WHAT DOES ADHD LOOK LIKE IN REAL LIFE?

 WHAT DOES ADHD LOOK LIKE IN REAL LIFE?

It is never too late to understand our brains. If you wonder why your thoughts are racing or foggy... why you may feel you are struggling to stay on task... why managing emotions is so hard... why you feel exhausted trying to stay organized? THEN it is never too late to understand our brains. 

No need to worry because if we experience some of these symptoms, our brains are not broken; we are not lazy, irresponsible, too sensitive, or incapable. We simply need a better understanding of how our brain works and what tools will support it.

ADHD is connected to regulating our moods, sleep, motivation, as well as our energy. Anxiety, depression, OCD, burnout, and ADHD can often be confused. Criticism may feel overwhelming for those with ADHD.

We just need to be aware of all of the tools available to us that can help. The first step is getting the correct diagnosis. Many times, a therapist, psychiatrist, or another doctor can give the wrong diagnosis. 

Once a diagnosis has been given, it is critical to get the tools that are available to you or to the one that you love. It is important to know the ways that ADHD can present itself. For example, perfectionism, overworking, and people-pleasing can be signs of ADHD. There are hormonal changes that can intensify with ADHD.

When ADHD is involved, emotional regulation can present bigger ups and downs, so the emotional flow can be all over the place. It is not just the jitters or not being able to sit still, or a child being disruptive in class. ADHD can cause a person to be disruptive within themselves.

It is imperative to get a proper diagnosis. Females can be inattentive by daydreaming and having difficulty getting organized, along with forgetfulness. They may get by in their younger years, but when hormones become involved, the demands can be harder to disguise. Common undiagnosed ADHD may contribute to anxiety and depression. ADHD can be linked to eating disorders such as binge eating, as well as not eating enough.

The biggest misconception is that it must always be treated with medication. Therapy and other tools can work too. To find a therapist or doctor for a proper diagnosis, start tracking your symptoms, such as task completion, sleep, moods, etc. Take notes in a journal. Then it is important to look at reviews of therapists and psychiatrists that specialize in ADHD. When you find one, be sure to discuss all of the options, not just medication. That may or may not be the one for you. Read books and other resources so you can ask the questions you need answers to. 

ADHD does not look the same in every person. One size does not fit all.