adhd could be a missing piece
There is a common misconception that ADHD only presents as the hyper kid who can’t sit still. The one who doesn’t follow instructions, falls behind with work, and procrastinates, all while wiggling and tapping their foot.
Yes, it can look like this. But, it can also look like someone who:
Has achieved everything they’ve set out to because they have grit, despite needing to find creative ways to learn and stay focused.
Has great study habits because they’ve needed to out of necessity.
Is highly creative with a plethora of ideas and a decent dose of impulsivity.
Is struggling to find a job that is the right fit.
Feels deeply hurt when someone rejects them.
Looks calm on the outside, but feel a constant swirl of energy inside their body (restlessness). Despite this, they don’t wiggle, because they’ve learned that is not socially appropriate.
How getting diagnosed changes lives
By knowing you have ADHD, you can learn tactics and find greater self-acceptance. Feeling restless? This is real and you have permission to find a safe space to wiggle, move, and let it out. Finding it challenging to concentrate at work? You can be honest about what you need and set yourself up for success with an environment that supports you. Desiring to change your job because of boredom? By recognizing our true nature, we can explore what may help. Perhaps the answer is leaving your job. Or, it might be adding variability, creative outlet, more breaks, and dopamine hacks.
It’s about knowing who you are and being unapologetic about it. This is how we get to self-love and acceptance. But until we know who we are, this can be hard to do. We can find ourselves constantly questioning ourselves, why we are the way we are, and trying to change rather than accept.
Shame and guilt
Having and not knowing or accepting your ADHD can lead to feelings of shame and guilt about your patterns. You may find yourself thinking, “I should be able to stick with something. Why does everyone else like this and I don’t? Why can’t I just suck it up and stay here? What if I keep hopping around and never settle? I can’t seem to focus, but it’s my problem. Sometimes I am so scattered that think I’ve got early onset dementia.”
Steps to take if you suspect you have ADHD
1) Seek a diagnosis
Look for a psychologist who specializes in testing. First, you will have an interview. Next, they will submit for approval from insurance. Once approved, you take a series of tests (generally over several hours) at their office. The tests explore working memory, processing speed, strengths, and weaknesses and rule out learning disabilities.
2) Educate yourself on ADHD and honor your body
By learning about ADHD you can learn how to embrace it, working with it and not against it. Learn the ways to ground your nervous system when you are overstimulated. Learn how to release your energy when you are restless. Let that be ok and welcome. No need to apologize.
3) Get support
This may mean medication, working with a coach, hiring a virtual assistant or housekeeper. Get honest about who you are and where you need help. What do you love to do and what is not your strength? What support do you to THRIVE?
ADHD is your superpower
The truth is ADHD is completely amazing. With it comes creativity and magic. It brings hyerfocus, high energy, and bold moves. To thrive we learn our true nature, revere it and love it as you would a child. This is who you are.
Get honest and then go change the world.
XO,
Dr. Camden
