How to deal with ADHD

For many years, my parents and I had difficulty dealing with my ADHD. Upon receiving my diagnosis, we were relieved to learn that it was a medical problem unrelated to my temperament. This confirmation made it easier for us to cope with my issues as there are established guidelines that can be followed to combat them.

Firstly, I cannot stress how important therapy was for me. By discussing my challenges with a professional, I received unbiased and constructive feedback on how to manage my disabilities. The therapist understood the nature of my issues and was able to guide me in developing the necessary skills to cope with them. She explained to me the significance of time management and organization and helped me create a study schedule. This helped me in my finals because while earlier I had found the syllabus overwhelming, having a structured regimen to get through it made the process significantly easier.

While we’re discussing schedules, let me also state that it was essential to include both work and leisure activities in my daily routine. Focusing entirely on one led to negative consequences. I found extended periods of study boring and that in turn resulted in decreased efficiency while prolonged periods of fun resulted in stress and anxiety about pending work. I would study for 6 hours and then have fun for the next 4 hours. This made me unenthusiastic during the time I had to work and due to how little I would achieve during that period, I would then be unable to fully enjoy my relaxation time. Therefore, it was necessary to create a structured routine that included both work and fun. This ensured that I didn’t exhaust myself by overworking and enjoyed my leisure time.

Additionally, as part of my schedule, I was required to have a period of exercise and 7- 8 hours of sleep. In general, I tend to be hyperactive and highly irritable having mood swings at the smallest provocation or sometimes none at all. Initially, I had a hard time believing working out and sleeping a few extra hours would help much but since I was incredibly unfit and constantly yawning throughout the day, I gave it a try. It worked wonders. After about a week, people around me felt I was considerably less chaotic and showed a better work ethic. Proper exercise and sleep hours helped reduce my stress and impulsiveness and also helped me focus on my studies.

Since I have ADHD, when I work I have to put in more effort than others. I mean mental effort. I have to exert a great deal to make sure I focus my attention on the textbook, whiteboard, etc. Despite this, I would still get distracted so there were a few extra measures I took. In class, I always sit at the front. Staying at the back is more fun but failing is not. By sitting at the front of the class I make sure that the teacher can see me and snap me back to reality when I start daydreaming. Additionally, when I am studying on my own, I don’t keep anything unrelated to my work, such as a device, near me to ensure that I don’t get tempted to waste time.

Finally, if your ADHD is too difficult to manage, you can also start taking medication. I also started taking medication earlier this year and can confidently say it has helped. While it isn’t a cure, it is able to control certain symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsiveness and does in turn help me concentrate more. I feel a lot calmer and more composed after taking the medicines and I’ve been able to focus more and take better notes in school too.

ADHD is a problematic disability but with the right methods, it can be dealt with effectively. Seeking therapy and forming a balanced study schedule whilst getting exercise and proper sleep will all help. If required, medication can also be used to help with some issues. One person’s experience with ADHD could be different from another’s so find out what works best for you!