People have very different reactions to being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Some folks have always known on some level, and it comes as less of a surprise. Others have been dismissed and misdiagnosed for years, and getting the answer to something they suspected is validating. Others find relief when they learn they are not “lazy,” but are just wired differently. Whatever one’s journey, an adult ADHD diagnosis is a lot to take in.
ADHD is a complex neurological condition impacting the frontal lobe of the brain. Being ADHD means being neurodiverse, which means your brain just works differently.
With accurate diagnosis comes an effective treatment plan to start making progress on your life’s goals. Every person is different, but effective ADHD treatment for adults does start with a common recipe.
Here are some insights on what to expect and where to start:
Treatment Goals
Effective ADHD treatment starts with a treatment plan. It’s important to get clear on where you want your life to go and what you would like to see changed. Finding a roadmap can help you find confidence, build tools, and turn your ADHD into a superpower.
Accepting Your Diagnosis
Many people go through a lot of complicated emotions after being diagnosed with ADHD. For some, anger will follow, as they think about how others missed the diagnosis or that their parents never followed up on their teachers’ suspicions they had ADHD in childhood. Others may feel fear that ADHD will get in the way of meeting their goals. Some will feel denial and struggle to accept that their brains work differently.
But whatever the emotions, you are not broken and you are not alone.
In order to harness ADHD into a superpower, an initial first step is to validate and process the strong emotions that come along with the diagnosis.
Find Quick Wins
There are a lot of quick wins that can help manage ADHD. For example, learning to use visual cues and to-do lists can be a fast and helpful way to overcome memory impairments. Another quick win could be understanding that multitasking can lead to getting off task and that completing one task at a time instead is ideal for getting more done.
Mindfulness and meditation are also highly effective ways of learning to regulate emotions and focus one’s thoughts.
All that being said, working with an ADHD specialist will often open the door to quickly brainstorming on what is not working in order to make those shifts that can help you start seeing progress.
Learn as Much as You Possibly Can About ADHD
ADHD testing will come along with recommendations for books, articles, and other learning materials. Let your hyperfocus hook onto this topic. Traction with ADHD treatment for adults will often come from being the expert on your own ADHD.
Learn About ADHD Superpowers
There isn’t a single ADHD person in the world that doesn’t have ADHD superpowers. ADHD can make people have brilliant creative ideas, excellent interpersonal skills, and an amazing ability to think quickly during critical or crisis situations. The list of ADHD superpowers goes on and on. Understanding your own strengths can help you see more clearly how you’ll achieve your goals and dreams. Sometimes it can take a little time to uncover, but effective therapy means turning down the volume on the frustrating parts of ADHD so you can turn up the noise on your ADHD superpowers.
Begin ADHD Treatment for Adults in Ohio
You don’t have to live your life feeling scattered. ADHD-focused counseling can help you meet your potential. Our Columbus, OH counseling practice in Columbus, Ohio has caring therapists who specialize in ADHD treatment for adults. To start your counseling journey, follow these simple steps:
- Fill out the contact form to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.
- Meet with one of our caring therapists.
- Stop feeling scattered. Start getting things done.
Other ADHD Services Offered at Focused Mind ADHD Counseling
Adult ADHD treatment is not the only service we offer at our Columbus, OH counseling practice. At Focused Mind ADHD Counseling, we offer a variety of mental health services including ADHD testing. As an adult with ADHD, we know you may also benefit from anxiety treatment for ADHD, counseling for men with ADHD, or depression counseling for ADHD. You can also view our blog for more resources and helpful info!
