Many people associate ADHD with children, or think it’s a “kid’s disorder”. But, about 4-5% of adults in the U.S. have it. Unfortunately, not many adults get an official diagnosis or treatment. Some adults have had ADHD since childhood but have never gotten diagnosed.
If you’ve just been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it’s important to know you’re not alone. Getting a proper diagnosis is the first step in treating and managing the disorder, so you can live a happy, healthy life.
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed and even a bit confused by such a diagnosis, but there are ways to deal with it and manage your symptoms safely. One of the benefits of being an adult is that you’re likely to have a better understanding of how to treat the disorder effectively.
With that in mind, let’s look at the steps you should take after an ADHD diagnosis and how you can cope as you move forward.
Understanding the Symptoms
If you’ve received an ADHD diagnosis, you probably already know a few of your symptoms. Or, at least, you can recognize when something feels “off”. But, it’s important to understand as many symptoms as possible so you can learn how to manage them. Signs and symptoms of ADHD(attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) tend to differ in children and adults.
When people think of kids with ADHD, things like hyperactivity and impulsivity come to mind. The most common symptoms of adult ADHD, include things like:
- Having trouble staying organized
- Mood swings
- Boredom
- Poor time management skills
- Problems focusing on a task
As you might expect, these symptoms can affect you in every area of your life. They might start to negatively impact your career, your friendships, or even your relationship.
While controlling ADHD symptoms all the time isn’t necessarily easy, the more you understand them, the better off you’ll be. For example, when you know one of your struggles is boredom, find a quick and effective way to fight back without giving in to something unproductive. Try something like a fidget spinner or stress ball, or give yourself a five-minute “break” to walk around the block. You’ll quickly learn which management techniques work best for you.
Getting the Support You Need
Because ADHD is often associated with children, you might be hesitant to reach out for help once you’ve received a diagnosis. But, that association is exactly why it’s so important to get help. You might feel overwhelmed, confused, or even wondering what you should do to take your next steps. It might even start to affect your mental health.
In some cases, talking to a human development specialist like a counselor can help you work through the mental health professional mental health aspects of your diagnosis.
It’s also important to talk to your family and friends about your diagnosis. Having a support system will make it easier for you to handle your symptoms. It will also inform the people you care about that your behaviors might not always be what they “expect”. When they know what you’re dealing with, they’ll be able to better support you rather than wondering what’s wrong.
When you’re feeling alone, attend support meetings. ADHD support groups aren’t just for kids. It’s a great way to connect with other adults who have received a diagnosis. You’ll learn how others manage their symptoms, keep up with their careers, and maintain strong relationships.
Meetings can be a great resource to ensure you that you’re not alone while giving you some tips to make dealing with ADHD easier.
Finding Ways to Cope
Don’t try to hide your diagnosis or pretend it doesn’t exist. Instead, find healthy ways to deal with it. That might include finding outlets that spark your creativity or doing things that can keep your attention for longer periods of time.
You might also consider making some life changes to cope with your diagnosis. For example, cleaning and decluttering can be difficult for people with ADHD because it often requires a lot of time and focus. But, practicing a minimalist lifestyle and getting rid of clutter can make your life easier.
With fewer distractions, you’re more likely to stay on track and get things done. Other daily tips that can help you manage your symptoms include:
- Creating schedules
- Allowing yourself extra time for things
- Using timers
- Exercising
- Identifying your strengths and weaknesses
When you find ways to manage your diagnosis, it won’t seem as overwhelming. One advantage you have as an adult is that it’s easier to take positive steps for yourself to deal with your symptoms. Children with ADHD often require a lot of help to stay focused and reel in their symptoms.
So, while you might be surprised by this kind of diagnosis, don’t get discouraged. With the right support, an understanding of the disorder, and a desire to manage it effectively, adult ADHD doesn’t have to take over your life.
Charlie Fletcher –Charlie Fletcher is a freelance writer from the lovely “city of trees”- Boise, Idaho. Her love of writing pairs with her passion for social activism and search for the truth.