My therapist said i don't need medication
One year ago, I started seeing a therapist because I was incredibly stressed about my job. I was fresh out of college and in a state of total paralysis because I genuinely didn't know what to do. I had so many ideas, multiple interests, and enough talent to pursue them, but somehow not enough drive or focus to finish anything. I was everywhere and nowhere at the same time. I knew a little bit of everything and could learn anything related to my field, but when it came to writing a resume, it felt like I had nothing to show for it. The stress got so bad that I started having panic attacks in the middle of the night.
With my very first salary, I started therapy. At first, we worked on my self-esteem and stress management. After a few months, things got better, but other factors began to surface. For example, I became acutely aware of how stressful social interactions always were for me to the point that I hated going anywhere new. I rarely left my house. Eventually, after running some tests, my therapist diagnosed me with ADHD.
I was shocked. I always believed people with ADHD just had trouble focusing, especially when studying. But during high school and college, I was always among the top students, and people constantly complimented me on being a quick learner. My therapist explained that because I’m a quick learner, I could easily coast through the basics in college. However, when it came to doing a deep dive into subjects, I couldn't focus for long. She also explained that my social anxiety actually stems from ADHD, driven by a combination of a lack of interest in casual socializing and intense perfectionism.
She decided not to refer me to a psychiatrist right away because she thinks my symptoms can be managed without medication. She did mention that I could pay a visit to a psychiatrist if I want to and get a prescription, but in her opinion, I'm managing fine.
But here are my questions for the community:
Wouldn't taking ADHD medication still increase the quality of my life? My therapist says I am managing, but honestly, I don't feel like I'm managing well at all. I don't want to doubt her expertise, but if medication could make my daily life genuinely easier, why shouldn't I see a psychiatrist to try it?
Does ADHD really affect your social life this much and make it so stressful?