How Teens and Young Adults with ADHD Can Thrive

When Grace Friedman was diagnosed with ADHD at 12 years old, she didn’t know much about it. What she did know was that it was hard to make friends, her emotions seemed to be “on steroids,” and focusing on homework and in class felt impossible. It also was difficult to accept that her brain and body worked differently than the average student’s. It was frustrating that she had to work harder on every assignment, staying up later and later just to finish a few math problems. Friedman was convinced that because of these differences, she wouldn’t be able to succeed. She feared she’d “never be good enough, smart enough, quick witted enough to be successful in school” and beyond. “It is hard to get used to the idea that my ADHD won’t be going away and I have to actively manage [it] for the rest of my life,” Friedman said. Friedman, of course, isn’t alone. Many, many teens and young adults with ADHD feel the same way and have the same fears. Many have a shattered self-esteem and believe their ADHD is insurmountable. Instead of denying, dismissing, or despising her ADHD, Friedman chose to accept it. “I decided early on I want to be the best version of myself because of my ADHD, not despite it.” Friedman wants others to know that even though living with ADHD can be difficult, it is an issue you can work on—and it can even be a gift: “Those with ADHD often think outside the box, are creative, and can think big picture.” Today, Friedman is an ADHD advoc...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: ADHD and ADD Books Children and Teens College Disorders General Habits Motivation and Inspiration Self-Esteem Self-Help Stress Students Success & Achievement attention Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self Care self Source Type: blogs