Could It Be ADHD?
Do you think you might have ADHD? Does your child, sibling, or parent have it? Maybe some of the information here has you wondering, “Could it be…?” Maybe it’s time to find out.
ADHD takes its toll on both your personal and professional life. Extreme
procrastination, trouble meeting deadlines, and impulsive behaviour can
leave you feeling overwhelmed and out of control. Likely adding to your
frustration is the fact that your colleagues, friends, and family don’t
really understand what you’re dealing with.
On the bright side, learning new skills and strategies to manage ADHD
symptoms and improve your daily habits is possible—it just takes some practice
and patience. In the end, they can help you work more efficiently, stay
organized, and improve your sense of self-worth and foster better relationships.
ADHD at work
- Keep your workspace organized and distraction-free (store items in drawers or containers)—set aside 5-10 minutes each day to clear your desk and organize your paperwork.
- Find a quiet space (or ask for one) where you won’t be easily distracted.
- Use a day planner and to-do list, and keep it updated. Set electronic reminders on your phone or computer for meetings and due dates.
- Take notes during meetings and phone calls, then add new tasks to your to-do list straightaway.
- Set realistic goals—try to tackle only one task at a time, and use a timer to know when to move on to the next one.
- Set aside specific periods of time each day for checking and responding to messages (email and phone calls), so they don’t interrupt your other work.
- Reward yourself and take breaks when you complete something. Step away from work and move around.
- Continue taking your ADHD medication as prescribed by your doctor, even while working from home (and during your days off).
Maintaining relationships when you have ADHD
Open communication, understanding, and accountability are critical for
maintaining relationships when one (or both) partners have ADHD. It is
important for both partners to learn as much as they can about ADHD and
its management.
One of the first steps in repairing or avoiding problems in your relationship
is to put yourself in your partner’s shoes, which is especially important
if only one of you has ADHD.
After truly listening to the other’s point of view (without interrupting)
and making sure both of you have educated yourselves on ADHD and its symptoms,
try implementing some of the following strategies.
Tips for the non-ADHD partner
- Find ways that are constructive and well received to help your partner with reminders for daily tasks, chores, appointments, etc.
- Acknowledge and encourage your partner when they make progress.
- Try to focus on intentions, rather than actions (e.g., if your partner loses concentration when listening to you, remember it doesn’t mean that they don’t care about what you have to say).
- Look for positive ways to support and motivate them as a true partner.
Tips for the partner with ADHD
- Acknowledge that your ADHD symptoms are affecting the relationship (and it’s not just your partner being unreasonable).
- Follow a treatment plan and find strategies to better manage your symptoms (and in turn become more reliable). The more this happens, the more your partner will ease off.
- When emotions are running high, take time to calm down before continuing a conversation.
- Put birthdays, anniversaries, and other important dates in your calendar so you don’t forget to acknowledge them.
- Find ways—even small ones—to show you care for your partner. It will make them feel (and act) less like your parent.
Trouble Sleeping with ADHD?
Sleep-related problems in ADHD, such as finding it harder to fall asleep, are common. Some medicines used to treat ADHD symptoms may contribute to the issue.
Why you shouldn’t take it lying down
Understand Your Options
When you have ADHD, learning about the different treatment options and resources available is an important step in figuring out a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Take steps to make a plan
Need Help Talking to Your Doctor about ADHD?
Are you reviewing a current ADHD treatment plan, or exploring a possible ADHD diagnosis for the first time? Our Doctor Discussion Guides can help you get the conversation started.
Doctor Discussion Guides