Suggestions For a Better Life for Adults with ADHD

 

I have spent many years of my professional career specializing in ADHD—working with children and adults. I have several family members that have been diagnosed with ADHD and take medication in order to have a more successful and satisfying life.  SO, I can relate to the struggles of those who have ADHD from a personal, as well as professional perspective.

 

Many of you who have ADHD may feel hopeless and disappointed about the complexities of the disorder and that there is no easy fix. In this blog I want to give you HOPE and SUGGESTIONS of things you can  change which will make life more manageable.   

 

If YOU have ADHD accept the good news that you have hope for a better life.

The goals for management of ADHD are to:

• change dysfunctional behavior
• change thought patterns that disrupt daily functioning

There are quick and easy strategies that can help you function better right now. Training is needed in the following areas:

1. time management
2. decision making
3. communication skills
4. anger management
5. breaking large tasks into small segments
6. and changing faulty belief systems

The following suggestions may help in developing more proficiency in basic life skills. Set aside time every night to plan for the next day. Get everything ready and organized the night before. Pick out your clothes, find your keys, books, medication, briefcase, computer, and everything needed for the activities of the next day.

• Make a to-do list of important tasks and priorities and keep it with you at all times. You may need to make more than one do to the possibility of losing it!
• Practice using an appointment book, iPhone, or whatever means to keep important information collected in one place.
• Keep notepads in strategic places, so you can keep up with ideas and things you have to remember.
• Learn and practice time management skills. Make a schedule.
• Use a color-coded system for organization. Get rid of all clutter in your life. Organize or get rid of everything you are not using, and anything that doesn’t add value or have meaning. If you feel overwhelmed with this task, hire a professional organizer to help.
• Make several sets of keys to avoid frustration.
• Develop a simple lifestyle with lots of structure. The more you have structure—and adhere to it—the more healthy and productive you will become.

Baby steps can become BIG STEPS as you become intentional about change.

What is your first doable step?  Your second step?

1. Do you need help and encouragement with this process of change?  If so, where can you go to find support?
2. What other information can I provide that would give you tools to move forward and take charge of your life?

Let’s engage in conversation about ADHD and grow together as healthy solutions are discovered.