What You See Isn’t What You Get: A Family Journey through ADHD
by Rochelle Griffin
What we see on the outside isn’t always what’s happening on the inside…whether individually or in a family unit. It’s important to recognize when we need help and to reach out…to realize that the path we are going down just isn’t working. It’s even more important when it’s involving our children…those diagnosed with ADHD and any other host of “labels.”
From the outside looking in, my life looks good. We are financially secure, we homeschool, we have a thriving business, we have the freedom to do what we want within limits.
From the inside looking out, life however is a bit different.
We have an extremely bright eleven-year-old boy who we love as deeply as any other parent loves their child. He’s also a child who suffers from ADHD and a generalized anxiety disorder that has resulted in panic attacks over the years. So when in public, we are always a bit on edge…ie What’s he going to do? How’s he going to behave? On top of this, our kid is brilliant. Truly. I’m not saying this because I’m his mom. It’s documented in black & white. Try reasoning with a little adult…it’s challenging.
While we fought to stay off of medications as long as possible, the panic attacks forced us take action. We couldn’t allow him to suffer. As a result, our son is on 3 different meds. Yes his panic attacks have stopped, but the ADHD med has also suppressed his appetite, resulting in him falling off of the growth chart. It breaks my heart.
When we had to return from a Vegas trip last month within 12 hours of arriving at the hotel because our child wasn’t coping at camp and was acting out, we knew it was time to take a different approach.
It was time to stop just treating the symptoms with medication and get to the root cause.
This meant being vulnerable and reaching out for help in ways that we haven’t before. This meant putting any personal and momma guilt aside.
We’ve employed the help of Sagi Kalev, known as The Beast to many, but not to us. He’s much more than a face behind a brand. He’s helping us get to the bottom of WHY our son’s body is reacting as it is vs. simply popping a pill to stop symptoms from happening.
For now we are starting with specific foods as we test some body processes and reactions.
Welcome to our journey. While I have no clue how it will end up, I’m hopeful that we will have our answers soon…finally after years. Once we have our answers that I feel in my gut we are so close to, it’s our desire to then help other families in similar circumstances.
I’m telling you our story because I know that there are thousands…millions…of other parents who are dealing with the same thing. If this is you, watch our story closely. I’ll be sharing what we discover along the way. I know that the answers are out there for all of us. God bless!
To Living Your Best Life,
Rochelle Griffin, RN BSN FDN-P
Rochelle Griffin, The Wellness Detective™, is a Registered Nurse (with over 22 years experience) & a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition™ Practitioner who has transitioned her love for fitness, health, & freedom into a 7-figure International company that now helps others live Their Best Life.
She founded Your Best Life, Inc with her husband Keith after stepping onto the edge of physical ruin with her health & the health of their young son. Having experienced a complete turn-around, they now desire to give hope & support to those who are dissatisfied with their current situation.
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AWESOME!!!! I would love to hear the results of your findings. I have two boys who also have ADHD. They both take medicine but would love to hear how the food plays a role.
I will be writing much more about it in the near future, Cindy! Lots of things happening right now…good things! 🙂