The ADHD Focused Blog

 Two years ago, my life took a pivotal turn when I was diagnosed with ADHD.  What began as a struggle with anxiety and an inability to find structure in my daily life gradually led to a deeper understanding of my own mind.  This journey has been filled with challenges, triumphs, and invaluable lessons.  From completing my degree with first-class honours to embarking on a new career path as an ADHD life coach, I have discovered a newfound sense of happiness and purpose.  In this blog post, I will share my experiences over the past two years, highlighting the transformative impact of my ADHD diagnosis and the path it has paved for my future. The Struggle Before Diagnosis Before my ADHD diagnosis, life often felt like an uphill battle.  I experienced anxiety and depression, and I often found myself overwhelmed by the demands of daily life.  Leaving work to focus on my studies only heightened my struggle to create structure and routine.  My challenges...

Introduction: Living with an ADHD brain can often feel like being in a constant state of mental motion, even when your body is at rest. This mental restlessness can be particularly challenging during times when relaxation is expected, such as on a holiday. Understanding the reasons for your busy brain and discovering effective strategies to manage it can lead to a more peaceful and fulfilling life. In this blog post, we will explore the nature of an ADHD brain, delve into the reasons behind its busyness, and provide practical methods to help you find mental calmness amid the chaos. Understanding the ADHD Brain Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While many associate ADHD with physical restlessness, the mental restlessness it causes can be equally disruptive. The ADHD brain is wired to seek constant stimulation, making it difficult to switch off or relax. This can resu...

Adoptees with ADHD often face unique challenges that can impact their daily lives and relationships.  One of the most significant issues is the struggle with boundaries, frequently exacerbated by a tendency towards people-pleasing.  This blog post delves into the complexities of how ADHD and adoption intersect, particularly in the realm of personal boundaries and the desire to gain approval from others.  We will explore why these issues arise, how they manifest, and what strategies can be employed to help adoptees establish healthier boundaries and self-awareness. Understanding ADHD in Adoptees ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects individuals' ability to focus, control impulses, and manage energy levels.  For adoptees, the presence of ADHD can add layers of complexity to their experience.  The combination of ADHD and the unique emotional landscape of adoption can lead to heightened sensitivity and a ...

  I've read a couple of Facebook posts recently about struggles with studying due to ADHD, and it reminded me of the battle I had surviving the final module of my degree!  One of the main reasons I chose a private ADHD diagnosis was because I wanted support for the final two modules of my degree.  I was fortunate to be able to study full-time for the last two years of my degree.  However, without the structure of going to work, my life quickly unravelled.  I can't remember the exact point when I strongly suspected I had ADHD, but I think the suspicion started to grow, especially when I showed my husband a list of inattentive symptoms, and I had every single one of them!  To go back a little.  I always felt as though I had underachieved.  I had to retake my 'O' Levels (the precursor to GCSEs) as I only passed three of them, and I passed one 'A' Level.  After that, there were a couple of BTech courses which I failed. I felt like a disappointmen...

 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...

 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...

  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...