Understanding ADHD and How Your Brain Works

Do you have, or think you may have, ADHD? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is being diagnosed more often, particularly among adults. You may have lived with it unknowingly for years.

Medication, often the first-line treatment, helps with focus and impulsivity. However, you may still struggle with organisational skills, time management, time blindness, prioritising, self-esteem, social skills and regulating your emotions. Understanding ADHD and how your brain works is just as important as learning strategies that can really help you.

If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, you may be wondering what it’s really all about. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is still widely misunderstood.

In a Nutshell

What Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

ADHD is a neuro-developmental disorder that affects children and adults characterised by symptoms such as inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. .

Monkey Mind

‘Monkey Mind’ describes ADHD: a brain that’s always on the go, leaping from one idea to the next, leaving a trail of unfinished tasks and forgotten appointments behind.

What Most People Think It Is

The things which (almost) everyone thinks those with ADHD spend their day struggling with: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. This is only partially true.

More Accurately ADHD Is Often

Struggling with overwhelming, intense emotions, hyper-focus, executive dysfunction, Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RAD), poor sleep, planners and laundry.

So What Is It Really?

ADHD is about executive function problems, impulsivity, hyperactivity, too many ideas, too much information to focus, sensory challenges, memory challenges, busy brains and emotional dysregulation.

An Abundance of Attention

Contrary to the term ‘deficit of attention’, a more accurate description is an abundance of attention which leads ADHD minds to wander off frequently in search of additional stimulation.

Not Just About Hyperactivity

Many adults, girls particularly, with ADHD don’t display outward signs of hyperactivity. So, the name contributes to misconceptions around the condition which often fosters unconscious biases.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Getting an official diagnosis can be tricky, and expensive. NHS waiting can be up to five years, and private consultations can be prohibitively expensive. If you feel you fall into the categories above, an official diagnosis is absolutely not a necessity for moving forward.

Treatment Options

  1. Coaching: Both coaching and therapy are really helpful if you are struggling with any of the symptoms of ADHD. Coaching is excellent if you’re looking for help with solutions, planning and organisation, and are looking for strategies to manage daily tasks more effectively.
  2. Therapy: If you’re struggling with daily emotional problems, therapy may be more helpful. Strong emotions impact many aspects of our lives including education, work, and relationships.

We are only just beginning to understand the emotional aspects linked to ADHD. Emotional disruptions are often the most impairing aspects at any age. There isn’t a specific therapy solely for ADHD. However, there are therapists who have a good understanding of the condition, and those who haven’t.

You CAN Learn to Manage Your Symptoms

While ADHD presents unique challenges, with proper understanding and treatment, you can learn to manage your symptoms and lead a fulfilling life. Seeking professional help, building a support network, and practicing self-care are essential first steps towards moving forward. By fostering empathy, awareness, and education, others can create a more supportive environment for you and help you to thrive.

Having ADHD myself, I fully understand it and the impact it has on work, study, home, relationships, and your daily life. I use a Cognitive Behavioural therapy approach, alongside coaching techniques, aimed at guiding you towards your full potential to help you create the life that works best for you.

For more detailed information on ADHD, articles, and resources, please visit my other website Help with ADHD

Remember, getting ‘unstuck’ is possible, you don’t have to face these challenges alone.

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