As kids, we all want adventures. We want to be the leaders who were brave and outspoken and stride head-first into the next, exciting thing.
And then school happens. Then work. And deadlines and hours upon hours sitting in a desk just to graduate to a cubicle. Soon the traits that we are so enamored with in our heroes become detrimental in our lives and discouraged in school and workplaces.
Thriveworks Columbus, OH (Polaris) ADHD therapists understand that growing up and living with ADHD is far from fast-paced adventures. When it is untreated it can make you feel lazy, unorganized, and unable to participate in and succeed at many things in life.
The lies many people with ADHD are told: You’re just not trying hard enough. Maybe you’re just kind of dumb. Why are you so annoying? You’re such a bad person.
Those are simply lies that come from living with ADHD in a society that isn’t made for it. ADHD has its strength, but in the classical school and work setting, it can feel mostly impairing. Thriveworks therapists and counselors are here to help you and your loved ones learn more about ADHD, discover your strengths, and practice coping strategies when a run-in with societal expectation can’t be avoided.
What Is ADHD?
There are many misconceptions that surround ADHD, despite more and more research being done on it. Usually, it is diagnosed in the childhood years, although it can be diagnosed in adults. ADHD never truly goes away, but we can practice coping mechanisms so you can live your life with as little impairments as possible.
People with ADHD are just as capable of success and just as intelligent, hardworking, and empathetic people as people without ADHD. Thriveworks Columbus, OH (Polaris) understands it can be hard to remember this sometimes, but that is part of why we are here.
What causes ADHD? If you have ADHD, why have you probably skipped down to the bulleted section below?
ADHD changes how the frontal lobe of our brain works. The frontal lobe is responsible for the very handy executive functions, which control everything from goal planning to motivation to plan execution.
Someone without ADHD will start at point a, want to get to point c, and travel though point b to get there.
An ADHD brain will start at point a, want to get to point c, but can’t get themselves to leave point a. When they do, they actually go to point d to grab something, then travel through points f, s, g, and e before finally arriving at point b.
ADHD is always on, although some situations make it feel worse than others.
The symptoms of ADHD are widely vary based on gender, age, and type. Researchers have found three main types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive, and combined.
Hyperactive ADHD
The most researched and easily visible ADHD. Symptoms might include:
- Interrupting others
- Easily distracted, usually by outside stimuli
- Constant fidgeting
- Getting up at inappropriate times
- Feelings of restlessness
- Has trouble waiting their turn.
Inattentive Type
The Inattentive Type is least noticeable as a child, and therefore many people go undiagnosed for years. Girls especially are more likely to have undiagnosed inattentive ADHD.
- Short attention-span (may have countless unfinished projects)
- Frequently zones out, even when others are talking
- Hesitancy to start long tasks that require a lot of mental effort
- Careless mistakes due to lack of attention
- Disorganization (losing stuff all the time)
Combined ADHD is exactly what the name implies- both types in one person. Symptoms from both categories may show in one person even if they have one dominant type.
ADHD can make the world a little livelier. It cultivates creativity, resilience, and passion. But that doesn’t mean it’s any less difficult to live with at times! Undiagnosed ADHD can carry shame, confusion, and even self-hatred with it. It’s important to educate yourself on symptoms so you can learn how to manage them (and practice self-love when you feel one of the symptoms acting up!) Thriveworks has many tools and experiences that will help us on this journey of learning and growth.
How Can ADHD Therapy Help?
Thriveworks Columbus, OH (Polaris) always keeps our clients at the center of a session. You are the expert on yourself after all, and we want to work towards your goals and build the life you’ve dreamed of. ADHD will look differently in every person, every life. It’s important that each counseling looks differently for different people as well.
Learning what coping mechanisms work best for you can be long and arduous. Thriveworks is here to support, encourage, and guide you as we figure out what’s the best path for you. In an ADHD therapy session we might:
- Look into natural remedies such as limiting sugar and screen time, or more time spent exercising and being outside.
- Engaging in activities that takes away the restless edge. (fidget spinners can be great for school-aged children)
- Explore other supportive habits that will make your life easier. If you’re struggling to pay attention in class, how can we help you absorb the material? Colored markers? Handwritten notes instead of typed? Pre-printing the notes?
- Practice organization and time management skills
- Develop a support system
- Give positive feedback! You’ve probably been told all the negatives and how you can be doing better and how you should be farther ahead than this your whole life. Your confidence and self-esteem can a big, untrue hit. We will work on discovering your strengths and confidence, so you can be proud of who you are.
- Parenting skills. Being a parent for a child with ADHD should be considered a superpower. You deserve support and encouragement as well! Good parenting can have a huge positive impact on kids with ADHD, so it’s a great idea to learn more about it and tips and tricks to use around the household.
ADHD doesn’t control you. It doesn’t define your future. Sometimes it means you have to work harder than other people, or maybe work at it a little longer that normal, but your goals and dreams can still come into fruition. Our convenient Thriveworks Columbus, OH (Polaris) office near Westerville, Worthington, and most all of Central Ohio, are here to help you take that next step.
