I was an impulsive buyer not a mindful spender (Glen's story with ADHD)
May 2, 2024
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Glen shares his journey with ADHD, discussing silly money mistakes and financial guardrails. He talks about impulsivity, financial mindfulness, emotional regulation struggles, generosity, and seeking therapy for impulse control. The chapter highlights his assessment, diagnosis, reflections on medication, and personal growth.
ADHD diagnosis in adulthood can lead to impulsive spending habits and challenges in completing tasks.
Medication for ADHD can significantly improve focus, productivity, and impulse control, enhancing daily functioning and well-being.
Deep dives
Understanding ADHD Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of ADHD, including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, can persist from childhood into adulthood. Features such as difficulty focusing, restlessness, and carelessness in work or activities were noted. The individual displayed restlessness, impulsivity, and a tendency to interrupt others, both at work and in personal interactions. Symptoms impacted work relationships and home settings, leading to challenges in completing tasks and maintaining focus.
Personal Impact and Coping Mechanisms
The individual exhibited challenges with emotional regulation and impulse control, leading to impulsive spending habits and struggles with finishing projects. Despite moments of intense focus, boredom, procrastination, and distraction were significant hurdles. An impulsive buyer, the individual described making extravagant purchases, later regretting them, reflecting a lack of foresight and financial responsibility.
ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
Following a comprehensive assessment involving cognitive testing, school records, and self-report ratings, the individual received a diagnosis of ADHD Combined Presentation. Recommendations included a trial of ADHD medication and education on managing symptoms. Medication significantly improved focus, productivity, and impulse control, positively impacting work output and mental well-being.
Promoting Awareness and Seeking Support
Through sharing their personal journey with ADHD diagnosis and treatment, the individual aimed to raise awareness and encourage others to seek professional help. By highlighting the transformative impact of medication on focus, productivity, and decision-making, they emphasized the importance of self-awareness and proactive management of ADHD symptoms for improved daily functioning and well-being.
In this bonus episode, Glen opens up about his journey in discovering he may have ADHD and recently getting diagnosed. He shares candidly about some of the silly money mistakes he's made and the financial guardrails he's put in place to manage his spendy impulses.
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