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Showing posts from September, 2024

Embracing Our Unique Minds: Thriving with ADHD by Working with, Not Against, Our Brains.

 I had an initial ADHD life coaching session with a friend yesterday.  I'll call him A.  Something he kept saying really resonated with me.  My interpretation of what he said was, that even things that he is now very good at, such as drawing, were tough for him to learn.  He also thinks that he 'should' be able to do things the same way a neurotypical person does them.   Thinking about this this morning made me think of my intense struggles getting through the final year of my degree. On one occasion, even the thought of sitting in my study made me cry, and I had to ask for advice from my support worker as to what to do-she advised a walk whilst listening to music on my headphones.  This helped, but it was still a few days until I was able to sit in my study.   I compare this struggle, where the only thing that got me through the last few months of my degree was the thought of me in my gown at my graduation ceremony, to my experience wit...

Understanding ADHD and Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria: Navigating Emotional Turbulence

 Living with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) often means grappling with a myriad of emotional and cognitive challenges. One particularly distressing aspect that many individuals with ADHD face is Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). This term describes the intense emotional pain triggered by the perception of rejection or criticism. Understanding the interplay between ADHD and RSD can provide valuable insights and strategies for managing these overwhelming feelings. In this blog post, we will delve into the relationship between ADHD and RSD, explore their impact on daily life, and offer practical tips for coping and thriving. What is ADHD? ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms can vary widely in severity and often lead to difficulties in academic, occupational, and social settings. Individuals with ADHD may struggle with organization, time management, and maintaining fo...

From Trauma to Attention: Exploring the ADHD Connection

  I had a fascinating conversation with my therapist recently.  She suggested that symptoms of   ADHD are actually caused by childhood trauma.  However, I believe that the relationship between ADHD and trauma is far more complex.  While environmental factors such as trauma can play a role, ADHD is primarily influenced by genetic factors and must be evident before the age of 12 for diagnosis. This blog post aims to delve into the intricacies of ADHD, exploring the roles of genetics, trauma, and other contributing factors. Understanding ADHD ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood, often before the age of 12, and frequently persists into adulthood. The condition is not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis; it presents differently in each individual, with varying degrees of se...