I was diagnosed in 2019; late in life, mid 30s. One of the biggest issues I've been struggling with lately are these huge cyclical mood swings that can last weeks. I'll be up and active, optimistic, and productive for a week or so, and feel like there's nothing I can't do. I'm excited about everything and often make a lot of overly-aggressive plans. Then the wave of depression comes, and I'll spend a week in bed, crying, and then a week or two basically just disassociating and actively avoiding any responsibilities. The down is always longer than the up, and I feel like I'm slowly losing ground to the depression. I'm not sure if I've always had these issues or if they've just gotten worse lately. My ability to look into the past, especially in regards to my own emotional state, is limited.
My doc says that "cyclothymia" or mood cycles are not uncommon with ADHD, though they are not technically related I guess. That said, I don't see too many people talking about it. Anyone else dealing with this sort of thing?
"stimulant medications can mask depression symptoms until you fall off a cliff"
i very much doubt that. that would mean substance abuse, since you take stims to better your mood. that doesnt work, since you have to up your dose every week.