For as much as we discuss behavioral and learning disorders in children, often times adults that are dealing with the same issues are overlooked. The truth is that some things affect adults just as significantly as they do children. One such disorder is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. The unfortunate reality is that because it’s not as common in adults, it’s not just overlooked, it’s often not diagnosed or properly cared for.
Adult ADHD rarely comes on suddenly, but it can become much more noticeable and disruptive in adulthood. Symptoms can include difficulty focusing, impulsive behavior and hyperactivity. Common signs include low performance at work, trouble in keeping a stable relationships and low self-esteem. If you think you could be living with ADHD, it’s recommended that you see a mental health professional for proper evaluation. In the event you are diagnosed, here are five common ways adults can cope with ADHD:
Education – Reading about ADHD, gathering knowledge and understanding it, helps many adults in coping. It can assist you in deciding what steps to choose for the future. Education can also take away the shame some adults tend to feel for their disorder. Some people simply feel more confident because they understand what is going on in their minds, and this allows them to take the steps necessary to keep their symptoms in check.
Medication – In some cases of ADHD medication can keep the brain focused, thus control the symptoms of the disorder. However, it is not always a one-size-fits-all solution.
Therapy – Some individuals are uncomfortable with the idea of medication. Therapy is sometimes a good alternative. However, your mental health professional may choose a blend of medication and therapy. Each case is different.
Controlling – This includes things like planning ahead, getting organized, reducing distractions, etc. The idea of controlling is to prepare mentally and physically for situations that might cause disruption. It can be as simple as writing a to-do list the night before, or as complex as planning meals ahead for the entire month. Additional control measures may be things like using noise canceling headphones, doing meditations, doing cognitive exercises to refrain from fidgeting, setting timers to accomplish tasks, etc… Again, how you cope may be different from someone else.
Support Groups – There are various adult ADHD support groups, both national and international which bring together people from all walks of life to share tips and methods of coping with the disorder. To find support groups in the Tampa Bay area, check out this link from Psychology Today.
If you or someone you know could be living with ADHD, and you would like assistance, we do have individual therapy sessions available at Hammond Psychology & Associates, P.A. Click here to learn more.