ADHD Counseling

Are you struggling to stay organized?
Do you have trouble concentrating or staying focused?
Do you find yourself fidgeting or feeling restless?
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ADHD Counseling Akron, Ohio

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs from childhood on, but can also be diagnosed in adulthood. Symptoms of ADHD include:

Having trouble concentrating or focusing
Having difficulty staying organized
Being forgetful about completing tasks
Having difficulty sitting still
Lack of motivation
Hyper-focus on specific interests

It can be a difficult condition to diagnose. Many symptoms of ADHD can be typical childhood behaviors, so it can be hard to know what’s ADHD-related and what’s not. Here are the basic facts and symptoms of ADHD.

ADHD Facts

Males are almost 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than females.
During their lifetimes, 13 percent of men will be diagnosed with ADHD. Just 4.2 percent of women will be diagnosed.
The average age of an ADHD diagnosis is 7 years old.
Symptoms of ADHD typically first appear between the age of 3-6 years old.
ADHD isn’t just a childhood disorder. About 4 percent over the age of 18 deal with ADHD on a daily basis.
Challenges People With Adult ADHD Face
If you have ADHD, you may have trouble with:
- Anxiety
- Chronic boredom
- Chronic lateness and forgetfulness
- Depression
- Trouble concentrating when reading
- Trouble controlling anger
- Problems at work
- Impulsiveness
- Low tolerance for frustration
- Low self-esteem
- Mood swings
- Poor organization skills
- Procrastination
- Relationship problems
- Substance abuse or addiction
- Low motivation
No two people with ADHD are exactly alike. If you have ADHD, you may be able to concentrate if you’re interested in or excited about what you’re doing. But some people with ADHD have trouble focusing under any circumstances. Some people look for stimulation, but others avoid it. Plus, some people with ADHD can be withdrawn and antisocial. Others can be very social and go from one relationship to the next. (WebMD)
Problems at School
Adults With ADHD may have:
- A history of not doing well in school and underachieving
- Gotten into trouble at school
- Had to repeat a grade
- Dropped out of school
Problems at Work
Adults With ADHD are more likely to:
- Change jobs a lot and perform poorly
- Be less happy with their jobs and have fewer successes at work
Problems in Life
Adults with ADHD are more likely to:
- Get more speeding tickets, have their license suspended, or be involved in more crashes
- Smoke cigarettes
- Use alcohol or drugs more often
- Have less money
- Say they have psychological trouble like being depressed or have anxiety
Relationship Problems
Adults with ADHD are more likely to:
- Have more marital problems
- Get separated and divorced more often
- Have multiple marriages
  Your doctor can suggest medication or other treatment to help you focus better, but there are things you can do on your own to make life with ADHD more manageable:
  - Take medications as directed. If you are taking any medications for ADHD or any other condition, take them exactly as prescribed. Taking two doses at once to catch up on missed doses can be bad for you and others. If you notice side effects or other problems, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
  - Organize. Choose a time that’s quiet and unhurried — maybe at night before you go to bed — and plan out the next day, down to each task. Make a realistic list of things to complete. Alternate things you want to do with ones you don’t to help your mind stay engaged. Use a daily planner, reminder app, timer, leave notes for yourself, and set your alarm clock when you need to remember an appointment or other activity.
  - Be realistic about time: Your brain is wired differently than other people’s, and it may take you longer to get things done. That’s OK. Figure out a realistic time frame for your daily tasks — and don’t forget to build in time for breaks if you think you’ll need them.
  - Breathe slowly. If you tend to do things you later regret, such as interrupt others or get angry at others, manage the impulse by pausing. Count to 10 while you breathe slowly instead of acting out. Usually the impulse will pass as quickly as it appeared.
  - Cut down on distractions. When it’s time to buckle down and get something done, take away the distractions. If you find yourself being distracted by loud music or the television, turn it off or use earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to drown out sounds. Put your phone on silent. Move yourself to a quieter location, or ask others to help make things less distracting. If you can, work in a room with a door you can close. Set up your space in a way that helps you focus.
  - Control clutter: Another way to quiet your brain is to clear your space of things you don’t need. It can prevent distractions, and it can help you stay organized because you’ll have fewer things to tidy up. Go paperless — take your name off junk mailing lists and pay bills online. Get some organizational helpers like under-the-bed containers or over-the-door holders. Ask a friend to help if it seems like you’re swimming in a sea of debris and you don’t know where to start.
  - Burn off extra energy.Exercise is good for everyone, but it can do more than improve your heart health if you have ADHD. Even a little regular exercise can ease ADHD symptoms. You may need a way to get rid of some energy if you’re hyperactive or feel restless. Exercise, a hobby, or another pastime can be good choices. Shoot for 20 to 30 minutes a day. If you work in an office, a brisk walk during lunch may be the ticket to beating your brain’s afternoon slump. After you exercise, you’ll feel more focused and have more energy to stay on task.
  - Learn to say no: Impulsive behavior can be a side effect of having ADHD. This means your brain might bite off more than it can handle. If you find yourself overwhelmed, try to say no to a few things. Ask yourself: Can I really get this done? Be honest with yourself and with others about what’s possible and what’s not. Once you get comfortable saying no, you’ll be able to enjoy the things you say yes to even more.
  - Reward yourself: Sticking to a task can be easier when there’s a mood booster at the end. Before you tackle a project, decide on a reward for yourself once you’re done. Positive reinforcement can help you stay the course.
  - Ask for help. We all need help from time to time, and it’s important to not be afraid to ask for it. If you have disruptive thoughts or behaviors, ask a counselor if they have any ideas you can try that could help you control them (WebMD).

Mental Health Issues In Those With ADHD

Your mental health issues are not your fault. These symptoms are all too common and can be treated by consistent therapy and sometimes medication. The statistics are staggering, 1 in 5 young people ages 13-18 suffer from a mental health condition, that’s 20% of the population.

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I know it can feel scary to come in for counseling. Especially if it is your first time going to therapy! I promise I will make the process as easy and painless as possible for you. Please consider checking out my FAQS or contact me with other questions, I am here to help!

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If you are looking for a counselor in Akron, OH, I can help. My name is Allyssa Dziurlaj and I am passionate about my work as a mental health therapist. We can set up an appointment for you to begin counseling today!