ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is one of those terms that’s widely recognized but often misunderstood. People think ADHD means someone’s just “hyper” or “distracted,” but it’s so much more than that. ADHD is a complex neurological condition that can impact many areas of life, from daily tasks to relationships, and it’s not just limited to childhood.
What is ADHD, Really?
ADHD is defined by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. But it doesn’t look the same for everyone. For example, some people might struggle more with attention and focus, while others experience the hyperactivity side whether physically or as inner restlessness.
Symptoms of inattention can look like:
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Struggling to stay focused on tasks, especially if they’re routine or repetitive
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Getting easily sidetracked, feeling like your mind is always wandering
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Losing track of items or conversations because attention has slipped away
With hyperactivity and impulsivity, symptoms can show up as:
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Feeling the urge to move constantly, or just not being able to sit still for long
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Jumping into things without a plan, often feeling a sense of urgency
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Finding it hard to pause or wait, especially if something feels important right now
And here’s something that gets overlooked: ADHD isn’t just about what you see on the surface. In adults, especially, hyperactivity can show up more as a constant stream of thoughts, rather than physical movement.
Common Myths and Misconceptions
One of the biggest misconceptions about ADHD is that it’s simply an issue of attention, as if people with ADHD aren’t trying hard enough to focus. But ADHD isn’t about laziness or a lack of discipline; it’s about how the brain processes and prioritizes information. Sometimes, people with ADHD can even hyper-focus on things they’re interested in, to the point where hours fly by without them noticing.
How ADHD Shows Up in Life
ADHD affects more than just work or school. It can impact self-esteem, relationships, and daily routines. Tasks that might seem simple like organizing, remembering appointments, or keeping up with emails can feel overwhelming. Many people with ADHD struggle with managing their time or keeping track of things, which can lead to feelings of frustration and shame.
But ADHD also comes with strengths. Many people with ADHD are naturally creative, resilient, and able to think outside the box. Learning to recognize and use these strengths is a big part of thriving with ADHD.
Practical Ways to Support ADHD
If you or someone you love has ADHD, here are a few strategies that might help:
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Break tasks into smaller steps to make things feel more manageable.
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Use routines and reminders as tools to help with consistency.
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Practice mindfulness and grounding techniques to help manage impulsivity.
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Seek out therapy support to work on skills and self-compassion.
Finding Support
If ADHD is affecting your day-to-day life, connecting with a therapist who understands can make a huge difference. At Nurish Psychotherapy, we believe in meeting clients where they are, helping them create supportive structures that work for their individual needs. Therapy can be a space to explore practical strategies and build self-awareness so you can live in a way that feels more manageable, less overwhelming, and authentically you.