self help

[caralinenelson]

Hi I'm a college student and I think I might have add. My brother has been diagnosed with adhd but I don't want to resort to medication so I'm looking for self help advice. Any suggestions?

[choo_choo]

There are a lot of things you can do:
1. Exercise regularly (i.e. run, swim, etc)
2. Keep good sleep habits (i.e. during the week go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning)
3. See a coach
4. Keep well organized
    a. Use a day planner that is broken into 15-30 min increments throughout the day
    b. Use a todo list...on your phone or a physical one
    c. Pick a major that you find very interesting
    d. Find a study partner to keep yourself accountable

That's what I can think of off hand.  During my undergrad studies, I didn't take medication, and it was a challenge to get my degree.  Aside from seeing a coach, I did everything on my list and it helped me a lot.  During my grad studies, I took medication and saw a coach.

Good luck!

[Sandman2]

   Hi, I think I have information that will be helpful to you.
     Ya, it seems like its always the hyper guy that gets noticed, and the intelligent girl is very easy to overlook.
     The first thing is to try and figure out if you might have ADD.  And I say this because it can effect you in ways other then just study problems - things like self esteem, etc.   So check out this link - http://www.help4adhd.org/about/what/WWK8
   The second link is full of study ideas, etc. and has a ton of other useful ideas.  Actually most of these would be helpful even if you don't have ADD.  So definitely check out many of the suggested places on this site.  The site is
   http://www.additudemag.com/adhd-guide/college.html
   I hope this helps.  Please feel free to post if you have any more specific questions or need some resources for your brother.  Best wishes and a happy new year!