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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by calamityjane on March 4, 2005, at 4:25:03
I am a 24 year old college student and take Adderall at the moment, but have been on Ritalin in my childhood and then 3 years after high school when I started college.
I love my daughter more than anything in the world, but sometimes I feel that taking the meds zones me into what I am doing to the point that I ignore her when she asks me for something or wants my attention. (mainly b/c I don't want to miss my "window" with the meds). It is so hard to manage my time to where I can get enough adequate study time AND give her the attention she deserves. Even when I take plenty of time with her, I still feel the guilt when its time for me to get to work. I hate this. Does anyone else have similar stories/experiences?
Posted by just so sad on March 6, 2005, at 17:38:25
In reply to guilt meds, posted by calamityjane on March 4, 2005, at 4:25:03
What, mothers feeling guilty over something? Nah, never heard of such a thing. Obviously I'm kidding big time. I think all mothers feel guilty at least some of the time - it's a female trait I think. But you have to subconsiously at least recognize that by medicating your illness and going to school, you are trying to make yourself a *better* person (emotionally, mentally, etc.) which can only make you a *better* mother. Think how guilty you'd feel if you came off your meds and were disfunctional? Or how unhappy you'd be if you quit school and worked at a job that didn't stimulate you. Anyway, too late to make this long story short, but as a woman and mother, I would like to recommend you hold your head high and be proud of your efforts, and of every little moment you share with your child. You are only one person and can only give as much as you can give. THAT is nothing to feel guilty about.
Posted by AuntieMel on March 9, 2005, at 9:23:05
In reply to guilt meds, posted by calamityjane on March 4, 2005, at 4:25:03
I had the same problem when I was in college. I wasn't on meds, but I was a fair bit over 25 and needed time to study.
But it seemed like my daughter wanted all my time, even with other people in the house.
Asking others to take her didn't work at all. It just made her want in with me even more.
I eventually got her a spiral notebook of her own, and some pencils and crayons and told her it was her 'homework' supplies. When I went in to study or do homework, she would bring her stuff in with me and "do her homework' too.
She usually hung out with me for about 30 minutes, got bored and went on to more amusing things.
Oh - I think she was about 3 or 4 when we started that.
Posted by calamityjane on March 9, 2005, at 19:12:29
In reply to Re: alternative to guilt? » calamityjane, posted by AuntieMel on March 9, 2005, at 9:23:05
Thanks! You guys put it into perspective. I try to tell myself that I am in school for US not just me. And that she will be able to be proud of me when she gets older and have a good role model who got an education.
But the guilt always eats at me...usually only while I am studying.
I guess I sometimes feel like the meds are a "recreation" because I enjoy the feeling I get from using them. At the same time, I like that it "feels good" to get work done!I will try the spiral thing...thats a good idea.
Posted by AuntieMel on March 10, 2005, at 12:12:18
In reply to Just so sad Auntie Mel, posted by calamityjane on March 9, 2005, at 19:12:29
Leave it to one of us {nut cases (grin)} to feel guilty for taking medication to make us functional.
We're a breed apart. If I were taking insulin to make myself feel better I wouldn't feel guilty at all.
This is the end of the thread.
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