Melissa Orlov's Blog, page 89

Create a Marriage Breakthrough

If you’re at this site, chances are that you are looking for all the help you can get to improve your ADHD-affected relationship.  A great resource for this is my upcoming couples seminar which STARTS JANUARY 4th – only a few short weeks away!  If you are like those who took the course this fall, in seven calls you are likely to see surprising improvements in your relationship.  At a minimum, you’ll have a far deeper understanding of the issues that you face and some of your options for dealing with them.

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Getting Past Denial and Defensiveness

I'm giving a phone seminar tomorrow evening, December 1 at 9pm eastern time on the topic of getting past denial and defensiveness.  For those of you who are frustrated because the big D&Ds are getting in the way of working together, this should be a good resource.  Go to this for information - the seminars are for members, but it's easy to join.

ADHD at the Holidays - Seek and Celebrate the Gifts You Already Have

There are lots of extra challenges in many households this time of year – but there is opportunity for growth and love, too.  Here’s my idea to make this year’s holiday season happier and easier – seek and celebrate the gifts you already have.

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Five Ideas for Better Money Management When You Have ADHD

People with ADD have a higher rate of debt, more impulsive spending, and more arguments with their partner/spouse over money issues.  However, there is hope (and help available).   

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Exercise Helps Manage ADHD, Depression, Addiction and More!

John Ratey, author of Spark!, has just posted a wonderful new website that explains the science behind why it's so good for people with ADHD (and also people without) to exercise.  He explains in detailed but understandable language how exercise's impact on the brain helps with ADHD, stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, age-related memory loss and more.  Go to his site to understand WHY exercise works and HOW it works for you.  It's pretty cool stuff, and might just inspire you to create not only the right exercise program for your specific needs, but one that you can stick with!  Let me give you just a couple of examples:

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Tested Treatments for ADHD

I’ve recently had the pleasure to “meet” (long distance) Kathrine Ellison, the Pulitzer Prize winning journalist who is the author of a new book on ADHD.  It’s called “Buzz” (her son’s nickname) and tracks a year in her life with her ADHD son as the two of them learn to get along better.  She also has ADHD, so apparently the result is a book that is funny, heartwarming, and full of information about how you can help a teen with ADHD.  I’m very much looking forward to reading her insights and will share my impressions of the book when I’m done (Ned Hallowell loved it).  Anyway, she brought to my attention a sheet put out by the American Academy of Pediatrics about what treatments have been shown to work for treating various mental health issues in children, including ADHD.

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Orlov and Hallowell Now Blogging for Psychology Today, Too

Dr. Ned Hallowell and I have both been asked by the editors of Psychology Today to join their ranks of bloggers.  Today I created my first post there, titled "ADHD Isn't Just for Kids - Adults Feel Big Impact in Marriage."  It's an overview to introduce readers to the basics of why one should be paying attention to adult ADHD.  For those of you who have "curious minds," take a peek at the wide variety of offerings at the Psychology Today site home page - some very interesting ideas explored there.

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NHPR Radio Interview - How ADHD Affects Marriage

I was interviewed last week on public radio about ADHD and its impact on marriage.  You can listen to the interview at this link.  It's about 12 minutes long - click on the "listen" button to the right of the picture.  Enjoy!

Calling Those in Providence and Southern NH

If you live in or near Providence, RI or Exeter, NH I would love to see you at one of two talks I'm giving (plenty of time for questions, too!)  At 7pm tonight, Wednesday, October 13th I'm speaking for CH/ADD at that Bradley Hospital.  Address is 1011 Veterans Memorial Parkway, East Providence, RI.  Tomorrow evening, Thursday, October 14th I'm talking at Water Street Books on Water Street in Exeter, NH.  The start time for that is also 7pm.  Hope to see you there and get a chance to chat!

ADHD and Marriage: What It's Like to Own an ADHD Brain

You are not alike, and one of the big differences between you is what it feels like to live with your brain.  You may be surprised at just how different your head feels than your partners, once you start to discuss it (go ahead – it’s a fun conversation!)  So, in the words of those who know first hand, what IS it like to see the world “through” an ADHD brain?

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