In the fast-paced world we live in today, it’s quite easy for anyone to become forgetful or get distracted. But if you struggle with adult ADHD, difficulty maintaining attention and focus can negatively impact your life in numerous ways. Problems often surface at work, in relationships, and at home.
If you’re concerned you might have adult ADHD, it’s worth exploring further.
here’s 6 Signs you might have ADUlt ADHD
You just Can’t relax
Someone who struggles with adult ADHD frequently struggles with hyperactivity and/or restlessness which makes it difficult for them to relax. If you have adult ADHD, you may find it really difficult or almost impossible to do things that require a quiet mind, such as sitting through an entire movie, staying focused during a lengthy conversation, or meditating.
It Feels Impossible to concentrate
If you’re easily distracted or have trouble focusing on simple tasks, this could be a sign you may have adult ADHD. If difficulty concentrating causes problems at work such as not paying attention in meetings, or challenges in relationships because you’re often too distracted during conversations to pay attention, this is a warning sign for adult ADHD.
Adults with ADHD often hear from their partners/spouses that it doesn’t seem like they are present. If you frequently get questions like, “Where are you right now?” or “Why aren’t you paying attention to me?” it may be a sign that you have adult ADHD.
Staying organized is a pipe dream
Responsibilities such as your career, maintaining your home, paying bills on time, and caring for children and/or aging parents can become unmanageable for adults ADHD. If you struggling with adult ADHD, the inability to stay organized will often cause problems such as misplaced documents at work, missed deadlines, or even things like the utilities getting shut off due to unpaid bills.
Procrastination is a disease
If you’re often running late, missing meetings at work, and piling up laundry in your room, these symptoms of procrastination are signs you may have ADHD. Adults with ADHD tend to procrastinate because of their distractibility, difficulty focusing, and trouble handling mundane tasks.
Are you regularly late to appointments or meetings? Do you often underestimate how long certain projects or commutes will take despite obvious evidence? If so, this could be a sign you have adult ADHD.
you’re irritable more often than not
If you have angry outbursts, and then suddenly find yourself immediately over it while the other person is still reeling from the exchange, this is a sign that you may have adult ADHD. People with adult ADHD will often find themselves saying things like, “What’s the big deal? I’m over it already. Why aren’t you?” This usually happens after a big blow-up where the other person is still trying to make sense of what just happened.
You’re Impulsive and a bit too risky
Adults with ADHD tend to take more risks and be more impulsive. You might buy something expensive on a whim, have unprotected sex, drive recklessly, or blurt out things during fights that hurt or offend others. If you find yourself acting on impulse without taking into account the possible repercussions, this is a sign you might have ADHD.
Although ADHD is often times self-diagnosable, it’s important to consult with a trained therapist or counselor. Some of the symptoms of ADHD such as trouble concentrating and risk-taking are also associated with other disorders like bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders. Getting the right diagnosis is important in order to help you get help you need.
Life is short. Don’t spend it feeling like you’re struggling to stay focused or trying to keep relationships above board. If you feel like you might be struggling with adult ADHD, find an awesome therapist you like and trust to you help you learn skills to improving your overall functioning and life!
James Killian, LPC is the Principal Therapist & Owner of Arcadian Counseling in New Haven, CT where they specialize in helping over-thinkers, high achievers, and perfectionists reduce stress, increase fulfillment and enhance performance so they can move From Surviving To Thriving.