About two years ago I was prescribed Ritalin to help counter my incredible inability to concentrate. Maybe its genetic, maybe its from 4 years of having Donald Trump as a president- regardless it made an instant difference. I credit my acceptance to RISD as one of the outcomes of finally having my brain in check.
Then I moved to Providence. I set up an appt with CAPS before school even started so I could find a provider to make sure my medication would not be interrupted. There are laws that prevent providers from outside states to prescribe medication, but were temporarily waived bc of COVID. They gave me a few names and some resources to find someone but the providers I contacted either didn’t take my insurance, or were not taking new patients. Then school started. I was able to attain a 3 month supply from my former psychiatrist back in MI in November. I would look again during Xmas break to find a provider. I had no luck. Fast forward to the middle of February and my supply was running short. I called around to a few more places when I could remember to do it. That’s the not so fun part about ADHD. My mind is an utterly scattered mess- all the time. Think of a teenager’s bedroom. That’s my brain. So remembering to call people while in school just went out the window. Spring break came and I had to move, it didn’t happen then. So by this point I’m 3 months into not having medication that helps me function like a regular human being, execute regular tasks, and maintain a schedule to get things done.
Last week when I should’ve been writing in my journal, organizing and producing things for studio, my ISP or my Design and Politics class, I spent 10 hours calling every doctor in town. I took suggestions from doctors to call other doctors who also weren’t taking new patients. I called hospitals, private practices, and even CAPS for more recommendations. Ten hours over two days to find a doctor who was accepting new patients. Finally, success! I passed her information to an incoming student for fall 2022.
So, all that said (thanks for still being here) my production levels have been subprime from this vantage point. I apologize for the inconsistencies that have presented themselves in my work and writings over the last few weeks. I’m high-functioning, but sometimes tumbling down the rabbit hole is unavoidable, and I just end up spinning circles in my mind thoughtlessly, endlessly, waywardly. I appreciate your patience with my struggles. Who knew it was so difficult to actually get a doctor around here?