People trying to talk into ADHD medication

[vergil96]

There is a certain problem. A lot of people get diagnosed with ADHD nowadays and take medicines to treat it. I was diagnosed with ADHD around the age of 18, very long ago and I was advised against medication and for lifestyle interventions and I agree with the reasoning behind it. The issue is, when I say this or that I have some kind of problem with ADHD and want to acommodate myself and can't come up with a way how, it seems like there is a crowd that jumps at me and tries to talk me into medications, because they work for them. When I try to elaborate, they argue that this or that side effect is unlikely or that it's all not true. I'd rather stay off medications in general, I get all the rare side effects under the sun. I don't have an issue with them handling their health however they see fit, but I'm me and they're themselves, we're different people and I don't want to do the same. For some reason, these people appear very pushy to me, I think it's a result of being denied medication before or people telling them it's not needed. They feel nervous or insecure, I think, like they have to prove something. Or simply project too much. Or it's the hyperactive aspect of their ADHD. What do I respond to them? They won't take "no, I'm glad it works for you, but I don't want to do that" for an answer, neither will they take explanations for an answer. If I explain, they deny the side effects, say they're not real and invalidate my experience that I get all the weird side effects under the sun, arguing that maybe I haven't found the right one. The last argument sounds like looking for "a pill" at all cost, and against reason and experience. Ugh. I'm so frustrated. What should I say to people like that?

 

[Raggamuffin]

Are these online conversations with people advocating medication? Either way, their tone isn't what you need. You don't need to say anything to people like that.

I had terrible side effects of the medication, and that was only from short term use - and I stopped taking them. Long term, stimulants are very bad for the heart.

Ed

 

[vergil96]

Are these online conversations with people advocating medication?

Both IRL and online

 

[Neonatal RRT]

To each their own. If that's your experience, then probably best to simply steer clear of the topic.

Regardless of the topic, a person must be open to suggestion before they will change their minds. All the facts and new information will not change people's minds on anything unless they are open to it.

 

[vergil96]

If that's your experience, then probably best to simply steer clear of the topic.

I was looking for lifestyle advice from fellow ADHDers, tbh.

 

[Rodafina]

I was looking for lifestyle advice from fellow ADHDers, tbh.

If that's the case, maybe steer the conversation toward what they do in addition to the meds.

Something like, "Yeah, it sounds like the meds have really helped you - what other things have you done to manage your ADHD?" Maybe this acknowledgement that taking meds is helpful to them (though not your choice) could get them to drop the fight to convince you.

 

[Xinyta]

There is a certain problem. A lot of people get diagnosed with ADHD nowadays and take medicines to treat it. I was diagnosed with ADHD around the age of 18, very long ago and I was advised against medication and for lifestyle interventions and I agree with the reasoning behind it. The issue is, when I say this or that I have some kind of problem with ADHD and want to acommodate myself and can't come up with a way how, it seems like there is a crowd that jumps at me and tries to talk me into medications, because they work for them. When I try to elaborate, they argue that this or that side effect is unlikely or that it's all not true. I'd rather stay off medications in general, I get all the rare side effects under the sun. I don't have an issue with them handling their health however they see fit, but I'm me and they're themselves, we're different people and I don't want to do the same. For some reason, these people appear very pushy to me, I think it's a result of being denied medication before or people telling them it's not needed. They feel nervous or insecure, I think, like they have to prove something. Or simply project too much. Or it's the hyperactive aspect of their ADHD. What do I respond to them? They won't take "no, I'm glad it works for you, but I don't want to do that" for an answer, neither will they take explanations for an answer. If I explain, they deny the side effects, say they're not real and invalidate my experience that I get all the weird side effects under the sun, arguing that maybe I haven't found the right one. The last argument sounds like looking for "a pill" at all cost, and against reason and experience. Ugh. I'm so frustrated. What should I say to people like that?

Firstly. I applude your want for free will from the idea of being medicated. This is the general consensus of doctored society now. You have this problem or that problem? MEDICATION!

Secondly. You are not incorrect in the assumption that those who swear by the medication, that are attacking you for choosing to not take it. Are definitely insecure, for value of not wanting to see that doctors can be wrong AND that medications can have the capability to be harmful through thier side effects/overall effects. Rare or not.

What alot of people refuse to consider, is that our bodies are unique from eachother in how we process things that enter our body. No two people will be the exact same, in regards to how the medication affects them. Sure a small group that generally isn't badly affected, will appear. But that doesn't apply to the whole of humanity.

The second thing is that most people do not consider medications can be overall harmful in alot of ways. Especailly when made as a quick fix for something that is still being studied to be understood. Or for more underhanded reasons. But that is another topic in of itself.

But overall. The answer to why people would be willing to be defensive, like this, is merely ignorance and a disinterest in what it is they are actually taking.

 

[Outdated]

What should I say to people like that?

There's always some people that you can't really say anything to, they'll just want an argument about it. Easier to just let them think you agree with them and move on.