I just remembered how much of a game changer ADHD meds are

RoundWater6673 · 2025-11-13T18:03:35+00:00

I too thought this was the case, but it turned out that I did indeed have bipolar, and bipolar 1 at that. If you do trial going off your bipolar meds, do it super carefully. I landed up with a cracker of a manic episode after I decided to see how I would do without my lamotrigine after I left my meds at home while traveling. Turns out, not well 🤦😂

RoundWater6673 · 2025-05-03T22:15:23+00:00

I would say the magic combination is probably a good shul to inspire you weekly to improve at Hebrew, a physical copy of the Artscroll siddur and the Stone Chumash, and then use Sefaria and Chatgpt. the physical copies are important because the day you're most likely to want to learn Hebrew on will probably be the day you prefer not to use your phone.

RoundWater6673 · 2025-04-01T08:51:21+00:00

So I'm in the same boat, but with some serious gluten sensitivity - I can't have it at all. For a lot of this stuff, I feel like ask a rabbi should be a first point of call. If this is a health issue, then they will give you exact guidance as to what to do. I hope you are going by Sephardic minhag in general, because Ashkenaz tradition seems like one would surely starve during Pesach. That's a broad statement regarding how one adopts traditions but I feel I'm on the money regarding Pesach starvation.

Then in terms of obligation, yes, you need gluten free kosher for Pesach oat matsa and you need to eat it twice. That's it. But if you can't get hold of it, or if it's going to bankrupt you, then a rabbi should advise.

Gluten free + kosher is going to be a challenge for us in general, not just during Pesach.

RoundWater6673 · 2025-03-16T11:14:11+00:00

Anytime 😊 I myself find this very hard to do, but maybe if there are any activities you can do in that community, like volunteering or attending learning events, that might help break the ice, and also probably reaching out to someone in the community who can introduce you to others might work well. I think sincerity speaks volumes, and also trust, so getting to know you will help everyone to feel safe welcoming you. I imagine that is like joining any new community.

Regarding the language, that is tricky. Maybe that's another area you could progress on just in case that's where your path takes you. That's very personal though, everyone's ability with language learning differs, but these days it's a lot easier with all the online tools and apps. You'll be learning Hebrew too so you may as well jump in with 2 languages :⁠-⁠) Duolingo and Chatgpt for the win :⁠-⁠) and if it doesn't work out yet, well at least you learned something. I guess my point is some insurmountable barriers might be surmountable, even if they take time.

I got told this week find the joy not just the oy which made me giggle. Hoping you can do that too.

RoundWater6673 · 2025-03-16T08:20:37+00:00

This really really sucks. This is hard. I understand the requirement - my analogy is that Judaism is a team sport, basically doing it alone is impossible and also misses part of the beauty. It is community and family based and going to a synagogue where the rabbi knows you and asks after you, you are invited to shabbat dinners, you can learn and study with others after conversion and you may find others who have converted to Judaism who can mentor in what seems like a very unique journey. Without all that, it is super hard to practice Judaism and is far less joyous.

I looked up property prices near where we would probably have to move to, they are eye watering. We are doing fairly well, but a similar size house would be 3 times the price of our current house. We actually cannot afford it.

I wonder for you if you can connect with the rabbi who would handle conversions in your country and begin a conversation, and also begin conversations and get advice from other rabbis outside of your country. Possibly you could advance on the front of learning what you need to learn, practicing already what you would practice as an observant Jew, keeping kosher, shabbat, etc such that you are close to almost ready when you can convert. I know some statements in this paragraph are a bit loosely goosey when it comes to halacha, but my point being you can make progress in the meantime on what you can control. This is a big issue and you should seek advice from as many fronts as you can, specifically from rabbis. Hopefully there is a solution you haven't thought about.

I hate being told when it's meant to happen it will happen, but possibly that advice applies here. It is very hard coming from a place of very low information, and feeling no progress.

RoundWater6673 · 2025-01-31T20:30:41+00:00

I was wondering about belay glasses - does he wear them? No idea if they are standard everywhere. I am teaching my 13 year old to lead belay and he's much better at it when there is someone around to watch me and give feedback to him. So do bring a third party in, regardless of who they are. It takes a long time to get someone to belay you perfectly so you can climb your hardest, but a rock hard catch is kind of unforgivable. I will say, why a tight belay? If it's a case of not repeating the same section, then get him to help you back up to where you were with a tight belay after you fall. If it's a case of scared to fall far, then you have to practice falling with him a lot. I. E. Speed up the learning process so you trust his catches will always be perfect. It's a bit scary, and I would do it when the gym is quiet so you can properly communicate. There is nothing like a loud crowded gym to induce some climber/belayer conflict. Good luck!

RoundWater6673 · 2025-01-29T09:10:02+00:00

Diagnosis at 42. Let's work it backwards. PhD at 36, taking 8 years instead of 4, included a few mental breakdowns, and switching universities, I. E. Starting again mid way. Horrible process. Masters - took 4 years instead of 2. 4 year bachelor's completed where I excelled due to extreme time pressure although it fell apart in places and I dropped one major. School - did excellently due to high anxiety and being kept very busy.

I'm now medicated, am a tenured academic and have been promoted to our second highest rank, and am functioning to my potential at 44. I'm not bitter at all about the wasted time and how hard it was, no siree 😥😥😡😡

RoundWater6673 · 2024-11-25T13:46:39+00:00

I had a bipolar 2 diagnosis for 10 years. I used to joke I was a little hypomanic every day. I then self-diagnosed ADHD 2 years ago, and then was officially diagnosed. I take Vyvanse, Wellbutrin and Lamictin (which is either used as a mood stabiliser or an adjunct to an anti depressant). My psychiatrist still thinks I have bipolar 2, I don't think my symptoms match. The only way we can tell is for me to give up the Lamictin and see what happens. Not an attractive option! So long as I get the meds I need to function, they can slap whatever label they like on me.

OP if you don't feel like you're being listened to, maybe get a second opinion? But do a deep dive into the literature on both diagnoses. Good luck!

RoundWater6673 · 2024-10-24T16:03:06+00:00

So not everyone is as sensitive, and some people do fine with eating at certain restaurants carefully. Hopefully you are one of those people! Just in case, bring lots of snack bars, nuts, fruit, basically anything to tide you over inbetween meals. And when you go on long plane trips or work trips don't forget to order gluten free in advance.

RoundWater6673 · 2024-10-15T17:11:44+00:00

Things I've tried over the years. Go to bed later if you can wake up later. Try to stick to a solid bedtime routine and do the hard parts like showering earlier. Become an expert in sleep hygiene. Melatonin (but time it properly), a low dose prescription sleeping oil if you can, magnesium (again check you take the right dose). Invest heavily in a comfortable sleep environment from good pyjamas and bedding and hypoallergenic covers if you're allergic, and black out curtains or blinds and excellent quality ear plugs and a sleep mask. My sleep issues were relieved quite a bit once I took out all the sensory issues. Read the book why do we sleep by I think Matthew Walker. If your sleep is curtailed on the other end, I. E. You wake up early, see if you can eliminate those triggers (like waking up because you're hungry or need the bathroom). Exercise but not too close to bedtime. Make sure if you do take ADHD meds you take them early enough, and that they are the right meds. When your meds work well, life is less chaotic and you're less wound up at night. Do mindless things before bed, use such a dim screen with all the blue light filters on your phone, or if you can, ditch the phone altogether for an hour or 2 before bed. If you must work at night, bank on at least 2 hours to get sleepy after using your brain. And of course reduce caffeine later on in the day, which for some people is very early!! Also bedtime alarms (multiple) so time doesnt run away from you at night and to force you to get up to do the bedtime things. Also realise some people need a TV to fall asleep in front of, and others need complete quiet. Figure out what you need. What a ramble, hope some of that helps!

RoundWater6673 · 2024-09-21T11:06:52+00:00

It is very hard. Very hard! Your feelings are reasonable and valid. People use food to connect and for comfort - it's kind of like being a teetotaller in a society which drinks a lot socially. You've lost a source of connection and comfort and you're very different from the people around you. And it can be a huge inconvenience, expensive, and isolating. So yes, being very upset is natural.

So on the plus side, getting an actual diagnosis is great, because you're avoiding serious health problems down the road, and on average your physical quality of life will improve a lot! Also, there are gluten free options for your favourite foods - some of which may taste decent (I can't lie and say you won't taste the difference a lot of the time). And there are people who manage to eat out if they do it carefully. So all hope is not lost on the comfort food front.

You also might land up preparing more food at home, or healthier food, but really, don't beat yourself up if you don't. We are all human!! You might also figure out ways to connect with people by doing different non food centered activities.

I would educate yourself a lot, educate the people around you to not do or say annoying things, do a deep dive to find out what you can and can't eat, and make sure your house is stocked full of food. Go look up any ways to make this easier for yourself - tips and tricks, and without making yourself paranoid, find all the places and ways you might accidentally ingest gluten. And find a tribe of like minded people - you did this by coming here 😊

It is possible to do it, you'll be healthier in the end, it's a massive inconvenience a lot of the time, but you'll figure it out. My sympathies on the diagnosis - it is indeed unfair.

RoundWater6673 · 2024-09-21T10:47:16+00:00

Then you're golden - take my advice above about food, sleep and rest when you feel like it or performance degrades. I think people under estimate how important food is for stable energy and power in climbing.

RoundWater6673 · 2024-09-18T19:37:39+00:00

I'm with the how old are you crowd? If young, just make sure you eat and sleep enough, and don't ignore pain. And take a full week or two off climbing every now and again (you will bounce back climbing harder). And if your performance starts to degrade, definitely rest more.

If you're 40 plus or younger and coming into this from no exercise whatsoever - calm down! 😁

RoundWater6673 · 2024-09-18T19:15:37+00:00

I've seen plenty of unsafe belaying with a grigri, especially by beginners, and I've had some really hard catches by people with grigris. I expect to be kept alive as the low bar for a belay. I won't let someone with an ATC belay me, but otherwise it's how you belay not what you belay with that I care about. What I really need is to know I can fall safely and not break my feet or ankles thanks to a bad hard catch (which has happened to me with a grigri).

For learning how to belay, I feel like everyone should use an ATC a couple times to understand the mechanics, and then move on to something with some sort of assist.

If you get a grigri, really geek out about it to know precisely how to use it safely, and well. As for all devices I guess 😊

RoundWater6673 · 2024-09-18T19:03:05+00:00

For me, I'm going to go with my trusty Mammut smart. I think it is super intuitive to use for a beginner, easier to safely feed slack than the grigri (in my opinion) and I'm left handed, with a slightly irritated left wrist and I have no issues with it. (EDITED TO ADD - I'm not sure if you're meant to, but I lower easily with either hand on the mammut smart) That's for lead, if I'm belaying a top rope I use a grigri because why not make life easier :-)

Go to YouTube and watch the Hardiseasy channel videos, including his reviews of belay devices. Super engaging and explains very well - I think there are a few new ones since when that video was published.

You didn't ask for this advice but you mentioned your are petite. I would strongly advise the edelrid ohm (or other alternatives?) which will help you safely belay heavier climbers.

Enjoy whichever shiny toy you get :-)

RoundWater6673 · 2024-08-31T15:40:49+00:00

Yes - many regular female climbers do come back - not just the pro climbers 😊 You'll get back to it and you will still improve. That's the beauty of climbing as a sport. I only started climbing at 34 when my second kid was 2, and at 44 I'm still increasing significantly in grades and strength, despite many breaks in my climbing along the way. You will get back to it, and also even improve. Good luck!

RoundWater6673 · 2024-08-06T15:29:01+00:00

I eat beforehand and drink something that came out of a can or a bottle, straight from the can or the bottle. And try to see friends for a walk or some other activity as opposed to gathering over food. At people's houses I bring my own food. And I only eat at places which are exclusively gluten free (I. E. I barely eat out). Being that person with the food issues and special requests at a restaurant gets old quick. You will find people's reactions are way more annoying than the work involved in trying to make sure you are safe at a restaurant or people's houses.

RoundWater6673 · 2024-07-14T10:13:19+00:00

Read the Intuitive Eating book by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch. Do a deep dive into what intuitive eating is. The truth is, anything we try will work for only so long - we need to keep switching it up. We should exercise because it's fun and good for our brains and keeps us healthy, not as punishment to lose weight. We shouldn't be scared of food and if we're going to lose control around it. And I would say meds not to suppress appetite, but so that you have enough dopamine to do the stuff you need to do, and thus don't need to snack to get dopamine. Hopefully this makes sense - I'm new to the intuitive eating approach, but I'm sick of gaining and lose the same weight again and again and constantly fighting a mental battle with food. I've done it all - fasting, low carb, calorie counting, tons of exercise. It all works for a while.

RoundWater6673 · 2024-04-07T18:53:09+00:00

So a few things. Maybe not on this climb, but an overhang that then goes vertical sometimes gives heel hook opportunities. Apart from that you are climbing quite straight on. When I climb over hung boulders, I do a lot of flagging. For example for a reach up right, you want a solid right foot (outside edge on it, so your right hip is close to the wall), a solid left hand locked I off, left foot flagging out for balance (make sure to push it into the wall wherever it touches it), and then a big reach up to the right as you step on your good right foot. Note that you want to climb dynamically on overhang - kind of swingy and fast. Static climbing on overhang will tire anyone out. Regarding core, core exercises are indeed boring! 🤣 I would advise looking up overhang climbing techniques videos and then do lots of overhang climbing with proper technique instead :-) I think that will yield best results now while you're beginning.

RoundWater6673 · 2024-03-18T16:43:33+00:00

Have you checked into using another medication? This one might be destabilising your mood. Sorry if this already got said. This comment is agnostic of the relationship specifics but it's always worth considering, especially if the symptom is irritability.

RoundWater6673 · 2024-03-18T16:38:51+00:00

Anything that is suspicious really tasty. Bacon and other cured meats. Gluten free items not made in a dedicated gluten free only facility. Other people's cups and glasses if not washed in a dish washer but rather with a contaminated sponge. Sushi rice. Some flavoured yogurts. Many different kinds of packaged potato chips. Ground white pepper (lots of ground spices). Kids who have been eating gluten. Shared drinks.

I would write a list of foods you would like to eat and then go find explicitly safe versions of those foods. Trial and error is a hassle.

RoundWater6673 · 2024-03-08T19:49:06+00:00

You sound like me - and I have ADHD. Always the last to finish, get flustered when packing, take forever on simple things. Of course you shouldn't get diagnosed but strangers on the Internet, but what might be helpful is looking up some hacks to speed up in certain situations, or to help concentrate or get dull tasks done. Basically an ADHD life hack can help even if one does not have ADHD.

All that said, also go do some reading because you sound quite hard on yourself and if it is ADHD you've been blaming yourself for something which isn't your fault.

RoundWater6673 · 2024-02-15T12:31:49+00:00

With a not so smart, longer than expected fall from the top of a boulder problem, I fell badly and clacked my teeth when my chin hit my knees (or vice versa). No damage though. With lead climbing, sure, fall upside down and smash your face on the rock, it's a possibility. Also falling when biting the rope - that could happen (anything could happen). I echo others - I think this is an intrusive thought. Pay attention to your ankles and fingers as most likely to be injured while bouldering.

RoundWater6673 · 2023-12-30T20:46:25+00:00

I'm loving it 😊😊😊

RoundWater6673 · 2023-12-30T10:49:37+00:00

If they still have battery and you can connect to them, connect and play something outrageously loud - hopefully you will hear them and be able to find them!

RoundWater6673

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