Sound Familiar?

Jake, a young professional living in West County, St. Louis, is finding it increasingly difficult to stay focused at work. He constantly forgets deadlines, misplaces important documents, and struggles to complete tasks. To be clear, this is not the first time he’s encountered these struggles — he remembers having to have a lot of help and coaching all the way back to at least high school.  Despite his best efforts, he feels overwhelmed and defeated.

Amy, a high school student in Souty City, has been struggling academically for years. She has trouble concentrating during classes, frequently loses her train of thought while reading, and struggles to complete assignments on time.  To make matters worse, her workspace in her dorm room is more or less constantly a mess, and she just can’t seem to find the motivation to clean even though she knows it would help her overall efforts to do well, and she does in fact want to do well!  Amy wonders if seeking psychotherapy would help her improve her academic performance and regain control over her life.

Antoine often feels socially isolated due to his impulsive behavior and difficulty maintaining relationships. He frequently interrupts conversations, struggles to listen attentively, and forgets important events.  While many people chalk this up to the opposite side of being a quirky, funny guy, Antone no longer feels like those labels are sufficient to outpace the struggle he encounters as a result.  In other words, even though people genuinely like him and seem to give him a pass, he’s tired of the ways his relationships and overall life are interrupted.  

Living with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Living with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be challenging, affecting various aspects of one’s life. This article aims to provide insights into managing and overcoming ADHD through popular research findings. We will begin with three vignettes to better understand the struggles faced by individuals questioning whether they should seek help or psychotherapy. This will be followed by a discussion on the psychological and organic origins of ADHD, its portrayal in books and movies, the common myths or misconceptions surrounding ADHD, steps to successfully manage ADHD, and the connection between ADHD and other mental health issues.

Understanding ADHD
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in sustaining attention, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity. While the precise causes of ADHD are not yet fully understood, research suggests a combination of psychological and organic factors contributing to its development.  Psychological factors that may contribute to ADHD include genetic predisposition, family history, and environmental influences. Studies have identified specific genes involved in regulating neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, which play a crucial role in ADHD symptoms.  In addition to psychological factors, organic or medical factors can also influence the development of ADHD. Prenatal exposure to toxins, premature birth, low birth weight, and certain brain injuries can contribute to the manifestation of ADHD symptoms.

People who have ADHD may recognize themselves in one of these symptoms:

• frequent daydreaming
• tendency to forget or misplace items
• general proneness to be squirmy or fidget a lot
• excessive talkativeness
• careless mistake making as habitual
• risk-taking behavior
• difficulty resisting urges/temptations — struggles with impulsivness

But wait, isn’t ADHD just a personality trait?

Popular culture often showcases characters with ADHD, providing insights into the challenges faced by individuals with the disorder. Books like “Hyperfocus” by Chris Bailey and movies like “Silver Linings Playbook” shed light on the complexities of ADHD (along with other idorders), emphasizing the importance of understanding and compassion.  That said there are several myths and misconceptions surrounding ADHD that hinder understanding and support for those affected.  To start, while some people are, for example, drawing from the list above, more prone to daydream, lose items, or be talkative, persons who suffer from ADHD have a genuine difficulty in these areas that causes school, work, or social impairment.  Quite simply, for many persons suffering from ADHD, they simply do not have enough “red lights” to subordinate their behavior much of the time, and ADHD can even take on a “self-sabotaging” quality — i.e., persons who are otherwise genuinely motivated and capable still struggle with self-defeating items like careless mistakes and difficulty subordinating impulses.  On that front, other common misconceptions include the belief that ADHD is purely a result of laziness or lack of discipline, which is also patently false. It is crucial to dispel these misconceptions and replace them with accurate information to foster empathy and support.

The Connection between ADHD and other Mental Health Issues:
Research suggests a strong correlation between ADHD and other mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse disorders. Individuals with ADHD may have higher chances of experiencing these comorobidities, highlighting the importance of comprehensive assessment and treatment to address all aspects of wellbeing.

Some steps you can take now.

• Mindfulness and Meditation.  One proven technique for managing ADHD is mindfulness meditation. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology has shown that consistent mindfulness practice also reduces any co-occurring stress, anxiety, and depression. St. Louis, MO offers several resources for those interested in exploring meditation, such as meditation centers and yoga studios. By setting aside just a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness, individuals can cultivate an increased sense of calmness and resilience in the face of stressors.
• Go Outside and Exercise.  Regular physical exercise is not only beneficial for our physical health but also for our mental well-being. Engaging in activities such as walking, jogging, or cycling around the scenic parks and trails in St. Louis can greatly reduce stress levels. A study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness suggests that exercise increases the production of endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers. By incorporating physical activity into their daily routine, individuals can effectively alleviate compounding symtpmtoms of ADHD and improve overall mental health.
• Social Support and Connections.  Strong social connections play a pivotal role in relieving symptoms of ADHD for many persons, precisely because they can feel so alone in that struggle. Research published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior shows the importance of having a supportive network of family and friends. By fostering supportive relationships and seeking emotional support, stress can be significantly reduced.
• Incorporate Time Management and Prioritization Strategies.  Often, ADHD is a compounded by becoming overwhelmed by the demands of daily life and falling behind, leading in time to a sort of cyle of procrastination, avoidance, and forgetfulness. Developing effective time management and prioritization skills can alleviate this. Research published in the European Journal of Psychological Assessment suggests that individuals who engage in effective time management experience reduced stress levels. 

Need some help with all of these?  Call us now!

At Change, Inc. St. Louis Counseling, our therapists aren’t just expert counselors – they’re agents of change!  Not only can we help people manager ADHD, we can help you learn to live more intentionally and genuinely in line with the actual motivations and goals you have that ADHD threatens to interrupt!!  We can help you build new and lasting support systems, restructure your work and study habits for the better, and get you on the road to healthy, vibrant living!

Looking for St. Louis ADHD Counseling or Counseling for Attention-Deficit Disorder in St. Louis?