What does ADHD really feel like?
LIVING WITH ADHD
At The ADHD Centre we speak to thousands of people with ADHD. We understand what it really feels like to have ADHD.
But our clients understand more than anyone. Some of them kindly agreed to explain firsthand, what it feels like for them, to live with ADHD.
AIDEN O’BRIEN, SELF EMPLOYED
“I’ve always struggled with extreme disorganisation and lack of focus and as I’m self-employed it makes much bigger problems. Over the past few years, I’ve found it increasingly difficult to balance my home life and my work life. It was having a huge impact on my happiness as I always felt I was never up to the task.”
CLICK HERE to hear more about Aiden’s journey.
Balancing home and work life is more difficult with ADHD. Here are some tips to balance your home and work life:
- Set boundaries. Have a clear divide between work/home life
- Learn to say no
- Create a schedule and stick to it
- Prioritise you. Take time out
- Ask for help if you need it
CLARE CHAFFIN, LAW STUDENT
“Having ADHD for most of my life, I’ve felt as though I’ve been too much bother. The ADHD Centre have given me back my future. I’ve seen improvements in attention span, concentration, and mental health. Also in my relationships with friends and family.”
CLICK HERE to hear more about Clare’s journey.
Always remember, your mental health is as important as your physical health. Tips for managing your mental health:
- Your mental health is a priority. Practise self-care
- Surround yourself with positive people
- Practise gratitude. Focus on the good in your life
- Exercise. The boost in endorphins is great for your mental health
- Accept who you are. Embrace your unique qualities
JAMES BLOODWORTH, JOURNALIST AND WRITER
“When I was at school I really struggled to concentrate and to focus. When I left school it continued into my work life. Sometimes you put things down to lack of motivation or being lazy or procrastination. But it was clearly something much deeper going on. There were other manifestations out of work too. I developed certain coping strategies. Binge eating was a problem. ADHD affected my employability. I found it hard to stick at structured employment.”
CLICK HERE to hear more about James’ journey.
Sustaining employment can be difficult. But using proven techniques it is possible.
- Create a routine and stick to it
- Break tasks into small steps and take regular breaks
- Prioritise tasks into importance and deadlines
- Minimise distractions. Find a quiet space and put your phone out of sight
- Find support. Talk about your problems
SOPHIE HAILWOOD, OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
“I had symptoms for years, but they were very well masked. I have been able to study successfully in areas of big interest to me but where I’ve struggled, is in any area of my life I’m not interested in. I can’t motivate myself to do it. A classic thing for me is executive function around household tasks. I really struggle to wash up, do laundry, or keep anything tidy. I was told for a long time that I was messy and lazy. The inability to do these tasks was masked by the fact that I was in a relationship with someone who did them for me.
“I’ve always struggled paying attention to people and things especially if I wasn’t interested. I spent most of my childhood in classrooms worrying that I’d be found out for daydreaming.
“It had a big impact on me throughout my life emotionally. I’ve had issues with alcohol addiction which I believe is linked to undiagnosed ADHD.”
CLICK HERE to hear more about Sophie’s journey.
Ways to improve your motivation:
- Set realistic goals and break them down into smaller tasks
- Celebrate your progress. Treat yourself along the way
- Focus on the benefits of achieving your goals
- Try to avoid negativity. Practise positive thoughts
- Take regular breaks
Following an ADHD diagnosis, Aiden, Clare, James, and Sophie have all begun a successful treatment plan. They have already seen an improvement in their symptoms.
CLICK HERE to find out how they are now managing their symptoms with help from the ADHD centre.
HOW TO MANAGE YOUR SYMPTOMS
Managing symptoms can feel like a huge task. But, there are ways to improve the quality of your life.
These are some of the ADHD symptoms and ways you can manage them:
Difficulty with concentration and focus: There are several types of medication available for ADHD. They work by altering the levels of brain chemicals. This can improve brain function which in turn can improve concentration.
Hyperactivity and restlessness: Regular exercise can help reduce hyperactivity and improve concentration. Exercise also releases endorphins, which can improve your mood and reduce stress.
Impulsivity: People with ADHD may act without thinking. Behavioural therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), can help with strategies to manage symptoms. CBT can teach you to recognise and challenge negative thought patterns, set goals, and prioritise tasks.
Difficulty with organisation and planning: There are lots of online tools to help with organisation. These include planners and time-keeping apps. Always break tasks down into smaller steps and set reminders for important deadlines.
Sensitivity to stimulation: Meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help improve symptoms. It’s vital to get enough sleep too. Lack of sleep can make symptoms worse.
It’s important to work with a healthcare professional to develop a personalised treatment plan that works for you. Everybody is different.
ADHD support at The ADHD Centre
At The ADHD Centre, we specialise in supporting people living with ADHD as well as their loved ones. Our team of highly experienced clinicians is on hand to provide expert insight, advice, support, and guidance on ADHD and how to best manage as well as embrace some of the challenges.
Book an ADHD assessment for you or a child HERE
For more information on how we could help you:
Call 0800 061 4276
Email enquiries@adhdcentre.co.uk
Follow us on social media. You can find us on Facebook or Instagram
FURTHER READING
6 Strategies To Beat ADHD Procrastination
How Does Untreated ADHD Affect Adults
Healthy Sleep For ADHD: Finding Balance and Improving Well-Being
