You’ve probably heard a lot more about ADHD in the last couple decades, but it can still be confusing to understand what it actually is. ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a mental health diagnosis that falls under the umbrella term neurodivergent. People who are neurodivergent have a mind that is wired in a beautifully different way, which means their approach to handling life obstacles and challenges can seem odd to others, and, at times, make accomplishing tasks more of an uphill battle.

what exactly is adhd?

ADHD is at its core a frequent and consistent struggle with your attention due to complex factors that make it difficult to focus, concentrate, recall and accomplish things in life. There are three types of ADHD:

1. Hyperactive: where the body is hyper and often on-the-go

2. Inattentive: where the mind is hyper and often trailing off to other places or things

3. Combined: where both the mind and body are hyper and the ability to stay in the here-and-now is extremely difficult

Because of the high degree of difficulty in focus and concentration, people with ADHDoften struggle to function effectively in several key areas of their life like work or school, relationships (familial, platonic, romantic, professional), or in accomplishing life milestones.

have you ever been told?

• Wouldn’t it just be easier to do it as soon as it’s assigned, instead of waiting ‘till the last minute’?

• Nobody wants to do ___, but you just have to sit down and do it.

• You’re being lazy. If you just did it, you’d be done already.

• You wouldn’t be so lost if you just followed the directions.

• You’re not listening, again. Am I that boring?

• Sigh. I told you like ten times already.

• It’s not rocket science. everyone else can do it, why can’t you?

• Can you just stop? All your fidgeting is distracting.

• What took you so long? Did you take the “scenic route again?

If you answered yes to several of these, you could be living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Of course, the only way to know for sure is to be assessed by a qualified mental health or medical professional.

We know what a struggle living with ADHD can be! Many people with ADHD get so much negative feedback that they naturally start to feel bad about themselves.

The reality is that your ADHD brain simply works differently.

adhd + highly sensitive person overlap

Perhaps unsurprisingly there is a high level of overlap between having ADHD and being a highly sensitive person. In fact, ADHD and the hsp personality trait can both be forms of neurodiversity.

Because the mind of someone with ADHD moves so rapidly, it can quickly become overwhelmed by trying to absorb as much external information as quickly as possible. This can lead to emotional overload, which can lead to higher instances of emotional reactivity, which may look like irritability, anger, panic, or tearfulness.

Just like highly sensitive people, folks with ADHD can experience sensory overstimulation, whether this be to loud noises, strong smells, bright lights, hot/cold temperatures, or textures with food and clothes.

Our Therapists for Adhd Are Here to Help

While people with ADHD face unique challenges, ADHD can also serve as a unique strength. For instance, because an ADHD brain is wired to pick up quickly on underlying patterns, they can often develop unique out-of-the-box solutions compared to their neurotypical peers.

By learning and understanding the strengths and weaknesses in how your mind functions, you can better prepare for your own needs, and thus learn how to function more effectively out in the world.

We’d love to support you in better understanding your brain and what it needs! Along the way, we can help you:

• find what works best for you

• enhance your tools for living with the ADHD symptoms that can make life extra challenging

• recognize and honor your unique strengths

• improve your relationships

• embrace the fullness of who you are

• work through any of the anxiety or low self-esteem that often goes hand-in-hand with ADHD

We’re ADHD Therapists in Sacramento and online throughout california

If you or someone you love is struggling with ADHD or if possible undiagnosed ADHD is impacting your ability to function in key areas of life, therapy can be a wonderful space to learn more about how your mind functions, what your ADHD strengths are, build mindful awareness around what your own needs are, and learn how to develop the skills you need.

Contact us, and we can begin developing the understanding, support and tools you need to embrace life as a person with ADHD.

Written by Megan Bell, LMFT