So I Married an ADDer

Tech Support Support

Last week, I was plagued with technical difficulties. First, I lost my Internet connection. Then there was a problem with my email. Then a part of my computer overheated. Then I had to debug something that may as well have been written in Swahili.

I'm not the type of person whose feathers are easily ruffled. But computer problems send me over the edge. I hate not knowing how to fix something, especially when it comes to technology. To make matters worse, phone support for most products is no longer free.

I figure if I get overwhelmed so easily by computer problems, people with ADD must really have it rough. If your partner tends to be overwhelmed by everyday life, you are probably the better person to deal with tech support.

With that in mind, there are a few things I try to remember in times of technology-induced stress that you may find helpful:

1. Don't panic.
Ask yourself, "What is the worst that could happen?" Worst case scenario, you will have to spend some money for live tech support. As long as you're backing up important files on a regular basis (we use ibackup.com), you don't have to worry about losing all your data.

2. Don't blame yourself.
No one expects you to have the same level of knowledge as an IT professional (unless, of course, you are one). I tend to berate myself for being bad with technology. But that doesn't help the problem, and it gets in the way of finding a solution.

3. Get help.
If you're dealing with a program or a piece of hardware that offers only pay-for-play customer support, you may have to suck it up and pay. If you want to pursue other options first, you can search online for user forums for that particular product, or go to your local bookstore and pick up a "for Dummies" book on the subject.

What kinds of things do you do to manage stress over technology problems? Share your ideas in the comments!

 

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Learning to Love the Winter Blues

January is the coldest month of the year here in New York State. And even if it does seem to be getting warmer every year, the cold weather still has a subduing effect on many people. Also, there are only 9 hours of daylight (as opposed to 15 hours in June and July), making people feel tired and sluggish.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a legitimate problem for many people. Individuals affected by SAD have severe difficulty motivating themselves to do ordinary things in the winter months. People with SAD should speak to a doctor about effective treatments (and there are many).

The rest of us have a simple case of the winter blues. Most people who live in cold climates slow down in the winter. They sleep more, eat more, socialize less, and take on fewer projects and commitments. It's completely normal! Just like a hibernating bear.

The problem is a lot of people beat themselves up for not being more productive in winter, especially adults with ADD, who have a tendency to beat themselves up to begin with. If your partner has been down on themselves for feeling unmotivated or lazy, here is my advice.

Encourage them to enjoy hibernation! There is no shame in the pursuit of coziness! Here are a few ideas of winter activities you can do together:

• Do a jigsaw puzzle
• Crochet a blanket
• Make a scrapbook
• Cook a warm, hearty meal
• Catch up on movies you want to rent
• Play a board game
• Bake cookies

If your partner rolls their eyes at your suggestions (which mine did), ask them to come up with some of their own ideas. Winter is not the time to be cleaning the garage or having dinner with a different friend every weekend. There will be plenty of time (and energy) for that come spring.

What activities do you like to do in the winter months? Leave your suggestions in the comments!

 

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