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Writer's pictureDr Titilayo Akinsola

ADHD in Adults: How to Navigate Work, Relationships, and Daily Life




a man with a note saying I have ADHD

      

Many people believe that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a childhood ailment. In the past, experts also claimed that children outgrew ADHD. However, research has shown that a number of adults have ADHD and some are not even aware. Over 60% of kids with ADHD continue to have it as adults. 


Adults with the condition experience challenges in different facets of life. This includes relationships, work, as well as daily tasks and activities. it costs the American economy up to $138 billion annually in lost productivity and money. This is why every individual with the condition needs to stay informed about how to maneuver work and social situations. Without this, it will be hard for them to live a productive and fulfilling life.


The importance of managing ADHD  cannot be overemphasized. When the condition is not treated, it can cause professional setbacks, mental health challenges and relationship issues for adults.


At Favor Mental health services, our goal is to support adults with ADHD in navigating their individual paths and thriving in all areas of life.


Signs and symptoms of ADHD in Adults


Almost everyone experiences ADHD symptoms at one point or the other in their life. You most likely don't have ADHD if your problems are new or have only happened a couple of times in the past. ADHD is only diagnosed when your symptoms cause persistent issues across different areas of your life. 


Adults with ADHD may have the following primary symptoms: 

-Having trouble focusing and getting sidetracked.

-Disarray and putting things off.

-Ineffective organization, planning, or time management.

-Memory problems with everyday tasks.

-Frequently losing and forgetting things.

-Being overly chatty or interrupting others.

-Inability to multitask or concentrate on a big task.

-Problems completing tasks or adhering to directions.

-Long-term sitting difficulties.

-Fidgeting sensations of restlessness.

-Demand for continuous stimulation or movement.

-Selecting rewards now over future repercussions or rewards.



ADHD in the Workplace    


Adults with ADHD may experience difficulties at work. They might frequently have trouble finishing assignments, arriving at work on time, or meeting deadlines. They might struggle with connections with coworkers, be passed over for promotions, or be fired frequently.

Employees with ADHD usually have the following issues:

-Boredom/losing interest in a job or task quickly. 

-Distractions/ loosing concentration due to external (like talks among coworkers) or internal (like daydreaming) distractions. 

-Forgetfulness and failure to recall duties, obligations, or due dates. 

-Hyperactivity and being unable to remain motionless.

- Insufficient interpersonal skills. 

-Failure to estimate the amount of time required to finish a task.


Managing your ADHD at work 


Many adults with untreated or undiagnosed ADHD can excel in their careers. This could be because they have discovered a vocation they are enthusiastic about and a workplace that works for them. While an adult with ADHD may flourish in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment, they may struggle in a routine office job that demands constant focus and little movement. Most of us may not be able to change professions or pursue a new career, but there are strategies to help you deal with obstacles at work, like being organized, finishing duties, sitting still, and listening quietly.



Adult ADHD Tips


Tips for Concentration 


  1. Divide work into manageable chunks and adhere to a methodical approach to planning. 

  2. Make checklists. 

  3. If your phone is becoming too distracting, turn it off. 

  4. Return calls on a daily basis at a specific hour. 

  5. Sticky notes with reminders written on them should be kept in your workspace or office. 

  6. Allow yourself more time to finish tasks.

  7. Make time for rest periods. 

  8. Get moving.

During your breaks, get moving, even if it's just going up and down stairs or walking to the water fountain. 

  1. Plan ahead 

To reduce distractions, begin your workday a few hours ahead of your coworkers or crew members.

  1. Reduce the noise from outside. 

Keep your workspace clutter-free and face your workstation toward a wall. You could even wear noise-canceling headphones and hang a "Do Not Disturb" sign. 

  1. Big ideas should be put off. 

Write them down for subsequent contemplation on paper or on your smartphone.


Tips for organizing and managing clutter

  1. Establish and maintain order. 

The first step in organizing a room, house, or workplace is to classify your belongings, determining which can be stored or thrown away and which are essential. 

  1. Develop the habit of making lists and taking notes to help you stay organized.

To stay on top of regularly planned chores, projects, deadlines, and appointments, use lists and notes.

  1. Make room. 

Determine what you need every day and find closets or storage bins for items you don't need. 

  1. Make use of a day planner or calendar app. 

Making good use of a calendar or day planner on your computer or smartphone will help you recall due dates and appointments. Make use of lists..


  1. Take care of things as promptly as possible.

Do a task right away rather than putting it off until later if it can be finished in two minutes or less. 

  1. Control your paper trail. 

Paperwork may contribute significantly to your disorganization if you have ADHD. Setting up a paperwork system that suits you just takes a little time.

  1.  Reduce the quantity of paper you must handle. 

Instead of paper copies, ask for electronic bills and statements. 

  1. Establish a system of filing. 

For various document kinds, use dividers or distinct file folders.


Tips for Time-Management and Productivity. 

  1. To keep track of time, use a wristwatch or a prominent desk or wall clock. 

Note the time when you begin a task, either by writing it down or by saying it out.

  1. Plan your day for at least five minutes beforehand. 

Five times a day, go over and revise your plan.

  1. To remind yourself of impending tasks, use alarms on your computer or phone. 

  2. Divide more complex jobs into smaller ones. 

  3. If you are  bored, switch up your work on a  basis. 

  4. To help you stay on course, look for an accountability buddy.


Tips for Setting Priorities 

  1. Choose what to work on first.

Determine the  crucial work you have to complete first, and then rank your other priorities accordingly.

  1.  Remain focused. 

By following your schedule and, if needed, using a timer to enforce it, you can prevent getting distracted.

  1. Be able to say no. 

Adults with ADHD who are impulsive. Prior to accepting something new, check your schedule.


Tips for Communicating 

1.Reduce your talking and increase your listening. 

If you didn't comprehend something your manager or coworker said, ask them to repeat it for you. 

2. Learn to have brief chats. 

When speaking with friends and family, try to keep the conversation on topic. Your ability to stay focused at work will improve the more you use this talent outside of work. 

3. Reduce your speed. 

People with ADHD often speak quickly. Recognize when to stop and let others to speak. 

4. Develop your ability to understand body language to interact with supervisors and coworkers more effectively. 


Tips for Centering 

  1. By doing yoga or meditation, you can learn how to breathe and relax. 

  2. Recognize your impulsive behavior triggers and develop coping mechanisms.



Tips for managing stress and boosting mood


  1. Make sure you get enough sleep. 

Lack of sleep can exacerbate adult ADHD symptoms, making it harder to handle stress and stay focused during the day.

  1. Establish a calm, consistent "bedtime" regimen that includes a hot bath or shower right before bed.



ADHD Productivity tools 


  1. To-do list apps

These applications make it simple to write down your ideas and distribute your list to your loved ones or coworkers. You can reorganize the items, arrange them in columns, add images, color-code them, and have them sent to you by text or email. However, a to-do list software won't do the chore for you.


Here are some to-do list apps you can use


  • Amazing Marvin for personalizing workflows for productivity

  • Ticktick for focusing on tasks

  • Sunsama for time management

  • Trello empowers team members to oversee any type of project, workflow, or task tracking.



  1. Board


You can write down your list for the following day on a board. You can prioritize without feeling overburdened by the looming things you have to complete if you do it the night before. As you finish, you may simply wipe each item. 


  1. Timer devices, reminders, and alarms 


  • Ruggie

One alarm clock that will undoubtedly wake you up on time is Ruggie. To turn it off, you must stand on it for a few seconds. It never stops! If you don't get out of bed, it won't switch off for hours.


  • The Apple reminder app

This one is fantastic because it reminds you to take action as soon as you arrive at a specific area.


  • Pomodoro timer


You can set aside time (typically 25 minutes) for each task and take 5-minute breaks with the Pomodoro timer. But this time frame can be changed to fit the required amount of time.



How Favor Mental Health Services can help


Our team includes caring experts who:

• Really understand ADHD and know how to spot it and help you manage it

• Offer different kinds of therapy that actually work - whether you want to talk one-on-one, work on specific challenges, or get your family involved

• Can help find the right medication if you need it, and make sure it's working well for you


Your privacy matters to us - everything we discuss stays strictly between us. As certified professionals, we take confidentiality seriously.


Let's work together to help you feel like yourself again.

Contact us: 

410-403-3299



For a deeper dive into medication options and alternative treatments, visit our full ADHD management guide here.













 










 


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