How Is Separation Anxiety Disorder Treated?
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5 Ways to Help Your Loved Ones With ADHD
Living with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be a challenge. The mind is everywhere all at once, making it nearly impossible to focus on any one thing.
ADHD is challenging for the individual living with it and the loved ones trying to help. Knowing more about ADHD and the strategies to best support your loved one can improve your relationship.
At Reviv Functional Psychiatry & TMS Wellness Center, our compassionate psychiatrist, Dr. Hina Sidhu, specializes in treating ADHD and the importance of outside support.
We know how frustrating and tiring ADHD is, so we want to share ways you can help your loved one with ADHD.
1. Learn about ADHD
Lazy, disorganized, and disruptive are common stereotypes associated with ADHD. The negative labels stigmatize the brain disorder, making people with ADHD feel like their struggles are their fault. These beliefs affect self-esteem, confidence, and relationships and may lead to depression or an anxiety disorder.
ADHD is a brain disorder that affects the area of the brain responsible for executive function — the cognitive processes that manage planning, focus, decision-making, and regulating emotions.
This is why people with ADHD have difficulty sitting still, getting their work done, and staying organized. They're born with altered brain function, and it's not in their control.
Learning more about ADHD is important when trying to help a loved one with the condition. Knowing the facts about the disease can change one's perspective.
ADHD symptoms vary, and it's essential to understand the symptoms so you know their biggest struggles. Some people are more hyperactive and impulsive, while others are more inattentive.
2. Communicate and listen
Communication is challenging for people with ADHD. Inattentive symptoms make it challenging to follow conversations, and their impulsiveness is why they frequently interrupt. These issues make conversations and communication difficult.
Be clear and concise when talking to your loved one to limit confusion and miscommunication. Also, wait to speak when they're not distracted.
You also want to listen to them. Your loved one may feel alone. Taking time to listen and having open conversations improves trust for a better relationship.
3. Create routines and structure
People with ADHD struggle with organization, time management, and finishing tasks. Creating routines and structure helps people with ADHD manage the symptoms that affect their daily lives.
Transitions are challenging for people with ADHD. Not knowing what to expect causes anxiety, making it hard to focus. Learn your loved ones’ routine or help them create one to improve focus. Kids and teens with ADHD may do better in a more structured school environment.
Encourage using calendars and to-do lists to help your loved one stay organized and on top of tasks. Also, help them break up large projects into smaller pieces so they don’t feel overwhelmed. This not only helps them get the work done but may also improve time management.
4. Celebrate strengths
People with ADHD are constantly reminded about the challenges of their disorder and the negative ways it may affect their lives. Help change their internal dialogue by pointing out their strengths and abilities because of their ADHD. Helping them see the good qualities boosts confidence and self-esteem.
People with ADHD have many amazing qualities. They're out-of-the-box thinkers, highly energetic, and spontaneous. They’re also persistent, resilient, and courageous. Find the strength or talent your loved one has and celebrate it.
5. Get support
We know your desire to help comes from a good place, but supporting a loved one with ADHD is overwhelming and frustrating. People with ADHD are sensitive, and their symptoms may worsen if they're struggling to stay cool, calm, and collected. So, remember to take care of your needs and seek outside support when you're having a challenging time managing on your own.
Talking to a therapist may help you better understand your loved one and yourself. They also teach strategies on how best to help. You want an equal relationship, not one that's codependent.
Encourage your loved one to seek help, too. You can do only so much, and your loved one may respond better to a neutral party.
If you or your loved one with ADHD is struggling, we can help. Call us today at our office in Fullerton, California, to schedule an appointment.
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