ADHD
Struggling to concentrate, having too much energy or not being able to easily control your behaviour are some of the symptoms of ADHD. Find out more about ADHD and how to get help.
Do you struggle to concentrate sometimes? Or ever feel like you have too much energy – more than other people? Maybe you find it difficult to control your behaviour in some situations?
If that sounds like you, you might be experiencing symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder – usually called ADHD. This condition can make it tricky for you to focus at school or work. You’re not alone and there’s plenty of support out there, so read on to learn more and find out how to get help.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a condition where you have lots of energy and have difficulty concentrating. You might also find it hard to control what you say and do. For example, you might speak without thinking first, or find that you do things on impulse.
Symptoms usually start very early in life, before the age of six. We don’t know exactly what causes ADHD but experts think it might run in families, or it could be to do with the way the chemicals in your brain work. But you might start to experience ADHD-like symptoms if you’ve had a difficult experience.
Another condition called ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) has similar symptoms to ADHD, but you don’t feel as hyperactive. For people with ADD, the main problem they have is difficulty concentrating.
The symptoms of ADHD
Symptoms include:
- feeling restless or fidgety
- talking a lot and interrupting others
- becoming easily distracted
- finding it hard to concentrate
- saying or doing things without thinking
If you experience any of these symptoms above, it doesn’t mean you definitely have ADHD. But if any of them are affecting your everyday life, you should do something about it.
How to treat ADHD
There are various types of treatment that can help you deal with ADHD.
- Medication: Many young people tell us they find medication really helpful because it makes it easier for them to focus and concentrate.
- Therapy: Through therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or psychotherapy, you can learn practical ways to manage your behaviour and cope better with everyday situations. You might also be offered the option of group therapy.
- Counselling: Talk together with your family and a counsellor about how to deal with things in your daily life.
- Educational support: You can get specialist help to make your time at school easier to manage.
ADHD and your mental health
ADHD can leave you feeling out of control. People might not understand what you’re going through and could think you are acting out or being difficult, or criticise and punish you unnecessarily. This can make you feel isolated, depressed, or it can lead to feelings of low self-esteem.
It can really help to talk to your friends, family and teachers about how you feel and how they can support you. Let them know what you do and don’t find helpful so that they can do their best to help.
Different things work for different people. You could try the following to see if they help:
- Cut down on drugs and alcohol.
- Limit screen time and sports in the evening.
- Avoid taking stimulant medication (or caffeine) after 4pm.
- Get enough sleep.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
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