ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is one of the most common mental health disorders among children, but it’s also prevalent in adults. Often undiagnosed, this disorder can lead to low self-esteem, poor performance at work or school, problems at home, or difficulty in social situations. 

There are four core symptoms of ADHD:

1. Trouble Concentrating and Staying Focused

Adults with ADHD can concentrate on tasks they love but have difficulty focusing on mundane things that are not exciting. This leads to becoming distracted by low-priority activities, poor listening skills, and seeking new experiences even to the detriment of their job or personal responsibilities.

2. Disorganization or Forgetfulness 

Some adults with ADHD struggle with staying organized and need help with time management, and can develop low self-esteem from not achieving their goals due to difficulty completing tasks. Or they can be highly organized to overcompensate for their ADHD symptoms resulting in extreme overwhelm.

3. Hyperactivity or Restlessness 

Adults with hyperactivity look like they are always busy and, on the go, and tend to get bored quickly. Hyperactivity can also manifest as an inner restlessness with racing thoughts that can lead to agitation.

4. Impulsivity 

Adults who live with ADHD might struggle with the ability to regulate their behavior in socially appropriate ways, like having trouble staying seated in a long meeting. They also tend to talk a lot and have a hard time waiting for their turn to speak.

Adults with ADHD can learn to function and have an excellent quality of life. Here are a few tips for managing ADHD:

• Practice Time Management – Writing down daily tasks into short, manageable lists can help avoid becoming overwhelmed, leading to procrastination.

• Practice Mindfulness – Practicing mindful meditations can help slow down racing thoughts, which leads to better emotional balance.

• Healthy Habits – Consuming healthy meals and limiting sugary foods can help manage symptoms of ADHD. Getting enough sleep and exercising are also great ways to prevent the adverse effects of ADHD.

If you find yourself struggling to self-manage your ADHD, Wellspring offers individual therapy, online therapy, and other counseling services that can help you better navigate adulthood with ADHD.