- Some useful tips if someone you know has been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder
- There are some very helpful online resources to educate yourself
Take the time to support a friend with ADHDI was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder) earlier this year. I’m lucky to have some great people in my life who supported me after the diagnosis. I’m extremely grateful to them.
If you have a friend or family member with ADHD, here are some ways you can help them.
... and breathe
Be patient with them. There may be times where a person with ADHD might interject with random comments, forget something, or zone out while you’re talking. Try to stay calm, even if you’re frustrated with them.
Walk in their shoes
Acknowledge the difficulties they might be facing. Instead of saying “Why aren’t you listening?”, try “I know it’s hard for you to concentrate, did you get everything I said?”
Be there
Above all else, make sure they know you care. Even if you’re not sure what to do, let them know you’re willing to help.
Actually, I’m the one who needs help
If you’re diagnosed with ADHD, don’t worry! There are plenty of incredible resources and supports out there.
Undiagnosed ADHD in girls can cause stress and anxiety later in life
Once you learn to harness your ADHD, it’s less of a disability and more of a secret weapon. Let your imagination run wild and notice all the wonderful things around you. Oh look, there’s a butterfly!
Additional resources:
These online resources are really useful, informative and reassuring.
How to ADHD
A YouTube channel dedicated to reducing the stigma around ADHD.
CHADD
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, an American organisation that supports individuals with ADHD through research and education.
ADDitude
An online and print magazine that offers support for parents and adults with ADHD.