Topics discussed include obtaining an ADHD diagnosis, tips for transitioning, resources for older adults with ADHD, medication and side-effects, preventing burnout, evolution of the coaching program, possible changes in Medicare coverage, financial challenges, and self-care for individuals with ADHD.
Validation and seeking professional consultation are crucial when discussing self-diagnosis of ADHD.
Transitioning between tasks is challenging for individuals with ADHD, but strategies like habit stacking and accountability can help.
After receiving an ADHD diagnosis, seeking resources, support, and making self-care a priority are important for effective management.
Deep dives
Importance of Seeking Professional Consultation for ADHD
When discussing the topic of self-diagnosis in ADHD, it is important for individuals to validate concerns and suggest seeking professional consultation. They can acknowledge that while they are not professionals themselves, they can provide support and highlight the significance of seeking assistance from a specialist. It may also be suggested to find a practitioner who specializes in ADHD to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.
Transitioning and ADHD
Transitioning from one task to another can be challenging for individuals with ADHD. It is explained that ADHD affects the brain's attention networks, including the task switching network, making it more difficult to switch between tasks. Strategies such as habit stacking, associating tasks together, and priming the brain by preparing for a task before starting, can help make transitioning easier. Accountability, such as having someone check in or setting reminders, can also aid in managing transitions.
Seeking Support and Resources after an ADHD Diagnosis
After receiving an ADHD diagnosis later in life, it is important to seek resources and support to better understand oneself through this new lens. Education about ADHD is highlighted as a crucial starting point, as it helps develop strategies and dispel shame associated with the condition. Exercise and somatic practices are mentioned as effective ways to manage ADHD symptoms and burnout. Taking the time for introspection and making changes, such as prioritizing self-care and making decisions that prioritize well-being, are important steps towards managing ADHD effectively. The benefits of joining a coaching program, such as ADHD Rewired's coaching and accountability groups, are also discussed as opportunities for learning, reflection, and support.
Understanding burnout and self-care strategies
Burnout is a common issue among individuals with ADHD, and it is important to address it to prevent future burnouts. One strategy is to identify the functional impairments caused by ADHD, such as inattention or impulsivity, and find ways to make self-care activities easier to engage in. This can involve minimizing steps for inattentive symptoms or adding more steps for impulsive symptoms. It is essential to acknowledge the role of shame in the ADHD experience and the need to reframe our understanding of ourselves. Seeking help from therapists, coaches, or support groups can provide valuable resources in managing burnout and addressing self-esteem issues.
Effective communication and understanding in relationships
When dealing with a partner who may not understand ADHD, effective communication is crucial. One approach is to choose specific issues where understanding is lacking and plan a conversation with pen and paper to clearly express thoughts and feelings. Sharing external resources, like books on the ADHD effect on relationships, can provide insight into ADHD experiences. Seeking couples counseling or exploring the Gottman method can also help improve communication skills. Establishing boundaries and setting parameters for difficult conversations, such as having a code word for taking breaks during intense discussions, can create a safer space for open dialogue and understanding.
Join the ADHD reWired Team every second Tuesday of the month for our monthly Live Q&A! If you want to join us live on Zoom, go to adhdrewired.com/events to register! You’ll also find bonus Q&As and can listen to this episode ad-free on Patreon when you become a Patron at $5.00 a month or more by going to adhdrewired.com/Patreon! Questions/Topics: [00:02:39] A listener asks the panelists for advice on how to help others take steps to get an ADHD diagnosis [00:05:02] Discussing online assessments [00:07:51] Red flags when seeking help for ADHD [00:10:07] “How do you all overcome the difficulty of transitions? I know what needs to be done, but why does transitioning from one thing to another feel like such a chore?” [00:12:17] Habit stacking and buffer space [00:17:14] A listener chimes in with suggestions for overcoming the difficulty of transitions [00:20:57] Resources, tips and tricks for a listener who was diagnosed with ADHD at 61 [00:24:52] A discussion about medication and side-effects [00:26:54] More resources and how coaching can help [00:29:54] The multi-pronged approach to ADHD management [00:35:53] “I am pretty burnt out at work, and I was given/voluntold to take 2 weeks of rest; I was wondering what can I do in these next two weeks to improve my burnout and ensure I continue to improve when I return so I don’t get burnt out again?” [00:38:14] A helpful resource on burnout and processes of introspection [00:44:51] Discussing health definitions and healthcare [00:47:24] Tips and strategies to engage with self-care and being “ready” for self-care [00:49:58] “ADHD is a performance disorder. We know what to do - that’s not the issue. The issue is doing it.” [00:52:03] Self-awareness, dealing with compounded shame, and trauma [00:57:45] “Do you have any suggestions on how to communicate with someone who doesn’t understand that the reason why I do something that doesn’t make sense to them, and defending my stance, how can I still show accountability and not be so defensive? [01:00:43] Closing thoughts & announcements Resources & Honorable Mentions ADHD reWired episode 342: Transitions and Balancing Work & Relationships with Adison Smith Book: Atomic Habits by James Clear Book: Still Distracted After All These Years by Kathleen G. Nadeau Book: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski, PhD and Amelia Nagoski, DMA The ADHD Effect on Marriage by Melissa Orlov Website: The Gottman Institute at gottman.com The 6 Ways of Closing the Stress Cycle Loop (from Burnout by Emily & Amelia Nagoski): Physical Activity, Creativity, Laughing. Crying, Physical Affection, and Deep Breathing “Burnout is… the nervous system and body taking the rest it needs by force.” - Brian Entler “ADHD reWired Coaching is about iteration, reflection, feedback, and keep doing that over and over again.” - Eric Tivers “An ADHD diagnosis doesn’t change the past, but it does change our understanding of the past.” “Shame corrodes the very part of us that believes we are capable of change.” - Brene Brown 🌟 Have you heard about our Adult Study Hall Community? Go to adultstudyhall.com to join our ADHD-friendly body-doubling community! 🌟 Interested in group coaching and want to take your ADHD management to the next level? Go to coachingrewired.com to get all the up-to-date information on the upcoming season of ADHD reWired's award-winning Coaching & Accountability groups!
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