of this and even "retired" without telling me 18 months ago (he is 68) so that he could justify not working. Well that's great but we have a 10 year old daughter who needs support and I was forced to go on disability because of my depression before she was born. I have done everything I can think of to help myself get out of this hole and I keep getting pushed back in. We have zero friends--no family to rely on and my friends were alienated years ago by his attitude. I cant think straight when he is around. He finally realized that we need an income (don't tell us about financial counseling, he WAS a financial something or other and gets indignant at the suggestion). I even left once to go to a shelter because I was scared for our daughter (then three) because I could not get through to him. He punished me by hiring a private detective who pounded on the door of our home the evening I moved back (he convinced relatives to coax me home) who scared us and then served me with divorce papers from the Supreme Court. Next Five cops pounded on the door and demanded that I leave (he house was owned by MY mother) and they ripped my daughter out of my arms. I have worried for years about the impact this would have on her subconscious. Being on disability I could only hope for help from "legal aid" and that was a nightmare of epic proportions to the tenth magnitude. To start they only handled cased from Family court...long story short, I lost 30 lbs in a month and he used up our daughter's inheritance from his recently deceased mother to teach me a lesson. To hear him re tell this tale--or any other for that matter You would think that it was all my fault ---he reweaves and back-peddles to a dizzying extent. I only took him back for our daughter's sake and on the promise that he would get anger under control. Well it worked for a while because he wanted to be together--but I have nothing but disgust for him. The house is a mess because everything I do he tears down or changes, I am Sisyphus pushing the rock up a hill that he kicks back down and I am running out of steam. I have not the motivation to do do anything anymore--I am in despair because of this and feeling like a failure to my daughter and myself. I have searched the earth for help and support and I have found NONE. I cannot do more without support-- aside from my therapist and psychiatrist I would have given up before now. Believe me I have reasons. Here is one that compounded the situation...
It is a kicker--Last year in a effort to help pull myself up a bit during the holidays, I promised my mother that I would take her, our daughter, niece and husband's granddaughter to a drive through local "Christmas Lights in the park". We even started singing. We got to the pavilion for hot chocolate and crafts. I dropped everyone off and parked. When I went in I started looking around as I looked for my family. I saw a wallet left on a table and looked to see if there was an ID and proceeded to look for this person. A few feet away, as I caught up with my family a cop came up and asked me if I found a wallet. I happily said yes and gave it to him--and lost my first amendment rights in the process. He proceeded to trick me into a search and arrested me, handcuffed me put me in a police car drove to the end of the park put me in a paddy wagon chained my leg to the floor drove to a station booked me with my leg still chained to the floor fingerprinted me etc--at court I was also slapped with a restraining order--by someone who I thought I was doing a good deed for-- the courts compounded the situation by losing my file and rescheduling the case for four months in a row. I am 53, never had a ticket, smoked, drank, or got into trouble. I respected my parents, went to church always tried to do the best for family and guess what--because of this--I stayed in the house for a year. Positive thinking, fulfill your dreams? reach for the stars? pheah! I am in pain, misunderstood and isolated--Why continue to make efforts to be kind much less hope for a career and share my talents with the world? I cannot seem to make a decent judgment about anything. My motto has become NO GOOD DEED GOES UNPUNISHED!
I too am at my wits end. It
Submitted by F1rewoman on
I too am at my wits end. It doesn't get better. My husband just never gets it. To top it all off he has always blames me for everything, doesn't take any responsibility, I can't talk to him about anything because all he hears is criticism, stonewalls to no end, and tells me I don't know how to communicate. The funny thing is I am almost ready to graduate with my MA in counseling, so I think I have worked hard on my communication skills. Compare that to his just always being on the computer. I will admit we did divorce and he did change. So, instead of being with a person who is the equivalent of a 12 year old, he is now the equivalent of a 16 year old. I am supposed to be happy? I can't imagine we will stay together because in order to get along with him, you have to come to his level or else there is arguing. Unfortunately, I think my daughter has ADHD because she exhibits the same mindset i.e. forgetfulness, deer in headlights, obstinance, etc. It sure is funny that they seem to be able to do good at school or work, but once they come home the real person comes out. They steal all the fun because their insecurity seems to get in the way. Yet, the blame the other person.
My friend was dating an ADHD guy and I told her to run. She didn't believe me and know she is losing her mind every day because of his lackluster behavior.
He has ruined my dreams I had for my family. He has turned me into a person I don't want to be. He has drug me down. Frankly, I am not even sure what he is good for because he doesn't do anything. I can't count on him, he doesn't do anything for me but he sure likes to monitor what I am doing, though. I don't even have respect for him because my definition of a man is a man who can take care of business, not one who likes to be told what to do. Even if I tell him what to do, he won't do it anyway, he would rather spend the energy fighting with me on why it shouldn't be done. Then if he does do something he thinks he deserves a ticker tape parade or something.
Believe me, as an almost counselor, I have tried multiple, multiple things and I am still ready to leave him again and he can stay in this house under his pile of rubble because he doesn't pick up anything, clean anything, or even see what needs to be done.
I hear you loud and clear
Submitted by LeeL on
Dear F1rewoman:
I swear I could have written your post word for word until it got to the earning a masters degree part. I do not know how you did it in that atmosphere. I would love to continue my education, get a job etc but I am so depressed I have all I can do to function each day. I too have tried multiple things--I would love to get a divorce or just get him out of the house for a year but I cannot afford it and he will not move out. We went that route in the past and he spent all his money getting revenge on me with shark lawyers--and I almost lost complete custody of my daughter. I feel like I am buried alive and there are no new sources of help for me, I have exhausted everything I could find in my area and on the internet. I wish to God I could send him to an anger camp if it existed.
The No-Win Situation
Submitted by rismb on
I have been struggling beyond belief with my wife's impulsivity. When she gets upset, she just starts yelling at me and will not back down. It's even worse when I am upset at her about something and she insists that I am wrong for being upset because she did not do anything and I am just jumping to conclusions (she gets upset at me for being upset at her?!?) In the past, we agreed that when one of us was starting to feel overwhelmed during and argument (emotionally flooded), we would agree to table the discussion until one of us could calm down and we could communicate in a more peaceful way. This attempt at finding a less hostile way of arguing has failed miserably. I have flat out said, "I am getting really upset and need to stop", but she just refuses to back down. She becomes so hyper-focused on either making her point, winning the argument, or just flat out upsetting me that she doesn't even hear my plea to stop. The other night, our fight reached the point where I had to leave the room because her yelling was really starting to upset me. After getting in the shower, she followed me in and started yelling again. I finally jumped out, threw some clothes on and left the house. On my way out, she threatened that if I left, she would not follow through with some plans we had previously made for the next day (which I responded, "I don't care"). The next morning, she came into to talk about the situation and after a few minutes, the conversation took a wrong turn and I just started screaming...just totally lost it. I absolutely hate that I have turned into someone who could actually scream at another person since I have never done this with anyone...EVER. In fact, one of the reasons she said she was attracted to me was because I was so calm. I absolutely HATE feeling so out of control, but if she will not relent when I tell her that I am feeling overwhelmed, what am I supposed to do? The worst part about all of this is she now sees me as the one who yells, but when I leave the room to get away from the situation, she says that I am being rude and disrespectful by just walking away which makes her yell at me even more which in turn forces me to either yell back or leave the house. If I stay calm and leave the room, she gets upset and when I yell back, she gets upset...it's just a no-win situation and I don't know what to do because I just don't have the patients to deal with it anymore.
ADHD affects emotional regulation
Submitted by summerwine on
You guys need to research how ADHD affects emotional regulation. Maybe if she learns that while her feelings are right for the situation her brain makes the feelings too damned strong like stronger than they should be. I can't always control it but knowing that my ADHD brain will make feel things much stronger than is warranted can help me to take a few deep breaths and try to calm down. In my family our counselor is having us work on acknowledging the emotions and working together to calm down right away. Walking away doesn't work it WIILL escalate things and make it worse. Instead its got to be Okay we are upset I see that you are upset I totally get that, lets juts sit and hugs for a minute and when we are calmed down we can talk and not yell at each other. But both of you have to be willing to do try that together.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cw8jHUkHiA
http://adhdvancouver.blogspot.com/2011/03/adhd-attention-deficit-hyperac...
http://www.adhdlibrary.org/library/social-functioning-and-emotion-regula...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110505103341.htm
I have a lot of links on ADHD bookmarked!
Thank You
Submitted by LeeL on
Dear summerwine: Thank you the the excellent links in your post. I am always searching for answers and potential help that could control the suffering in our house. After years of failed attempts to work things out we are still miserable--it feels like a puzzle where none of the pieces fit. We had another hit this week. My husband finally got on board with a doctor went through several appointments still no diagnosis therefore no treatment, I am getting more and more depressed with each passing week. Finally we were able to orchestrate a meeting between his doctor, my doctor and the two of us, only to find out upon arriving at the office the insurance will not cover this situation. I keep looking for a similar scenario to present to HIS doctor when I meet him because I need a professional description to validate this situation to convince the both of them that there is a BIG problem here and it needs treatment. He does not see a link between my depression and his anger and negativity. If you have any other links that you are willing to share I am more than willing to search them. Thanks again.
That's a very good suggestion
Submitted by rismb on
That's a very good suggestion and I will read through your links. I just hope I can actually implement it because it gets harder and harder to stay calm when she is yelling at me. This has been going on for eight years and until about a year an a half ago, we didn't even know it was ADHD. Now that I am starting to yell back on a regular basis, she sees me as the one with the problem. If I am completely honest with myself, I HAVE changed for the worse over the past eight years. This fact alone is extremely disturbing to me.
Feeling crazy at times!
Submitted by Kisa on
I completely agree with you, I am a very laid back easy going person who doesn't like drama and definitely hates to fight. My boyfriend is always yelling at me and the rest of the world. Like you have have changed and my friends and more importantly ME hate that fact. I was so happy to see this site, because it has reconfirmed that it's not me, and frankly it's not even him...it's just this ADHD thing that's tearing us both up. I have recently asked him to move out because I'm not sure I can keep snapping in and out of being 'okay' from this. I have become an emotional wreck and have forgotten what it means to smile and have a good time with anyone...how do you find happy again?
Why is is worth fighting for?
Submitted by rismb on
I have to ask myself...why is this worth fighting for? Tonight, among many nights, we had another fight. This night was especially important because we had special plans with family, but like usual, those plans were again, broken, and I had to attend on my own because my wife simply refused and I did not have the ability to try to make things right (maybe it was pride, or intolerance, of simply complete and utter frustration). I have grown so bitter, so resentful, and so intolerant of her constant temperamental, rude behavior. She doesn't even understand how it makes me feel and when I try to explain, it is just greeted with more rude behavior until the point where I completely break down and yell. I HATE yelling...I DESPISE yelling, but it has finally become my norm. Life is passing me by and every day, every week, every year, every broken plan, every broken experience is just another reason why I ask myself why this is all worth it. I always envisions having a loving, passionate, and understanding relationship with my wife. I always thought we would be there for each other and no matter what, we would do our best to make things right when things were wrong; but not today. Today, I ask, why is it worth it...or should I say, what is worth fighting for...not because I don't want things to be right, but because it seems like things will never be right, at best, they will just be...well, alright.
My fight is over
Submitted by Kisa on
rismb, I completely understand your struggles. After 2 1/2 long struggle filled years I can't do it anymore. Like you I tired of the fighting and the resentment in me grew to be so bad that physically it's been affecting me in ways that have just scared me. As soon as I could see the anger in his face building or the tone of his voice changing my heart would race and my chest and face turned bright red. I have tried to be the loving and supporting spouse but to what cost. Part of me feels bad for giving up, but the other part of me knows it's for my own well being.
I wish you all the best and hope that you find peace with your wife.
suggestions for when the NT is the Husband?
Submitted by ellamenno on
Hi -
Any suggestions for a non-ADHD husband who is frustrated? My husband is unbelievably stressed out. 99% of it is because of our lack of money, which is my fault. At this point I am staying at home with our 2 year old, and freelancing as much as I can ('dumping' the kids on him ONLY when I have to work and he is able to be home, otherwise we pay for a babysitter). I am currently only bringing in 1/3 of what I should be earning to cover the expenses of living in a ridiculous city and paying for private school (for just ONE kid currently).
He does go out for drinks sometimes with colleagues/friends. He doesn't do any cooking, cleaning, laundry, ironing or any other kind of housework, decluttering or anything that might be 'hired out' (we can't afford it anyway). He has no time for counseling, and my attempts at Learning Conversations for the last 8 months have failed. ("Why do we have to talk about what's WRONG? Why can't we just have a normal f*cking conversation about something in the news?")
So, although I believe i'm making personal progress (making connections and getting more work than last year) I continue feeling like a failure, and he continues to be frustrated, stressed out & seemingly disgusted with my lack of confidence and lack of income. I never know what the right thing to say is, so I just stopped saying anything.
Help?
Stressed out Non-ADDer
Submitted by YYZ on
Sounds like you have some sort of Reverse Chore issue at your house. Going off to work is the EASY part! So you get do handle the entire household and childcare, but you are getting guilted into accepting the 24/7 job because you are only a P/T earner on top of the 24/7 F/T job??? When the spouse is Angry All the Time (Add or Non) there is not going to be a constructive conversation anyway. Who wants to talk about the Effing News?!? ;)
You seem to be doing your part X10, how about a little E for Effort on his part, instead of drinks with colleagues??? My DW asks to do with with work friends about once a month or so and I'm always supportive, because maybe she will relax for a moment. I don't do this, because I'll just worry about who might show up, or how much I should drink, or how late is too late and end up more anxiety ridden than it's worth.
YOU are a Super-Woman! Don't believe anything else :)
Bottom line...
Submitted by ellamenno on
Aw, shucks YYZ, thanks! You're the cheerleader for us all! Huh.... y'know since I have no idea what you actually look like I now have an image of Geddy Lee in a cheerleader outfit in my head. YIKES!!!!
well, to be fair, most of the time he goes out for drinks with colleagues, it's for work. Maybe only 1 time out of 5 is actually 'just for fun.'
The bottom line is we just don't have enough money. He can't take on another job, he is already swamped. He's in Academia, so his work is not done when he comes home: it's just starting. Grading, writing, reading.... What's frustrating is I have very little time to do any kind of preparation or work for what *I* do. My daughter has a nap in the afternoon, but it's getting shorter and shorter and some days she doesn't nap at all and i get no time to myself to get anything done requiring any sort of concentration. DH has been having heart palptations, most likely due to the stress of our financial situation. He is not putting any guilt-trip on me, it's just the numbers, plain and simple.
I DO get irritated though when dinner is over and i'm wrestling the kids into the bathub, cleaning up the kitchen etc. and he's watching some dumb video online. I realize everyone needs downtime to recharge so I don't say anything, but couldn't he at least take his dinner plate to the sink? hang up his coat? not put his pants on the floor? He will spend a couple of hours 'defragmenting' and then start working. He'll be up til 1am or so. I go to bed earlier than him, so the illusion is that i get more sleep, but actually lately it's only 15-30 minutes before he comes to bed and usually i'm still awake. I've usually been cleaning, folding laundry, putting toys, crayons, paints, whatever away and preparing for the next day plus trying to do computer program training online so i can try to get a 'real' job. i've gone to take the 'evaluations' twice and failed twice because I just don't have the time to learn it. By the time the day is over, my brain is shot.
anyway - i've only got probably 40 minutes til DH2 wakes up so i gotta do something useful.
Ellamenno
Time for the "we're partners" conversation
Submitted by MelissaOrlov on
Here are my ideas:
EVERY couple goes through this, whether or not ADHD is an issue. Here are some ideas: You are being overwhelmed with job and childcare, it sounds. Sit down with hubby, figure out what the most important tasks are, create a FAIR distribution of these tasks based upon skills and time available, then dump the rest (just ignore them). As for clearing the table and picking up his pants, these types of things are a matter of respect, so he should develop a system for making sure they get done.
Next, find some women friends with kids the same age, and start a childcare exchange. This means you take the other child for an afternoon and they take yours. This can free up an afternoon every other week (or whatever your frequency) that is really valuable time. It's probably easiest to plan this out in advance with one or two friends, rather than a large group, so that you all get reliable relief without needing to take too many kids into your house at once.
Next, you say you're earning a third of what you should be earning but also mention your computer program training. I applaud your desire to improve the family balance sheets, but it sounds as if your method isn't working. Change the time of your training from when your brain is shot (end of day) to when it's fresh (beginning of day). Consider studying for a half and hour each day before the rest of the family gets up (some authors I know write from 4-6am).
Is there anything you can cut out that will help your finances? Rent a smaller home? Refinance a mortgage while rates are low? Stay in vs. going out for dinner? I'm sure you've thought of those things, but just wanted to bring them up again...
And if you have credit card debt, leave the credit card at home and pay that off first...
interesting...
Submitted by ellamenno on
The household tasks being a 'matter of respect' is an interesting concept to me. My husband has actually TOLD me that when I forgot to close cabinet drawers or dresser drawers or left a box of baby wipes from costco in the hallway for 3 days that he interpreted it as a deliberate action of disrespect for him. I was astonished. In my mind, I just.... forgot. I agree that it would be irritating if someone did something to deliberately disrespect me, but.... forgetting to close a drawer after washing the clothes, ironing them, folding them and then putting them into the drawer... How can that be interpreted as disrespect? like, I was ABOUT to close the drawer and then decided, 'Screw him!!! I'm NOT CLOSING THIS DRAWER!" So... It's hard to think that he's trying to disrespect me by not bringing his dish to the kitchen or leaving his pants on the floor... I thought he just forgot... and didn't want to ask him to do it because I know how defensive I used to get when I forgot stuff... but... is it really true? Is he really doing this out of disrespect? huh. that sucks.
I'm nervous about having the chore conversation because I'm thinking that adding chores to his work load will just make him get less sleep and make us more tired & alienated from each other.
I've been trying to find people to do a childcare share thing. When my 5 year old is at school I've just got my 2 year old - my friends with kids who are in school though are desperate for time to themselves too, so I haven't found anyone willing to take her. I have a neighbor who's 2 older boys go to school so she just has one 2 year old, but she's so overwhelmed with the 3 boys in general that i hate to ask her to take on another kid on days when she can have just the one. Also, I'm nervous about offering to take care of other people's kids who have 2 or more because my two plus 2 or three other kids could turn out to be really overwhelming, and I really don't want something to happen to someone else's kids on my watch.
I'll try the early morning thing - which will have to mean getting to bed before midnight, or somehow functioning on 4-5 hours of sleep!
As for cutting back on expenses... there really isn't any place to cut back. With the exception of when we are traveling, we never go out to dinner as a couple or a family. Ever. For my birthday last year, we went out for a beer, then came straight home. With babysitting it came to $50, and that really screwed up the budget for the month. That was last May. My daughter has a little friend who's parents are quite wealthy. We met for a play date a couple weeks ago and they paid for everything (they wanted to go to a restaurant and a frozen dessert place) which was very generous, and actually necessary because we just don't have the money for any of these things, but also very embarrassing. Realistically, I couldn't afford to pay our share, even though I offered to. If they had not insisted on paying, it would have been another $50 or so on the credit card that would stay there. Speaking of credit cards-we dont' use them unless we have to and until this year have paid them off each month. We're paying less on everything (Credit cards, student loans) just to stay afloat. We cut our own hair. Anything we can cook/bake/make ourselves cheaper than buying it, we'll do it. We don't buy clothes. (one of my husband's student evaluations last year actually read, "Great class... but Dr. Ellamenno really should invest in a second pair of pants." INVEST... in a SECOND pair of pants... how sad is that??) It is crazy that people with so little money are spending such a large percentage of income on private school tuition... but there it is. Our daughter would otherwise be at a school with 30 other students, next to a methodone clinic. She's nearly a year younger than everyone (December bday) she's very small and has food allergies and bifocals. It makes me crazy that she COULD be going to public school and pay NOTHING to go there, but then I realize that the private school is a great opportunity for her and it's nothing short of a miracle that she actually got accepted. Then I feel like shit because i know we'll probably have to pull her out because we'll completely run out of money. We live in faculty housing, which is subsidized, so there's nowhere we could live (even outside the city) that we could afford once we factor in the cost of moving itself and the daily commute.
All of my husband's colleagues have successful spouses, and all the parents at my daughters school seem to have gobs of money. At my daughter's bday party i was struggling to make conversation with the other moms - y'know, a doctor, a lawyer and an astrophysicist who was showing me a ring she was wearing that was made by a famous fashion designer I know absolutely nothing about. In the beginning of the school year I tried to befriend them, but feel so stupid/unsophisticated/socially awkward that i've sort of withdrawn.
well - I should go since the kids are screaming at me!
I can totally relate to your
Submitted by PoisonIvy on
I can totally relate to your money woes. Our situation isn't quite as dire, but only because we probably had more money to start with and thus have been able to get by longer on our current poverty-level incomes. I never go out to eat; I try to have at least three days a week on which I don't use the car; I won't go to the doctor unless something really bad happens (fortunately, it hasn't yet; we have insurance but it's very expensive and has a huge deductible and I can't justify spending even more than the current one-third of pretax income on medical/insurance matters). I do allow my kids and husband to treat themselves better than this.
And I know what you mean about childcare sharing. I liked being home with my kids but I didn't particularly like taking care of other people's children. The tradeoff of some free time wouldn't have been worth it for me.
Do you have ADHD?
Submitted by hard to function on
Melissa,
Your comments are well taken and make sense logically. My issue is the following: In order to change or establish new routines or to have a conversation with your spouse that is well thought out, you need some time. When does a person who is a full-time mom, works part-time and takes care of the housework have time to change. What people like this need is a little break to regroup. You want her to find some friends...WHEN? I fully realize that time management is an ADHD issue. I am reminded of that and several others on a regular basis. But when your day is full of essential things to begin with, along with physical and emotional tiredness, reality, at least for me, is that you can't change alone. Both partners have to change. The ADHD partner needs some time just to figure out who he or she is. The non-ADHD partner needs to listen more. So many of these comments I have been reading are about the ADHD partner not listening to the non-ADHD partner. In my case, it is the opposite. I am the one with ADHD and my partner can articulate thoughts and plans in an instant. He can point out all the things that I need to be doing to "change". Yet, he has not. He does not yet understand the time it takes for me to express a coherent idea or plan. He also does not understand that his one sentence might trigger about 30 different thoughts in my head about what his "hidden meaning" is (although, logically I know he doesn't have one). Spouses of ADHDers need to listen more and give their spouses more time to think about responses. And ADHDers need to take the responsibility to get help (at least with medication at first--counseling takes time and money)!
Yeah I get the same thing all
Submitted by summerwine on
Yeah I get the same thing all the time. You should do this and this and this. Ummm I'm a single mom who works full time and does babysitting for my niece and nephew. And my medication only lasts for so many hours in a day. When am I supposed to do all this? In my sleep?
I'm not sure if I could look More different than Geddy ;)
Submitted by YYZ on
I totally understand the 100 mph once you step out of bed routine, money stress (Family tradition) and I really need downtime, which comes at my own peril (Time I could be sleeping). I seriously average about 5-6 hours on a good day during the week and 4 or 5 hours at times. I Know it's not enough, but I can do it. Before Adderall I was Exhausted All the Time, even with 2 hours more sleep than I get now. I guess my quality of rest is greatly improved.
Rah, Rah, Ree, kick 'em in the knee! ;)
Non-ADHD Spouse
Submitted by kevstros on
This will be my 3rd and last post on this site, I have gone through quit a mental journey since my other two post and now see clearly what ADHD is and how to fix it. It will take time for others to realize it, so I will withhold what I have discovered because most are not ready to accept the truth.
I'm a 31 year old man who would be considered to have an ADHD brain. It never shuts off or shuts down. I have been married to my second wife for 7 years now (my first ran off with some guy - i now realize why), and even though she has been relatively happy with our marriage, I was not, and started having a wondering eye, even though I had been blessed with everything I ever asked for, and my wife was unbelievably supportive. I decided to try the medication to fix myself after reading many Adult ADHD websites. I first took Ritalin, then Vyvance and then Adderall.
I can tell you this about those. Adderall was the worse. I think it is cocaine. I really do. The other two weren't so bad during the day, but my mind acted the same way my body did. I didn't eat all day, and then binged ate at night when it wore off. My mind seemed calm all day, but then at night it went into hyper speed. This severely effected my thoughts and wore me down. The next morning I needed the medicine to have the energy to make it through the day. It seemed to be a harmful cycle.
My body was calm during the day and I found it easier to endure boring conversations, but the nights were to brutal for me to handle. The adderall, I felt like I was on cocaine. I have never taken cocaine, but I'm pretty sure I now know what it feels like. As a highly educated adult male, I truly think I would have self-destructed had people in my life not intervened and told me the "glare" in my eyes while on Adderall was not me. They were right. I am fortunate to have people in my life that could see past the calm body and peaceful smile.
In my marriage, I was selfish (had every bad trait listed on here about ADHD husbands) It wasn't until I started noticing ADHD traits in my two sons (both adopted) that I started to self-reflect. How were my adopted sons showing the same traits as I? Did I just happen to adopt two sons from two different mothers that had the exact same traits as myself? My other two post were done during this period of confusion, self-reflection and denial.
That's when I went on a journey to figure out my ADHD brain. Was it real or did I just lack the discipline to act like an adult and my children were accepting my model?
There was a little bit of truth to both. First, my children were accepting the model I was presenting, they were acting like Daddy. However, I do think different then most I know, my leg will never stop shaking, I can't shut my brain off to sleep at night, and I hyperfocus with the best of them. Those traits are real.
I wrote over 300 pages in one week, trying to figure it out. I ended up randomly submitting half of the pages to a book publishing company and the other half I turned into a website. The truth that I found has cured my Adult ADHD as a disorder and my family has been fixed as a result. Is it a real type of brain? Yes-with exceptions. Does it take more discipline, more routine and more awareness to control? Yes. But when the ADHD brain receives the necessary discipline, the individual can do great things.
As the man of my house, when I fixed myself, I very quickly realized that every problem I had with my wife went away. I broke my trance and now clearly see how truly wonderful she has been the whole time. I now desire to help other men brake their trance, so that their children and wives are better off. Our children are accepting the models that are being presented in their lives. What models are your children being presented? What types of adults will they be because of it? Children are emotional by nature - how much logic are they being introduced to? Children learn by observing.
Since then, I have welcomed four more foster-to-adopt children in my home. We now have six children who act better as a group than when we were merely raising two because of the simple answer I discovered. I have recently done another "impulsive" thing and put in my resignation at work - effective in June, because I no longer desire to take the fast track I was on, moving up quickly in my chosen profession. I now desire to work to make a living - so that I can live for my family, instead of living for work.
The reason I am even writing this is because I want non-adhd spouses to know there is a true answer out there that can fix your spouse. It will take your spouse doing some serious self-reflection in order to discover it for themselves. These types of sites and other sources that focus on awareness are a great place to start. When the spouse reads through the negative characteristics of ADHD adults and then imagines their ADHD children living that life - reflection "should" occur.
Discovering it for themselves is the only way for them to truly accept it. They will not accept being told - we "ADHD'ers" aren't very good at being told things - we are creators and discovers. Your spouse just needs to be focused on searching for the right answer to discover it on their own. This will take some slick guidance from the non-ADHD spouse. Keep up the effort & just keep making the best decisions for your children during your journey. You deserve more than a life of coping. You can achieve this life deserved with your current spouse when you both deeply self-reflect and figure out the Truth on how to fix it. Enjoy the challenge.
Good luck,
Kevin
Advice
Submitted by newt8084 on
Kevin,
You mentioned that you had a web site. What is it?
Also you mentioned that you had submitted a book for publishing. Has it been published? And if so, what is the book info so that I may get it.
Thanks,
Rick
I am interested too. I sent
Submitted by Pjloops on
I am interested too. I sent him an email by clicking on his name and clicking the "contact" tab... I wonder if it will work???
Feeling Old, Tired and Beat Up
Submitted by gm1148 on
I'm 63 and completely exhausted from a long difficult history of marriage to a 61 yr old man with severe ADHD. For the first 20 years he was undiagnosed, un-medicated and totally unaware of his effects on anyone else. He could be impulsive, rude, self-absorbed and non-empathetic but also charming, humorous and creative. His hyperactivity was extreme. Neither of us really understood what was going on all those years...only that things were always rocky. I had moved from the U.S. to Canada to marry him so turning around and going back was a decision I could not think of lightly. He's highly educated (Masters) and a successful retired teacher of 32 years. I was also an educator for 17 years. 5 years ago I delivered an ultimatum that, unless he sought help, the marriage was over. I just could not take his erratic frustrating unpleasant behavior anymore. Our intimacy had always suffered but I found myself completely shut down. He was eventually diagnosed with a high level of ADHD and now takes medication daily. It has improved things however he still struggles to control his impulsivity and overcome years of habits. He comes from a very dysfunctional family; cold distant narcissistic mother, alcoholic father, older sister with Asperger's, younger brother with moderate autism. We suspect his now 90 yr old mother is also somewhere on the autism spectrum. Like many with ADHD he initially appeared to be a great catch but after a few years it became obvious there was something very wrong. We've always been out of synch and he is still way behind in knowing how to give equitably in a marriage partnership. He is only just discovering personal boundaries and how to separate himself from me. I spent years trying to encourage/support him and help him reach better emotional health. We went through numerous counsellors but they were not qualified in the area of ADHD. He now sees someone across the border and this is helping him but, for me, it is late in the game. The weight of all the years is heavy and I just don't have the energy or inclination to put forth much effort anymore. I've lost my enthusiasm and resiliency. He, on the other hand, seems to have boundless optimism and doesn't feel the toll like I do. The ADHD seems to act like a Teflon coating for him and he behaves as if everything is going to be AOK. I don't feel he fully appreciates how damaging his actions (and those of his family, by association) have been. For a while there I went through a very angry stage but now I just feel tired out and numbed. I've done everything on the above list at least once if not repeatedly. Through a referral from his therapist we are scheduled to start some couples counselling but I feel so discouraged. The difference between our realities seems insurmountable. I for one will dispute the notion that ADHD is a "misunderstood gift." It has not been a gift in my life.
Feeling hopeless
Submitted by Julia on
I have read the blog here. Read comments. Read Melissa's book. Signed up for group sessions - starting tomorrow.
Right now, feel completely hopeless and alone. I have been there - and here - before. I keep trying because I want our marriage, our family, together.
My husband was diagnosed a little over 3 years ago now. It explained a lot and we were both glad at the time to find that out. Now we had something we could deal with. He is on meds - tried different meds and combinations over time - and it is a work in progress. He is doing coaching / therapy.
But it seems like everything is just worse than before. We fight soooo much more. And it's not about the chores. We find ways to work around that: tasks have been split between us, we created a schedule that we update every Sunday before starting the work week etc...It's not perfect and we still have some arguments about it but it's getting better. We try.
No. We fight more because he is way more argumentative. More confrontational. He "snaps" quickly and often for no reason. It's never his fault - we're not looking for fault but doesn't own up to what he does or doesn't do. He thinks my questions have "an agenda". That I mean something else negative by what I say or ask. No. When I ask you if you talked to the contractor about the work that needs done, it's not a trap to catch you not doing what your supposed to. No. It's only a question to find out if you talked to him and what he said because I am interested in knowing.
Also, what he does or doesn't do is usually caused by me. "I didn't do this because you didn't remind me" or " I did this because you made me angry" etc... It is absolutely exhausting.
He keeps telling that he needs me to give him positive reinforcement when he does something right. He needs it to get better. That's great. I get that. Except that I am completely EMPTY. I have been giving everything, doing everything he and/or his therapist recommend. I need emotional support too and I am not getting it. I am only getting arguments and request to give more.
My most hated words to hear in our relationship right now? "...because you..."
Do any of you get that too? What do you do? What can you do?
Found out last month that he was been having inapropriate chats (she was inapropriate, he didn't object) with an old female friend of his and said some very disparaging things about me to her (they have know each other since they were kids, they dated briefly in their teens and she is recently divorced). I knew they were chatting and talking - I supported it since I knew they were friends for a long time. I like(d) her. And she needs all the support she can get right now.
I found out about the content of the chats because it was done on Skype on our family computer. He said he had nothing to hide and that I was welcome to read their conversations. When I read them i was really hurt. I read them back to him and he admitted that the comments he made about me were inapropriate but he denies that the rest of the conversation was. He tells to "get over it". I asked him if there was anything else going on with her and he said not at all. They're just friends. This past weekend, I found some poems he had written on the family computer. Talking about "taking a chance" with a lost love. About some "hard decisions to make" and having to hurt loved ones to pursue what could be. So I asked him about it. He says it's nothing. He just venting. Yes, he thought about her but it's not real. He says that it only crossed his mind because I put it in his head after asking him if there was anything going on.
I told him that if he is thinking about going to her then he should just leave right now. It is not fair to us that he hangs around while he plans his escape. He says no. He doesn't want to go. He knows he'll "end up on the street if he leaves" - Nice. Not staying because he want to be because he is afraid of the alternative? No, that's not what he meant he says. He loves us and he wants to be here.
I am hurting. Big time. I feel everything is hopeless. I feel that maybe the issues are too big to overcome and we're doomed. I spend my days in a fog. I just want to cry. The house is a mess because I am not doing what I usually do. I don't cook anymore - which I used to love. I don't exercise because I don't feel like it.
Yes, I do snap at him more than I used to. I admit that. My fuse is very short and when I ask a question and it takes 3 times asking a question to get any semblance of an answer after a defensive response and accusations of asking "loaded questions" , I get snappy.
I feel stuck in this downward spiral, it is going faster and faster and I don't know how to stop it. Maybe it's time to get a divorce, regardless of the fact that I love him, that he's my best friend and that I want to keep our family together. Maybe staying is worse. Don't know. Hate this.
Thanks for the opportunity to vent.
Don't be hopeless, transition is so hard...
Submitted by YYZ on
As SO many here know, I'm almost three years post diagnosis and much that you describe sounds somewhat familiar. My surprise diagnosis explained most of my entire life of both successes and failures. I responded immediately and well to Adderall and have had therapy, a couple of couples therapy sessions with my DW's psychologist (They went well). I continue to read books, articles and read/respond to posts regarding ADD. I have posted several times about arguments, and if I may add my take on these it might make some sense. Adderall brought me out of a lifetime of ADD Fog (43 years) I was always the easy going, laid-back guy who always meant well, but frequently over-promised and fell short of my goals. A huge difference for me is I know SEE Body Language and Facial Expressions which I have missed all of my life. This is great! The problem is that I'm 43 years behind my class in this brand new language. Sometimes I react to things before there is an issue and it does not get ignored until my DW is So PO'd by my actions/inactions what she blows up at me to get attention. SO Tired of the Pearl Harbor surprise attack of the old days. The learning curve is slow, sometimes I over-react and under-react to others. My DW and I have discussed this learning curve. In the old days, she attacked and surprized me, I was caught off guard, felt guilty for missing something obvious to everyone but me, and shut down, hardly able to force out a single word. My DW would beg me to agree, disagree, tell to piss off, but anything other than silence or Y / N answers. Well, Adderall gave her that wish, and now I don't shut down and I stay far more calm and logical and she is having a hard time not always deciding who has the last word. THIS is a big change in our dynamic as a couple and still is evolving to this day.
The big issue for us is that my DW really does not believe in ADD or that it affected our marriage. ADD is just a reminder to her that my ADD diagnosis gave me the easy out for my past mistakes, the meds were a responding fast cure for me and the only side affect was that I got thin. I always get what I want, in other words. THIS is a real stall point, in my opinion, and I hope that my continued work to correct coping skills and communicate better will eventually convince her that ADD was/IS the elephant in the marriage.
Blaming you is a total coping mechanism from any ADDer's beginning. Feeling like there is FAR too much damage done to our relationship was/is still my worst fear. It is crapping timing that your DH's "Friend" is recently divorced and he is seeking attention as a stimulous for his brain, again another example of getting the dopamine our brains crave. Dangerous/Self Destructive behavior is a hallmark of ADD. HE has to realize the bad position he has put himself in. ADDer's have terrible filters for what we perceive as hurtful/not-hurtful, so letting you read transcripts of chats and venting poems may be a way he is trying to show honesty to you, but not having learned What sounds Hurtful. I'm not making excuses for him and I know how this must hurt you. I learned a long time ago that I needed to keep myself away from certain situations / people because I knew deep down that I could be one mistake away from a second failed marriage. Your DH may know "The Great Escape" as I've written about will not work for him and wants to be with you. He seems to have Very Poorly made his point that he wants the marriage to work. He may actually think you are the best thing that ever happened to him, but be scared to death that he has already Blown the marriage Up.
I hope things improve for you soon...
sdelo7,
Submitted by lovehurtsalotwi... on
nagging could cause him to vent emotionally elsewhere,don't even bother,"SAVE"your energy in to something you would gain from,start back to cook,and exercise,just be yourself,don't let him take away your mental stability,his own is already dysfunctional, and now your's would be too!!!,his "female" friend is going through a divorce and she is vulnerable right now,"he should "not" be in any type of contact with any ex's"no matter"who" they are(friend or no friend) that is not good at all"stop it immediately"an affair can come out of that!!! this is serious,it has happened before with non-ADHD people,including me with my daughter's Father and he was non-ADHD, and this situation is no different,but worse,where ADHD people tend to have addictive behavior's,only we are dealing with the ADHD non-focused/dysfunctional brain,the meds he is taking could have some side effects,maybe he should get one that suits him,he should try a different one.Don't waste your energy in nagging him about doing the(right) things they won't listen,I have been there,instead try talking to him and set up some boundaries starting with the EX.I know how having a short fuse could be,but we non-ADHD could control that,I have a short fuse also,but I have learnt how to control mines,we don't lack that simple thing between (impulse and action) where we would blurt out things, we are very fortunate to find the (pause) between that,I am very hopeful you could do that.
I hope that things work out for you
god bless
from:lovehurts.
An affair in the making
Submitted by MelissaOrlov on
This is clearly an affair in the making. If he really truly wants to stay around, he needs to stop talking with this woman. It's old hat that newly divorced folks go out and recontact their exes to see if there is anyone out there who can keep them company (I've been contacted a couple of times...) The right response, from someone who is in a committed relationship is "I know we used to be close, but I'm married now and I'm concerned, given your recent divorce, that you're emotionally vulnerable and things might get out of hand. So I prefer not to reconnect with you right now."
I hope in my course he starts to hear that you are NOT responsible for him. Being his alarm clock or reminder person means that he is abdicating responsiblity and acting the "child" role in a parent/child relationship. NOT healthy for the marriage. The only thing that comes of that is that the relationship gets worse. So, YOU need to tell him politely that you aren't willing to be his mother any more and that he needs to figure out how to take care of his own responsibilities...I will actually be talking about this tomorrow night in session 3 - but one key thing to think about is how do you TRANSITION responsibility in a way that is supportive, while also firmly stepping away...His comments about blaming you may stem, in part, from the fact that you are taking on much of the responsibility in a parenting role. As you step away from that, it harder for him to blame you as you can reasonably say "I'm not responsible for that, you are!"
You are snappy, as you say. As you are asking him to ignore another woman who is showing interest, this might be a good time to try to move past that (that's an understatement). Go inside yourself and ask what sort of person you want to be acting like...probably not snappy. I know that I forgot all about the importance of being a good person when I was really mad at my spouse. The net result was that it hurt me in that there wasn't much there to interest my husband...and a whole lot that he wanted to run away from (into the arms of another woman). Food for thought.
Thank you.
Submitted by Julia on
@SherriW13 I am wondering about the meds. I don't get involved in his treatment. I support him but I don't question. I am not even sure what exact meds and dosage he is on. I know they have tried difference combinations and right now he is using Vyvanse along with something else. I hesitate to comment to him on behavior changes but I did bring up once or twice that I thought he was being more aggressive that usual. Maybe talk to his doctor.
@Melissa We are both rereading the book and are really enjoying the sessions. We actually enjoy sitting together on the couch - at least when he can sit still LOL - and listening in. Quiet. No tv. No other distractions. It has allowed us to engage in productive discussions.
I have started to let go of some responsibilities. I had too much on my plate. And he says he is actually enjoying taking on more. We created a schedule in the form of a calendar that is posted on the fridge. We try to sit down regularly, usually Sunday evenings, to plan the schedule for the week/2 weeks. He works irregular days and hours so by doing that, we plan ahead who is doing daycare drop off and pick up, who is doing meals, appointments etc... It's not perfect but by planning ahead and agreeing ahead of time, it appears to be easier so far. I also try to let go of things that only impacts him. His pile of dirty laundry? On the floor on his side of the bed, at the end side of the room where I can't see them. When he runs out of underwear, he DOES do laundry. He doesn't get up and is late for work? His problem. But I will not accept our daughter being late for school.
I have tried to be less angry and snappy and I have to say that it feels really good to have less on my plate and I have thanked him for stepping up. It's only been a few weeks but we have been fighting less. Baby steps.
The "other woman" issue worries me greatly though. He says he has stopped talking to her. He says he realized that what he was doing was wrong. They have been friends since elementary school and he would like to remain friends with her. We used to get together once in a while. I like(d) her. Before this happened, I had actually talked about inviting her and her kids over, we hadn't seen them in a while. I don't want to anymore. But at the same time, I feel guilty because they were good friends for so long. Does that make any sense? I used to be a very trusting person. Now I feel like something is hanging over my head and will drop at any moment if I am no good enough to him. I don't know how to deal with this. It's an awful feeling.
My husband's doctor was VERY
Submitted by SherriW13 on
My husband's doctor was VERY interested in hearing my perspective when it came to how meds were affecting my husband...and being hostile and aggressive was NOT something he was willing to overlook. He sees a psychiatrist now who requests that I come with him occasionally just to see how things are from my perspective...I like that.
As for the 'other woman' thing...never, ever feel guilty or bad for something like that. He was inappropriate and blew his chances for a 'normal' relationship/friendship with her. Those were his choices and how the consequences are that he has to accept that he caused your hurt feelings and move on. You also said she was being inappropriate so she really crossed a line as well and proved she has no respect for your marriage so she needs to go. You have nothing to feel bad about...it isn't about trust so much as the two of them crossing boundaries they should not have crossed and now doing the right thing and accepting that their focus needs to be on other things. His on YOU and your marriage...and hers on someone who ISN'T a married man.
I'm with Sherri on this
Submitted by MelissaOrlov on
Get rid of the guilt about his not keeping up the friendship with this other woman and DON'T invite her or her kids back into your life. That way lies madness. I think it's great that he's saying that his contact with her was inappropriate - I would be much more worried if he were continuing to deny that (and covering up either in real life or in his own mind). So since things seem to be going better, my advice is this - keep going in the direction you are going - better coordination, his being able to take more responsibility and liking it (it's no fun to be the child in the parent/child dynamic!), showing your appreciation for all that is happening...and (without guilt) doing what you can do to keep this other woman at bay. All of those things combined are your best bet for protecting your family and improving your relationshp and your life.
Thank you
Submitted by Julia on
@ Melissa For mentioning my post at the session on Wednesday. My husband knows I read and write on this site - and is free to come and read. When you started to read the part of my post talking about the positives and baby steps we are taking, he realized - and I confirmed - that it was mine and he had a big smile on his face. He was really happy to hear that I do highlight positives - not just rant about what is going wrong.
I told him about the rest of the post regarding the other woman. I don't think he's yet convinced that the relationship with her has to stop at least for the foreseable future. I can't see him - or us - be friends with her at least until she is in another stable, long term relationship. He still seems to think that he can be friends with her when "I get over it". We still have work to do on that.
@ Sherri He had a session with his therapist and his doctor on Wednesday. They talked about making some changes to his meds and are starting to do so. Again, I do not get involved in treatment so I am not exactly sure what they're doing but he volunteered that information to me and I am just glad that he listened to my concerns about his behavior and is taking action.
Medications (Concerta and
Submitted by SherriW13 on
Medications (Concerta and Vyvanse) made my husband VERY hostile and argumentative. If he wasn't like this before, maybe it would explain his being more argumentative. Honestly, my husband is typically laid back and the meds made him a lot more 'aggressive' with words and BLAMING. (everything went from "I don't want to hurt her, I have put her through enough" to "she's not doing a damn thing to help the marriage so why should I?" in just 2 weeks)
He is taking Straterra now, for about 2 months, and I see NONE of this...it is much better.
Wow.... My life is yours.
Submitted by Dansgirl on
Wow.... My life is yours. When I ask questions lately, I'm told to just let him be the man, and I should just be a woman and do the woman things like clean the house.... He is not sexist, but he is somehow threatened by any kind of question. I asked "did you turn the cooler on. Or just the fan?" Simple question, right? He began a tirade about how he knows wtf he's doing and I don't need to interfere with him and I should just let him be the man of the house! I still have no idea where that came from... I am so tired of being afraid to say anything be ause it might set him off. Yet if I stay quiet, he is suspicious that I'm thinking something secretive... Or I'm mad, or I'm thinking about someone else. I can't win...
i work the same hours he does, I cook, I pay the bills, I help manage his appointments and refills for an unrelated medical treatment, I do laundry, I shop for food and household goods, I have a 13 year old so I take care of, and he's angry that our furniture got dusty.... My response? The grab a rag and dust it!
I understand frustration at unbelievable levels... I have one real friend that I refuse to give up and she does her best to support me but she's tired of seeing me emotionally beaten down.
I treasure these blogs because it gives me strength and hope to realize he's not just an asshole, and it's not just me...
Deciding when enough is enough is my biggest challenge... I still don't know, but I have more confidence in myself because of what I read here.... So just remember that you are a valuable person, too...
i actually have a phone app that records my selected calls
Submitted by jnw010683 on
I'm about to give up
Submitted by Lcshapiro on
Reading these posts have helped so much. My husband was recently diagnosed with ADHD ( about a year ago) we have been together for 16 years. It was such a relief when we finally learned why he acts and does some of the things he does. Problem is he keeps changing his meds and is now back to being cruel one minute and wanting to make up the next. His angry out bursts are now happening in public, at our local grocery store..... He will say or do something and then argue with me that he never said it or did it. He refuses to admit that part of the problem with him remembering things is his ADHD. He accuses me of saying things ( like telling him to shut the f@&$? Up) that I never said. He doesn't remember what he says while we are arguing or what he does, like getting out of the car, taking the keys and leaving me to walk 5 blocks home. I call this abuse. He doesn't think any of these are wrong or he just flat our denies that he did them. I'm at my wits end and ready to divorce. Any suggestions on how to deal with this would be very helpful. I'm not sure anything will help seeing as he won't even admit he's ever done anything wrong.
Feel at the end of my rope
Submitted by Dansgirl on
I feel so very frustrated! He interrupts me, making me feel as though he believes what I have to say is not worth hearing. He blames me for him not listening! If he asks me about something, I don't get a chance to answer! Then, he will say "why didn't you just tell me?"!!!! And when I counter with"I was in the process of telling you, but I was not allowed to finish before you cut me off"! Then he claims he had to cut me off because I "take too long"! I can't take it anymore! I am human and my thoughts are just as valid as his, yet I continue to put up with his disrespect and derogatory comments! I love him, but I am losing myself just to accommodate his need to be in control. I want to be the supportive girlfriend/wife to be.... But where's MY support? When do I get to be accommodated? When are my needs important, too? Help me learn to express my needs, please! I can't continue being the only "give" in our give and take relationship. Any advice, helpful hints would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Let go of the rope
Submitted by mandi k on
Hi janet, I fully hear and feel where you are at with the 'frustratus interruptus'! It sounds exactly like soooo many 'discussions' in my household. I decided just to not play anymore. I make notes in my diary about decisions made and comments etc so when he comes at me with "Why didn't you tell me....." I refer to my diary and show him that I did. Apart from that, I no longer attempt to get any support from him. There's no point expecting support from someone who often doesn't even remember that he should interract with his kids on a regular basis or even to eat! I get support from friends and forums like this one, and focus on my own wellbeing rather than his. His feelings and wellbeing are his own responsibility, not mine. Years and years ago I used to remind people that if you give someone enough rope, they may well hang themselves with it eventually (figuratively speaking of course). Then I grew up a bit more and realised that with some folk you just get left holding the end of the rope while they wander off and live their lives. So now I let go of the rope - no more problem! Stop accomodating his 'needs' and be quite clear that his 'needs' are his responsibility to address. You can be supportive of course, but why support someone who is not looking at ways to better support themselves? In my situation true support for my hubby is more like 'tough love'. Sometimes to support the behaviour is to enable the drama. Focus on you for a while because you are valid. I realised I had to do this when I recognised that over the years my hubby and I had developed the parent/child dynamic - this was destroying any shred of relationship that was left. Since then it has been challenging to stay focused, (particularly during arguments that are ridiculous and go in circles of blame) but I think it has been worth it. I'm not sure we'll ever be all lovey dovey ever again, too much 'water under the bridge' so-to-speak, but we're not at each others' throats anymore and I have my self esteem back. Good luck and hugs to you.
and then he left me
Submitted by fixingme on
After two years of hyper focus bliss and five years of wtf is this, he walked out a week ago and I haven't seen him since. And the thing is, it's his house, it's paid for and he pays all the bills. I know he is still alive and well because he comes to the house when I am at work and does stuff around the house. Runs the dishwasher, which I don't use, does laundry, took a photo of us from when we were in Hawaii, took some bottled water, etc.
He never yelled, never cursed at me, never hit, he just never paid attention to me either, never complimented me, never validated me even though I have ran half marathons, am financially independent, learned to free style swim, landed a job with an international company in a down economy. Destroyed my self esteem with comments about my lack of six pack abs, a few stray gray hairs and my huge size 4 body. Did all the impulse stuff, talked to total strangers, women and men, fixated on himself to a degree I thought impossible, chased the dream of being a professional triathlete at the age of 48, thought he was still in his twenties until I let it slip that he was almost 50.
I guess I stayed with him because he was never jealous like my ex-husband, wanted me to work, unlike my ex-husband, was willing to take me to movies and travel anywhere I wanted to go, like Hawaii, Vegas, etc. But even when there, instead of being romantic with me on the beach he was of course, so distracted he forgot I was with him at times. And it isn't like I am a troll or anything, may be hitting the late 40's, but have a better body than most 20 year olds. I work at it of course, have always been rather proud of it, but it was just never good enough for him.
I have just never been with anyone like him, took me a while to figure out something was terribly wrong, guess I was pretty busy with my terminally ill mother, my work and other things to really notice. Then he wanted me to move in with him. And it was like bam, have you now and can forget you are here. The way he left has left me in extreme mental anguish, of course. I won't call his parents, whom he lived with until he was 45, or any of his other family. I am just not that way, I keep personal things private, and he knows it. He won't answer my texts or calls. He has done this before and came back after two weeks. He had been to a real estate seminar with an older guy, and I believe him, that's his thing these days.
Anyway, I guess I am just venting and trying not to go crazy. Read the book Co-Dependent No More yesterday, probably need to read it again. Because I just don't think I can handle this. Suggested a ADHD hotline for those of us that are close to losing our minds or contemplating ending our life, because quite frankly when in the throes of tears and grief, I have felt like I just wanted to die. I love life, though, in spite of everything that has happened, and I am old enough to know that this too shall pass. I think all of us must have a screw loose to keep trying so hard to keep these relationships together knowing that even the best case scenario is still going to be significantly less than what any of us should accept. I hope I have offended no one, I truly do. God bless you all.
cure kevstros?
Submitted by fixingme on
As to the alleged cure or fix for ADHD per kevstros, whatever dude. I am not co-dependent or desperate enough to believe that only one person in the whole wide world of very intellectually gifted people who are working on this disorder has discovered a 'cure' or 'fix' for it. Just call me a skeptic, but I won't be emailing him or looking for the website. My boyfriend, now former I guess, makes up stuff all the time. He is so smart, so intellectually gifted, he thinks, yet he argued with me for hours that the sun rose in the west and set in the east. He continued to argue as we flew into the sunset. And then he swore that Hawaii was on the east coast, and it was in the Atlantic Ocean not the Pacific, until I showed him on the map. And then he said he was only joking, he knew the sun rose in the east. Whatever dude. Suddenly I don't miss him so much and I sure don't miss that smart mouth, the smirking face or the snarky comments. Giving it to God, letting him handle it, it is all too much for me.
somedays are just too hard
Submitted by Sad sickie (not verified) on
my entire life focuses on his moods. We just finished listening to the Q & A in session 2. I am very ill and up to a few months ago my spouse was my caregiver ( unwilling so at times). He makes the meals as i cant stand for that long or i get nauseated. I do the budgeting, bring in the money and do most housework. He hates writing things down. Whether it be a budget, menu planning or a note to say good morning. So i said " to assist with menu planning, each Sat we can sit down as a family and all pick a meal or put ideas in a hat and pull them out, anything that makes it easier for everyone to know what we are eating, who can help to cook and prepare it and save money by buying food we will use". He immediately got defensive, said crappy things like " you should just be happy you have food". It got worse from there. He says evil, cuts me at the knees and when i ask him to just stop. If i am sad then that should mean he doesnt want me to feel that way. Empathy is something he lacks, in fact i wish there was a magic pill. He got madder and madder ( but kept saying he wasnt the one arguing or being mad , it was all me. I tried to state that it no longer mattered what the issue was or how i got that way, but it was important for me for him to care when i am sad. He said " so its always my fault". I said " no its not about whose fault it is, just the fact i'm sad and because you care for me, you don't want me to feel sad". He says " i am not responsible for how you feel and the way you exaggerate everything. I then said " i am not blaming anyone for how i feel, but when i am sad, i just want you to stop, acknowledge me in some kind fashion." Things just blew up from there, he screamed horrid things, brought up my past ( he swore on my grave that he would never use my secrets or childhood against me and he does it every single time. I hurt, i am sick and this is so damn hard. He complains the lectures are too long, he never sticks to meeting with me and when he agrees to do the program he groans and rolls out his eyes. I swear some day he hates me and i am so tired of feeling helpless. When does this get better?
repeat sorry
Submitted by Sad sickie (not verified) on
repeat sorry
It gets better when....
Submitted by mandi k on
Hi sad sickie, in my experience it gets better when we choose to consciously improve our own wellbeing independently of our spouse and their situation/issues. I know it might seem like an easy thing to say, but for me things only got better when he realised I wasn't playing the record anymore. I have been married to my ADHD husband for nearly 17 years, and in all that time my wellbeing only improved when I realised that a lot of my reaction to his behaviours were simply enabling him to maintain control of what is essentially just a drama - poor me. My hubby grew up with enabling women in his family who were more concerned with what their peers and neighbours thought than the mental health of their son/grandson/brother. Any advice I sought from them made my situation worse until I realised (after joining this forum) that I was just propagating a bad habit. Since then I have focused on my own wellbeing - taking a daily vitamin D supp has helped more than anything as it has stopped me falling into depression every time he has a rant about something that is (according to him) my fault. I don't take any of it on board anymore, instead telling him that he should look at why he feels to blame someone or something rather than accepting responsibility for his own words and actions (or lack thereof). I no longer concern myself with picking up his stuff and putting it away so he can find it again. I no longer allow him to try to blame me for stuff he has mislaid. As far as any assistance I require in daily life, I outsource now. I don't rely on him for anything anymore and that is what has snapped him out of his reverie. He is not comfortable with not being needed, which forces him to ponder his role in the family and his reason for being. He was too comfortable with a co-dependent relationship which made for an unhealthy relationship. Also it was paramount to me to show our children that there is a better way to be. They also have varying levels of ADD and were forming the same habits of blaming me and expecting me to take care of everything, so I had to change the dynamic in order to create happy, healthy, whole people! My responsibility in life is to myself and my children, and in helping them to grow into independent and loving adults, which is something my hubby's mother was supposed to do for him and didn't. It's not my job to be his mother or adopt the role of mother in his life. Many ADD/ADHD people are not able to live independently and so form the habit of relying on someone they can blame when things go pear-shaped. My advice to you is to just focus on your health and wellbeing and get as much help from unconditional sources as possible.
reply
Submitted by bobbin on
i love reading these posts whilst at times they bring a tear to my eye. My boyfriend often says either put up with me or get rid because this is the way i am. he was only diagnosed lastweek at the age of 31 but has struggled immensely his whole life. he says so many hurtful things to me each day but i am learning to brush them off instead of taking them personally. i dont know if this is how i should deal with things but i cant seem to keep my mouth shut most of the time... and he definately cant! he can be fine one minute and then explode and will not speak for days. or he can explode with anger and then be appologetic within minutes. he has never been physically violent towards me or the children but he oftens hits objects. i find all of this behaviour hard to handle and it upsets me that the children are so used to it even they ignore it now. (aged 7 and 2)
My friends and family cant understand why i allow this to go on and allow him to get away with having the children why i have a break or doing the house work or basically anything else helpful. i feel like i have three children and am currently at college, hoping to go to university to study social work but im not sure i will be able to get my degree with all the commotion that goes on... can you relate or offer any advice?
Hang in there Robyn
Submitted by Sad sickie (not verified) on
I am almost afraid to post this for fear of bursting the bubble. My dh has done everything and sad everything except hit me or my child. Subtle changes are occurring and I don't know if I'm responding better, he is trying differently or it's a combination of both but things are getting better. He has been on meds for about 6 months. We are working on the at home version of Melissa's 7 week program. I thought the first 2 chapters were hell, he was horrid. It was at that time I found this relaxation technique called EFT. One day I was doing it - it's tapping on acupuncture meridians while meditating & he came in and started doing it with me. That was a first. I stopped bringing up issues everyday , so i think he isn't afraid to just sit with me anymore. He falls asleep during listening to Melissa tapes, so instead of getting hurt we do only half at a time. Our issues are compounded by me being ill. I can't work but I can sweep, dust and tidy. He doesn't do that. He cooks because I can't stand for long and I barf better than Linda Blair from the Exorcist, lol. We started compromising. I pay the bills, he buys the groceries. He walks the dog when he can, I hired a dog walker and teach our crazy dogs tricks. He doesn't like to be caught off guard. So if I want to go to A, B & C , that's what we do. I don't add D unless he knows ahead of time. My OCD about a clean house and his need to know what he is doing are both being appeased. We used to fight every day. Now we don't. Our sex life still sucks but it's not because of lack of wanting , its my health issues that get in the way. It hurts. I have a urostomy bag and he is perfectly ok with it but my lupus causes sores in places I never knew I had. I really hope we find a way to fix this as he misses it so much. Something clicked in him, he doesn't want to be alone, he loves me & my ( our) daughter and takes pride in our home. He will always say or do things that I could me shake my head over but instead of focusing on those. I am focusing on saying thank you, letting him have his down time and save my tears for my mother. Tears are a trigger and it just not beneficial for us. I think what I am trying to say is when I stopped being in his face, he saw that marriage is a team. He is making the conscious choice to change. I honesty never thought it would happen but I'm happy to report I didn't give up. If I was totally honest, I was a Whiner witch. Now I state my expectations , what I can do to help meet them and leave my huz and child to do what they are responsible for ... Today we got caught in a torrential downpour buying flowers for the garden. He threw the floor pot in with me and said " just hold it" and slammed door. I didn't say anything and about 5 mins later he made a joke about it. He would have never acknowledged his less than desirable demeanor in any way before. If he tries to make a joke and say sorry that way, I'm good. Yelling at him just made me sicker, sadder and more alone. It's not perfect but I don't want perfect. I want my husband on the same chapter. He doesn't have to be on the same page because I know he will either catch up or slow down when he is ready. We are only on Chap 4 of the at home course and instead of saying " well Melissa or the book or the doctor said to do this". We say " oh that's how it works". Moral of story , neither of us changed until we were were ready and accepted the help and tools available. We are on the right path ( thank you Melissa). I wish you the very best and I KNOW how sad and lost you are. Hugs Tammy
"Something clicked in him, he
Submitted by jackrungh on
"Something clicked in him, he doesn't want to be alone, he loves me ..."
I think much of the battle is keeping this in mind. The more I keep our relationship in mind the more I love my wife. The more I love my wife the more I want to make her happy. The more I want to make her happy the more I contribute. I'm finding myself doing really dorky things. Yesterday I got her a plate of BBQ for lunch while she was working at her computer, and wrote out the words I Love You in BBQ sauce on an empty section of the plate.
Thanks for writing this
Submitted by MelissaOrlov on
Thanks for writing about your journey - you have many challenges to deal with (and I sure hope your sex life can return soon!!) Sorry the course sessions are so long, but breaking them in half is the perfect way to deal with it. Your "moral of the story" is SO RIGHT - people change when they are ready to do so, and not before. Good for the two of you, and best of luck with your continued work!
Feeling Alone in this so sad and lost.
Submitted by JenJen on
I have been married to my husband for 10 years. It's been a very rough ten years of lying (do you all have trouble with your spouse lying too?), blaming, anger, fighting, nonstop arguing. All this time I thought what is making him act this way? What did I do to deserve to be treated in this way? Then thinking maybe it's me, but no matter how I acted differently things never changed. It has made me tired and beat down. I am at my end. We have two children one of which I know has adhd just to young to be tested she is 3. Also have a 3 month old. My husband has gotten worse. He blows up constantly in front of the kids. Makes me cry everyday. I have no one here to talk to about it. We live 2700 miles away from home because he is military. No one understands here and I feel like I just isolate myself because I am so exhausted from being beat down by him, taking care of two young kids and trying to keep up with the house. It really takes alot out of you. I try so hard but I am so tired of being sad. I want to know what it feels like to be treated right. Good news is he has finally come to realize he has a problem and is going to the doctor in a few days. I sure hope it helps but the odds are the way the military is will find a way to make it worse. like loose his job i'm sure.....I am happy I found this site. I felt so alone but seeing how many of you have spouses that act in the same identical way is uncanning. I pray for some relief to his disorder. Not sure if it's getting worse or my patience is gone :(
Understanding the anger
Submitted by mandi k on
Hi jenjen,
I know exactly where you're coming from in expressing your feelings on this. Just recently (elsewhere on this forum) a wonderful person shared some information about ADD/ADHD anger that was like a shining beacon for me. I think it was in the post about anger. They said that on a brain chemical level the angry outbursts and provocations are to do with getting an endorphin/adrenalin hit that helps them. I'm not sure that they realise that they are perceived as lying or manipulating or bullying, I think most of them have been doing it since they were children and perhaps their parents didn't know all this new information about how the ADD/ADHD brain and personality operates. In my husband's case he cannot acknowledge that what he is doing is not ok and is really hurtful. Even our two children are telling him when he is out of line now. Whether that's right or not I don't even care anymore because I'm tired of being the only person in the world who points it out. Certainly it does wear you down, and I'm at the same point with my husband of nearly 17 years - out of patience. It doesn't help to snap back, it doesn't help (in my situation) to even try to speak calmly what is on my mind because he has his perception filter on that only lets his stuff in and out. Nothing I say will make a difference as he believes he is always right, and how dare I question him. So in order to keep coping, I have to ignore a lot of really horrible stuff and keep encouraging him to make the appointment with the clinic that will hopefully help him to admit his issues and start to manage them before I end up walking away from my beautiful home and marriage. I personally feel that a lot of the anger they feel and direct outwards is actually anger and frustration at themselves, and in many cases only someone 'outside' can be of assistance. As much as you can, focus on maintaining your wellbeing and talk to people who are there to help with this crazy disorder.
I can't do this anymore.
Submitted by Julia on
I am so overwhelmed and mentally exhausted. I cry everyday.
Nothing new that what I have said here before. Everything is an argument. I can't ask a simple question without him believing I am attacking him somehow. He won't answer simple questions, will start getting defensive because he assumes I mean something else by my question.
He doesn't contribute but he says he's trying. He says he will do things but doesn't write them down then forgets and gets defensive. It's my fault. If I write lists he either forgets to look at them or feels I am mothering him by making lists - even if the list is for ALL of us. Then he gets angry at me because I had to write a list in the first place - why don't I trust I can do things by himself? Why do I ask him to do things? That's nagging and mothering. If I ask, he gets overwhelmed and can't get moving.
If I don't write a list then he doesn't remember to do things. Why didn't I write a list or remind him? If I don't ask, then he feels useless because I can't ask him to do things.
If I do things myself that he said he would do - sometimes things just need to get done, there is only so long we can wait - then he feels that I don't trust him to do it or he feels guilty he didn't or he feels he is inadequate because I can't rely on him.
If I choose to do certain things, I am not asking for praise or thank you, but why does he have to find something negative in there? Should he be glad he didn't have to do it? It's done. Lets move on.
He continously blames me but as soon as I just go silent and retreat - because I want to argument to stop and I choose to stop it - or if break down crying, which I have been doing often in the last few months, then he starts becoming the victim. He reacts this way and that way "because you". Then he starts denying blaming me at all.
We go around and around in circles with the same arguments. Over and over and over again.
I can't go on writing. I don't know what to do anymore.
Dear sdelo7, You are not
Submitted by Dansgirl on
Dear sdelo7,
You are not alone. I know that isn't much comfort in the moment when the blaming and criticism is aimed at you. But lately, I've been trying to remind myself as often as possible that it's not about me. Like when he snaps at me for the smallest thing, or when he tells our counselor that his anger is minimal and fleeting, but mine is intense and I never let go... Or when he thinks making jokes about my tears is appropriate.... I try to tell myself "I've done nothing wrong. His brain is chemically unbalanced and this is not a personal attack on me". It helps a little, and it helps me take a mental step away from the conflict.
I don't know if this helps you, but I have taken many suggestions from here and customized them to my personality and his specific behaviors. Just know it's not you, it's not me, it's a disease. All we can do is make our lives as good as possible. Sometimes that means a lot of work. You're not alone and you have support.
I know I'm not alone
Submitted by Julia on
That's why I come here for support. I don't talk about this to anyone around me. Some of my friends know that I get frustrated and exhausted but they don't know the extent of it. Everybody has issues in their lives but I don't want to burden my friends with my problems that never end.
Thank you for the support. It helps.
I have one friend I talk
Submitted by Dansgirl on
I have one friend I talk to... She has a son with add so she gets it. She reminds me to laugh... It's very important to find time to laugh once in a while. It counteracts some of the tears...:) good luck :)
9 Tips for When Non-ADHD Spouses Just Can’t Cope Anymore
Submitted by Broken by ADD on
I've read the tips. There is some valuable information there.
Maybe it's just me, because this is all so new for me, and I'm currently is an enormous amount of pain and turmoil, but some of it seems to perpetuate the mothering and pussyfooting around the ADD spouse, so as not to upset them. I'm tired of mother, pampering and walking on eggshells. What do I do?
Practical tip
Submitted by sunlight on
I am not one for mothering, pampering and pussyfootying around an ADHD adult and I understand the situation you are in. No pampering allowed, tell yourself that (at least not for him, pamper yourself as needed in these difficult days). You are letting him set the agenda. The reality is that he may not perceive that that is what is happening, the nature of ADHD is that perception is skewed.
So you mention he is diagnosed? Is he on medication or seeing a therapist/psychologist? If not then that is where you must start. Firmly and reasonably and persistently - crying and begging will cause him to turn off and go blank. My view is that meds must come first - stabilize the behavior before addressing the thought processes. He probably has anxiety at the very least, co-existing with the ADHD, from a lifetime of failing to understand what is going on with him. The right meds will make a tremendous difference and you have good odds that meds will help him. Buy a copy of Change Your Brain, Change your Life and Healing ADD both by Daniel Amen, familiarise yourself with the manifestations and vocabulary surrounding ADHD. The reason I mention these book is that they both include descriptions of medications and which med may suit a person better than others. You don't have to agree with Amen's views on ADHD to derive benefit just from that info. Used copies are cheap. When he agrees that meds are in his future then it may take some time to get the right ones, you must find a psychiatrist or doctor who understands and treats adult ADHD (specifically not one who only treats children). Do not lose heart. Yes it is overwhelming at first, but as you learn more about it the more in control you will feel.
Thanks for your reply
Submitted by Broken by ADD on
Thanks for your reply sunlight. I never used to be the mothering or pamper type. I would face him head on with the behaviour I didn't agree with. He lied constantly apologized, until the next time. He'd quit smoking (which was very difficult for him) and when I got to thinking how well he was doing, I discovered that he wasn't. He had gone bad to smoking and hid it from me. Same as lying. I had told him that if he did it again I was done and we were through. He did it again. He spent money that we didn't have. Lots of other inappropriate behaviours were discussed, argued and talked about. I was angry a lot. He figured it was work and work figured it was home, and I figured I was doomed because I got no relief from stress, but we loved each other.
Then one day about 2½ years ago, he walked out and to this day I don't know why. I was so heartbroken that I literally could feel the pain in my heart. I never thought he'd leave me. One day when I was out, he came back to the house and left me a separation agreement and that's when I changed. From this agreement, I discovered things I never thought I'd have to come to terms with. Without going into details, the result was that even though he did come back home and we even moved to a new house to start over again, I no longer have a husband I could trust, I no longer feel the emotional or financial security that I once did.
Yes, he has been diagnosed. He has been on anti-anxiety medication for a long time, but medication specifically for the ADD, no. He is seeing a psychologist. So now I need to learn who he is all over again, I need to use different tones and ways of dealing with him. But that only leaves me feeling like I'm walking on eggshell. I never know what to expect if I approach him the wrong way or in the wrong tone. I'm now afraid of upsetting him because (never violent) his reaction only causes me more pain. I've become very frighten that he will leave again. I don't trust myself to be able to deal with that emotionally because I do love him so very much, and now that I'm retired, I'm terrified of what will happen to me. I don't know where I'd go or how I would afford it.
I have so much more that I need to get off my chest, but I've rambled enough and am now at the point that I can hardly see for crying, yet again. Overwhelming is such an understatement for where I am right now.
Thank you for the book suggestions. I just did a quick search on a free e-book sight I use and there are books there that I can download for free.
To Broken
Submitted by jennalemon on
It is an outrage that women from our generation who worked part time or not at all when we were home with larger families,taking care of children and washing our spouses clothes, making his dinners, supporting his work...that now we find that he gets twice the social security that we get (divorced or not) ...becuase his name was on the paychecks. Those of us without enough assets are prisoners to the marriage. He can afford to leave us but we financially can't afford to leave him. That said. I feel your grief. The loss of the expectation that love would concur all. I just watched a powerful TED talk about grief and resilience called "The Adventure of Grief". In our attempts to be "happy" he said, we all try to not experience the anger, resentment, shame, sadness when there are losses in our lives and that is unnatural. Life is not fair. There is grief when we lose our illusions. But loss and grief is part of life to be accepted. We are ALL in this life in which bad things happen (or could happen at any moment). It is "all part of the game", he says. Let the challenges come and experience them along with all the emotional pain they bring, then go out and ALSO experience your passion and joys. This is why I write my sadness on this site. I get it out here so that I don't have to spread it around to people who are not going through this...here people understand and are trying themselves to work through their pain and confusions. Giving a voice to your frustrations is a GOOD thing. It is natural. Don't stuff it inside.
To Jennalemon
Submitted by Broken by ADD on
We are in Canada, so retirement money is a little different. I did work for the federal government and do have a pension, but it's not enough to survive on if I'm on my own, but I do get and agree with you. How does one "Let the challenges come and experience them along with all the emotional pain they bring" when one is so emotionally broken and just doesn't have the strength, energy or now even the desire to get out of bed on any given morning? I truly believe I had some sort of breakdown on the weekend and have been crying ever since. My first thought this morning before my eyes were even completely open was, "Oh God! Another day! I don't want another day, I can go through another day. I'm afraid now to go out or to be around people because any at moment someone will say something very innocent (especially not knowing what I'm dealing with) and I turn into this completely embarrassed bawling and blithering idiot. I have no desire or energy to do what I need to do in my house or to do my sewing and crafting which is what I love to do. I can't watch TV shows, can't listen to music without crying. I hate who I've become. I hate feeling that everything revolves around hubby while I suffer and feel like I'm slowly dying inside.
Broken
Submitted by jennalemon on
You are going through very similar time I am. I call it...."I am ashamed that it took me so long to grow up and face reality" anxiety. I just told my story to a small independent psych counselor who said that she will have me sleeping again and peaceful in 2 sessions - no Rx. We shall see. She is able to offer reduced rates. I have also gone to a natural endocrine MD who said my adrenals are shot from stress. Cortisol imbalance makes you wake up at 3:00 am contributing ton the stress. I can't afford all the repetitive tests and repetitive dr appointments and supplements and steroid hormones it takes to feel better medically with her (a few years ago I followed the plan and felt MUCH better but can't afford it now). My point is, get some help. You sound a desperate as me. Get on the phone right now and make some calls..... churches, counselors, MDs, friends suggestions and referrals AND al-anon if that is remotely possible. They say that if you are going through a challenging time, the thing that can pull you out is your connection with someone who can REALLY care and go through it with you. That is what I am doing.
If you are my age, and hot flashes are waking you up, be aware that along with each hot flash some of us have PMS-like racing thoughts. Have a physical and maybe the tiredness can be checked for low thyroid, gluten intolerance and stress hormones -- all cause tiredness, sleeplessnes and anxiety and depression. This is what a good Natural Endo MD is able to test and help. Keep writing.
P.S. We are paying (after shopping around for the best rates yearly) $10,000/yr premiums for $10,000 deductible. It is just like not having insurance unless there is a catastrophe. We pay all medical bills out of pocket AND health insurance which we have not made a claim for 15 years. That is more than 1/3 of our income we are paying for health insurance and we can't afford doctor or medication. Both of these medical people are "out of provider" so they are not included in my deductible. The "Preferred Provider (BIG HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATIONS)" doctors are insanely expensive and have outrageous added administration costs of the BIG BUSINESS of healthcare in America.
Canada sounds good to me right now.
Reply to jennalemon
Submitted by Broken by ADD on
I am, for the next 4 months 58 years old, and without hormones have been (I think) keeping the symptoms of the lovely journey to menopause under control. What's happening inside me no, I have no idea. All of what you've stated makes sense and in all honesty, just before I opened your message, I had just gotten off the phone with my Dr.'s office. Some of what I try at night to sleep is what doctors consider a very dangerous mix. You know what I'm saying. I too know it is and know that it's not right or safe, but don't even care anymore because I need at least one full night sleep. I'm hesitant to talk to others in a face to face because I can't control my emotions and (don't ask why) am very embarrassed about crying in front of others. Maybe because it's not what the old me every did, I don't know.
I'm really glad to have been lead to this forum to have others who know how I feel that I can 'chat' with. I can't/won't let my mom or 2 girls know how messed up I am, because I'm the one who need to be strong for them.
Yes, when it comes to healthcare, we have our issues up here, but from what we hear in the news and from a friend in the States. Canada is a better place to be.
Adrenaline and stress
Submitted by jennalemon on
I don't know what you mean about dangerous sleep mix. But I am guessing if you know it is dangerous you should stop that right now. I am guessing your menopause journey is NOT under control but you may need to check out some forums and know how very many things are happening to our health at this age. I have not been sleeping either. 3 to 5 hours/per night for the last few months. I will let you know how it goes with the counselor. I hope you can find a counselor and "let it out". In the states, you can call for an interview meeting with a counselor you are interested in. That is free. Then, if it is a private practice, sometimes you can negotiate a fee if you should decide to SEE them.
This is an age when our identities are changing through deaths, retirements, children moving away, relationships changing, hormones, health changes, childhood families and friends are changing. If you are going through a transition of any kind, sometimes a person needs a little help. You are important enough to get it just like everyone else. I have seen others go through a shift in consciousness/perspectives and come out with more integrity, more wisdom, more confidence than when they began.
I seem to have this strange thing - shame and embarrassment - about me too for the first time in my life. It has to do with my drifting away, secretive husband (I think). I feel like the bottom is falling out of my life. I can't predict what irresponsible things he is up to. In my head I know that I can't be responsible for things I didn't/don't know, but the embarrassment of failing/being weak/fretting is there none the less and has my head spinning.
To Jennalemon
Submitted by Broken by ADD on
My husband's psychologist is willing and ready to meet with me, with and/or without him. Yes many changes, closest to me is my mom having been diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer. She's done her radiation and we are now waiting for her appointment for the new diagnostic CAT scan, plus neither my mother-in-law or grandma-in law are in very good health. Your second and third paragraph is bang on for me including the secretive husband. We are certainly not respnsible for the things we do or do not know, but are sometimes a victim of the results.
Stress and hot flashes
Submitted by lynninny on
Guys, just chiming in. I am going through peri menopause 10 years early in my forties. Long story. What I will tell you is that stress made it 8,000 times worse. I was not sleeping at all, horrible hot flashes, and at one point just wanted someone to put me out of my misery because I have a job where I have to be nice to children all day, lol, and have my own young children as well. I know how awful it can be to be that sleep deprived and tired and my flashes gave me anxiety as well. I am still struggling with some symptoms like migraines. My doctor had me try gabapentin at night, very low doses, and it helped immensely with the insomnia. So did leaving my husband, lol. But in all seriousness, dealing with stress helped so much. Please take good care of yourselves. Your entire body chemistry shifts like crazy when your hormones fluctuate. Have you tried acupuncture? There is a school for it here and they will treat you for $10. My very best to you.
Stress and hot flashes
Submitted by lynninny on
Guys, just chiming in. I am going through peri menopause 10 years early in my forties. Long story. What I will tell you is that stress made it 8,000 times worse. I was not sleeping at all, horrible hot flashes, and at one point just wanted someone to put me out of my misery because I have a job where I have to be nice to children all day, lol, and have my own young children as well. I know how awful it can be to be that sleep deprived and tired and my flashes gave me anxiety as well. I am still struggling with some symptoms like migraines. My doctor had me try gabapentin at night, very low doses, and it helped immensely with the insomnia. So did leaving my husband, lol. But in all seriousness, dealing with stress helped so much. Please take good care of yourselves. Your entire body chemistry shifts like crazy when your hormones fluctuate. Have you tried acupuncture? There is a school for it here and they will treat you for $10. My very best to you.
To Lynninny
Submitted by Broken by ADD on
I'm still also in peri menopause, and l can relate to what you are dealing with. Actually my husband suggested that that could be part of what I'm dealing with. It appears that after my total melt down this week and a session with this psychologist, he is starting to get what I'm going though. Talking to all you folk on here and hearing from people who really understand where I'm at is such a help. I actually had a good almost full night sleep last night is way too long. A huge thanks to all who have shared with me.
Giving In
Submitted by Leonardis on
Sunlight,
You mention "no pampering" of the ADHD partner. I am trying to hold to this line and not give in by stepping in and taking responsibility for our friendship. My fear is that I will lose him altogether, but I think that this is what I have to face. I have already had a taste of how my "taking over" (mainly out of frustration) seems to lead him to expect more from me and less from himself. I think that he deserves some responsibility for creating the dynamic. I remember one time I was getting ready to ask him to pick up part of HIS mess and he gave me this challenging look. That look said "you're going to take care of it, aren't you?" We were at work and pragmatic issues led me to take care of it just to get on with my own responsibilities. The situation in the work place (me solely responsible for what happened on my shift and accountable to the boss-face-to-face on Monday while having messes from his weekend shift left for me to clean-up) fed into this dynamic. My own professional reputation was tied to his, like it or not, and professional survival led me to enable him. Not an uncommon workplace dynamic, I realize. Thank God we don't work together anymore.
He seems to like to see how far he can push it. After I let him know of my feelings for him, he kept the petulant act but also added the challenging act. [I say "acts" as if this is not a genuine reflection of him and of his ADHD, but I do have healthy skepticism related to how much control people with any disorder have over symptoms, mental/emotional/physical.] I recently confronted (in what I believe was a supportive manner) the fact that he has trouble with his reputation in the work place. He is in the habit of giving excuses, and I had to tell him, "Do you see that there may be reasons why co-workers and management are annoyed with you often?" I then offered to help him out with practical arrangements for getting back to school, etc.
Am I just setting myself up for grief?
This week I told him that I will not be initiating phone contact between us, but that my feelings for him are unchanged and that I will respond to him if he chooses to contact me. Maybe he just wants out of the relationship, but he was so supportive this week when I directly asked him for support and feed back. I'm confused and afraid that I will lose him, but I must hold fast to my resolve not to contact him this week and let the chips fall where they may. His silence is gonna be hard to take but I am preparing myself for it. If he does decide to take some responsibility for the friendship and things develop, I must be careful to cultivate his respect and to remain independent rather than co-dependent. That in itself may be grounds for his rejection if the dynamic he has with someone else [namely, his ex] are easier for him and play to his desire to be taken care of.
He is infuriating but so adorable. I just never want to get to the point where I stop seeing how adorable he is, but if I feel used in the long term that might be exactly what happens.
L
just can't cope anymore....
Submitted by happywife2 on
First, are we just focusing here on ADHD, or is ADD also coming into play? I am convinced that my spouse has ADD, not ADHD. Interestingly enough, both of our children have "of those disorders".... I have displayed more anger recently, but it has been out of mere frustration and "at the end of my rope" after 15 years. My spouse is actually very laid back, really TOO LAID BACK, LACK OF MOTIVATION really, utter distraction, disorganization, and constant forgetfulness. Now, I have a higher "gift" than most in the organization department, but this is way below the average and it causes the majority of problems in our marriage. It most recently has caused havoc as besides working, I have been in grad school for over a year now & I need help more with the kids, house, et. I thought he would "step it up a bit", but it seems worse... Counseling is not helping. I have tried to explain that he may have ADD, but he denies it and says it's just me. How do you get your spouse to seek help for this diagnosis when he is in denial? I am in the medical professional-I am 95% sure he has it. ? to do before we lose our marriage.
IN DENIAL
Submitted by Clara on
Could you try broaching the subject with him in the context of your marital/chore issues? If he is willing to help fix the problems, could he consider for the sake of your marriage, that ADD might be a possibility? With my husband, I made it very clear that I did not see his possible ADD as a deficiency, but rather something akin to his being born with blue eyes - it just is. It's neither positive, nor negative, but needs to be acknowledged. And if his brain/attention works in a different way than mine, then it would be helpful to know about it, make accommodations where necessary, and that it would allow me to have a different interpretation of some of his behaviours.
I have a suggestion that has
Submitted by Dansgirl on
I have a suggestion that has worked some for us. He says I take too long to tell him things because he can't pay attention. A counselor said we need to speak to each other in the language of the listener, not the speaker. So I think about what I want to say, and put it into 12 words or less. He can attend that long. Then he confirms he heard me and understood. Kinda like parroting back so I know he got it. Then on to the next leg of my story in 12 or less words. He's able to stay tuned in because there's those breaks that he speak, too. Doesn't always work, but I can tell right away if he's able to hang in there. And I do get frustrated when he's unable, but I say out loud" I really want to finish this conversation and you are unable to right now. Mind if I try later?"
That way I remind myself that it's his inability, not his lack of effort and not because I'm boring to him. Just stating the truth can relieve some of the stress.
Good luck!
Mu husband wants to divorce.. how do I stop it?
Submitted by Kar9 on
My husband and I met 7 years ago, we are from different countries, we worked hard on our relationship and was extremely hard cause he left me several times telling he couldn't handle a long distance relationship... 2 years ago we got married and I moved out to his country, it has been really hard cause we had to arrange lots of legal stuffs.. and the hardest thing was that I got pregnant and I lost my baby... we moved out twice and finally we were together... till he changed... we started having money issues and he became cold and was angry at life and everything... I left a month ago for a while because he showed me he needed space and being away from me... between jokes like... I need vacation but of you... or something like... it was worse for me to bring you to live here cause now I have more problems... and treated me like if I was just a friend or any person around... not anymore like a wife.. and now I am in my country... I left for a while and we agreed that we were only taking some time to get rid of the stress... but now he just told me he doesn't want me to comeback... seriously... I left everything to do my life with him in a far away country... all my stuffs are there... my home.. all the effort... and now he just said... sorry but I can't with all the pressure and I cannot be married anymore... I rather to be alone and you better stay where you are... I am going crazy cause my whole life is there already and now because he chooses the easiest way for him.. he decides to get rid of me... and I don't know how to tell him that I understand his ADD has part on it... I don't know if he will get mad really worse if I tell him this.... I told him I will work with him to make it work and I will help (not that I didn't before cause I have done a lot) but he claims to be stressed and that he isn't even be sure why does he feel so angry and has a bad feeling about our relationship and that if I go back he will have more problems and we will end worse... he wants to live alone.. and not taking care of me or marriage problems... he just doesn't want to fight or give us another chance... He knows he has ADD since he was a kid... and he sometimes says that it must be because he has it that he cannot deal with a relationship and that he better stop now... no matter what I say or do seems to change his mind.. he says there is not a solution for his problem... should I let him go? is my marriage lost? Help me please... I love him a lot.... If I would have read all this before I am sure it would be different... but I didn't know how to react and now he doesn't want to give me another chance... how can I convince him to try again to fix it? I really need an advice. Thank you in advance!
Frankly, I'd send him some
Submitted by barneyarff on
Frankly, I'd send him some flowers and a thank you note because he's doing you a favor.
Get the divorce. Love is too precious to spend on someone like that.
Or, at least that's my opinion.
Of course my opinion is free so take it for what it's worth.
He wants a divorce
Submitted by Dansgirl on
At least he's honest....
My bf was going on craigslist and sending pictures of himself to anonymous women while telling me he wants to marry me! I would have much more respect if he would have told me, "I'm not ready, willing, able or whatever to be in a committed relationship." It hurts much worse to be betrayed than told you are not what he wants. He has promised not to do the craigslist thing anymore, but he's made that promise three times now. I have changed my attitude and am still with him but he is no longer my priority. I am distancing myself emotionally because I am tired of the pain that goes along with being with him. I moved out, he says he wants us to live together again and I'm scared. I'm lost most of the time as far as knowing what is going on with us. I would LOVE honesty from him. I would LOVE if he could hear what I say and give some sort of response other than "Wow.... that was a lot of stuff you said."
So I kind of agree with the last reply that you should send him flowers and say thank you for stopping this before the pain is more than we can take.
I admit I sound a little cynical but that is because I'm tired of being the only one to give of myself. I'm tired of making our relationship a priority and putting effort into making it work with no kind of affirmation from him. I'm just tired......
Good luck ;)
Find a friend
Submitted by SK on
I love these tips, Melissa. I find the advice to find a friend super difficult for me. My husband has ADHD, but he also has a beloved personality. Anytime I try talking to a friend, I find it so hard to vent, since they think I am just complaining. My friends don't understand the ADHD effect. It is hard for me to get comfort and strength when they think I am just having "a bad marriage." I have ended up just isolating and struggling to work through it all alone :(
Please advise!!
I'm not coping and need help!
Submitted by need help now on
I read this and want to cry. I have tried some of this but my husband won't talk later, every discussion turns into a fight. He works in and out of town and has his own business so when he's here he is busy doing business stuff or bitching about the stress of it all. Then he walks out the door I am left dealing with everything around the house and the kids. There is no understanding that I'm tired. BUT more importantly he picked this job and he's not happy and yet there are things that could help that he just won't do. Instead he sits and bitches to me about them ... constantly. Now he says I'm not a supportive wife. WTF! I do everything. I've asked for help and get some when if it's convient and fits into his schedule. Sadly, I feel like unpaid help who doesn't get much respect. I can't listen anymore. There is no conversation as everything. We have talked about going to councelling but it's up to me to find one that he might like and then he might not have time to come as the business comes first as he's short staffed but refusing to even put an ad in the paper even though he's talked about doing it for over a year! I am very seriously isolated and guess that is why I'm reaching out to someone who might understand.
ADHD or Non-ADH we have
Submitted by Exhausted@ADHD on
ADHD or Non-ADH we have choices - you may need to leave the mairrage to save your own sanity or to stay and to work on making things better but it requires the efforts of both, sure things will get better with meds and new strategies etc., but if you are not both putting 100% into it you will spend the rest of your life putting up with this same crap for years and years or get divorced. I know everyone is trying to be nice and justify there reasons for not leaving and making excuses for their partners behaviours but if it were cancer or diabetes or anyting else your dealing with, wouldn't you do everything you can to make your life better and get treated properly and do everything you can for yourself and your mairrage and family. I've been dealing with this for 34 years, I'm a non-adhd spouse and exhausted! trying to figure out why, how, when and why, why why!! is this happening to us and reading up and learning about it and if my adhd husband who is now on meds and is starting and needing to educate himself better on it's effects and learns how to manage it better, cuz meds can only do 1/2 the job. If he were to stop taking his meds or not put any effort into learning to manage his symptoms better and more productively so that we can both live a happier, healthier life ....I would not hesitate to file for divorce. I am sorry that is harsh but there is no room for selfishness and excuses. Do what needs to be done and that is end of story!
To all those sick and tired of so called apologies... I'm full
Submitted by Justbreathe on
I read this the other day...
Take a dish throw it to the floor...
stomp on it...
Now say I'm sorry...
Did it return to the way it was?...
so is the human heart....
Justbreathe: that was great
Submitted by dedelight4 on
Justbreathe, that post was great. What a good comparison. Really liked it.
I can't cope anymore with ADHD: ADD spouse
Submitted by Berlie66 on
How do you know when you have done enough? How do you know that you have the ADHD spouse that is so out of reality nothing is ever going to change. I am tired of being the one who follows the suggestions on this blog. He does nothing and is so hard done by. We spent $300 on the couples seminar and have not looked at it, well I started with the first chapter but he has no interest, etc in doing it. He thinks he can continue to live in his own little world while treating us like crap most of the time but thinking his family is still going to be here for him when he need us. He is selfish, self centered and takes myself and my daughter for granted as often as he can. He is clueless to everything that is mentioned to him. He goes to the pyschiatrist once a month and I am still waiting for the doc to find out there is something else wrong with him. I want to move on but he threatens me with everything from a place to live to having no money. I need help in deciding how soon I should move on!
Not sure what to do next........
Submitted by Berlie66 on
We tried marriage counselling as well and for the first few months it seemed to be going well and we did not even know at that time my husband had ADHD: ADD........it all came to a head when I finally asked him about a few particular things that were to be done on his part and guess what.............he couldn't remember what the counsellors said and didn't seem to care that he couldn't!!
The effects of Add/adhd...living w/o expecations.
Submitted by c ur self on
For me I have to live my life in many ways like she doesn't exist. Not because I don't love her or want a happy marriage, but because I do. Our arguments have minimized since I try daily to focus on life's responsibilities as if she didn't exist...I am learning to not correct her anymore...For example, she fell Tuesday and fractured a bone in her leg...While I was in the doctor's office with her, he gave her a list of time tables etc....So when we started home and she began to talk about it, she stated some things incorrectly...At that point we would usually escalate into an argument. (ole fix it husband would share the correct info :) )... Now I just say I heard it differently, would you like me to share? If yes, then once I share at that point I'm done with it....And what actually happened? You can guess, she said you are wrong!...But I don't get sucked in, and she eventually called the doctor's office back :-)...She's not my child, to long I've allowed my emotions to get wrecked by add/adhd behavior making be a bigger problem than Add. "There is an old saying about "Doing the same things, and expecting different results" So life has gotten better since I started realizing I cannot correct her add by verbal or emotional frustration, but I can make it worse for her and me. So it boiled down to this for me. See my self, try to love her like God requires me to, and I want too...But, actions like poor short term memory, emotional outbursts, living a life of denial, an 8 year old responsibility level toward thing that's not fun for her. I had to decide am I going to destroy me self trying to change it, or just trust the lord and rest in his peace, and get up everyday and expect it? To be honest, I think the best thing for some of these marriages referenced in these posts might be time a part...I recently spent 11 months a part from my wife...I was so bitter, I don't think I could have gotten back to the place of even seeing myself without blaming the add effects. The worst part was, I had so associated add behaviors with her, I couldn't separate it...It would have been so easy to walk away, because after the first 6 months of God repairing the wreck I had become, I was finally living the most peaceful life I had lived in years...But my convictions are God created marriage (oneness) to last a life time. I know its not his will for our home to not experience love and peace.
Living without expectations
Submitted by MAJ on
Thank you, C ur Self. Your comment, "I had to decide am I going to destroy myself trying to change it, or just trust the lord and rest in his peace, and get up everyday and expect it? " may be just what I need to help me recover my sense of who I am without all this anger. We've been married 48 years, and I have certainly learned to practice patience and forgiveness with my husband's untreated ADHD. However, I'm so very tired. Somedays I don't think I can cope much longer. How do I come to the place that you are?
Jesus brought me....
Submitted by c ur self on
Hi...MAJ...I'm not in a fixed state of wellness :)...For me it's dying to my desire to change things everyday, and just trust the Lord and try to be thankful for each new day...I to was so tired, and still have day's where all I can say is "I'm so tired... But, when I start counting my blessings...I feel better...I doubt if your husband wants his add and neither does my wife...I just decided what was making me so angry was the excuse I was using to mother her...and my own failed attempts to change her behavior by verbally pointing it out...If someone is living a life of denial (by choose or not) or just isn't comprehending and refuses to address or even see the effects of their behavior on others, then you have a problem. At that point I feel like we each have to decide with-in our hearts if we are going to subject ourselves to that person's presents. I decided I would. Now, I just pray for her, and love her, I just try to do my best to walk away from irrational behavior (do not engage) and let her own it...The more she see's my emotions staying stable, and my refusal to take her actions on as my responsibilities, the more she humbles herself and trusts me...which as caused her to see herself a little more, and open up about add/ and its effects. But to answer your question again...Jesus brought me...Here's you a big hug that says...I understand HUG ()...
May He bless you another time
Submitted by MAJ on
Thank you for your quick response, c ur self. It was a wonderful way to start my day. After trying so many ways for so many years to make the craziness stop or at least lessen, your suggestion will be my new prescription. This morning I woke early and listed all the things I can be thankful for. There are many. Then I asked for forgiveness and a blessing as I left the anger in His hands. I just hope He closes his fists tightly for today and doesn't let me reclaim it :) Like you, I have made the decision to stay in my marriage in spite of the craziness. That decision was freeing. It dissolved the feeling of being "trapped". I know that I continue to have a choice, and that staying is what I choose....but I also know it won't be easy. Thank you for the hug, the understanding, and your encouragement. May your day be a "thanking" day as well.
Blind!
Submitted by Bsanchez on
What if my wife is blind to see that her actions really have an impact on a lot around her? What if it's put out to her with a very calm way and she still doesn't see/think anythings wrong? What if it's always "my" fault?
Hi Bsanchez
Submitted by c ur self on
Denial, Blame, Excuse Making, And, just plain ole refusal to confront who we are is what makes life so difficult for spouses....
The only thing that has worked for me is to not engage poor behavior (unless it's my own of course)...The minute I cast my peace aside and step in to save the day, It's my fault:(....So disengage, when you see a train wreck coming step aside quietly and allow it to happen...Living my life w/ no suggestions, or enablement of her has helped us both...Sanchez they are big girls...
Blessing Friend....
Thank you
Submitted by Bsanchez on
<p>Yes, big girls they are. This site and comments have helped so thank you very much. I'm going to try some of the tricks out. Instead of confronting her right away about her issues Ill be writing down little incidents of her behavior, I'm thinking I should confront her about them when I've collected about five or more. And also if I catch myself not being able to wait to tell her I'll be jotting that down as well. </p>
<p>I tend to tell her asap and in front of the people she causes the problem with and I know now that doesn't help because she blows it off because she understands and is embarrassed and later on when I confront her again she says her infamous line "I didn't even do anything". So wish me luck friend. -thanks</p>
Good Luck
Submitted by c ur self on
Just a suggestion:
Just keep loving her...If she is unwilling or incapable to be self-aware, your efforts to force it can create conflict...So, just try to not enable poor behavior, and keep a good handle on your own self-awareness:)...Cause we are big boy's also....
Blessings Friend....
Thank god for this website and everyone's comments...
Submitted by DS-1970 on
This site is helping SO MUCH.
I am so burned out, the
Submitted by snuppy1 on
I am so burned out, the hyperactivity creates problems faster than correction can repair. I grew up in alcoholic dysfunction, he seemed so logical and intelligent that I assumed problems would be reasonably dealt with. The low self esteem consumes everything in it's path. He is compelled to sooth his depression with instant gratification of fast food, candy (he's hyperactive so there is no apparent physical evidence this is unhelpful), has an extra dollar and buys something to make himself feel good. While I was trying to build our company, he was "president" of a successful enterprise and did/could/ not comprehend the long term sacrifices and goals needed to a real entrepreneur. We had a lot of credit and he soothed himself investing collectibles, dvds just a huge amount of money, over 100K. When he is publicly humiliated he really screws things up and then he corners me twists my neck and back, permanently hurt me so much but it's not visible damage. I'm a trapped animal, 250K debt, part time work, no friends, no family for help (when he is humiliated it's not helpful), (my family is self centered and enjoys others humiliation). I'm very, very good at what I do, but it has a small market and the economy isn't supporting it. I'm writing this because he just screwed up some of my production and I just don't know where or how I'm going to make a living. His father worked an assembly line for 46 years and that secure production is what kept the family going and that option is not a current possibility.
hi snuppy1
Submitted by c ur self on
I am so sorry that you are dealing with such burn out...I to have been to the place where all I was wishing for is for "life to just slow down please"...I wish I had the answer's you need...I really can't put myself in your shoes financially, because I like your Father-in-law...managed from set income all my life due to sustained employment and self-control in spending and debt....
I wish you well, and hope the right path for you becomes illuminated to you!
Blessing and Prayers...C
it's my wife!
Submitted by Please-help on
hi all; firstly i have read so many comments here with great interest, respect and understanding. I have just found this site, i signed up immediately and whether you believe it or not it's my first internet comment ever. What i've noticed so far is it appears most of the comments here are related to husband's with ADHD. In my case it's my wife. we are running out of options and any husband's out there with ADHD wives i could really use some advice/support. However, our oldest son who is 9 has it as well so between me and our other (living) son who is 8 we are having a particular difficult time coping. Sorry for the long intro but here are my concerns.
The advice in this article are good and i will take them into account and try the 'jotting things down' advice in particular. However, i get the feeling i'm the only one who wants help. A year ago, 9 years into our marriage, we realized she had ADHD, which in retrospect is silly since it's a clear as day. Ever since then she has used her ADHD as an excuse and/or expects me to be the one to accommodate it rather than her taking responsibility. I don't blame her, really. I just want her to take the same responsibility in dealing with it. Ironically, she's so terribly impatient and unhelpful with our son. She find him impossible and annoying knowing full well he's exactly like her. i tell her that it's not her problem, it's our problem but she still has to contribute to 50% of it. I find that reasonable but i get closer to 0%. I'm at the end of my rope but i noticed that screen name was taking so if anybody is listening i am desperate - please help.
Hello please help....
Submitted by c ur self on
Same her my wife has severe add...and believe me your not the only one who wants help...LOL
Does your wife hoard up stuff, and have problems throwing things away?
Does she act lazy, and have a hard time falling a sleep, hard time getting up and going?
Is she easily distracted?
Does she have trouble with time commitments?
Does act like life should revolve around her, does she seek to control people?
Is she a thrill seeker, who is always wanting to go places and do anything she calls interesting, at your expense?
Does she ignore the needs of the home like never uses a broom, mop, vacuum or cleaning a tube or toilet?
Does she get addicted easily to snacks, TV or Facebook etc...Does she struggle with self control in area's like I've listed?
Is it impossible to talk to her, does she interrupt and tell you your problems? Does she live in complete denial and refuses to ever take blame for any thing?
When she does take time with the kids does she just make huge messes and leave them for you?
Is she the messiest person you've ever been around?
Does she have to take adderall or some other meds...just be able to hold down her job, if she works?
These are some of the side effects and behaviors of my wife who is a severe add.....
I Like You're List C
Submitted by kellyj on
But here's the problem. Two of these (in my mind...having ADHD) are not directly caused by it but are the real culprit and the reason why nothing changes or improves in your situation and the real problem itself. Not everyone with ADHD has these two components along with it aside from just interrupting.
side note: interrupting people when they talk was the first symptom of my ADHD that I ever addressed (even before being diagnosed). I can tell you without question....I have nipped this in the bud to the point of it being almost non existent any more and yet....I still had ADHD. Even if I begin to do it....I can arrest it even before I utter a word. That never goes away but I do this all the time on a daily basis and no one is affected by it outside of seeing my mouth open occasionally and then stopping before I speak. That's all anyone see's anymore and that doesn't appear to be a problem in itself. Like I said.....even this part only happens on occasion..... and I would say I see this too in most people on occasion and I am not bothered by it either. It can be done and there is no excuse or reason why a person with ADHD cannot control this one as just one example. I am living proof of it and I stand by what I just said.
- Does act like life should revolve around her, does she seek to control people?
-Is it impossible to talk to her, does she interrupt and tell you your problems? Does she live in complete denial and refuses to ever take blame for any thing?
These two however, I would not include on a list caused by ADHD. In my mind....this is a victim (and victim mentality) and a person who refuses to take responsibility. This does not automatically come with ADHD or would be considered a "symptom" of having it.
As you and I have discussed before.......my wife suffers from these two herself and she does not have ADHD. Since that time and I directly confronted her on this in no uncertain terms....calling her out and forcing her to look at what she did not want to look at......she has done a 180 when she finally realized that what I was saying was right when she was able to see this in herself (with some strong arm assertion on my part LOL ).....the face of our relationship has dramatically changed.
The biggest change on my part (what I see and the one I appreciate the most from her now).....is not trying to control me and now listens to me (without interrupting in a means to stop me from saying what she does not want to hear) when I tell her that what she wants is not reasonable and she is not going to get everything she wants. That doesn't mean she still doesn't want it.....it only means she realizes now that her expectations of what she wants have more to do with her and less to do with my ability to full fill them for her.
What really has changed now is I have begun to quietly and calmly require her to make a verbal accounting of herself to me and what she wants. Where, why, when and how is each thing possible. She has found when she has to provide these answer to me directly.....many times she has no answer to give.
That makes it easier to say to her "when you figure it out....let me know and then we will both know the answer." Anything else she wants to add to this outside of the where, why, when and how......is just smoke and is meaningless to the only information I need to do what I am asked.
At this point....I can just open a window and leave the room until all the smoke clears away which I have also found is far less in amount than there was before (and even that is diminishing :)
J
Say No, Talk Low, Let Her Go
Submitted by kellyj on
I stole this from the show "30 Rock". It was advise given by Alec Balwin;s character "Jack"....on how to deal with an over - bearing controlling mother. I liked it so much I use this now all the time:)
J
Nosy Neighbor ;)
Submitted by Please-help on
Hi JJameison and C Ur Self,
I'm not disagreeing with you JJ but my wife who has high ADHD has some of the symptoms you say are not related. That doesn't mean they are not though, at least as far as I can tell. Anyhow, my wife is on the 'high' scale if there were such a scale.
JJ, I'm not calling you out or anything but the article is for the non-ADHD'ers. Shouldn't your wife be the one commenting here? (I'm not saying this in any confrontational, disrespectful or serious manner at all by the way. If it's interpreted that way please disregard and accept my apology. The problem with typing things is they can so easily be misinterpreted. I hope my disclaimer is clear since I just found this site and the last thing I want is trouble. It has only been a day for me so although I don't want to offend I really want to give/get the most out of this.)
However, with all that said JJ you have been the first person to give me some support for which I can quote. Your comment that her requests are unreasonable and she can't have everything she wants, even though she doesn't still want it are just terrific. I have cut-and-paste this for our next learning session to say I'm not alone on this. It's a regular occurrence.
So if these are not ADHD symptoms are they gender? Regardless, we both seem to have them with or without ADHD. So I'm going to use it in conjunction with 'jot it down' advice in the article and hope it works.
I noticed that in the Attention Radio message from the Melissa Orlov interview that there is lots of advice here that is good for married couples with or without ADHD.
Thank you
No Problem Please-Help ;)
Submitted by kellyj on
I'll try and be succinct and address what you said...I said try:) lol
Yes...this article is for non-ADHD spouses. I can't speak from your side of things ( and there is nothing I can see in what Melissa said that I could even begin to disagree with seeing it from this side either...I really have no input to add here on the article itself). What I can offer is insight from what I have learned specifically? ADHD comes in so many variations from one person to the next that it's really hard to figure out just what is ADHD and what isn't? I myself have been working on this for years and it still gets confusing but....I think I have a pretty good feeling for a few things that I don't think you can blame on ADHD using myself as an example.
I guess this is my way of saying that there are things that you need to be considerate of (or compassionate if you will) and then there are things you don't and are just excuses......but how are you to now? That's where I think that offering at least one opinion out there to the mix could be useful. That's my intention at the very least. You've heard of the 10th man principle? (popularized by the movie World War Z) I didn't know there was a name for it but I am compelled (and have been doing it most of my life) I've found more answers to things by looking at what things are not than what things are. Anytime someone says this is the way things are....I always look at the complete opposite or 180 degrees the other direction first to see what that shows me and many times...right there is the answer I am looking for. Is this part of ADHD? I have no idea! lol
To reiterate what berlie66 just wrote to you...."mental illness is no excuse for bad behavior." I'm on board with that 100% for me and everyone who doesn't have a mental illness. This does not bother me to say it because.....bad behavior is universal and is not exclusive to ADHD either. Saying it yet another way.....bad behavior is also not an ADHD symptom in my mind from where I see things with only one caveat.....if a person is not diagnosed and does not know they have it....they will react or respond according to only what they know.
After the fact of knowing however.....like you said.....it pretty much shuts the door on doing too much blaming of the other person yet this appears to be one of the big issues that many of the spouse who come here seem to report. How can this be? It's still a defense for something and bad behavior is a likely candidate.
The point I was making with C and to you is that being in denial is common with ADHD but that is different I think from someone who refuses to take responsibility ( take ownership and stop being defensive ) of their actions or behaviors mental illness or not.
The point of referring about my wife was to also point out that this same issue also appears in people ADHD or not....that this is not limited to or even caused by having ADHD even though I think a disproportionate amount of people with ADHD display these qualities and behaviors which are really just being defensive and not wanting to accept or look at something about themselves they don't like. I think if you stop doing just that much to begin with.....I think that's when you can start really seeing what is ADHD and what isn't and you also realize that this kind of defensive posture and thinking (or victim mentality) really is the source for much of the actual bad behavior and the denial in the first place.
It's also why my wife is not on here posting. I'm the one in our relationship who not being defensive (any more) and dealing with someone who finds it hard to impossible to own up their part of the equation and tends to blame others what is wrong with them. I discovered rather quickly coming here that I was the one having to face and confront a person who is defensive, controlling and in denial and I see all the same things...have all the same problems and frustrations with her ( to the letter) that the spouses here on this forum are facing with their ADHD'er when it comes to this one aspect of not being held accountable and not taking ownership and responsibility for your actions.
Get rid of that and and all that's left is the ADHD itself. At least...this is what I have discovered for myself for what it's worth:) And I didn't take offense in the least of you saying what you said......I can understand what you were wondering and the reasons why? If anything (including what I say to you here) reinforcing what you said about putting your foot down and being more assertive when nothing seems to be happening.
Being assertive means speaking directly, accurately and firmly not in anger. It did seem to get her attention didn't it? :)
J
J and Please-help...I agree...
Submitted by c ur self on
My list of behaviors aren't written in stone as being add/adhd produced....What it really comes down to in my mind is self-awareness along w/ love and respect....Do I want to use you for my own selfish benefit? Or, do I want to fulfill my Vow's and promises and just love you and be an asset in your life?
If more of us would or was capable of taking the deep breathe you have and say OK...What does my living of life say about me, and what is the effect on your life? Then just deal honestly with the product...Our relationships would definitely take a shot in arm....
I just threw this list out for Please-Help because I felt so bad for him....I was hoping after he read my list he would feel sorry for me and decide it didn't have it so bad...LOL
Please-help, hang in there man, try to walk away from un- wise behaviors and communication that just isn't productive...Try to stay focused on just loving your wife, not enabling her, there's a big difference.....Man guard your own heart from anger and bitterness, becuase if you go down that path, it will only escalate the problem....Jesus is able, and he loves you friend....In him we all can find the peace and rest we're so desperately seeking...
C
Wow!!
Submitted by Please-help on
JJ and C - thank you so much. This is full of great stuff.
by the way C i submitted the comment to your long list of questions right away but it was under editorial review for some reason so it just showed up.
And a big AMEN to you for telling me your faith for which we both share. That is the reason i stay but i've got to be careful not to become a victim either. BYW - if you knew me and my wife it's highly unlikely you would ever consider me any type of 'victim'.
i could go on and on and quote you both and the great comments you made above, especially the anger final comment by JJ. i'm new to this (blog/forum responding) so it's nice to know i have people out there that really seem to care.
thanks a bunch.
I'm With You C
Submitted by kellyj on
Read what I just wrote Please-Help and see if you don't agree. No need to apologize to me either....I think your list was pretty accurate as I said. I was only adding to it by singling out what I think you have a right to say " I think these two things are really not caused by ADHD." It would be interesting to hear what she said about that. In my mind.....any defense on her part is just that can be easily discounted and chalked up to something else. IMHO :)
J
J
Submitted by c ur self on
I will, got to get some supper going now...I'm taking my sweet wife a plate to her job:)....I wasn't apologizing, I know u are correct....What flows our out of any of us in actions and words is all subjection to some degree....I'm no professional...But I know one!
Nice post J
Submitted by c ur self on
I wasn't apologizing, I know you are correct...There is so much more to the working of the mind than we can ever know or will ever know....We can't erase our pasts...Nor can we change our DNA...So we just have to accept one another like we are.
Acceptance is like forgiveness it free's us....
Confusion of Self-Awareness
Submitted by jlhrva on
You guys all make such excellent points, and this site has been a tremendous help and support to me over the past several months, as I have been dealing with a relationship-on-the-brink.
So...has anyone encountered the issue of a diagnosed, highly functional and well-medicated partner who *thinks* they are self-aware enough that their ADHD doesn't impact their emotionality and expression, but in reality, your life as their partner is entirely structured around dodging the fallout?
My partner has a habit I refer to as "emotional backfilling". We will have a series of 'similar' disagreements/discussions (we hardly ever "fight", but we hardly ever actually resolve anything, either), and then his hyper-analysis will get to work. He will spend a few days analyzing these occurrences, and then decide that he sees a pattern within these issues. And the pattern is inevitably attributable to ME.
Example - we have had several instances over about a 6-month period in which my frustration with repeating myself, with dodging a "passive aggressive comment", etc. wears thin, and I become reactive and do not back down and defuse, which is my usual MO. Walking on eggshells is a way of life, but sometimes, you just CAN'T "be the bigger person" yet again. So, he has decided that the reason we are having problems within the relationship is that *I* bring this amalgamation of "unhealthy habits" into the relationship - i.e. I am reactive, and insecure, etc.
In reality, these scattered instances of expression on my part are a direct result of the behavioral management I have to engage in CONSTANTLY to avoid hurting his feelings, doing something wrong, etc. But in his mind, these are MY problems. He has analyzed this, and decided it is so. And because he has ADHD, he has spent "years" in and out of therapy, so he thinks he is much better than me at self-awareness and analysis. He now tells me that my "refusal to see the damage I am doing" is the root of our problems.
Well...there are 2 sides to this story. And every story. I do need to be less reactive. But I am never going to be emotionally perfect. And he is going to continue to attribute my rare loss of temper to a "me" problem...because in his mind, ADHD has nothing to do with this.
My suggestion that we find an ADHD-familiar therapist to help us with things was met with "how dare you suggest that my ADHD has ANYTHING to do with this? That's pretty Ffed up, you know, when its just your stubborn pride and inability to be wrong that is causing this"...
No number of examples or explanations will suffice. He will just say " I don't agree", or "bring me some new evidence if you want me to change my opinion".
Does anyone else feel like they have to prepare a legal brief on their right to feel as they do, just to have a discussion with their partner? And then the entire discussion will devolve into a twisting of one minute point, losing the original issue entirely and making you feel like you should never have bothered, no matter how important you initially thought the point was...?
Pinning Someone Down With Logic jlhrva
Submitted by kellyj on
Does anyone else feel like they have to prepare a legal brief on their right to feel as they do, just to have a discussion with their partner? OMFG!!!
First, you must understand....I was born into this kind of craziness. What I didn't realize at the time, was that because it didn't make sense to me even back then...I gained a specialized talent for pinning people down.(whether I knew it or not?) At least, that's what I call it. This was in a means to make sense of what did not make sense and a way to try and relate with someone who is being evasive or seemingly, has something to hide? I discovered this talent also will back fire with the wrong person...to an extreme!
None the less...it's a game of 20(or sometimes many more) questions and a process of elimination of non-logic from logic and working backwards using deductive reasoning and asking precise questions to do this. The closer you get to the real answer, the more branches to the tree magically appear and you have to go to the tip of each branch and work your way back to the center again continually moving to the bottom (or base of the trunk of the tree). Eventually, the person runs out of new branches and has no where else to go. What is left is the answer which might even surprise you when you finally get there (not always good either)
I'm saying this half factitiously but in reality...it is exactly what I found that I end up doing whether I realized it or not. At this point in time...I am very aware of exactly what I am doing but...I am also aware of the fact that when I do this (with my wife for example) is only when I am trying to get to the reason why I am having so much trouble ascertaining something that shouldn't be that difficult to do with most people?
The key red flag in what you said was "I don't agree". (so is how dare you.....very well thank you lol) What do you mean you don't agree? How can you disagree with another persons feelings? That would be...sort of..... impossible don't you agree? lol A sample response to this might be 'eh... er... eh.... uh.....well, since you seem to already know what I'm thinking then why do I even bother telling you anything. You're an asshole." Or something along those lines. LOL
Obviously as I found....this is not one of the precise questions I am talking about and one you should avoid! (it just feels good to say it here because this is really what I want to say in those moments lol ).....as I did in my past growing up without knowing any better with a response that was similar to the example I just gave you.
What you are doing is exposing something that this person doesn't not realize that they are keeping somewhat hidden. They don't realize that they are doing it or even that it exists but yet....they can feel it when you are getting too close to it. ( more magical branches begin to appear lol)
My T does this with me and hits me out of the blue with something he can see that I am not getting. When this happens....I draw a blank with my mouth open and kind of go 'aaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh......I got nothing?" I'm use to this now and know what he is doing so when that happens I immediately know that there is something that I need to figure out or I am not seeing the connection and these are the moments that tell me that. That's my cue now to say "What am I missing, please enlighten me." lol Which is why I pay him. lol
That's a good example of the easy way. The hard way is the way I am talking about and it can be an exhausting and very frustrating experience but....if you work it long enough and with some patience.....you will get to the source of where the disconnect is. What you need to understand however....is that when you get to the disconnect....you are pretty much done at that point. There's no sense in arguing about the disconnect or trying to get someone to change their mind about irrational non-logic even if the topic at hand is not about logic and feelings or emotions. That's the point of this exercise....is to try and figure out where the hell this thinking or these feelings are coming from in the first place and in my experience....they are usually not based on feelings or emotions at all but are tied to some kind of ass backwards logic or belief in thinking on the other persons part that have nothing to do with feelings feelings but more to do with an opinion or a belief with some kind internal judgment or penalty/cost associated with it?
With my wife I have now begun to ask....is that your opinion or is that how you feel? ( I avoid "belief" with her since that usually incites some kind of argument or debate and I have since learned not to go there with her ) I've done this with her so many times that she already knows where this is going and in a real concerted effort on her part....she does tell me at least, why she has this opinion. She may say something like " well, I feel........" but it's not a feeling..... it's an opinion and that is what she hears from me when I actually tell her how "I feel." Yikes!!! It get very confusing indeed until you can get close enough to what she is really saying (the real feeling behind it) to get a qualified :"feeling" response out of her without the opinion attached to it in some way.
The thing is.....this is something that she is not wanting to see and is fighting against because it feels bad or it brings up something that she is uncomfortable talking about. What I have done with her is to gain her trust and not pass judgment about these things if she actually allows the conversation to go there. Over time...she has learned that it is safe to do this with me and I think that is the most important part of this to keep in mind. This is scary on some level and you need to be cognizant of this fact and not jump all over what ever it is when you finally get there. That would be a severe betrayal on your part to do this as the main caveat and reason for this phenomenon in the first place. Tread lightly is my best advise.
But, like I said.....OMFG! Here we go again!!...one branch of the tree at a time and just hope more don't sprout that you have to whittle down along the way to the bottom. LOL
PS timing is everything
Similar Craziness
Submitted by Please-help on
Wow! This is great! It's like having friends who experience the same problems. This whole Internet thing ain't bad ;)
You will have to pardon me if I don't follow the 'rules' since besides basic respect for others I'm not sure how these forum things work so I will just treat it like any other social situation. I want to comment on the replies so far where I have experience:
C Ur Self:
>Does your wife hoard up stuff, and have problems throwing things away?
Yes, it's insane (probably a poor choice of words but I can't think of a better one). However, I'm extremely particular about having things build up. We live in a large city where space comes with a high cost although I would be this way on a farm. I give her limited space to 'do whatever she wants with it', e.g. she has a spare room in our house and this is her changing room, makeup room, clutter room, etc. This has worked out well. She agrees to these rules and respects them. If she violates the rules I don't ask I just execute. Not right away though, I'm reasonable but after a few fall outs she will respect the rules. Give it a try. Just like in the article. Try taking this idea to her when you have talk time, not in an argument, and agree to the boundaries. Then slowly start putting them into place always referring to the agreement. Another thing that's interesting here is the storage containters she uses. We have a lot of these ikea baskets and clothes hanger things. They are all wide open, i.e. no drawers or doors. This is extrememly helpful for ADHD people who can't visualize what's inside of a drawer or behind a door (which they won't close anyhow). The room is dreadful.... to me, but she likes it. This has been very helpful to our relationship.
> Does she act lazy, and have a hard time falling a sleep, hard time getting up and going?
Again, yes but not in a traditional fashion. My wife is a work machine, she's unbelievably amazing. However, getting her going or when she's not doing it it's like she's a lazy bum. My favourite pet comment to her is she's the hardest working lazy person I've ever met. This one I don't let affect us, i.e. I absorb the differences, since she's such a high performer with work.
>Is she easily distracted?
She works in an open plan setting at the office. She has to put up cardboard barriars around her just to not be distracted. I have no practical advice on this one other than I know exactly what you mean. This is very reminiscent of ADHD symptoms.
>Does she have trouble with time commitments?
I run our family schedule in Outlook which links to her work calendar so she's always aware of them. Somebody at the office does her work ones. She needs a PA at home (which is me) and at the office (which is whoever she can get).
>Does act like life should revolve around her, does she seek to control people?
Yes, life should revolve around her. However, the more I'm learning about ADHD that's a misinterpretation of her responses. The lady doctor who runs this site calls it the 'symptom, problem, problem' pattern which I just heard about yesterday in an interview with her on Attention Radio (which I just heard about yesterday) promoting her new book but it was a 2012 interview. Anyhow, I often think my wife doesn't love me or care about me since everything revolves around her. however, I'm learning that's not the case. It's very ADHD'ish to appear that way. One bit of advice was to have the ADHD'r use some of her hyper-focus time to be attentive and responsive to you. I'm going to bring this up with my wife during our next planned learning conversations. That's when you are both calm and have a list of items to discuss. You will have to do this, it's in the 'jot it down' section of the article.
You asked does she seek to control people? I'm the type-A personality so thankfully my wife is not or we would have 'killed' each other long ago. She doesn't control people but somehow she gets everyone around her to help her. it's pretty impressive since she doesn't do it in traditional controlling/manipulative fashion. They just do it! Including me which is fine since it's so not obvious, direct or threatening.
>Is she a thrill seeker, who always wanting to go places and do anything she calls interesting, at your expense?
No but the more I read about ADHD this is normal. the 'at your expense' comment suggest pressure is building which it would for me as well if my wife wasn't such scaredy-cat. Her ADHD makes her paranoid which albeit has it's own problems, it keeps her from spending money - she's a homebody. See the 'symptom, problem, problem' info since that seems to be what's happening here with you, i.e. her doing this is symptomatic and it's becoming a problem in your eyes.
> Does she ignore the needs of the home like never uses a broom, mop, vacuum or cleaning a tube or toilet?
I wish mine were limited to just that. In 10 years she has never cooked a meal either unless it's frozen but that's not cooking in my opinion. That includes for our children. Again, I've let this go due to her work performance. I'm not a stay-at-home dad either, I'm the primary earner in the family.
>Does get addicted easily to snacks, TV or Facebook etc...Does she struggle with self control in area's like I've listed?
If she wasn't so busy at work the answer to all would be yes. However, her hyper-focus (ADHD'ness) doesn't give her the time for any of this. She knows what's important - we both share these values so she doesn't struggle with self control.
> Is it impossible to talk to her, does she interrupt and tell you your problems? Does she live in complete denial and refuses to ever take blame for any thing?
In order:
1. not impossible to talk to her, she's quite willing to listen.
2. it's not that she interrupts but everything has to have something to do with her. the subject could be entirely unrelated to her but she manages to bring it back around to her. Again, this is an ADHD trait.
3. she has tried to make all that goes on into my being the problem but the one great advantage of her being diagnosed with ADHD is that kills pretty much any argument where I am the problem. I try real hard not to just outright pblame her since she draws that conclusion no mater how gently I tip-toe around it the one thing it does it takes me out of the cross-hairs.
4. lives in denial or take blame - see item 3.
>When she does take time with the kids does she just make huges messes and leave them for you?
Very little time with the kids, leaves big messes for me. All the time. If she does manage to put something back into the refridgerator it's never covered or the lid is nowhere to be found. She can't cover bread, etc. I could go on. Her only current obligation with the kids is to have them read to her (which I detest for some reason) and she lays with them at night before bed and talks to them. I've just come to accept this and am ok with it.
>Is she the messiest person you've ever been around?
Yes but this is very ADHD'esque
> Does she have to take adderall or some other meds...just be able to hold down her job, if she works?
she does take medication which has helped her focus (just like our son). However, as said she is an awesome worker. We tried various medications but couldn't find anything that worked. She's now on a combination of Strattera (80mg) and Vyvanse (70mg) which helps but will still need tweaked over time.
You sound like me. You need a break. Due to her work I've left in advance on our summer holiday which happens every year and she joins a week later. However, this year she's coming 3 weeks later because I need a break. She is left alone and I have the kids. It's amazing how much less work it is and calm when she's not around. I'm fully aware I would be much better off without her. however, I married this. I was attracted to her because of her ADHD qualities. I'm also a firm believer in the commitment to marriage. We are faithful Christians but it's not guilt that would prevent me from leaving - no way. I signed up for this so it's my responsibility to do my part. We are going to work all this out together. I know that because she is just as committed as I am and knows she has a problem. It so often feels impossible but I have to say this break has been terrific. I think it's even better for her if we are not all around. I recommend a break, an unofficial one, just take the kids somewhere for a week or to see your family. I find it quite rejuvenating and we'll pick up where we left off. I'm using this time to learn more about ADHD and she is as well. We both committed to find support groups, well she did. I actually threatened that if she didn't we wouldn't be coming back. That's not recommended as I've been reading on it, it's just what I said in anger. She has backed off though and we are in neutral.
Amazing Please-Help
Submitted by c ur self on
You have no idea how much we are a like...You have an awesome outlook and I know why it's in your heart!....You have a very good view of reality in my eyes....I just smiled as I read your post....I can't tell you how many of those $5 bins I've bought the past 7 years...The difference in my wife and your's is...Mine is Type A like you and I....She was single until she was 46. She's had the same Job for about 30 year's now. She's in her early 50's we've been married 7 years...I lost my first wife after 30 years w/ breast cancer...I'm in my late 50's and retired after 37 years (started at 17) two years ago, so being a house husband and yard man isn't so bad...LOL...I go to the gym and ride my bike for exercise...
I've come a long way in understanding my wife....And learning what boundaries we had to have. It's so much better...I kind of live my life to point like she doesn't exist....You can't stay focused on things you can't change, it will take you over:)....I love your responses...I hope your Vacation is a real blessing...
C
Hi, Please-help. In my case,
Submitted by PoisonIvy on
Hi, Please-help. In my case, the person with ADHD is my husband. I understand there are differences between the sexes. That said, things you say in this post have been true for me as well. My husband was diagnosed with ADHD approximately seven years ago. Initially, he seemed gratified by the diagnosis. But then it became a situation in which he seemed to only want to acknowledge the ADHD to the extent of taking meds. He has not stuck with any behavioral changes. He dropped out of therapy. He doesn't say the letters "ADHD." I get the feeling that he wants me to take all responsibility for problems, because he has a disability, but at the same time, he doesn't want to talk about the disability or do anything about it other than take meds.
We live apart. I'm essentially single even though we're married. It stinks.
i'm so sorry....
Submitted by Please-help on
Dear Rosered, i'm so so sorry you are living apart. Thank you so much for sharing. i wished my very long and detailed response to C Ur Self above will get published. I spent the last 12 hours looking into as much of this as i could and i'm away from my wife at the moment with our kids under the pretense that 'she has to stay back for work reasons'. it's our normal summer holiday so it's not unreasonable. Anyhow, this break i think is good for the two of us but making it permanent or official could be so easily be interpreted by you and others as the beginning of the end and that is never good - not for either of you. Melissa Orlov said it best and that is whether you like it or not their ADHD qualities are most likely what attracted them to you. I personally found that to be so true. She also said (and i'm adding my 'two cents') life is never going to be easy nor is it easy to live with or have ADHD but looking back at life isn't it better to share it with somebody with whom you overcame these problems.
He's using it as an excuse but won't acknowledge it - that's a double whammy. My wife and i are working closely together on this and after your comment i should retract my 'near 0%' value of her support. That's more closely to your situation.
The only thing i can say is what about support groups like this or ones he can go to or together with you? That is what we are trying now and it has helped a lot... even in 24 hours. I learned not to expect her to ever see this the way i do and that her symptoms with a negative response will be a problem. that is quite powerful.
if he would just agree to talk with another guy or guys who have it that would be a start. My wife found a really great TED seminar where a guy with ADHD talked about it and really legitimized it. He made it sound like a gift which although is idealistic it was still refreshing. Lots of very successful people have it. Hopefully not seeing it as a problem, that it's quite normal and/or meeting others might help.
Take care
Four years ago this summer,
Submitted by PoisonIvy on
Four years ago this summer, my husband did an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for his mental health problems (depression, anxiety, ADHD). One of the worst events in my life was sitting in the "family session" at the end, when he and I met with the social worker, and I felt compelled to express my support for the plan my husband came up with, and the IOP staff agreed with. This plan was that my husband would take the "temporary" job of being caregiver for his sick elderly parents, in a town 150 miles away, four days per week, and be at home the remaining three days, working approximately 15 hours per week as a tutor.
He left for this "temporary" job the day after our youngest child started college in a different state, approximately one week after our oldest child left for a study abroad program on a different continent. He never called. He didn't send me emails. He never asked how I was doing.
As I predicted, his parents' need for care didn't abate, and he didn't attempt to find alternative caregiving services for them. He is now living there all the time. He calls or emails very infrequently and doesn't respond to my emails. On the infrequent occasions we are together (all involving our grown children, who are rarely at home), he acts as though everything is fine. Except that everything isn't fine for me.
Rosered I think this is add....
Submitted by c ur self on
Rosered my wife is much the same she Hyper-focuses on what ever or who ever she is with at the moment....It's like she feels she can't handle being a wife and mother at the same time....Or if she goes on Vac...The Vac...consumes her.....There is no compromise or negotiating with her....I've just learned it's better to stay home or Vac. alone...Or have my own plan when we arrive...It's goes back to what I was telling Please-Help...It always has to be her way:)
It is what it is...
It's sad really because when we start home and we didn't do much together, she starts telling me about my insecurities....She is no difference from any of us....We all tell our own hearts what they need to here so we can sleep....Ha Ha.....
C
Hi please help
Submitted by mandi k on
I read your post then read all the replies as they came in before I wrote mine. They are all very valid, and in most cases describe a clause in the marriage contract that none of us non ADHD/ADD'ers signed up for.
Fact 1) Mental illness is NO excuse for bad behaviour. It's not their fault, but it IS their responsibility to deal with
Fact 2) Those who are in denial and refuse to help themselves cannot be helped by others. (nor should they be)
Fact 3) Many of the traits you describe can be attributed to other disorders like my husband - ADHD, but complicated by narcissistic personality disorder and bipolar.
So here's a gigantic HUG for you - only you. I have been living with exactly the same as you from my husband for over 20 years. It's sad, lonely, infuriating and confusing. Here's another HUG just for you.
Without going into all the ins and outs of what we live with, the best advice that was given to me by my psychologist is to ENSURE I allow time for ME. Don't engage in the argument that is obviously constructed by their own internal workings, it usually has nothing to do with you. Find someone you can talk to and chat with about this stuff regularly, your own self esteem needs it.
The hardest part for me was the time it took to get him to see someone who could present the concept to him that his head works differently to others. Unfortunately he is still mostly in denial so any treatment or medication is not an option. I and our two children (girl 17 boy 11) have adapted many ways to 'deal' with the outbursts, the blaming for stuff 'going missing', the misunderstandings due to not paying attention, being constantly ignored and then yelled at for being frustrated, honestly the list goes on and on, not the least of which is the mess - piles of stuff everywhere. We have learned to largely live without him and tolerate his presence mostly with silence when he is around. Other than that I have taught them to not engage, and don't take to heart what he says during an outburst. (they are many times a day)
With regard to the mess, anything that is in the way in the house gets piled up in a corner that I don't need, but that will be in his way. It's the only thing he will notice. And I no longer clean his stuff up or he will blame me for anything that he cannot find - even when I have already pointed out where everything is. The mess outside (and we are on 23 acres...) is a can of worms I now refuse to open. I have had to accept that the land around my house will forever look like a junkyard. When he gets angry that it's ugly and embarrassing when people come to visit I remind him that perhaps he should put things away when he's done with them. I constantly get the children to ensure their stuff is in their rooms so he cannot blame them for any mess anywhere.
I do jot down things that I feel need to be documented, and bring them up as needed. However the angry denial part of him then accuses me of being 'crazy' for making notes. There's really not much I haven't tried, and some of it would work if he could find it in himself to admit these things rather than the childish game of 'but I didn't do anything, it was you...' Then there's the other usual comment, 'oh I forgot' which gets used whenever it suits, regardless of whether or not he actually forgot something. He has sexually assaulted me three times in 20 years, during the night out of frustration, but when confronted the next day or days later is so mortified that I had the audacity to bring it up that he pretends he doesn't remember doing it.
As a result I have largely learned to be a single parent. I cannot work due to school and home comittments that would suffer hugely if I wasn't here all day. He refuses to work stating that it makes him sick. He's nearly burnt the house down several times over the years trying to 'fix' things or simply making toast. It's a lot like having an oldest child that I didn't give birth to really, and certainly not what I signed up for. So that's why I send you a BAG of HUGS just for you. Sometimes, in spite of all the good advice it just gets more frustrating knowing that something could be done to make life better if only they would do it. So that's why I focus on me and our children. They are learning to manage what they have inherited by seeing it, and by me pointing out the similarities as they come up.
Try as many options as you can, take all the advice and suggestions available, but at the core of it all, have no expectations, STAY STRONG and make time and space for JUST YOU, to feel happy. Best wishes to you bro.
Nice post mandi K
Submitted by c ur self on
You pretty much covered it....
Calling like it is...
Submitted by mandi k on
Thanks, c ur self, just calling it like it is. Big hugs to you too, and everyone else on this forum. Those of you who are the ADHD/ADD folk on here also get big hugs. If you're on this forum you're aware and at least trying to make a difference for yourself and those in your life that you love. Big ups and big hugs.
Im Copying This and Posting it....
Submitted by kellyj on
where I can remind myself of this. Don't engage in the argument that is obviously constructed by their own internal workings, it usually has nothing to do with you. I think this works All ways (as a reminder for myself in the moment and for anyone else). Thanks for that one:)
J
That's a great reminder J...
Submitted by c ur self on
Don't engage in the argument that is obviously constructed by their own internal workings, it usually has nothing to do with you... This is a great truth J...But, it's only half the battle...It lets me off the hook....If I failing at this at times (and I do) Why?
What about me?...It's easy to point out the problems we deal with, with others....But, why do they have to be my problems? Why can't I be mature enough, stable enough, accepting of reality enough to always walk away without a word? Why can't I understand the only power I have over a negative actions, is to walk away from it?
Am I always going to want life to be different....When the reality of my view of different means others have to change? Can't I just deal w/ C Ur Self. Or will I always engage others w/ the painful reality of it takes them measuring up for me to have peace??
There's a problem with that.....And it will be never ending unless I can stop robbing myself, because I refuse to C MY SELF.....I use the excuse that it's love....It's selfishness...Love and maturity will always recognize the only thing I can bring to this relationship is Love and maturity. And in the case of your original post, and in the case of my life experience's....Trying to help with words instead of walking away and being a mature example (no matter how much I want change) will most always be pouring gas on a fire!
So if I was you when you copy and paste your comment.....Add....Why do I fail.? LOL>>>>
Don't engage...
Submitted by mandi k on
You're very welcome, only I cannot take credit for it. I'm simply happy to pass on pearls of wisdom as they come to me.
m
Completing the Puzzle
Submitted by Please-help on
Hi Mandi,
i forget who made the comment 'Mental illness is NO excuse for bad behavior' but it didn't set well with me since it was more confrontational to use with my wife even though it gave me affirmation. however, by you adding the last statement to that line, 'It's not their fault, but it IS their responsibility to deal with' makes all the difference in the world.
Thank you
Responsibility
Submitted by mandi k on
You are very welcome, it is an absolute pleasure and warms my heart to pass on strength and wisdom as it is given to me. My psychologist told me that one. I was having a minor meltdown at that point because I couldn't work out how to 'help' my husband. My psych told me it was not my job or my responsibility, but my husband's.
I've noticed over time how these little pieces fit together and it's totally awesome that the puzzle is coming together for us all.
It reminds me of those gigantic 1500 piece puzzles that were popular in days gone by. It was nearly impossible for one person to complete but when the whole family worked together it all made sense into one big picture fairly quickly. A lot like dealing with these 'differences' I guess.
m
What if they don't believe or
Submitted by goingnuts on
What if they don't believe or recognise that they have a problem?
Or do you think that the way they "cope" with things by avoiding certain tasks, transferring the blame and always looking inward, is affirmation that they DO in fact believe they have a problem, but cannot, will not, or don't know how to ask for help?
I think my husband knows he has a problem, but my walking away from the rants just gives him the opportunity to call me "weak", "an offence to the human race" and "stupid" (just to name a few insults that come to mind!).
I would dearly love to help my husband, as helping him will help our relationship to flourish, but at what point does one say - this is too much and too big for little old me to deal with anymore?
Speaking Directly To The Problem Going Nuts
Submitted by kellyj on
I just told my wife something this morning that might help you get an idea of what you need to be saying in a way that might register. I recounted my past and where I had realized I had made my error in thinking. This has to do with one of the big ones that I hear on this forum which has to do with how you spouses feel at times like we don't care or lack empathy (and thankfully...for all my efforts in finding this out here from reading these accounts....I now realized where I went wrong).
In my past....I did realize some-things were wrong and could even see the problem but only in part. Another way to say this would be that I did not see the gravity or see just how big a problem this was and tended to minimize it or diminish it in my thinking as being just something that I need to keep in mind and look out for.
Without saying it or even realizing this fact.....what I was telling myself that this was not such a big deal that I needed to address it or do any more than I already was doing.....doing too little, too late to make a difference and not seeing it as something that was really, really important and should be put at the top of the priority list.(this was in my past relationship not with my wife now)
What triedandtrue said about leverage are good suggestions. Ultimatums are usually not very effective unless things have got to that point and you are going to follow through with it completely. If not......they just become empty threats and feel like an attempted manipulation or means to try and coerce what you want out of someone.
I've mentioned in previous posts about walking away from my wife when she reacts with volatile anger towards me. It's not what she wants or even the things she is trying to get me to do or wants from me that I am walking away from. It's her inappropriate behavior and reactive anger that I am removing myself from when she does this but.....I have in the past and now always in the moment say to her exactly why I am walking away and only make it about her anger response to me and the way she is going about trying to get her needs met.
This however does nothing to solve the problem or bigger issue but....bad behavior is bad behavior. I think it is very important for you to speak clearly and directly to exactly what you are doing in those moments and why. If he can't separate (or differentiate) his behavior in those moments from what he is doing or thinking......then you have every right to separate yourself from the behavior itself but saying exactly what you are separating yourself from. In this way....you are doing this for him on your end ......and if you are doing it in this way....you are making it clear to him exactly what the problem is and why you are doing what you are doing for yourself not for his sake or to make him angry. It's not tit for tat in other words.
I'm a master (in my past) at being passive aggressive. In my past if I would walk away from someone for what ever reason (without saying anything).....that's sends a pretty clear message but it was perceived as being dismissive or saying it without words. I think this is how this could be perceived from the other side and how I see it if someone does this with me. Excusing or dismissing yourself from these situations and saying exactly why as you do it cannot be construed as being passive aggressive or dismissive if you state exactly what you are doing and why at the same time. It does give you the opportunity to point to exactly where the problem is and repeat it over and over consistently each time he does it.
Eventually.....there is no way to escape or say anything differently if that is the case. As I do now with my wife....I later come back (or so does she) and say I'm ready to talk about things if we can do it in a calm a rational manner. This has proven to work pretty well in most respects going both ways.
In the big picture though....I agree with triedandtrue. Medication and therapy are what are needed to initiate any lasting noticeable change. This was true for me going back to where I now see the error in my thinking and my ability to see the importance of doing this for myself and the results of doing it looking back in hind sight.
J
Hello Please Help..........
Submitted by Berlie66 on
If you wife is not medicated for ADHD and most likely other disorders, find a way to get her medicated. If she is medicated her RX may not be working as these symptoms should not be this severe.
PS...............mental illness is not an excuse for bad behaviour!!!!!
Great Statement!
Submitted by Please-help on
hi Berlie66, thanks for that statement at the end. i will show that to her. i've replied to C Ur Self above but it is under editorial review. I wish i could have editorial review everytime i speak ;)
Anyhow, she is on medication and we seem to constantly be modifying it as her medication is being changed in the same manner as ADHD, erratic and ever changing, i.e. nothing seems to work constantly but we have a descent formula at the moment.
Lady Orlov seems to say, although mental illness is not an excuse for bad behavior, it is because of it they do these things so it is a symptom and if i provide a negative response, she will respond negatively so it's a spiral downward. She calls it 'symptom, response, response'.
So although you and i are in total agreement with that statement i can't actually use it since it won't help i appreciate the comradary. nothing beats having people know what i'm going through.
you called it a mental illness. That brings up another question. What do i call it? i don't think that's a good one since it implies it is a problem and telling a person with a problem they have a problem can be very counter productive. Although i refuse to use words like 'special' or even worse 'a gift' can somebody please help with some terms that are neither offensive or condescending?
thank you
Here's a correct name....
Submitted by c ur self on
A Fast Mind...
I'm so sorry for what you're going through
Submitted by triedandtrue on
Please-help, it sounds as though your wife's problems will remain until she is medicated and gets individual therapy (CBT, with emphasis on behavioral changes and therapist's guidance toward additude changes, such as "I have ADHD and this is what I must do to manage it"). Her impatience toward your son is typical of behavior by ADHD parents toward their ADHD offspring.
Your wife is unlikely to voluntarily behave appropriately. The structures and boundaries you and she put in place to improve her functioning will have to remain in place forever. They are prosthetics to compensate for her ADHD. Here are some men with ADHD partners who have posted on this site:
WhistlingCaruso
stupefied
tfarmer
angry_dh
Seeker61
Timnotnow
Alex
Pix2clix
welltheresyourp
amoor983
beingNT (the post on 03/17/2013 is useful)
A few non-ADHD posters who speak to some of the issues you raise:
froggie - is the wife of ADHD husband, but she discusses the concept of taking responsibility. Though the thought crossed my mind that it is fantasy thinking on her part. And I doubt her techniques would work on a lot of ADHD people, but a satisfying read.
Vbcurious - discusses the loneliness of the non-ADHD partner. Your wife's problems add up to loneliness for you.
ChrisChris and others - discuss the advantages of walking away from the ADHD partner, including the advantages to children.
Linsy - also walked away, and saved her children in the process.
hangingbythread - (03/26/2014 - 21:04) - details the damage done to children by the presence of an out-of-control ADHD parent in the home
Read posts by some of the funnier non-ADHD partners (CosmicJoke), even though they are women - they'll ease your spirit.
What is your wife's educational background and does she work outside the home?
Is This Really Free?
Submitted by Please-help on
hi triedandtrue, i'm seldom used to such help without having to pay for it. thank you for the quick advice and the user references which is so important since historic users may no longer be active but as it seems you know very well, the advice on this matter are practically timeless. 'a prosthetic to compensate for her behavior' is a really a great perspective and analogy to get my head around this. thank you so so much.
to answer your questions:
1. she is medicated - Vyvans (70mg), Stratera (80mg)
2. she is college educated - a big struggle for which she worked really hard at. she has been through a lot and she has overcome this along with other struggles that are impressive.
3. she does work outside of the home
A village of support
Submitted by triedandtrue on
Expanding your network of support to help you and your wife deal with the ADHD is key. The phrase "it takes a village to raise a child" could easily be applied to the world of ADHD.
Because your wife is in the paid workforce, many people monitor her performance, handle the schedule, and provide feedback. If she were a stay-at-home mom, that burden would be on you alone because the ADHD person has poor self-perception and can rarely self-monitor.
ADHD parents tend to need generous blocks of time away from minding their kids. Your wife works all day and from your post obviously wants time off at the end of the weekday and on weekends. That is simply the reality. Most non-ADHD spouses in effect work "second shifts" in the home for this reason. At least your wife reads with the kids and puts them to bed at night.
Only great motivation can prompt an ADHD person to change inappropriate behavior. Good that you see these realities so clearly. It would be wise address them in therapy, which is a further expansion of0 the "village." I replied to bd2595, another non-ADHD husband, about therapy for his wife.
The radio program's advice "to have the ADHD'r use some of her hyper-focus time to be attentive and responsive to you" is off base. The ADHD mind does not work that way. This is a pervasive brain disorder and for someone as impaired as your wife, only specialized therapies work. For example, a skilled therapist could work with your wife to develop strategies to help her stop snapping at your child (see also my paragraph about medication below). The therapist could also (in combination with some of Melissa's suggestions) help your wife schedule specific actions and statements of affection toward you. These actions and statements might feel "unnatural" to your wife, but repetition can let her fake it till she makes it, so to speak. That is, the new behaviors can, over time, have a transformative effect on the mind. Newfound success in life could strengthen her motivation to change.
Your wife cannot summon her hyperfocus at will - it appears only when something is "new or shiny" or of deep personal interest to her. Moreover, an ADHD person has little control over what is of interest. Hyperfocus usually causes problems for the ADHDer. ADHD is not a "gift" but if calling it that propels an ADHDer into therapy, who cares how it is described?
If you and your wife enjoy audio-visual information, Russell Barkley has excellent videos on YouTube. His books about ADHD in adults are also useful, as are those of Gina Pera and Thomas E. Brown.
Lack of motivation and certain other core ADHD characteristics can be hard to change, including self-centeredness ("she gets everyone around her to help her", "everything has to have something to do with her", "she manages to bring it back around to her"), low empathy (her behavior toward the child, her inability to see the effect, on you, of her deficit functioning), blaming others, and so forth.
Good that she is on medication. Meds other than atomoxetine (Strattera) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) are sometimes prescribed to deal with certain symptoms: alpha agonists to reduce impulsivity and stimulating anti-depressants to control mood swings (including anger). But talk with her doctor.
A coach could help schedule housework goals.
Hello triedandtrue...
Submitted by c ur self on
Excellent post...I see much of what you say in my wife's living of life...When my wife and I get into a conversation about say house cleaning...She will say what do you want me to do? I just look at her and say, something like...Just do the things you see needs done...She say's like what?....I'm like anything, what ever you see that needs done... She's like will you write it down? I'm like write it down? Its right in front of you! But, she is serious, I have to be careful at this point, because when she is this vulnerable which isn't often, (probably my fault) I can do damage to her emotionally. And her trust suffers....I can't comprehend this kind of mind, but she has one.
Your Hyper focus comment....Is right on also....I can predict it's coming when she is doing activities she likes, or around certain family members, but she may walk into a store and loose 3 hours walking around and have no idea how long she has been there....
Your comment's about instituting learning opportunities by appointment's and scheduling is also true and works for us....She is absolutely oblivious to my needs much of the time, or she was early on in our marriage....And just like Please-Help....Because of my ignorance of how her mind worked I felt so unloved, so taken advantage of....But when we started approaching things like intimacy or other important things by scheduling it really helped her realize...Hey this is a fundamental need for my husband, and something I need on my short list...And once she imprints it into her thinking as critical to a happy husband, she improves at not letting it slip out from under her awareness umbrella.
One other thing about having her mind...It's never wise to try to talk in depth about the past....And if it just can't be avoided I try to not correct the details of how she remembers something...It never ends well....Or if I correct her once...And she say's no you are wrong....At that point I must have enough discipline to not reply...It's always better to have her come back later, in a peaceful spirit and say hey you were right about so and so...(Reminder to self "Read this often)
My wife's main love language is affirmation....She ask me about a week ago...She said; did you see I cleaned up around my side of the bed? I said yeah, I noticed, and she said well you didn't pat me on the back for it...Before I could say anything she said...It's pitiful I need it.....She's precious:)
I can't tell you how many times we have been having a peaceful drive home from visiting family or friends and I hear something like...."You didn't say anything good about me to the kids"....I want to just get out right there and give her the car...LOL>>>>It's all real for her, which better make it real for me:)
Thanks again for your incite...
C
Hyperfocus and What's Possible
Submitted by kellyj on
Hi triedandtrue,
I wanted to say a couple things about what you said..."Your wife cannot summon her hyperfocus at will - it appears only when something is "new or shiny" or of deep personal interest to her. I know what the books say about this but this is not entirely true. This is one of those things that gets passed around as gospel and never questioned again. I'm here to say that this is not true for me at the very least. Biofeedback training can actually override, channel and give you some choice in how, when and how long you are in hyperfocus or even to stop it at will. This takes a dedicated effort and you can't keep it up as long as naturally occurring hyper focus because of the energy it takes to do this but saying it only appears when something is "new or shiney" is not true or accurate. Hyper focus is actually a form of perseveration. the problem isn't summoning it...the problem is breaking out of it (shifting gears). At the point you can change your heart rate or control your breathing (your involuntary body functions) is the point where this is possible.
Moreover, an ADHD person has little control over what is of interest. Hyperfocus usually causes problems for the ADHDer. ADHD is not a "gift" but if calling it that propels an ADHDer into therapy, who cares how it is described?
I also believe that this ability is a directly related to my ADHD (and hyperfocus). I don't believe most people can do this. Most I have asked say they cannot. I would consider this ability a "gift" based on my understanding of what the term "gift" or "gifted" literally means. In context to what you are saying and the topic at hand....whether this is a "gift" for the person who has it is irrelevant to you. I understand this. To say it doesn't exist or there are no positives as well as negatives ( to discount, dismiss or deny that there aren't any or they don't exist ...is also a form of denial and perpetuated by statements that are also not true.
The problem for you and people dealing with love ones with ADHD is that you don't care about the positives....it's the negatives and how they affect you that is your focus and all you hear ( ad nauseum to the point of utter frustration) are the positive parts or gifts coming from people who are trying to inspire, motivate and help people with ADHD learn to control it. This is also exactly what everyone wants from us. As you said "who cares how it described." For the people who have it....we care a great deal. It's everything for us. For you...it means nothing.
For you...you want us to admit and take responsibility for the negative aspects and you are met with resistance, defensiveness, anger and denial. That's also as much a reality and as real and true as the other things that I said.
If what you believe is not either true or accurate on either side....nothing will ever change and become a different reality for anyone. I've been proving people wrong all my life and in the case with hyper-focus.....I don't care what the books say.....I didn't know it wasn't possible so I found a way around it anyway and I know this for a fact. If someone who has ADHD reads this kind of baloney.....they might also believe it just as stated which implies it is not possible.
I'm not faulting what you said ( or wanting to divert this topic on the subject of hyper focus )and the reasons for it....I've read these things too and understand this is what is being said and perpetuated as common knowledge and fact by some. I only wanted to point out by at least one person who has ADHD....that this is not true for me. I could be corrected as being technically wrong by an expert in what I am calling hyper focus and the ability to control it with bio feedback but I don't think I am in this case? That's all:)
J
Rock Stars!
Submitted by Please-help on
i'm entering my second day commenting on this forum (and as i've said, any forum) and i'm just blown away by the amount of help and perspective i've received. you guys are all rock stars too me! i'm exceedingly grateful. Also, to any women who have complied (or not) to my 'male only' request i was dead wrong. Everything matters - from roserd who is in a bad place to mandi k who seems to have such a great grasp on all this. I would have never thought an ADHD'r like JJ would have mattered but they sure have. All the while mandi k and trideandtrue speak physicians level while C is like my brother. This is all so amazing to me. Please keep the comments coming.
I've can't remember the last time i've been this excited about anything. My entire life has been diminishing to a small flame about to be blown out until i've found this site. As corny as that may sound it's genuine and true. Love to all of you!
10 Question Everything
Submitted by kellyj on
I thought that it might be fun to share some things that I try and remind myself of on a daily basis as often as is possible. If I should be so bold?...I thought they might be fitting as #10 on the list after saying I didn't have anything to add. This is coming from my side of things more as a "wish list" of things that I would like to have others do with me as well. I thought it fitting for that reason alone :)
10. Question Everything
a challenge your beliefs and ask yourself why you believe them.
b don't make assumptions
c ask questions and listen with an open mind. Learn to interpret what others are saying by knowing why and how they are saying them. Know what language is being used and understand the differences in the words and the meanings that change with each type of language. Learn to interpret based on context not literal meaning and understand the difference.
d Believe nothing without verification and having a complete understanding before accepting anything as fact and do not assume that this will not change. What is law today will change and keep changing in an on going basis. Find your own answers and don't believe everything you are told or read as being correct until it is proven to you to your own satisfaction. (require proof and verify it's integrity and always consider the source)
e know what it is you want and make sure it came from your own mind not someone else's. Avoid "what should be" at all costs and not judge or jump to conclusions based on someone else's information.
f Be socially and personally aware (at the same time) and understand the difference between rules/laws and personal taste, personal choice and personal preference. (freedom of choice vs duty and obligation)
g Have a firm grasp of what these things are and base what you say and what you want using this as your foundation for everything instead of deferring to a third party for these answers as your sole reasoning for anything you do. You are not a robot.
H Be your own advocate and don't expect others to know what you want or assume they can interpret this for you even if you can do this for them.
I Above all......second guess and question yourself in all things, all the time, everyday, every moment. Realize that how you are in this moment is not how you will be in the next. Be aware of this fact and use this to your advantage. Do not assume that you know something and that it's correct. Use your emotions and feelings only as a guide and understand the difference and know that they cannot always be trusted. Assume just the opposite and get use to being wrong and always carrying around the feeling that says things are not the way they are supposed to be. Nothing is supposed to be unless you believe what this feeling is telling you. Instead, find out for yourself and make sure it is correct. Learn to live with this feeling instead of denying it or trying to make it go away and use it as a means to become flexible and elastic and immune from conflict and stress. Never be satisfied but accept what IS and learn to be happy with it....
That's the trade off.
One of my favorite song lyrics (Lux Interiors (RIP), "The Cramps" ) "I want the most, but I'll take the least" I love this one!.....despite coming from a pervert/genius in his own right? Did I say consider the source? Oh well. lol
J
Positives
Submitted by triedandtrue on
Thank you, C ur self. I agree with you about the issues surrounding memories of the past. It is generally difficult for ADHDers to bring memories to mind accurately and consistently, and useless for partners to try to nail down past incidents - and almost cruel to someone who is time blind. Medication and problem-solving (phone alerts, etc.) can improve time-related behaviors. Of course, in the moment and driven by practical reality, reminders by family are sometimes necessary. By the way, your wife's awareness of her craving for praise is touching; that awareness sounds new.
Regarding another subject that you touch on: It is difficult for the non-ADHD partner to deal with defensiveness that builds in an ADHD person after years of correcting, reminding, prodding and so forth by society. Coupled with the hair-trigger temper that is part of their emotional lability, the defensiveness and "denial" deprive ADHDers of many opportunities for deep connection to others. A good explanation of ADHD "denial" can be found in Gina Pera's book, "Is it you, me or adult ADD."
To clarify the hyperfocus issue. The ADHD difficulty with initiating an action, stopping an action, initiating a different action, and then shifting back to the original action can occur during hyperfocus (which some but not all experts call perseveration) or it can occur just with ordinary tasks. Many people with ADHD find that optimal medication and therapeutic/coaching exercises help them with the initiating-stopping-shifting process.
I use "hyperfocus" for the ADHD characteristic because it is widely used in this blog and in Melissa's books. The ADHDer is not to be faulted for having little control over this symptom. Medication can ameliorate it.
The inability of the ADHDer to return to hyperfocus on a love object (except for a limited period when driven by fear of loss or some other strong emotion) is well documented and a source of pain to friends and family of the ADHDer. I'm always impressed at efforts by ADHDers such as JJamieson to change their behaviors to "positives" over the long term. Prescriptive therapy, strong coaching, biofeedback - whatever works. Two women with ADHD (ADHDMomof2 and ellameno (spelling?)) have written in the blog about how good therapy combined with behavioral change helped them achieve - and become consciously aware of - a deeper, quieter love after the courtship hyperfocus evaporated. I find that inspiring - a gift of the human spirit, not the "gift of ADHD."
There is no special "creativity" or "giftedness" in ADHD. Thought fragments that do not coalesce (because of brain mis-wiring) do not constitute more ideas or creative, "non-linear" thinking. But the good news is that "creativity" and "giftedness" exist among those with ADHD just as they do in the general population. ADHD people, taken as a whole, are no more creative or gifted than non-ADHD people, but they are no less so, either.
T&T It's obvious to me, you've done this before:)
Submitted by c ur self on
the defensiveness and "denial" deprive ADHDers of many opportunities for deep connection to others....
This comment of yours in the reason so many of us found this site:) I got married to a quiet, meek spirited home body at age 20 and after 30 years she developed Breast Cancer and went home. I was 50. Her attitude toward me was what ever you think....Fully trusting, she loved me better than I could ever deserve....I remarried my present wife about a year later....She was 46 and had never been married. You talking about opposite ends of the spectrum....
There is so much that can make it touch for late life marriages, I sure have sympathy for others if there dealing w/ more barriers then we've dealt with...LOL....
She wants to be a good wife; but, she like us all is subject to the product of her mind...Mrs, Competitive ( It took me a while to realize my efficiency in the Kitchen and efforts to share was intimidating to her, I couldn't win) and Independent who was single for 46 years don't help a lot either...Also, I can make it easier for her to want to be a wife when I don't give her so much free advice about how it should me:(....
It's very hard for me to be here after experiencing a very close marriage relationship....And have to settle for watching your statement above be our reality....It's like being on the beach and she is on a small Island just off shore, I can see her, and at times she will come stand and star at me with the most loving smile....But, after just a few seconds she get real busy again....And no matter how much I wave or holler....She is always just out of reach.
But, God is good, and by Grace we are moving forward...Most Days:)....
C
I'm Glad You Responded Triedandtrue...
Submitted by kellyj on
with some very good points that I also agree with. I don't think people with ADHD are any more gifted than anyone else. I absolutely agree with you on this. I think this is where things can get confusing and mislabeled at times. I mentioned having "gifts" that come with ADHD but this is on a micro not macro level. There are strengths and weakness is all I am saying and I think it is solely up to the person who has it to find out how to take advantage of the strengths and use that to their advantage (or capitalizing on the strengths by turning the weakness into something positive).
I do believe that I have some strengths (or innate talents that come from having ADHD ) that stand out from other people. I'm saying this because they appeared when I was quite young at around 4 or 5 years old? I'm saying standing out to the point of being so obvious that kindergarten through elementary teachers would consult with my parents to inform them of this. This is in the creative artist realm. I won every contest (every one ) that I ever entered in art through high school. I was bumped 3 grades forwards to high school art classes and I still out performed kids who were those classes who were 4 -5 years older than me. I also taught myself to play musical instruments by ear without any instruction and advanced rapidly (in an accelerated rate) with instruction seemingly....without any real effort or discipline on my part. The point is not to brag.....the point is that this made me more uncomfortable and self conscious than anything else. I didn't like being singled out or have attention drawn to me but with no intention on my part. This appeared to happen anyway whether I liked it or not?
In all that time.....I only met one guy later in jr high school who had more innate talent in art than I did. He was amazing and as I saw it....put me to shame. He later became a drop out from school and was a rebellious juvenile delinquent. I also wonder now if he didn't have ADHD or something of the sort?
Not long ago, in an art course that I took at the college level (I returned to my alma mater to take some classes for fun).....the professor walked up to me while I was working and watched me for a moment and said "are you dyslexic?" I said "No...ADHD (with a smile)" He laughed and said " that figures....I usually can tell by watching someone like yourself and see them work that the one thing they seem to have in common is dyslexia or ADHD or something to that order. I was just curious to see if I was still seeing the same thing?" This was said in a complimentary way. I also stood out in that class too. I've learned to quietly go off in a corner and work in these settings and not talk too much with the intention of not having attention drawn to this fact and being left alone to work. (as it should be lol )
You're right that giftedness and creativity exists in everyone ADHD or not.....but I still cannot explain my abilities in these areas and even to the reference made by my professor a few years ago? There does seem to be a common denominator in all of this and I cannot discount the fact that some of this is not related to having ADHD? I think talent only becomes realized with a dedicated effort in the real world anyway however.....the potential or innate "gift" that someone has in this way I firmly believe you are born with. A person who decides one day that they want to do something that sounds interesting to them and they like, could work night and day for years and spend all of their time trying to do this thing and never come close to someone who is born with this kind of potential who may work a fraction of the time and energy expended to get to a place where very few people could ever get to no matter how hard they try. I've seen this many times in my work field and I can tell someone like this after only working with them for a day or so ( just like my professor did with me ). It's really obvious coming from this place once you've been exposed to it long enough. I think this is true any any field or endeavor but.....this still does not explain the correlation with ADHD and the seemingly disproportionate amount of people who seem to naturally excel in creative areas who have it?
I have my own hypothesis to try and explain this phenomenon and it is related to hyper focus or perseveration if you will. I recently read an interesting article that support my hypothesis that stated ...
The term perseveration refers to the in-appropriate repetition of an earlier response.With respect to speech and language deficits, Albert and Sandson noted that most forms of verbal perseverative errors could be classified into one of three major categories: continuous, stuck-in-set, or recurrent....
We next briefly review studies of the effects of these neurochemical systems on fundamental cognitive mechanisms that are thought to influence verbal perseveration, particularly the executive functions, such as working memory, planning, shifting of cogni-tive sets, and attentional processes.....
What immediately struck me about this article was in it's intention in an effort to research in an attempt to find medical treatment for people who suffered from verbal perseveration from head injury, parkinson's and a few other degenerative disease's......in my thinking....this is someone who started out without these infirmities but later developed them. It talked about the different centers of the brain involved including the cerebral cortex itself and apparently....a lot of sharing or cross-talk or lateral communication between these areas of the brain to arrive at what would be consider normal or non-perseveration in verbal speech.
But what if you are born this way from the very beginning? If that were the case, it would make sense that your hard wiring is going to already take this into consideration as your learn and develop as an infant. This going to take the path of least resistance to find a way around the effected areas and find a different pathway to get to the same place (and become hard wired that way for life). What would not be normal for a person with a head injury for example....who suddenly has lot the ability to compensate for this fact....a person with ADHD is pre wired around this to a certain degree and the path ways to get there become fully developed as best they can.
My hypothesis is that this full time permanent re-routing cannot fully compensate for the effected areas of the brain which is why you see the symptoms in us but....this permanent re-routing of the executive functioning processes does use predominantly different parts of our brains that have some added benefits along with this. In my thinking and what I have noticed about myself......I can do certain things without ever being taught or explained how to do them and yet appear to somehow know and can easily see or figure these things out much more easily or quickly than other people in some of these very specific (even if limited ) areas.
There is no way I cannot see this. It's been brought to my attention by most people I meet at some point and time and not always so complimentary. More like " how did you do that? I can't believe you just did that???? Who taught you to do that or where did you learn to do that??" The answer is no where or no one. But I get in context to these moments that the disbelief is more from how I am perceived otherwise (maybe not so quick or a little slow in my thinking at times. More of a sudden realization that (these people) had underestimated me and they are somewhat surprised. I pick this up pretty quickly because I have seen this most of my life and am used to this response. It's one I take with a grain of salt at this point:)
So, speaking strictly for myself......I have talents or potentials in creative areas that I have no idea where or why I have but....I do have them and they really stand out from just about anyone I have ever met aside from just a handful of people throughout my entire life and there is just no arguing this fact. I'm also different in this way from most people as well as all the negative ADHD symptoms? These appear to be tied together in some way and this is not just a coincidence? I cannot help but see these things (because other people tell me this) as not being related and are just being two extremes both the good and the bad coming from one source. I wish someone could verify this for me for sure because I would love to have this answer myself.
From everything I read and reports on this topic from other people who have or have seen this with people who have ADHD....I tend to think that these creative talents do come along with having it. I still hold true to what you said though.....it doesn't mean people with ADHD are gifted. It only means that some of us have the potential to excel in certain areas above and beyond what is considered normal or average for most people and it a born with innate potential for that reason.
Just because you are born with it however....doesn't mean it will be realized without putting the time and effort in to develop it. I think Michael Angelo started apprenticing when he was 5 or 6 years old. That sums it up pretty well right there:)
J
Here's the link to the article if you are interested...like I said....it's not about ADHD but it does have a lot of correlations that I thought were very interesting including confirming some things about the meds that I have already discovered in myself. FYI: I also stammered and stuttered a little when I was very young. More correlations:)http://www.bu.edu/lab/files/2011/03/McNamara_Albert_2004.pdf
Leverage
Submitted by triedandtrue on
Goingnuts, without treatment people with ADHD rarely analyze the issues that they know, deep down, they have.You are correct that your spouse practices avoidance and instinctively pushes you away when you correct, plead, and prod. Because ADHD occurs in a human brain, his pushing-away involves elements of thought. But these reactive, often lightning-fast, behaviors (calling you names, ranting, etc.) are largely a product of ADHD emotional lability, considered by some experts to derive from a faulty limbic system. There just isn't that much "psychology" to such reactions, in my observation. Thus, talking to the untreated ADHDer about his or her difficulties, trying to get the ADHDer into insight-oriented therapy, etc., often has limited effect. Medication plus CBT (replacing ineffective thoughts and behaviors with productive ones under the firm guidance of a prescriptive therapist) is the only proven remedy. How to get the person with ADHD to accept such treatment? It helps to have leverage, often called "boundaries" or ultimatums. Leverage depends on the person but it generally involves fear and/or reward. For example, fear of job loss, fear of divorce, loss of a spouse's material support, fear of having to be responsible for children during visitation (though many ADHDers don't think about this one). Examples of reward include the promise of an easier life, continuation of a marriage, or job success. As you know, you have to plan carefully, with a fallback position if your spouse resists treatment. If the fallback is separation, you need a place to live, modest finances, psychic and physical protection of children.
In the meantime, praise can sometimes help ease a reluctant ADHD partner into treatment. As I've said in another post, ADHDers are no more "creative", "gifted", etc., than non-ADHDers, but if there's a chance that those terms help move your husband in the right direction, it's worth trying. As in, "DH, therapy can help you get others to recognize your many talents, and stop correcting and pushing you." The reduction in problematic ADHD actions will indeed improve others' opinion of and behavior toward the ADHDer.
Confusion of Self-Awareness
Submitted by jlhrva on
You guys all make such excellent points, and this site has been a tremendous help and support to me over the past several months, as I have been dealing with a relationship-on-the-brink.
So...has anyone encountered the issue of a diagnosed, highly functional and well-medicated partner who *thinks* they are self-aware enough that their ADHD doesn't impact their emotionality and expression, but in reality, your life as their partner is entirely structured around dodging the fallout?
My partner has a habit I refer to as "emotional backfilling". We will have a series of 'similar' disagreements/discussions (we hardly ever "fight", but we hardly ever actually resolve anything, either), and then his hyper-analysis will get to work. He will spend a few days analyzing these occurrences, and then decide that he sees a pattern within these issues. And the pattern is inevitably attributable to ME.
Example - we have had several instances over about a 6-month period in which my frustration with repeating myself, with dodging a "passive aggressive comment", etc. wears thin, and I become reactive and do not back down and defuse, which is my usual MO. Walking on eggshells is a way of life, but sometimes, you just CAN'T "be the bigger person" yet again. So, he has decided that the reason we are having problems within the relationship is that *I* bring this amalgamation of "unhealthy habits" into the relationship - i.e. I am reactive, and insecure, etc.
In reality, these scattered instances of expression on my part are a direct result of the behavioral management I have to engage in CONSTANTLY to avoid hurting his feelings, doing something wrong, etc. But in his mind, these are MY problems. He has analyzed this, and decided it is so. And because he has ADHD, he has spent "years" in and out of therapy, so he thinks he is much better than me at self-awareness and analysis. He now tells me that my "refusal to see the damage I am doing" is the root of our problems.
Well...there are 2 sides to this story. And every story. I do need to be less reactive. But I am never going to be emotionally perfect. And he is going to continue to attribute my rare loss of temper to a "me" problem...because in his mind, ADHD has nothing to do with this.
My suggestion that we find an ADHD-familiar therapist to help us with things was met with "how dare you suggest that my ADHD has ANYTHING to do with this? That's pretty Ffed up, you know, when its just your stubborn pride and inability to be wrong that is causing this"...
No number of examples or explanations will suffice. He will just say " I don't agree", or "bring me some new evidence if you want me to change my opinion".
Does anyone else feel like they have to prepare a legal brief on their right to feel as they do, just to have a discussion with their partner? And then the entire discussion will devolve into a twisting of one minute point, losing the original issue entirely and making you feel like you should never have bothered, no matter how important you initially thought the point was...?
Hi jlhrva
Submitted by c ur self on
It sounds a little like you two are competing, like someone must win each discussion. It is difficult to have conversations with people who press for a resolution of the content. Who approach each issue discussed as a competition and they are going to prove their point at all cost....
I don't know if either of you are approaching things with this mind set....But, a sure sign of this mind set in conversation is what I seem to be hearing you say in your post...Emotions can escalate when one person is looking press a point... When every talk is competitive, leading or manipulative they usually never end well...We must respect each other's right to feel differently than we do.
My wife does this, and so do at times....I call it "Looking for an out come"....You start a discussion, or are coaxed into one...Where you or the partner seems to want to discuss something, but in reality you already know or think you know, what you are going to do...But, you start this discussion w/ hopes you can manipulate your partner in to seeing your issue like you do....
So when you don't get the out come you are looking for....You either have to be a mature adult and just calmly claim your feelings; regardless of what anyone thinks. Or, you can get emotional and feel like you need to force the partner into seeing things your way....
I've found with my wife...If I have an agenda go ahead and let it be known up front if it's something I feel needs discussed or just reveled to her....And be willing accept her right to share her thoughts...She does this quiet a lot just because she is a wife, and because her life's desire is about fun things, travel, spending money, etc...So, no matter how much I think things are lacking at home or in the marriage...I must accept this reality when she starts seeking to draw me (control) into a conversation where her mind is made up, but she would love for me to agree with her whether for love's sake, appearance sake or both....I must deal w/ my own emotions at this point, because I know what's coming, but, I owe her calmness and my ear;)
My wife knows me, she know how I feel about most things, I've been clear about my feelings....But, she will ask me about things that she is perfectly clear on how I feel...Why? Because she is hoping to get me to agree with her....So, I have to guard against starting out with a reply with frustration already set in on me....I'm learning how this works....Most of these attempts to approach me are about her doing something...Things we have discussed many times...But, if she can draw me in, and get me to show frustration and go on a tangent about something she already had her mind made up she was doing anyway. She can turn it into a situation where she can continue to live in rebellion to her husband's feelings and blame him so as to ease her conscience....So, it just pay's to be wise....I'm learning to say, you know my feelings, but if you want to tell me you your plans, I will listen.
To manage my own emotions, and not over think or over state things works well for me...
right vs wrong vs arguing for the sake of it
Submitted by mandi k on
hi jlhrva, hugs to you darling, your relationship sounds exactly like mine. Two very strong willed people (one of which is ADHD/ADD) and the result a no-win situation. My husband displays the same desire to 'win' the argument at ANY cost, including (and this is usual) attempting to convince me that i'm crazy and should leave.
I've tried various methods of staying on topic in these 'discussions', not the least of which is making notes (which he hates) or telling him that we need to agree to disagree. Whether they be thoughts, feelings, opinions or a combination, nothing stops the bull that badly wants to smash the gate even when he can't remember why he felt to smash it in the first place.
I have recently been training myself to simply KNOW the truth without having to make a verbal point of it, for the sake of my own wellbeing. It's too tiring to just argue and argue (or 'discuss') and i have better things to do with my time than to provide him with sport and adrenaline. As much as I want to keep stating my point, i now simply KNOW my point and tell him "ok then" and walk away.
He is diagnosed but in denial that it's a problem -in spite of the fact that our marriage is all but dissolved and we simply live together. He, like yours, blames me for the marriage breakdown in that he feels it is a wife's duty to 'support' her husband - even when he's wrong. I on the other hand refuse to accept such an old-world paradigm and maintain my independent thoughts and feelings. They do get very good at their modus operandi and I tend to think it's somewhat irrelevent from our point of view as to whether they are consciously aware of what they're doing - the result is the same. More hugs to you and stay strong.
m
Thoughts about two of ur points mandi k
Submitted by c ur self on
He is diagnosed but in denial that it's a problem -in spite of the fact that our marriage is all but dissolved and we simply live together. I've never been able to see my wife and I as having much more than you've stated here...With out husband's desiring to be a husband, and a wife desiring to be a wife...How do you get past having a relationship that just mirror's two independent thinking people living like roommates much of the time? If there is never acceptance and respect for our Vow's and the call on our lives to be a husband or wife...Then we could live together for years and years and never truly experience what it's like to be one....
One other thought.....He, like yours, blames me for the marriage breakdown in that he feels it is a wife's duty to 'support' her husband - even when he's wrong. I on the other hand refuse to accept such an old-world paradigm and maintain my independent thoughts and feelings.
Questions: Do you feel like this statement mirror's where you are, what you have been through? Do you think you would have made this statement if things would have been different? (And I'm not talking about the part where you uphold or cover for him in is wrongs either:)
The reason I ask is; I don't think a person has to forfeit there individuality to come along side their spouse as we were created to do.
As a husband or wife I know there are rights and wrongs to deal with in life...But, when mutual respect and responsible life styles are in the forefront of how we live and treat each other, then we want have any problems submitting to one another, or respecting differences.
Of course I also think when Individuality is used as an excuse to just rebel against our spouse then the fruit of that will always manifest itself as something that destroy's our unity, peace oneness.....
C
independence and marriage
Submitted by mandi k on
hi c ur self, great avatar, i'm a firm believer in seeing oneself through the reflection provided by others around me. I have learned a lot about myself by being open to seeing aspects of self in others i interact with. I am also constantly self-checking and seeing myself as others do, constantly learning, always evolving emotionally.
To address your thoughts without writing a novel i'll try to be brief and to the point. My husband had no respectable and solid example of how to be a good husband so whether he desires to be or not, he fails because he has no idea. My desire to be a good wife only inadvertently enabled his pattern of control over me. Needless to say, over the years as my strength in the face of his abuse grew, our marriage quickly fell apart. We are ultimately the product of our upbringing, and we all know here how hereditary these 'differences' are. He is also not open to 'constructive criticism' from anyone, only hearing the criticism rather than using it constructively. When he and I met we seemed to be on the same page in every way. Little did I know that it was his hyperfocus at work, and he was on his absolute best behaviour to impress me and 'get the girl'. He was raised to be whatever others' wanted him to be in order to impress and further himself financially and socially. He was never given respect by his extremely selfish and emotionally immature parents and therefore does not know how to be respectful. I've tried several times to remind him of our beautiful promise to each other in our marriage vows, but it was met with defensiveness, yelling and denial. He refuses to acknowledge his behaviour or the truth of a matter. Very typical behaviours, but also complicated by narcissistic personality disorder and bipolar. Hard person to make sense of at the best of times. These symptoms began to really manifest themselves around the time I was pregnant with our daughter (1st child) and was requiring more assistance and understanding from the man who was meant to be the love of my life and life partner. Unfortunately he couldn't deal with not being the centre of attention anymore. This has only gotten worse as time has gone on and my energies were directed to raising our children. He doesn't believe a 'good' wife should ever disagree with her husband... He even had a screaming crap fight with me a few times over the years stating that he felt I gave too much attention to the children and when was it his turn??? Sad... He competes with them emotionally rather than being their father.
My strength and individuality have really only come about as a result of the hardships in my marriage, so I guess I can extend thanks to him for really helping me to be myself instead of being insecure. Again, this change in me only brought about more insecurities in him as I was no longer playing his game of 'all about me'. I have come to know that a healthy and happy relationship needs to be based on mutual respect and understanding, without the shadow of co-dependence constantly looming. His parents were happily co-dependent so that is what my husband thinks is a happy marriage. Not me. He has massive control and trust issues. He finds any independence in thought and action a direct threat to his purpose and being.
Our vows included a fabulous piece of prose that describes the perfect partnership - allowing each other to be who we are without overshadowing the other, respecting each others' differences, sharing mutual loves, etc. All the right stuff, but he's not able to be that person, and refuses to even look at our vows again. He prefers to be in denial about everything.
So my statements are essentially the culmination of many years of being put down and controlled, then having therapy to re-realise myself - to allow myself to be a valid individual rather than an extension of him. I've tried everything in the books, the websites, the advice from psychologists... Now I have taken back myself.
I would dearly love to maintain a sense of hope that one day I might get back that amazing man who I fell in love with, but on the advice of our psychologist and for my own emotional wellbeing I have had to let that dream go and move on, being a single parent with a man living in my house. That amazing man i thought i married never really existed, it was all an act. That is the extent of our relationship now, and I have to stop deluding myself that he will ever change. Very sad.
So not quite a novel but certainly a short story! lol Did I answer your questions?
Love and hugs to you
m
Yes you did, and thanks....
Submitted by c ur self on
It's so sad when Young men and women grow up in such unhealthy environments that they never mature...Acquire all this baggage and insecurities and faulty thinking. Usually co-dependent....Then go out take on the world so ill prepared...
I got news of one of my former employee's getting fired a few days ago...He was always trouble when i was his Manager so it didn't surprise me...I hated it because I have no idea what he will do now...He had never married, and his Mother paid his bills and ran interference for him after he was grown like he was 8...When she passed away, he was lost in life....
Blessings C
dependence and maturity
Submitted by mandi k on
Yes indeed, it is so very sad. My husband's mother passed away a year and half ago and he has been even more hellish and lost ever since, and searching fruitlessly for a replacement mother to enable him since I would never play that game.
No matter how many counsellors or therapists or pyschologists we saw, he could never accept the truth that one's wife is not supposed to be a mother figure. He still does not accept that he and I can't have a healthy husband/wife relationship while a parent/child dynamic is constantly being propagated by him.
Strength and love to you,
m
I Think You Are Right M
Submitted by kellyj on
I think beneath all of the things you mentioned (and in your previous post to this thread ) is a form of arrested development. You can call it maturity, but in the case of having ADHD, BP, APD, NPD,OCD or any the other things that can go along with it....to put it simply and succinctly....these things can interfere with the process and it's just being stuck and not going anywhere after a certain point and just not being able to see it (as was for me....I just didn't know and really couldn't see it before I was finally diagnosed) Either that, and you realize this and then do something about it....or you refuse to look at it and stay exactly the same. And depending on.....is the point of where you get stuck along the way if this is true.
I do see this in certain regards having ADHD (looking back)....and the propensity Is/was certainly there (for me). But not settling or thinking that it's Okay or good enough has never been one of my issues. At that point....it becomes a matter of finding out what you need to do to change that and be different.....to accept the challenges in front of you and do something about it. When you do this I think.....a lot of things are possible but more over....you stop being stuck and eventually over time you grow, mature and advance even if it takes longer to do. You don't have to remain stuck is all that I am saying and it is possible to make real changes to an acceptable level I think once you do this. I can see the changes in myself and don't need anyone else to confirm these things with me anymore. I also am not running into these same problems or issues ( or dramatically less than before) to the point that I notice how other people (and my wife of course) are responding differently to the point of many of my past issues are not being an issue for them either (with only a few exceptions....you can't please everyone and no need to have that as your goal)
I think these are your only two options having ADHD ....door number one or door number two. It is a choice, but as I see it......from most of what I see comparing myself to th stories I read here......most of you are dealing with someone who has chosen door number two instead. It's certainly easier to do nothing than the alternative I can grant that much from my own experience in doing that from my past. I also believe at this point, that the other challenges that you mentioned in your H for example.....are the ones causing you most of the problems that you are dealing with for what it is worth. I can't speak for them or say that what I just said would apply the same for them:)
J
arrested development
Submitted by mandi k on
Thank you j,
Yes you are right. From all the stories and posts I have read here, life probably wouldn't be so challenging in my family if it was only ADD/ADHD. The combination of NPD and BP and lack of emotional maturity are the blocks that seem to stand in the way of my H allowing himself to be helped.
He seems to feel that to admit to these things somehow labels him as defective, rather than seeing a challenge that could be overcome if his family meant enough to him. My limited understanding of these other disorders means that the NPD person CANNOT remove themselves from the centre of every situation or conversation, and all of every aspect of anyone's life ultimately revolves around them.
The 'stuckness' is the hardest part. Because he is stuck in himself, the rest of the family are stuck in a no win situation. We're damned if we do and damned if we don't. I often refer to my H as the embodiment of contradiction and chaos.
It would be wonderful if he woke up one day and realised there is another door and that as scary as it might seem, perhaps that door would be a whole new wonderful world.
Hugs to you,
m
Thank You M
Submitted by kellyj on
What you said.... Because he is stuck in himself, the rest of the family are stuck in a no win situation. We're damned if we do and damned if we don't. I often refer to my H as the embodiment of contradiction and chaos. This really struck a chord with me. I was, in the essence of what you said, in the same situation growing up in my own family for the same reason. When the patriarch or even matriarch (or even both) of the family have this kind of control over it based solely on their own needs that are somewhat, out of whack (to put it mildly perhaps)....it affects everyone and not in a good way. I certainly had the contradiction (and resentment in this perceived hypocrisy) but not so much the chaos. I think your statement really helped me narrow this down for myself and possibly anyone else (including you) in my take on this subject having come from my own experience with this. I've been working to figure this out most of my life until I finally did go into therapy and found a T who was able get me to see a few really important aspects of this that had been plaguing my thinking for years.
What was missing in my family situation was the chaos I believe, because my father did not have ADHD. Without getting too detailed here, I think a person who suffers in this way of thinking fundamentally can become the dictator or tyrant leader of the family if not kept in check by something or someone else or circumstances. In my case, the leader wanted no chaos and absolutely no problems and complete calm and tranquility at all times and by golly....he got it....at everyone else expense. lol In reference to this (and reality).....he was like a volcano that was ready to blow at any minute and we, the natives of our little island, needed to pay homage and worship the volcano God or else pay the penalty (the eruption!). lol
Ironic how the person who is effected the most by the things around them (either by their own internal anxiety, nervous disorder or internal conflict and emotional upheaval) is the one who is the most controlling and who creates these same conditions for everyone else around them yet blames everyone else for being the source of these internal disorders and their own feelings of unrest but cannot see that this is the case. It's like you are being held hostage by actually two people at once who do not communicate or see each other but both are living inside the same body. Depending on what a person like this's needs, wants or desires are is what the situation and environment for everyone else will be like (living conditions and dynamics of the family).
In my case...this person wanted what he wanted and in another family, you would get a different version with the one common denominator......whoever has the disorder like this is the one who makes the rules that everyone else ends up having to live by like it or not.....or else!
I think this might possibly be the defining difference from just ADHD and some of these other disorders right there. At least in my case.....my lifelong focus has be more involved on trying to keep myself in control and not anyone else or my environment. I also don't have a lot of the sound or light or other sensitivities or seemed to bothered by much in things that are going on around me or what other people are doing. This has it's own set of issues and negative aspects ( being too oblivious at times)....but that appears to be on the opposite pole of this aspect of what we are talking about. I strongly believe that a lot of this is the counter effect of growing up in having to deal with a person who behaves in this manner.
That's why it is possibly easier for me to make these distinctions in my own effort to sort out my ADHD from everything else since I can see these difference and now know where they came from which only leaves what left.....the ADHD parts. It's hard to completely separate all of these things apart from each other but in this case (and possibly for you if it's any help) the part about trying to get a person to see or look at themselves when it appears so obvious for everyone else, who only appears to refuse, reacts in anger and exerting control all over the place is not necessarily or completely ADHD coming from where I sit but I could be wrong?
What I do see in this difference for myself is more indirectly (or passively) negatively affecting other people and less directly trying to exert control on other people and the environment. I do understand what this is like to be around and I feel for you in that regard. Without the ability to just look at yourself and admit your flaws....so much of the defensiveness and all that goes with it would otherwise have no other place to go at that point and kind of evaporate eventually.
That's also why it's easier for me now to see this too, and say that most of the issues that I remember (and my own frustration and anger ) had more to do with this simple fact than anything else....just trying to get that person to see it in the first place and admit their own part of it. I'm big on looking at both sides because of it and at least that is one positive that I can say I gained from this experience:)
Thanks again for all of your kind words.
J
J & M it's mostly the emotional instability in our case....
Submitted by c ur self on
When I think about the past 7 + years of marriage to my wife....I can deal with our intellectual differences even though they can be extreme concerning many subjects, and our will's are something that in my opinion are formed and reformed as we receive wisdom and experience truth...
I'm a firm believer it's the emotions that cause the damage....My marriage relationship is teaching me there is many things we will never see the same. So, respectful disagreements, and acceptance is vital.
It's the negative emotion that gets attached by my inability to accept others as they are. If I can't refrain from getting emotional when I experience something that I judge as an injustice to me or others, then I will always be vulnerable to my emotional flair ups. How many of us accept everything that happens as it's for our good? Or for Ultimate good? I keep wanting to label it based on my view of it...Thus all the acronyms we label people with. We assign the acronyms for several reasons in my opinion. Not the least of these reasons is to protect ourselves and cover ourselves. Awe! enter Logic:) Our Intellectual logic!...it plays a big role in my inability to accept everyone peacefully. Do you realize that the mind of mankind is the only thing in the created world, that doesn't do exactly what it was created to do? Even Jesus disciples asked him as they walked past someone who was different from them, our label would probably be "Deformed"...Lord who Sinned to cause this person to be born like this?( see our minds always want to judge right and wrong) Jesus answered them and said; "No One; It is so the Father can be Glorified"
So why do I ever go there? Is the carnal mind capable of a depth of self-awareness that would eliminate negative emotions about any thing they have no control over? Even on the most personal levels? I doubt it, but, even if it does, what I say is impossible for the carnal mind is to never not think it needs to change things and to ever think it isn't capable of changing things.
C
you're welcome j
Submitted by mandi k on
I always find it so wonderful that through our sharings we learn and grow. Thankyou also for your insight, your understanding, your shining of light. Hearing stories that are told in all their sometimes brutal but always honest truth is one of the greatest blessings we can share with each other.
Hugs
m
is there active activity on
Submitted by peace on
is there active activity on this link? i am in the same boat as "end of the rope". i would love to know if things have progressed for the better? i am feeling at the end of my rope as well after 14 years with very little progress from him in actually taking actions to better the situation. i forced him to get tested, which he tested at the top of the class!! problem is you cannot force someone to take their medication, btw even when they see that it is helping tremendously! sometimes its as if they actually enjoy their behaviors and the turmoil it brings to their spouse and family.
frustration, turmoil and choices
Submitted by mandi k on
Hi peace, pardon the pun but hang in there! I'm not going to suggest that it all gets easier but you can make different choices for yourself that will help your wellbeing tremendously. I've suggested previously that folk find and read a book called 'Choice Theory" by William Glasser. While it didn't change anything my husband does or doesn't do it has allowed me to find a way of not caring so much when he screws up our plans/feelings/household etc. It has made me more aware of the choices available to me and that I cannot change him no matter what. He has to want to make a difference to himself and to his children. This waxes and wanes with the tides, while he floats in and out of the 'easy road' in blaming me for EVERYTHING.
I agree that it would be so much easier in some ways to force them into therapy or medication or whatever actually works, but as you've noted already we cannot force anyone to do anything, regardless of the positive effect it may have on the rest of the family/household/relationship. I think it's a plus that you actually got him to take meds long enough to see a positive difference that you can potentially draw on in future therapy sessions. My husband flatly refuses to try any meds, and most times still refuses to accept that his differences cause 97% of the havoc in our family but that he could improve his relationships with some honesty and conscious effort.
While I don't believe they consciously enjoy creating turmoil or hurting the ones they love, our ADHDers are strangely most comfortable while they are in the pattern of behaviour that they have become accustomed to. My understanding of it is that while they feel so not in control of their heads they gain comfort from inadvertently controlling their environment around them. For some of them it's establishing a similar dynamic to their childhood family home surrounds as with my husband. He has subconsciously put me in the position of his late mother, allowing his inner child to feel secure in the knowledge that his mother is looking after everything as she always did (but not always to everyone's best interests, only hers unfortunately) Little do they realise that they are causing so much harm to their partner and partnership by establishing a parent/child dynamic.
For others I think its maybe not so complex and they simply revert to the patterns they are accustomed to without any thought about the destructive nature of their behaviours.
As mentioned elsewhere on this forum, we (the partners) need to assess constantly whether we want to choose to continue with a relationship that doesn't quite cut it, or spread our wings and fly to warmer climes. It's really tough, and I often feel it's so unfair, but there it is. The bottom line is that it is entirely up to us as to stay and put up or go and be free of it. My husband certainly won't change his ways permanently ever. I've worked that out after 20 years. Out of neccessity he will improve a bit for a short time, but once he has established the thing or time he was hankering after, he goes right back to being impossible to live with. I've torn my hair out, shouted, cried, left and come back, given all sorts of ultimatums and choices to him, but always the pattern remains.
My coping mechanism now is to spend much less time around him. If he goes out for the day, fantastic! If he hangs around the house for weeks on end getting all up in my face then I go out. It usually means an argument about where I'm going, who with, how long for, and why do I even need to go anywhere? But I grit my teeth and stay calm and remind him that its perfectly normal to have friends and hang out with them for the day once in a while.
Strength and hugs to you in making happier choices for yourself.
Still here....
Submitted by end-o-rope on
Hi,
Haven't been posting for a while but still living the dream....lol. Some improvements have been made on his part, he has been on meds for years but now is also in therapy 1x per month. Not sure how much he is actually addressing issues vs. getting Rxs filled but at least he goes. The angry phone calls/text while I am work have not 100% gone away but have died down significantly which is a major improvement.
He does not have the ability to see how his actions and words impact others around him and I have pretty much given up hoping that this will change. He will start stupid arguments and make inflammatory statements on social media without any sort of awareness ( or maybe he does but does not care...) on how he is perceived by others, the impact on those friendships etc.. He just pulled a doozy that I am trying to work though my anger silently on without engaging him more He put out some inflammatory statements on social media which offended many of our mutual friends who proceeded to give him some opposing feedback. He then proceeded to dig in and keep the turmoil rolling, directly insulting some of my oldest friends etc. I don't share his views on the controversial topic at hand....so very difficult and embarrassing as not only is he insulting people I care about, but he will get derogatory when he feels he is losing ground/always needs to have the last word etc. He has no concept/does not care that his insulting our mutual friends may have an impact on me/ my relationships. I can deal with differences in opinions and do not need to share the same set of friends but have difficulty with his tactics/seeing the ugliness come out in him. Anyway needed to vent that so thanks for being here forum!
Our son is getting older so I am very careful about trying to maintain the peace at home and getting better at not taking the bait when he starts to try to stir things up. I am seeing someone as well which has been helpful.
I still get very angry and think of leaving frequently but do not think that is the best option for our son. He has some very difficult behaviors associated with ADHD abuse, seems to have some degree of alcohol dependency & possible porn addiction but overall is a good person/Dad and does actively work on himself/ recognizes the harm in some of these problem areas. Others not so much but not expecting perfection here... and improvements in the main behaviors bothering me ( i.e anger management) have been made. Am trying to move on from feeling victimized by him/ADHD and other related issues but am struggling with 1) developing a fair set of clear boundaries for our home and 2) since I have made choice to stay finding the energy to work on this relationship that is not meeting either one of our needs. He is likely as disatisfied as I am but will never take initiative to leave as has struggled with financial security until he met me so is on me to make the decisions, take the required steps to find the counselors etc. for another round of marriage therapy.
Been there; Done that...
Submitted by Resigned2B on
Thirty-three years and six kids later (two having severe ADHD symptoms) nothing works. I've tried it ALL. Everyday I pray Christ will return so this can all be over...
:{
Where to start?
Submitted by Rose9 on
After reading blogs like these, I realize all the behaviors my husband is exhibiting are pretty typical ADD ones. It’s a relief to understand what’s been going on with him and to take a little of the edge off of my anger and frustration,. Our son was diagnosed recently and I think our daughter likely will be, too. He has no idea and unless I discuss it directly with him, he won’t figure it out. What is a good way to start without him reacting with anger and defensiveness?
Where To Start...
Submitted by Resigned2B on
Greetings Rose9,
I would start with getting your son officially diagnosed. Then tell that specialist that you’ve noticed the same kinds of behaviors in your husband. Let the doctor handle it from there. That way you don’t have to be the ‘bad guy’.
He will need talk therapy AND meds. You will just need therapy so you know the best ways to help all of them. Make sure the therapist is NOT an ADHDer and has a detailed background in in ADHD. Interview them before you hire them. Ask them why they have an interest in ADHD. The last thing you need is and ADHD therapist to deal with, too.
I would NOT recommend having any more children. You have NO idea what is already on your plate! Trust me, I have five birth children.Three with my ADHD husband. All have it to some degree. They are adults now. I have PTSD just from raising them all. Still never found a way to deal with my husband. After 34 years he hurts me every single day. He had gone undiagnosed until 2014.
Best of Luck,
Resigned
The more I read, the less
Submitted by Resentful on
The more I read, the less hopeful I feel, it sounds like we, the non adhd spouses, are the ones that constantly have to adjust our lives to compensate for the hurt our ADHD spouses causes as a result of their "brain wiring". I wonder what is the point...I honestly don't feel strong enough to keep working on this as it would appear that in the majority of cases it is only the non ADHD spouse who continues to put forth the effort. It seems that it is only the non ADHD spouses who realize how much will be lost if the marriage ends, how much hurt it will cause not only each other but also the children who are in innocent in all of this. I am wondering how many individuals who participate on this website end up giving up and getting a divorce. With all this said, it is comforting in knowing, that despite my husbands best effort to blame me for everything, the mess of our marriage has little to do with me.
I have wondered the same
Submitted by Dansgirl on
I have wondered the same thing about how many people give up and get a divorce. I am now legally separated from my ADHD spouse because I could not do it anymore. I could not be the only one behaving rationally and as an adult. I could not continue to be blamed for everything and be degraded for no reason other than HE didn't know how to handle things like an adult (he's 60 years old), so he resorted to the classic "I'll put you down to make us more on the same level". We are trying to work it out, but it is slow going. He does not want to lose the security that I have brought to his life, and he does not know how to participate in our marriage in order to keep it intact. It's frustrating. I love him. We have some amazing times together and I would like to enjoy more of those times with him, so I keep trying. I think that once they understand that their brains are wired different and that they have to learn to be who they want to be, it becomes easier. I know in my case it did. He finally understood that his behavior was not acceptable to a non ADHD person like me. Once he truly grasped that concept, he was able to see that changes had to be made. And it's been baby steps with those changes, but baby steps are better than no steps. He still tries to blame me for everything that doesn't go his way, but I'm able to point that out to him and tell him to stop. He usually sees it and stops. When he doesn't, it just means we have more work to do. So for me, all of this is the point. I want my husband to be by my side till death. I want him to function as an adult. I want to be happy. I want him to be happy. And we have all of those things on a part time basis. I believe they will be permanent eventually. I have to believe that or else I would have given up completely. The Legal Separation has been good for both of us and I think it opened his eyes to the reality of the state of our marriage. He knows I have limits now. I wish you well, Resentful. Only you know what your limits are and when it's time to cross that line into separation or divorce.
Hi resentful....common themes...
Submitted by c ur self on
There are many common themes that get brought up a lot on this site, for the 4 years I've hung around it anyway....You and Dansgirl just posted about some of the more frequently posted one's....My spouse is fun...Yep mine too....My spouse doesn't do the work, I do...Yep.....And this is by far the most posted about.... (It sounds like we, the non adhd spouses, are the ones that constantly have to adjust our lives to compensate for the hurt our ADHD spouses causes as a result of their "brain wiring".)
Lets talk about this one....What are our options? What can we do, or say that will change them, and the way they think, feel and behave??....I've made all the mistakes already, all my efforts to change her, point out, talk, argue and fight, only took a disciplined, hard working individual down a road I never thought I would find myself on....And one it's taken a long time to get off of....So this post to you isn't suppose to sound harsh or hard at all...I've been asking the same question you are for 10 years...And I've had many screen friends on this site, who are, or were, here asking the same questions you and I are asking....In a way we are victims to add/adhd, just like our spouses are victims to our behaviors...If we live together that is the way it's going to be....
Everyone bases their way of thinking and living on something....Sadly most people seem to base it on their own mental processes (thus the dysfunctional behaviors)....The reality for me came when I just didn't like myself any more....And had to ask myself how I got here....And the answer...."You are here because your disdain for your wife's life style dominates your thoughts, and causes you to be an unstable person" was hard to swallow, but, since I've swallowed it...I've been able to work on me....And that's the only thing that has brought comfort to me, (that I can control) and it's helped my marriage....It also allowed me the liberty to leave her if I feel I must, with out regret...Knowing it's the best for us both.....I hate the thought of divorce, but, I hate the reality of what was happening in our home worse....I told her I refuse to get any older fighting with her....This time she realized I meant it....
So that would be my advice.....And I truly am all ears, if there is a better way....
C
That's exactly what I meant
Submitted by Dansgirl on
That's exactly what I meant by 'limits'. We all have our own parameters of what is acceptable, what is working, what is possible while still maintaining a life. And I truly believe that once they understand it we do have a boundary that we will not cross then they seem to be more willing to chip in and make some effort as well. It's just very difficult to get them to understand that our boundaries are real. To me it's a lot like raising children.... you have to teach them, you have to show them, and even when they become rebellious teenagers you still love them more than anything and you just try harder. We just have to find our own way of getting through and it's different for everyone. Best of luck to everyone ♡
That’s Exactly What I Meant...
Submitted by Resigned2B on
Janet,
My doctor told me it usually isn’t until the third or forth failed marriage before ADHDers realize they behavior issues have blown up their relationships. Once they are at the bottom of the barrel, much like an alcoholic, do they respond to change. I only wish I had listened to him in 2014 when he told me to leave him.
: /
That makes sense because mine
Submitted by Dansgirl on
That makes sense because mine's got three ex-wives. And he actually told me one time that he knows he is the reason he has never been able to stay in a relationship long-term.
Makes Sense...
Submitted by Resigned2B on
Janet,
Then your marriage might be the charm!
XOXO
Difficult choice
Submitted by patricia44 on
My H is ADHD, married over 21 years, he keeps threatening divorce when he doesn’t want to communicate about .... well anything. I have become recently extremely unhappy mostly with myself and I’m tired of being upset 24/7.
If you could share details of making yourself feel better? Dealing w the arguing /forgetting/unwillingness to do or complete tasks .... I became disabled 21 years ago, shortly after or wedding and other than being unable to continue my full time employment I was able & pushed myself to continue all other duties of our new home, life together , & asking for little help as possible. Diseases progress albiet mine slower than many! Past 2years I need more help, use power wheelchair when out of home, which is rarely because H has not taken me out ( except rare trip to Home Depot) in last 2years. He works 6 hours a day which should give us plenty of opportunity for early dinners, movies, sightseeing in the new city we live in, but as you probably Understand all too well, the things I want or need or ask for or not a priority. As many other wives of ADHD husbands have said, I feel ignored. I know I’ve only thought of or thought about when nothing else is around to do or think about when there’s no TV no computer or phone calls. I haven’t been hugged or kissed or felt any type of affection, either in public or private for many years. It’s to be much happier when I’m visiting my family, my grandkids out of state , And during that time he makes no attempt at doing anything in the house other than mandatory feeding the dogs, And seems very proud of that. I hate being the one in charge I hate asking, in truth I hate needing to ask. Not just for myself or the things that I need now, but asking for the obvious things like could you let the dog out the door that he standing in front of crying, or could you wants and 22 years remember my birthday and that I like to celebrate by going out to dinner and a movie but I don’t plan and pay for before hand myself?
So any details you can give me On how to deal with myself and make myself happier, easier to live with less angry at myself all the time would be greatly appreciated.
H and I signed up for one of the marriage seminars, however husband refused to discuss any of the questions or do any of the reading required and didn’t want to share anything so before the third session ended we left the seminar. Eight says he knows all that stuff and doesn’t have to have anybody tell him what he supposed to do. Three weeks ago he started going to a marriage counselor, H contacted his EAP and insurance to make sure the counselor was covered by each and we both agreed we like this person well enough to continue with him, and today just 24 hours before third appointment we were told that he did not take the insurance , And I’m not sure I can start over again with somebody else it’s not easy trying to explain, I guess what I’m trying to say is it’s not easy to explain why I have stuck around for 22 years when I feel pretty much like I’m the dirt under his feet. Part of my difficulty I know is that I used to be a very capable and healthy person physically as well as able to take care of all the finances and details of running home and now I cannot do that. I feel broken because I’m broken I’m no longer useful person to him. Really hurts perhaps a divorce is the best answer, it will certainly be a difficult one for me .
Patricia
Submitted by Resigned2B on
Dear Patricia,
Your story sound very difficult. You have added issues that most of us here don’t. If it is at all possible I would try to get a good therapist who knows a lot on ADHDers. You’ll never get your husband to go because he can’t face himself. The important thing is that you will get some much needed support for you!
XOXO
I hear a lot of put downs on
Submitted by Dansgirl on
I hear a lot of put downs on yourself. I think you need some counseling without him to work on your self esteem. If you don't recognize your value, there's no way anyone else will. Please get some individual counseling.... you are SO worth it ♡
Hi Patricia...
Submitted by c ur self on
How to make one's self feel better?.....I would say you are dealing w/ multiple issues...Issues that if you allow them, could make you (any of us) feel somewhat hopeless....I would suggest simply counting your blessings, and let your focus be on those...Thankfulness creates positive thoughts, which creates cheerfulness....Cheerful and thankful people have trouble not being happy:)....
About your husband's behavior....I suggest you stop taking his actions as intentional....Because the truth is...Even if they are, you are not responsible for one single act that comes from him....And you can always leave him....
There is something that is super difficult for people to understand, (get our mind around, and come to peace with it) when it comes to ADHD and most any thinking patterns of people....There is just no ability to think or do differently...Not on any kind of consistent basis, in my experience...NOT every thing you have listed is a symptom of a fast mind...
When a mind is limited in it's ability to focus, to manage multiple thought processes at once, they can seem very uncaring....Tunnel vision thinking, (hyper focus) can cause you to be ignored...:)
So if you and I place expectations for our spouses to remember things like we do....See the big picture like we can....We are just asking for problems for ourselves and for them also....We don't do this with any other impairment except phychological ones....
So that is how I make myself feel content, and at peace....I expect her to make me feel like I don't exist a times (hyper focus on the newest shiny thing) ...I expect her to forget my birthday, I expect her to ask me daily if I've seen this or that...I expect her to ask me call her phone mutiple time a week....I expect her to dislike anything that takes much effort and energy, (sex, house keeping, etc..) other than the things she feels is entertaining to herself...I expect the messiness and the rushing...I expect her to answer my questions when she is trying to get ready to go somewhere with this answer....I can't talk right now!....LOL....
Yep I expect it....:)....I don't like it...Ha Ha....But I expect it....
You are not him....Just be thankful that you are you!
I will pray for you!
C
The More I Read...
Submitted by Resigned2B on
Well said, Resentful!
XOXO
Thanks for everyone’s
Submitted by Resentful on
Thanks for everyone’s comments, I know I need to work on what I can control, my reaction to the situation but so much easier said than done.
I admire you cur ur self, I
Submitted by Resentful on
I admire you cur ur self, I have to terms with expecting the behaviour that you discussed, behaviour that that to some may seem very selfish intentional or not but it is so hard build a loving relationship with someone who operates this way.
Yes it is!
Submitted by c ur self on
(but it is so hard build a loving relationship with someone who operates this way.)
Yes it is, and many of us posting here looking for answers, really don't have one....But it's not because of a fast mind (adhd)...It's the same as my relationship w/ God...If I confess my sin instantly (my carnal thinking), and stand before him bared...Knowing I need his forgiveness and his light to walk in, (a renewed mind) so I can be delivered from my carnal thinking. (blame, denial, excusing myself etc..)
Only then can I experience spiritual peace....
But if I take on the prideful position..."Oh I can explain that away"...Then I remain in darkness.....That is the problem that haunts so many of our marriages....We blame each other, and vindicate ourselves, instead of owning our thinking, feelings and behaviors....
C
Yes It Is...
Submitted by Resigned2B on
I own it..and I’m done owning his, too!
34 years and I’m out...
XOXO
Yeah Right
Submitted by MsCrankyPants (not verified) on
These are great tips...if your ADHD spouse is reasonable. Oh yeah, don't nag him. Oh, write it down. I've DONE those things, and all that happens is he keeps on doing whatever, sucked into his video games and blaming me alternately for bringing up issues later or not being the one to bring up issues later. Or he's tired. Or he just doesn't want to deal with it. Or he's going to curse and throw a tantrum, or drive really recklessly because he's mad. EVEN IF I'm not yelling back, or cursing. Blah blah blah.
Yeah Right
Submitted by MsCrankyPants (not verified) on
Literally just finished reading the book, and am just furious. So, I'm supposed to just calibrate myself to him, whatever his whims, speak "gently" to him all the time, meanwhile he's totally unreasonable, childish, and constantly telling me how his behavior is the result of his ADHD and that's just "how it is." I can't get him to help much, unless I specifically assign a task, and then remind him five times, and then he still probably won't do it. And his comment is that it's unfair, but too bad because I'm better at planning and keeping up with stuff than he is. Oh, we never do anything romantic because he has ADHD and that's just a symptom, and so that's just how it is. I'm so sick of everything being on me, and being ignored, and shut out, while he plays video games all night long, and oh, that's just how it is because ADHD.
Why is it my responsibility to just be the one accommodating him? UGH.
Hi MsCrankyPants...LOL, love that name;)
Submitted by c ur self on
(Why is it my responsibility to just be the one accommodating him? UGH.)
It's not....It's your responsibility to be sure you are doing what is responsible and right...
When a person excuses themselves of their responsibilities, (as you say ur H is doing) all they are doing is creating a mirage for themselves and others to cover up for the things that they just do not want to do....Had you rather he just tell you "NO" to everything he doesn't see as self entertaining or adrenalin producing? Or, had you rather he take the time to give you his excuse? (My adhd just want allow me to be responsible in the area you are seeking me to)
Your disposition will improve greatly if you ACCEPT that he is going to live out the rest of his life with the same mindset he has today!...Unless, he has a heart change that causes him to not make excuses....AND LOL...the heart doesn't change because you and I are angry and spouting negative emotions at them about their reality....
I suggest you do what you have to do in order to live a peaceful life.....Think about it this a way....."A person can dodge their responsibilities in this life, but, they can't dodge the consequences of dodging their responsibilities"
Blessings
C
HMMM
Submitted by MsCrankyPants (not verified) on
Thanks for responding! I totally came on here to vent, as I don't have a support group for non-ADHD spouses. I will look into one in my area.
Has anyone here read the book? I've been reading it for the past few days. I have not yet shared the book with my ADHD husband. One thing that bothers me about the book, although it does seem helpful, is that the "verbal abuse" section is entirely posed as coming from the non-ADHD spouse. Okay, I am not saying I never get mad...but my husband throws insane tantrums when he gets angry. Even if we have agreed to have a discussion, he usually enters the talk already saying how long it is going to take and predicting outcomes. And what usually happens is that he starts cursing at me, like, a LOT, and saying a lot of cutting and insulting remarks. It's so awful. I know I have a lot of anger and resentment about all the responsibilities I carry as the non-ADHD spouse, but honestly, I am not the verbal abuser. I literally spent last night asking him repeatedly to stop cursing at me and to acknowledge his behavior. Which he finally did, after cursing me out for half an hour, but he apologized in the surly way he always does, because he doesn't really want to apologize. He also is constantly blaming me and saying that something I did "caused" it, or that he did it because "he was mad." It's awful and I have recently decided that I won't stay with him if he doesn't stop. I've told him about it for a long time, and while he apologizes, he never actually stops doing it. But the author of the book does not seem to think the ADHD partner will be verbally abusive. My husband really IS.
So I worry that when I share this book with him, he will say he is not a verbal abuser because "the book says it's the non-ADHD spouse who does that." This is totally something he would say, even if he knows that he insults me and curses at me every time he gets upset. I do not engage in that behavior. Not saying I am perfect, or that I "never" use bad language, but it is seldom, whereas he does it every time we fight and he's constantly saying the f-word, often telling me to "f-off" and "f-you" and "shut your mouth" or saying that what I'm telling him is "ridiculous bullshit." We have conflict constantly (fighting at least twice a week, or even going the whole week without speaking, sometimes three weeks in the month). I do NOT talk to him this way, and no matter how much I say that we need to discuss things with respect, he literally does not ever.
I don't know. Does this mean that his verbal abuse and tantrums are not related to his ADHD? He recently yelled at me in public and recently has driven the car recklessly/dangerously because he was having a tantrum, and it was terrifying for me. In both these instances, I told him he needed to apologize and he kept trying to make it about me "setting him off." I think this is utterly ridiculous--it is not my fault if he chooses to drive in a way that is dangerous and scream at me the whole time (I was completely silent and had my headphones in as soon as I realized he was having a tantrum while driving, and I just tried to be very still until he parked), as obviously he's choosing to behave that way, whether he's feeling angry or not, his actions are his responsibility. But I can't say that to him or he will just act worse. Most of the time, I just try to disengage because I can't stand it anymore.
Verbal Abuse
Submitted by vabeachgal on
Verbal abuse cuts both ways. Certainly, the ADHD behavior many people post here IS verbal abuse. There are several books about verbal abuse written by Patricia Evans. She is approachable. I actually spoke to her via phone years ago, after reading her book on verbally abusive relationships.
I get that the ADHD partner can't be figuratively beaten about the head all the time, but SO much of what is on this forum depicts verbal abuse FROM the ADHD partners. It's not all yelling and name calling. The verbal abuse I have endured had more to do with taking things off the table for discussion, discounting and the silent treatment - basically a failure or refusal to engage at all. It is still verbal abuse.
It's not your fault for "setting him ". He owns his own behavior and responses. In fact, telling you it's your fault is a significant hallmark of verbal abuse. It causes the recipient to walk on eggshells.
It's been awhile since I've read the books, but I know they did contain some good strategies.
Hi, Just wanted to reply to a couple of the things you said....
Submitted by c ur self on
Him being the aggressor, is normal for adhd when it's mixed w/ denial and blame...They will ALWAYS, turn to avoidance and negativity when you try to have a calm and serious talk....And since you and I know this, weather we admit it or not....deep down we are expecting it and it is easy for us to turn negative about their attitude quickly...
About the book, the book is no different than any other helps...It's written for people who CARE, and who can see themselves...If a person refuses to seek help or is in denial that they need it....The books and helps are useless for that individual...I didn't have to read but the first 40 or 50 pages to see all the patterns in my marriage....At that time 5 years ago, I was the angry one, and the co-dependent one....I spent 5 years trying to stop reacting to her life style and behaviors, I had to quit owning what wasn't mine, and trying to fix her at cost of both of our peace...Each of us have very similar circumstances w/ our marriages....And because we all different there are many differences....ADHD is not responsible for people's Sin....
Try to stay positive and work on you...Stop engaging him in hopeless dialog that you know will turn ugly....
I've got to run, grand babies fixing to be hear hunt Easter eggs..:)
agreed. It does seem a lot
Submitted by Carriedout on
agreed. It does seem a lot of "you adjust...i've got ADD"
Long, Long Struggle
Submitted by MnW2525 on
I have been married to 53 years to my ADHD spouse. I have gone through it all: sexual addiction, alcohol abuse, anger outburst, being embarrassed in public countless times and I am still here. Tonight I am feeling especially lonely and hopeless so I turned to this site. We had some family over today after a funeral and I sat through two hours of my husband talking over everyone and constantly interrupting. It seems I am never allowed to finish a sentence that I start. When I stop and remind him what he is doing, he basically tells me he is not going to stop. This is not one of the biggest challenges I have faced but it is totally frustrating and embarrassing to me. I have isolated myself over the years so I don't have to deal with the embarrassment of his actions. At the moment I wish I had a normal spouse. I am so very tired of living with a child most of the time. I feel I have given my life up to stay in this marriage. I know I love him but I am so very tired. Thank you for letting me share my feelings because I have no one to talk with except God.
Long, Long Struggle
Submitted by Kateri on
I've been married 46 yrs next month and boy can I relate to what you've said!! So much so, I think I've lost me! I'm so tired and over it but don't know where to turn. Husband refused to do anything to help with his ADHD. Says he know's trouble is all because of him starting things. Works well for about a week and then it starts again. I feel completely drained, like an empty shell with a head that just keeps having a brain that is a spinning blob of much. I want out but don't know what to do. I would so love for things to be 'normal' but know in my heart that is impossible.
End of rope too
Submitted by patricia44 on
This is my first or second time posting on this site. Thank you all for sharing I think the saying misery loves company fits well here as it's reassuring and comforting to know that I'm not the only one going through this. My ADHD husband moved out without any notice or discussing it, in November 2019 , after he obtained a large personal loan which she did not have the ability to pay back. Several months after he got that loan he advised me that he was using it to get his own apartment but never even looked for one, and in 2 1/2 once he was totally out of money, asking me to please pay for his hotels etc. He's a healthcare worker and when the pandemic came along my physician absolutely advised me that it would be too high-risk for me to have him return from working with patients into the house and bringing the disease to me and so like mini healthcare workers he continue to live separately throughout the pandemic in October 2020 he lost his full-time job and was on unemployment for a couple of months until he excepted part time work in very labor-intensive positions and because of his inability to follow the rules got fired from one of those after about three months. I must give him credit that partially due to the fact that he has no ability to handle money if there's $52 in his ATM account he will spend 55 never checks to see how much money he has available just spins what he wants; so I do give him credit for continuing to have his paychecks submitted to the joint bill pay account which is used only for paying the necessary bills. Other than that I have talk to a counselor many times we have been together to counselors over the past 24 years three different times three different counselors he refuses to give any information about himself says he's only there because of me and he only needs ADHD medication when he's around me although very interesting that he gets up and takes his pills immediately before he goes, Which I don't understand if he only needs them when he's at home with me, that said it gives you an idea of the reasoning that he has and that he uses and knowing and reading from all of you about the blame that you're given by your ADHD spouse and the abuse physical emotional is somehow comforting to know I'm not in the situation by myself.
, Which I don't understand if he only needs them when he's at home with me, that said it gives you an idea of the reasoning that he has and that he uses and knowing and reading from all of you about the blame that you're given by your ADHD spouse and the abuse physical emotional is somehow comforting to know I'm not in the situation by myself.
I do agree living separately Has certainly taken a lot of pressure off of me because I don't have to walk on egg shells wondering if he's going to be physical if he's going to start screaming or do his usual I'm going to bed now as he starts walking down the hallway and then makes a comment to make me very upset or start an argument he walks away he goes to bed he goes to sleep and when he wakes up the next morning that conversation never happened and then he gets very angry at me if I bring it up I have tried the delay in writing things down as his recommended in the nine tips however he doesn't want to see things like that that happened another time he says and we're not talking about it, so you can get a picture of what 25 years of not resolving any conflict has led to.
he was recently offered a full-time position again and is using that as an excuse to immediately move back in again no conversations nothing resolved I haven't talk to him in person or even on the phone except when he comes once every two or three weeks and does some of the yardwork, I would prefer to hire someone to do it but at this particular time because of my disability I cannot unlock the gates on our property so it's a bit easier if he comes and does it he does not come inside and makes all sorts of comments about it's his house. It's our house it's my home. It's very frustrating if I were 57 instead of 77 I would get a job do more social things see people butUnfortunately my physical limitations keep me from doing that at this point I can't even drive my car.
Unfortunately my physical limitations keep me from doing that at this point I can't even drive my car.
I think this forum is great, It certainly is good for me to be able to read that a lot of other people are going through the same issues and the same results, and it's kind of obvious that no matter how hard we try our spouse is not going to do anything different so we have to take care of us and them which is a very difficult thing to do. I love hearing back from any of you and I am enjoying reading your messages thanks for letting me comment
first let me just say that I
Submitted by DebbieM on
first let me just say that I totally relate to what you're going through - my husband has had untreated ADHD most of his life. Was never a big problem as he graduated from college and had a career, etc. he would just have attentiveness issues from time to time and some odd controlling behaviors that have gotten worse: he won't leave me alone if I call someone on my phone - almost like he stands there and listens to my conversation... Ever since the pandemic happened and we both lost our jobs at the same time it's been a nightmare living with him. I was recently diagnosed with a rare blood cancer and I'm trying to navigate my way through treatment/management of the disease. Because of this and my countless doctor appts. I have not yet landed another job, but I keep applying to many with no luck. We are both in our 50s. His newer symptoms are terrifying: slurred speech, meanness/emotional abuse, he even has such bad generalized anxiety (GAD) that it causes him to freeze up and just fall to the floor. He has been diagnosed with ADHD/panic/anxiety (severe)/ and depression.
I have given him an ultimatum with a time limit of 6 months: either he gets CBT AND goes on meds, or I leave. I can no longer take this.
Unfortunately, this past weekend he had an "episode" at a large party at my sister's and brother in law's house. His mood was deteriorating on the ride over there, and I mentioned that maybe he should take a nap once there/meditate. He didn't and later in the evening displayed bizarre behavior: babbling nonsense to people that knew him. They approached me and were worried. he only drank 2 beers all evening (I saw) as his Vyvnase lessens his demand for self-meidcating which is one good thing. But about an hour later he fell down, and that was when I drove us home. The med seems to help in morning until the afternoon - thats when he is exhausted mentally and the bad mood starts, quickly descending into this volatile, hateful ADHD madness. Not sure if he is coming down off of the med, but then it's supposed to be long-acting to help prevent this! Maybe he needs another "bump" of another stimulant in the afternoon too??? I don't know anymore and finding the right treatment has been exhausting.
Now I have no desire to go anywhere with him anymore. It's dangerous for him and very stressful for me. I don't know what to do as he is already on Lexapro for his other issues. I just feel that every single day it's about his moods and treatment and he couldn't give a damn about my health issues.
I am at the end of my rope after 20 years of marriage. He is like a stranger to me and we have not been intimate in almost 2 years (not that I would want to be intimate with him now anyway).
I can't leave until I get another job, but I truth be told, I have been looking at apartments in the area on line for now. I don't care if I have to live alone. I need peace in my life again. This stress is gridning me down to a nub and I feel like I have aged 10 years in 3.
Hoping the best for you Debbie
Submitted by sickandtired on
You are doing the right thing by focusing on your health. Time is critical when dealing with cancer. You deserve to live in a much less stressful environment. You need to be around friends and family who can fully support you during this health crisis, not someone who is only thinking of themselves.
I agree with sickandtired.
Submitted by 1Melody1 on
I agree with sickandtired. There comes a time when you have exhausted yourself enough for someone else's condition that they aren't adequately managing themselves. Putting yourself first, especially now, is nothing to feel guilty about. I can say that my stress dropped dramatically when I left. You don't even realize how much extra work you're doing, how much you're on edge waiting for the next outburst/event or how much your life is ruled by ADHD symptoms in general until you're not in it anymore.
Lost
Submitted by l on
I too for years have wanted my spouse to see or hear himself so he could finally see his every day all the time relentless effect on everything he touches. Yeah, good luck with that right? So here are my huge issues as I try to stick up for myself like I did as a child with my father, not very successfully either. I digress, my issues:
He will not give me the financial scoop of our affairs and gets pissed when I try to find out or help
He will not allow me to talk to anyone or have any friends because of his fear of looking bad, other peeps knowing his business etc. BUT I AM DYING HERE, how is that fair?
I have no space or privacy in the home but he has his shit everywhere that no one can touch and has rules on his personal privacy that he doesn't allow me
Our bedroom life stinks and has gotten worse over the years, and of course it's all my fault
He feels he has the wright to tell me how to live, breathe, etc, cause it's his opinion...all the time, the same stuff
I decided to get the book Is it you, me or Adult ADD, I got it on audio cd. He agreed that I could play it allowed while I cleanup my stuff in the master bedroom. I guess we will see how that goes but I'm just so tired of having my every feeling and value questioned or trampled on.
THIS
Submitted by AdeleS6845 on
THIS
He will not allow me to talk to anyone or have any friends because of his fear of looking bad, other peeps knowing his business etc. BUT I AM DYING HERE, how is that fair?
AND THIS....
He feels he has the wright to tell me how to live, breathe, etc, cause it's his opinion...all the time, the same stuff
The behavior that you described is abuse.
AND THIS
Submitted by l on
Thank you! Any advice?
The advice is difficult to hear.....
Submitted by c ur self on
When we allow ourselves to fall into the trap of being controlled, used, and abused, instead of being loved and appreciated, it's almost impossible to get out of the trap...Unless you are willing to DO what it takes....Words, and books will never get the other person's attention....Only when you decide that there is a better more peaceful life for yourself...Of course that takes depending on all your own life needs...That takes work without dependency...Dependency to a person who uses it against you (to control you, etc) does not know what love is......
There is a long list of reason's why someone shouldn't place their livelihood in the hands of another person....Any person who lives an unstable life style (temperament, financial, control) isn't someone any one can trust...I would start with boundaries, once you place boundaries on yourself, and your spouse, to limit conflict and unacceptable behaviors, you will find out quickly if he is someone you can trust to want/do the right things in life.....If he refuses the boundaries, you must stop talking, and just DO!
Blessings
c
I agree with c ur self.
Submitted by AdeleS6845 on
I agree that placing boundaries in any relationship is necessary.
Once you have placed those boundaries and have made it clear what is acceptable behavior you have to stick to them.
If after placing these boundaries your spouse is still controlling and abusive you have a decision to make. Is this what you want to deal with for the rest of your life?
After 10 years I decided that I couldn't take it anymore and that my spouse wasn't going to change. Divorce was my only option.
Owwww this is way worse I guess? :(
Submitted by bnslr on
Oke wow after reading this, i think there's more of a personality shit going on together with ADHD/ADD.
For example, I am a person with ADD and i'm together with my spouse for two years. I would never tell her not to go out with friends, i will never tell her not to touch finances.
I trust her when she goes out, I trust her with money, I trust her with our friends.
But... She's getting into a burn-out depression because I can not talk that easy. I shut down very easy.
I never learned to talk about my feelings actually.
So, wow.. I'm amazed by your statements here :(
After this weekend full of friends/drinks/others... again we had a fight because i'm going trough a very hard time at work too.
When it's weekend my focus or hyperfocus goes to amusing myself and have a good time.
The downside of all this is the hyper. I can not understand how my spouse is feeling, and I can not take care of her because I'm too busy having fun, even while she is also with our friends.
The other side of the coin - the spouse with ADHD
Submitted by Conflicted ADHD... on
I searched for "how to help a Non ADHD Spouse" facing burn out. I was reading many of the comments from the non ADHD spouses being at the end of their rope, extreme frustration and being completely overwhelmed. While completely understandable, and I do not know your spouse, however speaking from the spouse with ADHD, I (and I bet others ADHD spouses) am looking for the exact same desires you each are pointing out - understanding, hearing what I said, consideration for how things are processes in the ADHD mind, a way back to a connection, and mutual understanding ... unless your spouse is purely a jerk (which in that case I am very sorry for you) I am guessing they might want the same thing you do. I also would bet they want to really help you with you burnout as I do, because I care for my wife and I bet they do of you too.
I was hoping I would see comments on what I can do to help my wife with her burnout as my fear is the frustration has created such an "I am tapped out and can't take anymore" place for her that she can't let what could be a little thing go by without going down "argueville lane" as noted in someone else's comments. If your spouse was asking for help to help you ... what suggestions would you give him to truly help you?
From someone who is desperate and truly wants to know!!
Hello....conflicted...love the name...:)
Submitted by c ur self on
Love your post....It's says I care....
These are a few of my thoughts related to what could make life more manageable for us....Because of our huge differences in lived out priorties, desires, and commitment levels (forget the words, they are usually formed by who we wish we were) we must have ownership....Ownership Stops most all arguments...Ownership say's I care more about US, than my own Pride....Arguments are the product of self love, selfishness and defensiveness when our selfishness is questioned...If I am justifying an action or life style that is being brought into question, it's easy to feel attacked, even when the pointing by an emotional spouse is coming from an hurting heart...People turn to words and emotions for a lack of a better understanding of how to communicate our pain....It's really OK to quietly hear it....Don't join in, but, take note....
Ownership allows us to (puke up) exactly who we are, whether we like ourselves or not...(our self approval isn't going to repair our relationship)....It also identifies the product our spouse is being subjected to, even if it feels normal for us, or even if we are somewhat blind to what it's like for them...It's ok to for me to not like myself, feel I need to improve, change some habits, hobbies, (self-consuming practices, etc)....But, I only become someone who needs walked away from (becomes hopeless in truthful and calm communication attempts) when I attempt to deny (denial) what my spouse is experiencing and is witness to most everyday...
Things like hyper focus has to be calmly admitted, and owned....When a mind is in a long term hyper focus period our spouse isn't getting much if any attention, therefore it's easy for them to feel abondoned...It's a real thing for them....But, we call hyper focus on an up coming event, trip, or friend as our normal...Fine it's our normal, but, where does that leave our wives or husbands who can and do switch focus gears many time in day or hour? (based on need and responsibility)....So it really comes down to ownership, and putting ourselves in their shoes...(add or not)....When life gets overwhelming in the relationship....Stress, arguments etc...It's usually because of selfishness, personal blindness as it relates to my obligations and responsibilites with in the relationship....
Marriage for any two partners takes accountability, and responsibility to the two being one flesh union....When I am lost on my own entertainment, justifying my own pursuits, planning my own life...When life is about me being my number 1 priority, what that is saying is my concern is for me things, not us things (vow based relationship)...When justification of my perceived individual rights, out weighs my humility, empathy and for the product of my marriage, then I want communicate well....I will be on guard to Interrupt, vs listening w/ empathy....
My suggestion is start by working on Owning everything about your words and actions, without relating any of those words, behaviors etc...to your spouse....Never think, "I do this, because she does this"....That is the way to hell...Get to know the person she lives with everyday, not the person you see yourself as...
(At the end of the day marriage is about taking care of us...Not what YOU or SHE wants for us...But, just sharing in all aspects of life, the fun as well as the mundane....Peace to you friend....
c
The end of the rope feels too real
Submitted by bnslr on
Hey man, I got diagnosed with ADD beginning of 2024. While my journey and my relationship is still very "new" about two years, and met each other while I was in a burn-out from old work and a broken relationship. Well it really clicked, and the care and love I felt from her were enormously and that's how I also got out of my burn-out and i was strengthening up to be better.
Right now, i'm taking rilatin and it helps me a lot with focus and getting motivated at work. (new work) but I already feel burned out / chronically stressed because of the burden at work, a boss that is not really being a boss, work that doesnt have borders, it's a new job so I have to generally design it myself, while getting no support from my "boss" who is saying no when I have brilliant ideas.
Oke so far thats my short history about 2 years now.
I am a very loving partner, caring and helpful. I share my everything when it comes to money etc, but also that I had to learn the hard way.
After a period of doing reaaaaaally great with each other, things start to slip as I was getting more and more stress. I was seeking a lot of other impulses and I even had the tought that the grass would be greener at the other side. And after I really felt so so embarresed, I didn't even want to say why I wanted to seperate. My spous heart was completely broken when I said I want to leave and that my feelings were over. The problem with me is that I am having a very hard hard time talking about my feelings. When we were still together my spous was pushing me for answers about why or what is triggering me to push our relationship away. The problem is, i couldnt find answers for that myself.
My spous is going trought a rought time again now, and we "solved" my dismissive behavior, and I adressed it to a fight or flight, related to stress, me not knowing why, and my ADHD.
I'm still very bad at talking. :(
So, futher in the relationship I even forgot our first anniversary, forgot other things and my spous is starting to get very burned out by trying to be calm, not responsive too much and everything.
For myself I also need answers as for me it's also been hard. Lately in weekends I can be the life of the party, enjoying everyone, and leaving out my spous in this joy. It's this way of my problem with focus and hyperfocus on things that trigger me to get extra dopamine. Trust me, I go very far, with black or dark humour, saying the most crazy stuff in front of people, and this behaviour can go on for a full weekend when I'm constantly surrounded by our friends. Also alcohol and other things can come into the picture
I'm trying to get myself on all this. I'm now also doing a course on Chronic stress and burnout.
Someone just help because I can also not take the yelling and minimizing me anymore, that i'm a child, that I need to grow balls and what so ever.
She even tells that she will go f** (edited) around so I can just feel the same.
Well, i might deserve it, but this behaviour no-one deserves is my opinion.
HELP!
Hello bnsir...
Submitted by c ur self on
I feel for you, it' obvious by what you've written here, you see your self pretty well....No, no one deserves to be talked to like you said was happening....But, it sounds like it's coming from a person who is giving up hope...A person who feels unappreciated....In describing your weekend's your dark humor, alcohol, etc....What I am hearing is a man who is choosing to stand in the fire, while crying for help to be put out...Think about more self control, less being the life of the party, and more about being a calm loving spouse...Weekends and all...Following after dopamine isn't a way of life, that is conducive to a respectful long term relationship....Self imposed boundaries is a good place to start...The reason we don't like to communicate calmly is because of the shame we have to endure...Who wants to talk about the effects of our lives, when we can just care freely pursue it? As for as your job issues, I suggest you step back and realize you should never have negative emotions or suffer stress when told no by a boss...We have to give our focus to our jobs, and what we are paid to control...When we can't force our will, or our thinking on others, and allow it to effect us mentally and emotionally that is our problem, not the boss's or wives....We make life very hard and very unsatisfying when we make everything about us....And it's all self inflicted at that point....
Will pray for you bnsir
c
Thanks! Eyeopening
Submitted by bnslr on
Hey there C!
Thanks for the heartwarming comment. I "C" what you mean :-)
This is indeed what's happening and I started noticing this when I talked this week with my spouse. This balance really needs to be considered as it's a lot lot more healthy to go with. I'm in realisation that lately I went into depressive feelings, emotions and habits. I was sleeping a lot, had no energy left, and my moral was seriously down.
I'm trying and I'm learning! Thanks again!
Engagement and finances
Submitted by kathwashington on
Feeling hurt and defeated....My day started with receiving this text message from my ADHD spouse:
This article explains a lot about me. It's finally making sense.
ADHD brains are interest driven, not goal driven. It's always been really easy for me to ignore anything I find uninteresting or unimportant.
That's one reason I've never made much money. The things you have to do to make money, namely business, accounting, the hard sciences, I've never had any interest in. If making money were the goal, most people will buckle down and learn stuff they need to make it, even if they're not particularly interested in the subject matter.
If something doesn't interest me, it's TORTURE to have to learn it. I'd rather be poor.
https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-brain-chemistry-video/
I received this message like a punch to the gut. This was after he told me the previous day that if I want him to listen, I need to keep my "stories" short and succinct.
He's finally been working full time for the past five months, close to full time for the past 4 years with the option to work full time hours.
Prior to that, he was "Self employed" and the most he ever cleared was $10k. He spends impulsively on himself, but doesn't buy gifts for others, and it hasn't bothered him that I've been working two full time jobs for the past 10+ years.
I plan, save, budget, pay all our bills, and continue to talk on all our household debt...I never feel caught up and always reeling from his spending which he's always able to justify.
This comment about how he'd rather be poor really upset me...because this doesn't just impact him. It hurts me and it hurts our daughter.
I would love any support and guidance to navigate this with love, compassion and healthy boundaries.
Thank you.
Rather Be Poor
Submitted by Resigned2B on
This is to KathWashington,
Whoever wrote or said, "If something doesn't interest me, it's TORTURE to have to learn it. I'd rather be poor." translated means:
I'd rather be single since putting others people's needs ahead of my own is beyond me.
Best of Luck!
Hi Kathy....
Submitted by c ur self on
Love, compassion and healthy boundaries....I love this thought, and the attitude....But if your step back and read your post, it has to cause you to ask yourself...What is in the best interest for me? And for him? Love is never carrying another adult...Setting boundaries like no access to your money, and limiting yourself to only one job...Splitting all common bills, are all reasonable things in your situation....The lady posted that he only wants to be single....I agree....Put pressure on him with reasonable boundaries that force adult responsibility...He will grow up, or he will leave to pursue his world of frivolity...You can't change him, nor should you be subjected to his immature and disrespecful behaviors....
c