18/02/2024
People often ask me about ADHD. I found this explanation very concise and helpful. I thought I would share and hope people find it helpful
People with ADHD experience the world differently, and while every individual's experience is unique, here are some common descriptions:
The Racing Mind:
• Constant barrage of thoughts: Many describe their brains as feeling like a swarm of bees – a relentless rush of ideas, connections, and distractions. It's not always linear or logical, like watching multiple TV channels at once.
• "Shiny Object" Syndrome: Tasks might get abandoned halfway through as interest drifts to the next captivating thing, be it an internal idea or an external distraction.
• Hyperfocus (sometimes): Ironically, while easily distracted, people with ADHD may sometimes go into "tunnel vision mode" regarding topics they deeply care about. This makes time disappear or external demands fade away.
Challenges with Everyday Stuff:
• Forgetfulness: It's more than misplacing keys, but losing track of whole trains of thought, plans, or appointments. Time is often an abstract concept and easily misjudged.
• Executive dysfunction: Difficulties may arise with tasks involving planning, prioritizing, initiating action, and seeing things through, especially if multi-step or boring. This can cause a lot of self-blame.
• Impulsivity: Often involves action before thorough thought. Might manifest as blurting out things best left unsaid, interrupting others, or taking risks without considering consequences.
• Procrastination: Despite good intentions, it's tough to get started on projects. Fear of failure, perfectionism, or overwhelm can cause paralysis right until a deadline is alarmingly close.
Beyond the Stereotypes:
• Emotional highs and lows: Many describe emotions as intensely felt, which can cause sudden outbursts of anger, frustration, or even tears. Rejection sensitivity is another side of this emotional rawness.
• Restlessness: Physical inactivity feels painful even if mentally exhausted. It might be fidgeting, needing to get up frequently, or feeling compelled to keep busy even when the goal is just relaxing.
• Inconsistency: Days where motivation surges, or focus clicks are countered by stretches where nothing seems to go right, adding to self-doubt and frustration.
The Strengths Too:
• Creativity: The unique ways an ADHD brain works can create amazing solutions, sparking out-of-the-box ideas many never would consider.
• Spontaneity: A go-with-the-flow attitude makes people with ADHD fun, adventurous, and up for anything.
• Hyperfocus in flow: This, when harnessed for the right work, allows extraordinary productivity in a short amount of time
• Empathy and kindness: Their own struggles foster deep compassion and awareness of how it feels to be misunderstood.
Important Notes:
• It's A Spectrum: Not everyone fits this picture perfectly. Some manage some areas flawlessly, or ADHD affects their lives more mildly. Others really struggle.
• Not Just 'Bad Behavior': It's essential to remember ADHD is a brain-based difference. Struggles often come from an imbalance of brain chemicals and structural quirks, not deliberate choice.
• Seeking Help: Medication, therapy, and coping strategies provide enormous support for many folks with ADHD to improve the quality of their lives.
Please get in touch if I can help.
