Add-Ults: "Add" Is Not Just For Kids
By award-winning author and stress-relief expert Susie Mantell
Periodically, I share tips here to help you cope with a wide variety of stressors, including worry, tension, depression, anxiety, workplace stress, global events. In honor of "Stress Awareness Month," let's look at a few interesting, if less common, stressors and soothers and extend a hand to those walking roads less-traveled...
ADD-ults: "ADD" IS NOT JUST FOR KIDS
Q: Dear Susie, As a child in New Zealand I was diagnosed with ADD. Insomnia drives me crazy. I use no stimulants, but cannot seem to sleep. Could the ADD be to blame?
A: Glossary of Terms:
ADD= Attention Deficit Disorder
(Difficulty staying focused, though some can focus intensely at times.)
ADHD=Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
(As above, with overflow of motor activity.)
Yes, though stress can interfere with sleep too. ADD at night is two problems: The anxiety of tossing and turning, and sleep-deprivation itself. Symptoms may diminish with age, or persist. Less- discussed than pediatric ADD...but all those little kids eventually grow up!
1) You might want to review some well-documented associations between specific foods, hyperactivity and relaxation.
2) Exercise regularly, pleasurably, but not near bedtime.
3) Try relaxation through breathwork, mindfulness meditation, imagery, etc.
4) Some ADD web resources to visit.
As always, check recommendations with healthcare professionals.
http://www.addhelpline.org Comprehensive site
http://www.addresources.org
ADD Support for Adults and Children
http://www.add.org Nat'l. Attn. Deficit Disorder Ass'n.
http://www.chadd.org Children & Adults with ADD
http://www.baltimorepsych.com/NewADD_Meds.htm Adults with AD/HD
http://www.cnn.com/2002/HEALTH/parenting/03/13/adhd.study/index.html
Mayo Clinic Article on ADHD
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/attentiondeficitdisorderwithhyperactivity.htm
l Nat'l.Institutes of Health (note: URL goes to 2nd line)
http://www.relaxintuit.com/tips.asp Many general sleep tips
Find compassionate counselors and MDs with specific expertise in helping adults with ADD to cope, compensate and diminish symptoms. Best wishes!
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Award-winning stress-relief expert Susie Mantell ...is the author of the deeply soothing relaxation CD, "Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace,” clinically approved for symptoms associated with stress and sleeplessness, depression and grief, anxiety, P.T.S.D., Fibromyalgia, caregiver stress, cancer, pain, divorce and addiction recovery. Featured in The Los Angeles Times, NBC, ABC, CBS-TV, Town & Country, The American Pain Society, Hazelden and The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, listeners include The Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The Betty Ford Center, V.A. Hospitals,and Canyon Ranch (#1 Spa.) Customizing stress-reduction for Fortune 500 companies, distinguished hospitals and spas, Mantell has facilitated thousands in relieving health-related, work-related, chronic or traumatic stress. Her multi-sensory, mind-body techniques appear in national media, medical and corporate publications. Susie Mantell's Stress-Relief & Wellness Tips are intended as an adjunct to, not a substitute for, professional health care. Order “Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace” and find more of Mantell’s stress-relief tips at www.relaxintuit.com