Do you also have a hard time getting a task done? Do you find it difficult to organize your daily routine , work on time, and do you find it difficult to forget things, or do you find it difficult to focus on one thing, or do you find your mind racing? You may think that this is because you are lazy or irresponsible. But the real reason for this may be something you don't think about. That's what we're talking about today.
What exactly is ADHD?
In the past, doctors thought that ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) was a disease that only affected young children. But that's not the truth. This condition often lasts from childhood to adulthood. Simply put, ADHD is a condition that affects the way our brain manages our thoughts and actions. It's not a weakness in your character or a sign of laziness.
If you have been newly diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, you may experience things like this.
| Common symptoms of ADHD | How it affects your life |
|---|---|
| Difficulty maintaining attention | When you're doing important work, reading a book, or talking to someone, you can't keep your mind focused. Even the smallest thing can distract you. |
| Problems with time and work management | It's hard to keep up with daily routines, finish work on time, and organize things. Everything feels like a mess. |
| Frequent losing and forgetting things | I don't always remember where I put my keys, purse, phone, etc. I forget important things and appointments. |
| Restlessness and difficulty staying in one place | I can't stay in one place for long. I'm constantly shaking my legs, making noises with my fingers, and I want to walk back and forth. |
| Haste and lack of patience | Others jump in before they finish speaking. It's hard to stand in line and wait your turn. |
These symptoms can also cause problems in your family life, relationships with friends, and work. This can lead to long-term feelings like:
- Frustration: Thinking, "Why is this happening to me? Can't I do anything right?"
- Guilt: Feeling regretful about things you did or said.
- Shame : Feeling ashamed and inferior about yourself, about your shortcomings.
What will you feel after the diagnosis?
When a doctor tells you that you have ADHD, you may think a lot of things. You may be surprised. You may even want to deny it by saying, "I don't have it."
At the same time, some people feel a great sense of relief. When they realize, "Oh... that's why my life has been so difficult for so long. This is the cause of all these problems," they can feel a sense of freedom.
But sometimes you may feel sad and angry. You may wonder, "Why couldn't a doctor have discovered this when I was younger? How different my life would have been if they had?" That's normal.
The important thing is that a diagnosis is not the end, but a new beginning. Now that you know what the problem is, you have the opportunity to learn how to deal with it.
Doctors can't completely cure ADHD, but medication, therapy, and behavioral management practices can make living with these symptoms much easier.
How do you live well with this situation?
Let go of self-blame and shame.
When you have ADHD , you may feel ashamed of yourself because you can't handle everyday tasks and relationships as an adult. Maybe family, friends, and people at work think you're "lazy," "irresponsible," or "rude."
To overcome these feelings, you need to first understand and accept that ADHD is a brain disorder, not a personality disorder . The best way to do that is to learn more about the disorder and how it affects your life. Then you can identify areas you need to improve and find solutions to address them.
Get treatment and support
The best way to treat adult ADHD is to use a combination of both medication and therapy .
Therapy
A therapist/counselor can help you understand the illness and how it affects your life. They often use a method called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) . Simply put, it helps you identify and manage your thoughts and behaviors in the present, rather than dwelling on the past.
Not all mental health counselors who work with ADHD are trained in this area, so it's important to find someone who has received special training in ADHD.
Medication
Your doctor, often a psychiatrist, will prescribe medications that can affect your brain function and help control your ADHD symptoms. Stimulants are often the first medications to be tried. It can take some time to find the right medication, dose, and time to take it. So it's important to stay in touch with your doctor and follow his or her instructions exactly.
Stimulant medications don't work for everyone. If they don't help enough, your doctor may prescribe other non-stimulant medications. If you have conditions like depression or anxiety, they may also prescribe medications for those.
ADHD Coaching and Support Groups
If you need help working more organized and productively, you can seek the help of an ADHD Coach. They will identify your goals and provide you with the mental strength and strategies you need to achieve them.
Also, it can be a great help if you can find support groups where people with ADHD like you can come together. Talking to people who understand your challenges can help you feel like you're not alone.
Take-Home Message
- ADHD is not a weakness of character or laziness. It is a brain disorder.
- It's normal to have mixed emotions like sadness, anger, and relief when you find out you have ADHD.
- Learn about this situation well. That is the first step on this journey.
- Stop blaming yourself. You don't have to be responsible for this.
- Seek treatment from a qualified doctor and therapist. Both medication and therapy are very important.
- You are not alone. There are many people in this situation just like you. Don't be afraid to seek support.
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