When the psychologist or your doctor determines the diagnosis of Adult ADHD, you may feel a sense of relief and say to your self: "Great, I'm not whacky or dumb." That sense of relief and even happiness is not misplaced. Dealing with Adult ADD is very possible. While there are some challenges you’ll face along the way, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can be managed very effectively.
Here are just a few of the many things that can be done to help you in dealing with adult ADD:
Relationships can be improved
You may wonder: How can I improve my relationship skills so I don’t turn people off while I'm dealing with Adult ADD?
If you improve impulse-control behavior, such as working on interrupting people less, it can help. The truth is you can change and learn to express emotions in healthy ways.
Ask yourself these questions:
Do you have a marriage partner who is understanding and supportive or more critical?
Does the partner take some of the natural signs and symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder as an affront against her/him?
If there are concerns here, more information about the symptoms may promote understanding.
With family and loved ones, work out disagreements in new healthy ways. Be able to look at grains of truth in family and other loved ones’ complaints. A benefit could be that it is a learning opportunity for personal growth.
Training is available so that you can learn ways to your improve your relationship skills.
About Medications
Have you been wondering whether you should take meds or not? You may have heard different things about taking medication that is supposed to achieve a lessening of the distraction symptoms and improve attention and concentration of those who have ADHD.
Some of the different options are Adderall, Concerta, Dexedrine, Metadate, Ritalin, Strattera and others that a physician can prescribe for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. You probably have heard a lot about Ritalin since this stimulant medication is one of the most prescribed for this condition.
These meds are known to work well for many people. It’s worth talking to your physician about. It may be a good idea to ask about the pros and cons, if the med prescribed doesn't help you plus possible side effects.
Money Management
Financial concerns are also stressors you can learn to control. You can improve your personal money management skills and combat issues like forgetting to pay bills. Saving money, over use of credit cards and building up debt are problematic for many with Attention Deficit Disorder. These issues can be addressed.
Some tips that can help include:
Consider cutting up credit cards
Pay with cash or debit cards
Set up automatic billing and automatic savings at your bank.
Attitude helps!
Maintaining yourself, being positive after you make mistakes, your sense of humor, can all serve to lighten things up. Showing yourself kindness makes it much easier when you’re living with the symptoms. A more optimistic attitude may make you feel less anxious.
To help yourself stay positive, write down a list of the things you’re good at. Ask friends or a life coach to assist you in expanding that list. Reminding yourself of what you’re good at is a wonderful way to combat negative self-talk.
Preparation Matters
Preparation helps for when one of your goals is to make a change in your circumstances. For example, before going back to school and becoming a college student or before becoming an entrepreneur it can be very helpful to figure which skills you need to acquire.
If you are weak in time management and organization then these are trainable skills you can improve. Also, if you procrastinate often you can learn ways to overcome procrastination.
To help yourself prepare better, find out which way you learn and remember better. For example, do you retain information better when you see it and write it down? Or, do you prefer hearing it?
Laptops, palms, MP3 recorders, computer calendars, cell phones, written reminders and to do lists are tools that can aid you.
One thing to consider at work that could be helpful is getting written instructions of your project goals. Writing down the tasks in order and then checking them off as they are done can help one be more efficient.
There is more involved in dealing with adult add and qualified coaches can assist. An Add Coach by telephone can help you learn the skills you need to deal with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This kind of professional can aid you in managing the symptoms. They also give you a good amount of support, mentoring, guidance and encouragement and can help you gain the tools, structure, techniques, coping skills and success you desire.
Cogmed Working Memory Training can help one improve their attention and one's ability to counter distraction.
In addition, with professional support, you can learn more about ADD, improve organization skills and much more. It promotes personal growth and empowerment. (More info. on Page 2)
Helpful Time management tool and Page 2
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