ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder)
Chase and John
Picture 7-year-old Chase.
His parents always comment on what a great kid he is, how kind, how happy, how sweet. Everyone loves him.
But, he is the one running up and down the aisle of the airplane saying the first thing that comes to mind at the top of his lungs (he forgets his inside voice). And he tends to drift off to another planet when you try to speak to him. He is completely unable to clean his room, and he never finishes anything.
Or 32-year-old John.
John is a brilliant college grad with dashing good looks and a boat load of potential.
But he never makes it on time to a meeting, loses important papers AND can never find his keys. He is always late for his appointments, and forgets to show up for dinner with his girlfriend. He was voted “Most Likely to Fly Off the Handle” by his senior class.
Both suffer from ADD/ADHD.
Symptoms of ADHD / ADD include hyperactivity, poor impulse control, inattention or tendency to daydream, messiness, and inability to complete tasks. More boys are ADHD and hyper. More girls are ADD and day-dreamy, without being hyper.
Sometimes schools will be the first to label it in a child. Adults can have it and not even know it.
Did you know that adults can have ADD and ADHD and not even know it?
What makes it such a problem?
ADD/ADHD can intensely impair functioning. For children and adults.
For children…
Chronic school problems. Homework difficulties. Socialization issues. Obedience challenges.
It is a controversial issue, and no one really knows what causes it. Because kids tend to have issues at school, there can be a lot of pressure to use medication.
Medications are sometimes helpful, but not always. And parents don’t always want to medicate their young kids.
If you are parenting a child with the condition, it can be terribly challenging. Plus, many other parents just won’t understand what you are going through. In addition, sibling issues are really common.
For adults…
Chronic work problems. Performance issues. Troubled relationships. Disorganization.
Unrecognized ADHD/ADD usually leads adults to suffer from many negative self-beliefs.
You have heard things like:
- You are lazy – ex: because you are so messy or disorganized.
- You are rude – ex: because you interrupt.
- You are self-centered or stupid – ex: because you forget to do things.
- You are an idiot – ex: because you can never find things like your keys or your wallet.
- You are selfish – ex: because you’re always late.
You can see why people with ADHD and ADD suffer from low self-esteem.
But there is help.
You need someone educated about ADD/ADHD to help not just for the individual but for the whole family.
The right assistance can also totally change the life of an ADD/ADHD adult who doesn’t know how to cope.
As a Certified ADHD Consultant, I have many great tools that help someone with ADD/ADHD function better. We’ll focus on minimizing or working around problem areas and capitalizing on strengths.
No blame game here.
I also know how common it is to blame ADD/ADHD sufferers for their behavior.
In many situations, I am the first one who understands and the first person who listens without becoming judgmental or accusatory. This is why I can be so effective.
Watch out for therapy that hurts… not helps!!
Therapy causes harm if your therapist doesn’t know your low self-esteem comes from your ADHD/ADD. You will only end up feeling worse about yourself.
As a trained ADHD/ADD specialist, I can help you assess and cope with any ADHD/ADD symptoms you may experience.
End the stigma. Stop the frustration.
If you (or someone you love) have ADD/ADHD, call (267) 449-3395 right away for a free in-person consult.
Let’s start working on this problem in a positive, healing way today!