Can't sleep

I can't sleep, which is ironic because I need sleep so badly. I went to bed early (9:30) because I was exhausted and felt like I might feel a cold coming on. Norah woke me up at 11 something with a night terror. After that, I laid in bed for about an hour and a half or so and could not fall back asleep - so frustrating! So now I am downstairs, eating leftover Vegan Korma and creamed dried corn (both are so delicious) from our Thanksgiving celebration with Dad and my side of the family today.

I think I'm worried about a few things and that's why I can't sleep. I know it doesn't do any good to worry and is actually detrimental to my health so maybe if I write it down I will be able to stop worrying and go to sleep.

1. I'm worried about Oliver. We have a big decision to make. Last week, his doctor at The Melmed Center prescribed Riatlin. Our initial reaction is definitely no. His doctor said she recommends this one because it is a stimulant and she said stimulants have been around longer than non-stimulants so doctors know more about them. She said she would give a stimulant to her child over a non-stimulant for this reason. She said Oliver wouldn't have to build up to it so we would know right away if it works and if not, we can take him off of it immediately. From my research, here is what I've gathered about meds for ADHD so far.

Pros

• "Methylphenidate (Ritalin) works in the treatment of ADHD by increasing attention and decreasing restlessness in children and adults who are overactive, cannot concentrate for very long, or are easily distracted and impulsive. This medicine is used as part of a total treatment program that also includes social, educational, and psychological treatment." [https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/methylphenidate-oral-route/description/drg-20068297] 
• I read numerous testimonials in the Facebook support group I am a part of about meds (in general, not specifically Ritalin) helping kids with ADHD. Many parents testified their kids were like different children (in a good way) after starting. They went from Bs and Cs to As, they had more friends, they had more confidence, they could focus, etc. 
• I have heard several times that research shows kids who aren't medicated when they are young are at higher risk for self-medicating when they are older (drugs, alcohol, etc). I think this is what happened with my sister, Lindsey. (She has ADD and was not medicated as a child.)

Cons

• The side effects. These are the common ones: 
• trouble sleeping

• loss of appetite
• dry mouth
• anxiety
• increased heart rate
• irritability
• headache
• dizziness

Among the more serious side effects are psychosis, heart rhythm problems, addiction, Rynaud's Syndrome and slowed growth. 

• Some parents in the FB support group said it changed their children for the worse. 
• Permanent changes in the brain. (Mayo clinic)

We don't even have an official diagnosis but Oliver's doctor said it's a "working diagnosis" and she believes he does have ADHD. His teacher eval this year indicated it other than one area (focus, I think) being one point below the cut off.

Written for our day

I was just reading in the Book of Mormon and read this verse, which hit me like a ton of bricks:

"And it came to pass that I was overcome because of my afflictions, for I considered that mine afflictions were great above all, because of the destruction of my people, for I had beheld their fall. And it came to pass that after I had received strength I spake unto my brethern, desiring to know of them the cause of their disputations." 1 Nephi 15:5-6

Prior to reading from the Book of Mormon today, I prayed for guidance, that the Spirit would speak to my heart and that I would know whom I could help. This verse definitely is guidance for me and I feel that it is from the Spirit speaking to my heart and me being open to receive it. 

These verses are such a great parenting teaching tool. When things are hard and overwhelming and my boys are disputing with each other, I should speak to them about their disputes after I receive strength. For me, that means after I pray. Saying a quick prayer and taking some deep breaths before I respond can be a big game changer to help me respond calmly and lovingly, to be patient and understanding, rather than frustrated and upset. 

I testify that the scriptures really are written for our day. They are so applicable to our lives. As I read from them, I am lifted up and strengthened. As I start my day with reading even just a chapter, my day goes smoother and an eternal perspective is close in my mind. The Spirit is with me.