Does anyone here have experience with ADHD? What advice would you give to someone dealing with it?

My girlfriend just got diagnosed with it a few days ago and she's pretty bummed out. I wish I could be more supportive, but I literally have no idea what could help

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DoubleRings · 51-55, F

I have lots of experience with children who have it and also believe my husband has it. There’s a lot of info online but many MANY people have it and don’t even know.

Couple points here:
It’s also comorbid with other factors like anxiety depression OcD and learning disabilities but not always. Sometimes it holds hands with autism too and shares a lot of common symptoms.

They need highly structured environments and organization systems. Everything needs a place to be and should be returned to that place every single time.

Not all ADHD is hyperactive there’s also inattentive type

They need breaks frequently from tasks that require mental focus.

That being said, they can hyperfocus on Tasks they enjoy for hours.

They thrive in energetic roles like motivational speakers athletes and personal trainers and even sales.

Treatment isn’t always a pill, there are many interventions available to explore.

There is a genetic component to ADHD although not always, and not always proven bc other people simple did not get diagnosed

If you google it - put “adult adhd” bc the vast majority of info is about kids.

In a nutshell that’s a start about what you can expect from ADHD and things to consider when you’re trying to help. .

TinyViolins · 31-35, M

@DoubleRings Thank you for that. She's more of the inattentive type. I'm a pretty organized person in general, so I think my ways have helped her a lot. Her parents are a lot more casual about things and it upsets her every time she goes to see them now. I guess keeping things structured would work out well for both of us.

DoubleRings · 51-55, F

@TinyViolins yup. You can find lots of info online, or in books. Bc shes inattentive that’s prob why shes just now being diagnosed (harder to identify, she falls through the cracks, doesn’t bother anyone). I have found with inattentive types they need help meeting deadlines and having motivation to do most things. Work completion and follow through is difficult.

Sometimes I even think I am inattentive AdHD (I’m def not hyperactive!) bc I’m forgetful, I lose items I just had 5 seconds ago, I lose interest in long conversations that are important to others, I really have to control my own mess …. but I can’t be sure, I’ve never been tested. I do remmeebr being in school in primary grades and “not paying attention” (according to my teacher) which is true. I’d be at the end of a lesson and not know what we just learned or what to do next. Daydreaming or just not very interested.