You notice that you can’t get yourself to text other people back, because you forget the text message existed. In fact, you might forget that people exist when they are not in front of you. Your phone is a void where your attention goes to die. You spent hours doom-scrolling, wishing you could just get yourself motivated to eat lunch. You may have struggled to sit still in school and were told you were gifted. You did brilliantly on tests but just couldn’t manage to get your homework turned in. Maybe you have a hobby graveyard where all your unfinished projects lay untouched, gathering dust. Household tasks like laundry and dishes may feel like torture or just never get done. You have always felt like you are lazy, unmotivated, or inconsiderate, but it’s not your fault.

ADHD or ADD is more than a deficit in attention or a set of restless behaviors. It is difference in the way your brain functions. People with ADHD have differences in the way their brain processes neurotransmitters, the chemicals that affect attention, motivation, and focus in the brain. In addition to this, they have more neural connections in their brain (a bigger information carrying system) than most other people do. Because of this, they may be constantly distracted by new stimuli in their environment.

If you related to much of the above, I might recommend you get an assessment for ADHD. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I cannot diagnose ADHD. I would refer you to a Psychologist to get a full assessment. However, I am very familiar with strategies for managing ADHD or ADD symptoms, and reducing the internal shame that many people feel about their symptoms. I would be happy to work with you on managing your ADHD or ADD.