Living with and Managing ADHD
There are days when you feel out of control.
The little things seem to cause frequent arguments with your spouse, friends, and maybe even your coworkers. The daily emotional blowups or talking over others – it’s no wonder people don’t look forward to spending time with you.
You start a task only to become distracted with something else, leaving the original task incomplete.
“What was I doing… where did I leave off…?”
The messiness around you makes it more difficult to get a handle on getting things done and getting them done efficiently.
It’s like your ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is managing you rather than you’re managing it.
Often, individuals don’t realize their conflicts are a result of ADHD symptoms.
People with ADHD can often be impulsive and don’t think before they act, resulting in regrets.
They typically are forgetful, require multiple prompts, and struggle to get motivated unless it is something they really want to do, such as play a game or look on social media.
The daily emotional blowups are like a pressure cooker that needs to let off steam.
Understanding the symptoms of ADHD is half the battle.
Once you recognize why you do the things you do, your distress lowers and you can begin to manage the symptoms.
In therapy, I coach you to take quiet time when you first return home so that you don’t “let off steam” on your loved ones when you walk in the house.
In fact, you are encouraged to plan quiet breaks throughout each day so that you can keep your distress level down, think rationally, and make rational choices – without the regrets.
If you are a person of faith, I encourage you to utilize your prayer and meditation to manage your distress level and choices as well.
What therapy looks like…
I coach clients on the four ways to cope with bullies. I impress the importance of not needing to have the last word. And ultimately, I coach individuals on choices that keep the peace.
To combat forgetfulness, I suggest writing notes wherever you are most likely to see them. I also recommend a regular bedtime and plenty of sleep. And of course, keeping your distress down with quiet time is effective in improving memory.
Quiet time away from others, even in the next room, is effective for lowering distress. It is also important to get busy, doing anything, to take your mind off distressing thoughts. We often need a snack, as well, to lower distress.
You’ll learn to utilize these new skills and discover how effective they are in your life. Once you realize the simplicity, you will want to try. Once you actualize the effectiveness, you will want to keep trying.
If you have excessive arguments at home, we can discuss simple remedies, such as quiet time to lower distress before engaging with others.
Simple techniques can have wonderfully impacting and lasting results.
Don’t let the problems grow worse.
Come on in and let’s figure out a helpful plan together.
The skills have been effective for many, as well as in my own home. You can begin to get a handle on your circumstances now.
Call today to schedule an appointment: (901) 337-0343.