Living with ADHD is not an easy journey. You may wonder sometimes why this is the hand you were dealt. And coping with and learning to live with it is even harder in the 21st century. On one hand, you could say that having ADHD now is an advantage. At least we know what it is now, and there are various treatments like medication and ADHD coaching. Yet, it still has a stigma, just like any brain disorder. If you have a medical condition like diabetes or arthritis, people accept that more readily than if you have a different kind of brain. The stigma needs to go.
Why Living with ADHD Needs to be a New Normal
ADHD shouldn’t be something that is whispered about or talked about behind closed doors. Why? Because its prevalence is growing rapidly.
- During their lifetimes, 12.9 percent of men will be diagnosed with the attention disorder. Just 4.9 percent of women will be diagnosed
- The average age of ADHD diagnosis is 7 years old
- Symptoms of ADHD typically first appear between the ages of 3 and 6
- About 4 percent of American adults over the age of 18 deal with ADHD on a daily basis
These estimates are probably much lower than the actual number of those dealing with ADHD. But at least, many are having the conversation about it: parents, teachers, and students all need to be talking about how it impacts the life of the individual and how to use ADHD as a positive rather than a life sentence for failure. There is also considerable research being conducted to learn why ADHD brains are different and what approaches may work best for those with symptoms that make living with ADHD hard. This includes impulsivity, inability to concentrate, disorganization, communication issues, and others.
Living with ADHD and Thriving
The best news is that in the 21st century, there are lots of resources and experts in the field that can help you thrive with an ADHD brain. Because of this, so many with the disease are now living their best life with ADHD. It’s like anything in life that is a roadblock, you have to maneuver your way through it. You won’t get there alone. First and foremost, know it’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to be frustrated and angry. Once you are on a clearer path, you’ll see those things diminish as you spend your time focusing on joy rather than everything that’s gone wrong.
If you are ready to live your best ADHD life, get in touch to learn more about our coaching programs.
