Are you an adult who has recently been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? You might feel overwhelmed, especially if this is something that you have struggled with your entire life. And it’s completely ok and understandable to feel that way!
The first step is to understand what ADHD is and how it affects your day-to-day life. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a mental health condition that affects an individual’s ability to focus, manage tasks, and stay organized. It’s one of the most common mental health conditions in adults, affecting approximately 4.4% of adults in the United States alone. There are two types of ADHD: the inattentive type (also known as “addictive type”) and the more common type (also called “hyperactive type”). The symptoms of each vary greatly but can include difficulty paying attention, impulsiveness, difficulty organizing tasks, and making careless mistakes.
Do you suffer from depression? anxiety?
The second step is to understand the potential co-occurring conditions that may be associated with a late diagnosis of ADHD. These can include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, personality disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder and autism spectrum disorder. These conditions can present their own challenges and should be addressed separately from your ADHD diagnosis. It’s important to understand that a late diagnosis may not necessarily mean that you have been living with these conditions for longer; they can still manifest later in life.
Create a treatment plan
The third step is to create an appropriate treatment plan for your ADHD and any other co-occurring conditions. This may include a combination of medications, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and educational or vocational support. It’s important to work with your doctor and mental health professionals to create an individualized plan that works for you. Contact us today – we can help!
Strategies for dealing with late diagnosis ADHD
The fourth step is to learn the strategies that can help you better manage your ADHD symptoms in daily life. These can include breaking tasks down into smaller steps, creating a routine, using reminders and planners to stay organized, taking regular breaks during the day, and learning relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing. Additionally, it’s important to maintain healthy relationships with family and friends who can provide emotional support.
Take time for yourself
Finally, make sure you take time for yourself. Living with a late diagnosis of ADHD can be overwhelming, so it’s important to make sure you factor in time to relax and do things that make you happy. This could include hobbies, exercise, or even just taking a break from your daily routine.
Living with a late diagnosis of ADHD can be challenging, but it is possible to manage the condition and improve your quality of life. By understanding what ADHD is and how it affects you, understanding co-occurring conditions associated with late diagnoses, creating an appropriate treatment plan for your needs, learning strategies to better manage symptoms in daily life, and taking time for yourself can all help you live well with ADHD.
Help from the Resource Group
We have master’s level clinicians and medication management specialists -a combined approach to assist you in living your best life. Sometimes the symptoms of ADHD aren’t caught until later, we can help you – contact us today.
