u/Healthy_Commercial81

I'm a 37(M), and I've been diagnosed with ADHD for years and currently take Vyvanse, but lately I've been wondering if what I'm experiencing is more than just ADHD.

When I think of depression, I think of someone feeling sad, hopeless, crying a lot, or not enjoying life. That's not really me. I'm not particularly sad about anything, and I don't feel emotionally depressed in the traditional sense.

I do have a little bit diagnosed PTSD from my occupation, and get random anxiety but its not terrible. What I do struggle with is extreme task paralysis. I have almost no motivation to start things, even things I want to do. I haven't been able to put clean clothes away ever, always living in laundry baskets. I let my dishes pile up which I'm ashamed about in my sink, and have no motivation to go to the gym, even though I really want to be healthier, and these are just a few examples. These are basic tasks a 37 year old man should be able to accomplish. I spend a lot of time thinking about tasks instead of actually doing them. I feel mentally stuck, low-energy, and exhausted by the idea of getting started. It's affecting work, home projects, and daily life.

For years I assumed this was all ADHD, but now I'm wondering if some type of depression could be mixed in. Is it possible to be depressed without feeling particularly sad?

I'm currently on 30mg of Vyvanse, but honestly it isn't helping nearly as much as when i first tried it a few years ago. I got off it then back on it. Focus is maybe a little better, but motivation, task initiation, and that stuck feeling are still major issues.

Because of that, I've been reading about Wellbutrin and how some people combine it with Vyvanse. I'm curious if anyone here has experienced something similar. Did you find out it was ADHD, depression, both, or something else entirely? And if you've tried Wellbutrin alongside Vyvanse, did it help with motivation and task initiation?

Just looking for other people's experiences before I talk to my doctor.

I'm newer to Reddit, and normally don’t post much, but I know a lot of people in Corrections might want a change of scenery that actually pay enough to live comfortably, have benefits, and want an easier time in this field.

I’ve worked for Alaska DOC for 14 years now, and while corrections definitely isn’t for everybody, it’s honestly given me a life I probably wouldn’t have had otherwise. Alaska DOC inmates are FAR easier to manage then the lower 48. Just the seclusion of some areas makes it different. My current prison is 300 + and its been extremely low stress but i guess it depends where you work. Corrections can be stressful, frustrating, and exhausting at times, and I’m not going to pretend otherwise. You deal with difficult people, staffing shortages, mandatory overtime, and situations most people never see. Some days absolutely test your patience and mental strength.

But at the same time, it’s one of the few jobs where you can come in with no degree, work hard, and realistically build a solid middle to high-class life in Alaska. The overtime opportunities are there if you want them, the benefits are good, retirement is above average (possible pension incoming) and there’s a real sense of teamwork when you have a good crew around you. A lot of people don’t realize how much corrections teaches you about communication, confidence, staying calm under pressure, and handling conflict.

Some of the actual benefits people ask about:

• State medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement/pension system
• Paid leave and sick leave accrual
• Overtime opportunities/ recent Double Time pay/ NO Cola
• Shift differentials and geographic pay in some locations
• Job stability and strong union protection
• Opportunities to promote or move into specialized positions
• Ability to make a strong income without a college degree (I made 184k)

I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that the job is just “babysitting inmates.” It’s really not. A huge part of the job is professionalism, problem solving, communication, and keeping situations under control before they become dangerous. Some people end up loving the structure and purpose that comes with it. Lots of ex military really excel with this job.

I’m not trying to sell people a fantasy or anything. There are hard days. There are days you’ll be tired of the politics, tired of the overtime, and tired of dealing with people at their worst. But there are also people making a genuinely good living, supporting families, buying homes, traveling, and setting themselves up financially because of this career. My week on and off schedule is great with tons of traveling and vacations involved not many jobs could offer. The available overtime seriously helps your goals. I make more than some friends with bachelors degrees since they are straight salary.

If you’re someone who loves the outdoors/ hunting/fishing, and can handle stress, stay professional, and wants a career with stability and opportunity, it might honestly be worth looking into. I've already gotten 2 Arizona CO's and 1 North Carolina CO to come over and they cant believe the difference in pay and stress. Just trying to help out others if i can. If anyone has questions about the job itself, feel free to ask. I’ll give you the real answers, not bullshit.

https://joinakdoc.com/