- “People with ADHD get distracted easily,” says Shauna Pollard, PhD, a licensed psychotherapist who has worked with clients in private practice in Maryland, Georgia, and the District of Columbia for more than 20 years.
It can be hard for people to accomplish goals. “You might be prone to procrastination or manage boredom by doing what’s intriguing rather than what’s important,” Pollard adds.
- If you have ADHD, you may have trouble staying organized at home and at the office, says Pollard, who primarily works with high-achieving professionals who live with depression and ADHD.
- Being disorganized makes it harder to find things when you need them, like your:
- Keys
- Wallet
- Phone
- important documents
This can cause extra stress and anxiety in your life on a daily basis, Pollard adds.
- Managing time effectively and keeping up with schedules and appointments can be challenging when you have ADHD, says Pollard.
There are also negative emotions associated with forgetting meetings or scrambling to get somewhere on time. You might get negative feedback from people in your life about your forgetful behavior and take it personally, adds Pollard.
- “Over time, the real-world consequences of being disorganized, late, and distracted, despite your best efforts, can cause feelings of guilt, shame, and disappointment,” says Pollard.
- “Medication is incredibly helpful in treating the symptoms of ADHD,” says Pollard. ADHD medications can only be prescribed by doctors. It’s important to follow a doctor’s recommended guidelines with any prescribed medication.
- When you’re feeling overwhelmed by ADHD, Pollard suggests taking an honest look at your strengths and the areas that you are struggling in.
Try finding ways to build systems and strategies to manage your areas of weakness, such as:
- working with a coach or therapist who specializes in ADHD
- reading books on living with ADHD
- listening to podcasts for people with ADHD
