Do I Have ADHD?

I can’t focus

There’s so much going on in life already but you can’t seem to focus in on an area at a time. With a school, work, family, personal and future life to worry about- you don’t feel like there is any way to keep all your thoughts and intentions straight.

I have been hearing a lot of friends and clients wonder lately. Do I have ADHD? There are lots of theories about whether the prevalence of ADHD is higher now due to mental health awareness, or environmental factors like the invention of services that don’t make us have to wait for things like we used to. Immediate gratification all over the place.

Now I bet you’re still wondering if you have it or not. Now please don’t diagnose yourself by going off of a friggin’ internet blog post and instead get evaluated by a trained professional. But in the mean time, let’s talk about some common signs in adults:

  • Doesn’t pay close attention to details resulting in careless mistakes

  • Struggles following through with instructions

  • Has difficulty organizing

  • Loses things

  • Is easily distracted

  • Is forgetful in daily activities

Sound familiar? We get it- it can be so frustrating to adult with your unique brain. And did you know? About 6 out of 10 people diagnosed with ADHD also have another mental, behavioral or emotional disorder. Damn.

You’re not alone

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood and about 6 million diagnosis are given each year in the US. There is not a fix to it but there is so much hope between therapy, medication, or behavior treatment. We mostly hear about the children with ADHD but do not talk about those kids that grow into adults and may have not received any or adequate treatment for their ADHD and have lived with this for long enough to feel like it’s normal. There is a light in this tunnel and there is a place for you. We want you to know that your true, funky, quirky, fun self is NOT something we want to take away. Instead, can you find more balance and control of where you place your attention?

You aren’t a stereotype

Now, ADHD can look differently in people, there is inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity. It is NOT being rude, selfish or a workaholic but can be perceived as such if there isn’t communication of what is going on. The inattention can look like starting the dishes, but ending up taking out the trash that ends up washing the car, like a trail of intention but not enough attention to finish what was started. Impulsivity is the lack of thought to action such as over-spending or speaking what is thought without a fast enough consideration of “consequence” or perception, just an attempt to be in the moment and true. Hyperactivity is what all ADHD gets stereotyped with- the fidgets. This is when someone (any age) is constantly moving, doing, making or thinking in a way that disturbs their sleep and energy levels because there is a consistent urge to be busy.

Make ADHD work for you, not against you.

Let’s talk solutions and ways to improve the quality of life with ADHD. There’s so many options to find help depending on what your goal is. Meditation can help to slow the mind and thoughts down so that the physical body and nervous system has a better understanding of when to relax. Practices that get you in touch with your body can improve your awareness of where your physical body may be speaking to you in ways that you couldn’t recognize before. Are there ways to release the hyperactive urge that are healthy and balanced for you? Maybe find some resources for accountability to stay more on task when necessary?

Still wondering, “Do I have ADHD?” Book a call with one of us to see if we can help you through your journey in search for balance!