ADHD in Adults
I’m having trouble focusing. Maybe I’m just stressed? Or do I have ADHD? How am I even supposed to know?
There’s truth in saying that a majority of people in modern society struggle with focusing. With society placing so much value on productivity, it's like we have this expectation to be able to multitask. To be able to focus on lots of things at the same time without an issue. So one thing leads to another and there is just too much to take in. Yet inability to focus seems like a natural reaction to too much stimuli coming in. But ADHD? It’s more than just that.
An official ADHD diagnosis can only come from a licensed and trained professional so please don’t take this blog as gospel. Consider getting an official evaluation if these symptoms sound familiar to you.
Here are the symptoms of ADHD in adults:
carelessness and lack of attention to detail
continually starting new tasks before finishing old ones
poor organisational skills
inability to focus or prioritise
continually losing or misplacing things
forgetfulness
restlessness and edginess
difficulty keeping quiet, and speaking out of turn
blurting out responses and often interrupting others
mood swings, irritability and a quick temper
inability to deal with stress
extreme impatience
taking risks in activities, often with little or no regard for personal safety or the safety of others – for example, driving dangerously
The clinical term of ADHD includes “disorder” but I like to think of it as a superpower.
There is value in moving quickly, and being capable of pushing yourself to excel and exceed in everything that you do. You are human, so of course you don’t do it perfectly. But you strive to. Behind closed doors you are applying yourself much more than the average person. You are caring, considerate and passionate about living life to the fullest- wanting to utilize every minute of the day.
Take the time to appreciate the ability you have to strive forward through it all. Consider listing out the ways that ADHD is trying to help you. Maybe there is a few things you missed today but you got to 15 others! So look in the mirror and tell yourself what a BADASS you are. Those balls you dropped? No biggie. I’m sure your ADHD will help you pick up those balls tomorrow if they are still important to you.
NHS. (n.d.). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. NHS choices. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
