An ADHD diagnosis tend to throw many adults off balance as it carries with it a heavy bag of potentially additional mixed emotions to handle which commonly include
- anger, sadness and regret for past struggles and missed opportunities
- relief for being able to give their experience a name and knowing why they experience what they do
- unwillingness to make needed changes
- overwhelm from new bodily/environmental demands
- uncertainty about what and how to make needed changes
- fear of how others will respond if they know your struggles
- surprise and disappointment for the failure of old coping strategies
- confusion about the next step to take
- frustration for the time it takes to find the best professional support and resources
- impatience for lack of seeing quick, major changes
- discouragement when “making the same old mistakes” and lasting improvements elude them
- excitement and hope for new possibilities
- acceptance of and compassion for self and others
- doubt and resistance regarding taking medication
- demands on patience for fine-tuning the medication dose/time and other resources
Starting on a medication regimen alone, may not give you the results you’re looking for. Simple and small lifestyle changes, learning and continued practice of tailored behaviours, skills and strategies will enhance your quality of life.
You may need support in finding ways to re-evaluate and diversify your support systems and to improve your job performance by identifying and asking for accommodations at work.
Your ADHD diagnosis presents a major transition and new exploration phase in your life.
