ADHD in Adulthood
After decades of struggling with time blindness, disorganization, forgetfulness, and an extreme lack of motivation, you’ve finally got an answer: ADHD.
But, isn’t ADHD only diagnosed in children?
Nope! That’s where society has been getting it wrong.
There has long been an association between ADHD and the kids who were disruptive in class, mainly boys. However, many adults with ADHD were the quiet kids in class who appeared to be the good students. Read more
Being diagnosed, or recognising you have the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as an adult can be a confusing and overwhelming experience. Many people who are diagnosed later in life struggle to come to terms with their diagnosis and how it impacts their lives.
For some a diagnosis can come as a relief, but there can be some intense emotions when reflecting back on life’s difficulties and recognising that undiagnosed ADHD had a played a part.
But, the good news is that there are treatments available that can help adults with ADHD cope with their diagnosis and lead more fulfilling lives. One of the most effective treatments is therapy.
Common Psychological Effects Of Adult ADHD
As you may have experienced, adult ADHD can present a host of psychological effects. The most common include anxiety and depression.
This can happen when a person with ADHD is unable to manage their tasks or complete them in a timely manner. As a result, they may feel like they’re constantly falling behind and not living up to their full potential.
Another common psychological effect that comes along with adult ADHD is low self-esteem or feelings of inadequacy when it comes to meeting expectations at work or school.
A person with ADHD may also experience generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which causes them excessive stress due to persistent worries about things going wrong at work or school, and home life issues such as managing finances or relationships with family members.
People Living With ADHD May Feel Depressed
An adult ADHD diagnosis can feel like a heavy burden, especially if you have been struggling with the symptoms for years.
As you learn more about this condition, it’s important to keep in mind that everyone has different needs and experiences their own journey in understanding and accepting their diagnosis.
Some people who are diagnosed with ADHD struggle tremendously with the idea of being “broken” or having something wrong with them that may never go away completely. They often feel very alone in those feelings because they don’t see other people talking about it or sharing their experiences with one another.
People Living with ADHD May Feel Anxious
People living with ADHD may feel anxious as they experience difficulty focusing at work. This can be compounded by the fact that people with ADHD often experience a lack of satisfaction from tasks completed, even if they did them well.
People living with ADHD may feel overwhelmed when trying to complete tasks because their busy mind is quickly jumping from one topic to another.
They may also find it difficult to turn off their minds when trying to sleep or relax. This can lead some people with ADHD to struggle with insomnia and/or depression.
You’ve Been Diagnosed, Now What?
While being diagnosed later in life is extremely helpful, it doesn’t mean everything is magically better. While there are many psychological effects of adult ADHD, there are just as many effects of a late diagnosis.
Stigma and Shame
One of the most difficult aspects of having an ADHD diagnosis is dealing with the stigma associated with it.
For many people, being diagnosed with any kind of mental health condition can be a source of shame or embarrassment. This sense of shame can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can further exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD.
It’s important to recognize that these feelings are normal and that you are not alone in your experience. There are plenty of online resources available for adults with ADHD which can provide much-needed support during tough times
Self-Esteem Issues
Another common issue faced by those who have been diagnosed with ADHD is low self-esteem. People whose mental health struggles go unrecognized for long periods may find themselves feeling worthless or inadequate in comparison to their peers.
The key here is to practice self-compassion and remind yourself that having an ADHD diagnosis does not make you any less capable than anyone else; it simply means that you need different strategies to help you succeed in life.
Learning how to set realistic goals and take steps towards achieving them can be incredibly empowering and help boost your self-esteem over time.
The Benefits of Therapy for Adults With ADHD;
Provides a Safe Space
Therapy provides a safe space where adults with ADHD can talk openly about their diagnosis without fear of judgment or stigma.
Gives Helpful Advice
A therapist can provide helpful advice on how to manage symptoms and navigate relationships—both personal and professional—in a healthy way.
They can also work on developing strategies for managing emotions and behaviors that often accompany an ADHD diagnosis such as impulsivity, difficulty focusing, hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and difficulties with time management.
Helps Patients In Their Everyday Life
In addition to providing coping mechanisms for dealing with the emotional impact of an ADHD diagnosis, therapy can also help create structure in one’s life by helping patients set achievable goals and prioritize tasks.
This structure helps provide much-needed stability when faced with everyday challenges associated with having ADHD.
Empowers Patients To Be Proactive
Furthermore, through therapy, adults with ADHD can learn how to recognize triggers that exacerbate their symptoms so they can better plan ahead for them in advance.
Provides Comfort and Connection
Last but not least, therapy provides a sense of community which is invaluable when navigating the psychological impact of being diagnosed later in life.
People who have been recently diagnosed often feel isolated due to not having anyone else in their lives who have gone through similar experiences or understands what they are going through.
Having an outside party that is willing to listen without bias or judgment provides much-needed support and comfort during this difficult time.
Conclusion
Facing an adult diagnosis of ADHD can be intimidating but there is hope!
Therapy provides a valuable resource for dealing not only with the physical symptoms but also the psychological effects of being diagnosed later in life.
Through therapy, you will build the skills necessary to manage your condition effectively so you’re able to lead a full and happy life despite your diagnosis.
It’s important to seek professional help if you’re struggling emotionally after receiving your diagnosis; don’t hesitate to reach out today!
Clear Haven Therapy offers Counselling and Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT). To learn more about how therapy can help manage the psychological impact of your diagnosis schedule a free 20 minute discovery call.