ADHD has been known to run in families. Parents with ADHD have additional, unique hurdles when their child or children also have ADHD. Sometimes your own symptoms can interfere when you’re trying to do what’s best for your child.
 
The good news is you also have a window into what they’re going through—an insight that parents without ADHD don’t have. You must also understand the differences between your child’s ADHD and your own to find the strategies that work for both of you.
 
This might seem a scary prospect. You’re already working every day to stay on top of your own symptoms, and now you have to help your child do it, too. But don’t fret. You’re not alone.
 
Remember: being a good parent doesn’t mean putting your child first 100% of the time. You’ve got to feel good to be the best parent you can be.
 
Here are some strategies for both parents and children with ADHD:
 
1. Get Creative
Use your child’s natural creativity (and your own) to brainstorm fun ways to stay organized. This is a great way to teach kids what it means to be held accountable for their responsibilities.  For example, you might challenge your child to keep a white board up-to-date with chores, appointments, and activities—color-coding each one.
 
2. Stay Consistent Together
Consistency is an important point of emphasis for both adults and children with ADHD. Cut back on your child’s stress by having a transparent, consistent schedule. While they’re doing their homework, you should find an activity that can have a parallel schedule—like catching up on your email.  Sitting at the kitchen table working for a few hours each night at the same time will remove some of the anxiety of homework and other tasks, especially when you’re in it together. You might even dedicate that time to projects you can’t find time for during the workday.

3. Don’t Judge
You shouldn’t criticize your child for displaying symptoms of ADHD, and you certainly shouldn’t judge them. Instead, calmly address the behavior, explain the consequences, and make healthy suggestions for how things can change in the future.  Guess what?  You can do the same for yourself.  By practicing this non-judgmental patient approach with your child, it may become easier to do for yourself.

4. Keep It Simple
Trying to multi-task can be particularly risky and unproductive for adults and children with ADHD.  Give one direction at a time to your child to avoid making them feel overwhelmed or confused.  Apply that same tactic to yourself by addressing one problem at a time and not trying to handle everything at once.

5. Rely on Your Partner
If you have a parenting partner who doesn’t have ADHD, it’s okay to rely on them for certain things. Figure out which part of parenting with ADHD is hardest for you and split the difference.  Maybe your partner hates driving to after school activities, but is much better at getting up in the morning and getting your child ready for school. Even adults without ADHD have strengths and weaknesses. Ask your partner to help you play to your strengths!

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Get Help
If you don’t have a partner or you need more help, there are always more resources you can reach out to. There’s no stigma attached to getting extra help with parenting, tutoring, or childcare in general.
If giving yourself a few hours on a Saturday afternoon helps you be a better parent, you’re doing both you and your child a service.  When you feel the time is right, you might consider letting your child know how much you understand what they’re going through and why. Children are often much more perceptive than we recognize and children with ADHD can be particularly sensitive to your behaviors.
 
Many adults with ADHD make remarkable parents. Just remember to take care of yourself and cut down everyday challenges by working as a team.
​
Your adult ADHD diagnosis means that day-to-day tasks that seem simple to others can be daunting, but there’s no reason to despair. With knowledge and counseling, your symptoms are manageable. To learn more about strategies for tackling the symptoms of adult ADHD, contact me at Cloud Counseling today.

In the past few decades, ideas about ADHD—including its causes and origins—have shifted significantly. If you’ve been diagnosed with adult ADHD, you may find it useful to learn about the biology and genetics behind your behaviors. It may seem counterintuitive, but this knowledge can actually help you feel more empowered, while lessening any sense of guilt or shame.
 
Biological & Genetic Factors
 When it comes to the exact causes of ADHD, there’s still much that’s unknown. Nonetheless, as the disorder has been studied more in recent decades, scientists and researchers have generally agreed on a few important details. For one, while it was once believed that certain diets and behaviors—for example, children eating too much sugar—was a major factor in the development of ADHD, this has been mostly debunked.

In fact, ADHD appears to be largely biological, with a basis in the brain. Brain scans and studies have revealed differences in the brains of those with ADHD, including in areas specifically related to attention and movement. Adults with ADHD also seem to have lower levels of dopamine, an important neurotransmitter, as compared to other adults.
 
ADHD seems to be at least partly genetic, too. We now know that the defining traits and behaviors of are often shared in families—children whose parents have ADHD are more likely to exhibit ADHD symptoms as well, for example. Studies of identical twins have led to similar conclusions.
 
Hartmann’s Theory of Hunters and Farmers
Knowing that ADHD is based in both biology and genetics seems to support a theory developed by Thom Hartmann. Originally put forth in his 1993 book, Attention Deficit Disorder: A Different Perception, Hartmann’s theory suggests that the traits of adult ADHD may actually be a carry-over from the days (actually, thousands of years) when humans were hunter-gatherers.
 
According to Hartmann, as our society shifted toward farming and agriculture and away from hunting, many humans still retained the traits of hunters. Back in those days, the traits and behaviors associated with ADHD were probably beneficial—and perhaps even necessary for survival. For example, the “hyperfocus” that is a common component of ADHD probably helped with monitoring one’s environment and avoiding dangers. In our modern world, however, these once-useful behaviors may present obstacles.
 
What Does It All Mean?
Okay, so ADHD is genetic and may be a vestige from a distant time—so what? After all, a hunter’s brain didn’t help you stay focused in a classroom, and unless you harness it correctly, it may not help you with your current job, either.
 
However, having this important information may help you to get past the stigma of ADHD. It could also aid you in explaining your behaviors to others.
 
Ultimately, it’s essential to understand that there’s nothing wrong with having ADHD: it may simply be that, on a genetic level, your brain has to work harder to adapt to our modern world. When it comes to managing your ADHD diagnosis, knowledge is power.
 
To learn more, contact me at Cloud Counseling today.

Your adult ADHD diagnosis means that day-to-day tasks that seem simple to others can be daunting, but there’s no reason to despair. With knowledge and counseling, your symptoms are manageable. To learn more about strategies for tackling the symptoms of adult ADHD, contact me at Cloud Counseling today.

The adult ADHD mind is often a creative mind. I don’t necessarily mean creative in the usual sense—reserved for artists and writers—but creativity as an approach. Are you feeling exhausted by an overactive mind that makes every day work and life more difficult? Turns out the flipside of that is a mind capable of amazing creative output and productivity.
 
It’s up to you whether you direct that energy towards a larger purpose, like developing a craft or product, or simply as a means to make life easier. Harnessing that creativity, however, isn’t always easy.

I’m here to give you a few ideas about how to use your creative energy for good, allowing you to manage your ADHD and improve your self-image. Here are a few ways I’ve seen others successfully harness their ADHD energy.
 
1. Just Get Going
 If your ideal creative outlet isn’t something traditional like writing or painting, try cooking, gardening, or joining a committee for a cause you like. Not only will it filter out some of that otherwise distracting mental energy, but you could find a new passion.  Ignore the voice in your head that tells you that you aren’t creative, and get started on something... it could  anything! You’ll be amazed how quickly it becomes the thing you depend on for mental peace.
 
2. Taste Test Hobbies
Did you know your adult ADHD can actually help you achieve great things? It’s not easy to keep up with a hobby as an adult with a full-time job or a family to take care of, but by experimenting, you may find something you care about. With a project you’re excited about, you’ll start to see how your hyperactive mind can be used for good.  Adult ADHD can affect the self-esteem, but by filtering some of that psychological noise towards a positive goal, you’ll start to see how capable you really are.
 
3. Take Notes
We’ve mentioned writing a few times here. Not everyone is a writer, and sometimes just the idea of writing causes mental paralysis. But here’s a different way of looking at it.  Use writing as a way to focus your excess mental activity during meetings, functions, and other events. At the very least, it will give you something to do with your hands, and at best, it will help you retain information and demonstrate attentiveness.
 
4. The “BIG” List
I absolutely love the idea of lists. Now, of course, we’re all familiar with the idea of keeping a list to make sure you don’t forget anything—but what about a list that includes not just to-dos, but creative ideas, impulses, and dreams?  Add a small notebook or dedicate a space in your phone for this kind of list and refer to it when you get that nagging feeling you’ve forgotten something.

What other kinds of creative ways can we both use and cope with adult ADHD? I would love to hear from you. These are just a few ideas to get you started, and by no means should you feel discouraged if the first one you try isn’t right for you.
 
Even adults without ADHD rarely get it right the first time. Keep a positive attitude and see how far you can take your creative energy!
 
I invite you to check out my monthly Life Support box which offers tools, tricks, and exercises to keep stay organized and productive. Many adults with ADHD have found it to be a great part of their support system. You can read about it here!

Your adult ADHD diagnosis means that day-to-day tasks that seem simple to others can be daunting, but there’s no reason to despair. With knowledge and counseling, your symptoms are manageable. To learn more about strategies for tackling the symptoms of adult ADHD, contact me at Cloud Counseling today.

For adults living with ADHD, listening closely can sometimes feel like a daunting challenge. That’s because listening requires focus, patience, and attention to detail—even if we don’t always see it that way.
 
There are endless reasons to work on your listening skills—from absorbing long lectures to getting more out of work meetings. But perhaps the most important benefit of becoming a better listener is that it can greatly improve your relationships with friends, family, and coworkers.
 
The Personal Value of Listening
When a person—such as a romantic partner or friend—hangs on your every word, it’s a clear sign that they care about you. They’re interested in what you have to say, and they’re doing their best to truly engage with you. On the flip side, when somebody ignores you, drifts off during a conversation, or interrupts, they send the signal that they’re not interested in what you have to say. Over repeated instances, this can leave you feeling diminished and unimportant in their eyes.
 
If you have ADHD, it’s not your fault that listening is more difficult for you than it is for others. But that doesn’t change the fact that not paying attention to people can damage your relationships, sometimes in a major ways. Fortunately, there are strategies and habits you can use to improve your listening skills.
 
Practice Active Listening
“Active listening” is a common communication ­technique that’s used in counseling, conflict resolution, and everyday conversation. Put simply, it involves absorbing what someone says to you, putting it in your own words to confirm you understand, and allowing them to continue on.
 
When others are speaking to you, remember to be “present”—for example, pay attention to what they’re saying instead of focusing on how you’re going to respond to it. If you notice yourself drifting off, return to what the person is saying.  Be sure to nod along and respond occasionally, and don’t be afraid to comment or ask questions—but don’t interrupt before they’ve finished speaking. When responding, slow down and breathe between phrases.

​Try not to focus solely on yourself. Repeat back to the person some of the things they’ve said during the conversation so that they know you’re listening, and ask questions if they seem appropriate.
 
You can practice active listening any time; you might start practicing this tactics in passing conversations, then apply them to longer discussions with friends or partners.
 
Educating Others
You can make great strides in your listening skills, but you may always face difficulty sustaining conversations due to your adult ADHD—and that’s totally fine. Ultimately, that’s just another reason why it’s so important to communicate with partners, family, and close friends about your symptoms.
 
You can educate them about adult ADHD, explaining that it makes prolonged attentiveness especially challenging. Telling them about your symptoms isn’t an excuse for ignoring or interrupting them in the future—but it can build empathy, while shifting the focus from your negative behaviors to the effort you’re making to improve the relationship.
 
To learn more about strategies for improving your listening skills and living with adult ADHD, contact me at Cloud Counseling today.

Your adult ADHD diagnosis means that day-to-day tasks that seem simple to others can be daunting, but there’s no reason to despair. With knowledge and counseling, your symptoms are manageable. To learn more about strategies for tackling the symptoms of adult ADHD, contact me at Cloud Counseling today.

For adults with ADHD, tasks can take longer and seem more difficult to finish. There are ways to improve your symptoms—but understanding your symptoms first can help you manage them.
 
Some symptoms of ADHD can resemble laziness—especially to those around you, like bosses, coworkers, and partners. This can easily lead to frustration and guilt. But having ADHD doesn’t mean you’re lazy; understanding and accepting that is an important step in your journey.
 
Busting The Myth
 The myth that adults diagnosed with ADHD are lazy is just that—a myth. It’s a misconception that seems to persist despite plenty of scientific evidence that ADHD makes it significantly more difficult to complete tasks in a timely fashion. In fact, studies of the ADHD brain suggest that in many respects, someone with ADHD may actually be working harder than a similar person without ADHD.
 
For those of us with ADHD, it’s often more difficult to focus and remain motivated at work and elsewhere. From an outside perspective, it can seem that you’re lazy or don’t care about finishing the task—but of course, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
 
Coping with Shame or Guilt
It’s only natural that failing to complete tasks on time can lead to haunting feelings of shame or guilt. You may be familiar with a negative spiral of turning to distractions or other tasks just when you need to be focused on something more urgent—which leads to lots of guilt and little enjoyment.
 
The first step in dealing with these feelings is to accept your diagnosis and understand that it isn’t your fault. You shouldn’t feel ashamed about your unique struggles. While your ADHD symptoms may make it difficult to remain organized and finish tasks, it’s not impossible. With proper training, therapy, and perhaps medication, you can overcome these hurdles.
 
Answering Questions from Others
Those who don’t have ADHD may have trouble understanding why you can’t always complete your work on time. Over the years, you may have been chided for your inability to stay afloat when work or homework assignments piled up. This is usually because parents, teachers, friends, and partners who don’t have ADHD have trouble imagining what’s going on in your brain, and may become frustrated with the results they see.
 
Of course, when you’re both frustrated, things only get more difficult. Education is the best answer to this problem. The more that others know about ADHD, the better they can understand and empathize with the ways in which it affects you. You can explain your own symptoms to them, but they may need to do some research of their own as well.
 
For more information on managing adult ADHD symptoms and the shame or frustrations that may accompany them, contact me at Cloud Counseling today.

Your adult ADHD diagnosis means that day-to-day tasks that seem simple to others can be daunting, but there’s no reason to despair. With knowledge and counseling, your symptoms are manageable. To learn more about strategies for tackling the symptoms of adult ADHD, contact me at Cloud Counseling today.

Adults with ADHD face certain challenges. I know this first-hand. Family life, friendships, household management, and self-care all require extra effort. But one place can be particularly unsympathetic to those with ADHD: the workplace. That’s why it’s especially important to find strategies that help us manage our symptoms in our working lives.
 
Some of this advice carries over to other areas of your life, but I wanted to specifically address work-related stress and difficulties to remind you that everything is manageable. You are the champion of your own day--every single day!
 
Let’s talk about some common struggles you may be experiencing as an adult with ADHD and how they can be managed for a better life.
 
1. Acting spontaneously and failing to think before acting on an impulse
I return to this idea again and again, but this is a particular area where mindfulness (and regular practice of it) can be a real help.
 
Emotions don’t have to dictate our actions. Separating the two means being aware of how you feel and why, as well as what you might want to do about it—without succumbing to negative or inappropriate spontaneous actions.
 
2. Finding it hard to motivate yourself to complete projects that aren’t particularly stimulating.
Don’t bite off more than you can chew. It’s okay to take on a bit less: the benefits will be clear when you’re no longer faced with a heavy workload that frustrates you and can feel paralyzing.
 
When your workload is heavy, try to carve out some time for yourself to reboot and look at the project at hand with fresh eyes.
 
3. Showing emotions—like anger or frustration—where they’re not well received.
This symptom can be particularly problematic in a work setting if it manifests itself with a boss or coworker. If you have a plan for how to respond to emotional situations at work, it can be easier to manage your feelings.
 
If you know you’re going to be facing a difficult situation, look back at your plan so you can collect your thoughts and find an outcome that’s better for you and your coworkers. By preparing ahead of time for a potentially negative response, you can find a more positive way to express yourself.
 
It’s easy to lose perspective, especially after a very trying workday (or week, month, or year). It may be harder for adults with ADHD to hold onto the big picture; that loss of perspective can cause undue stress.
 
Adults with ADHD are more likely to experience anxiety and depression, alongside other symptoms, so be aware of workplace triggers. Sometimes, you’ll be able to avoid situations that cause stress—it’s generally a good idea to do so.
 
I know I’ve only covered a few of the scenarios that can arise for adults with ADHD in the workplace, but you may find some of these strategies useful. As with any advice, you should be mindful to tailor these ideas to your particular circumstances and be patient with yourself if they don’t work the first time. Managing your symptoms takes practice, even when times are good. Keep practicing helpful strategies like these and your symptoms will continue to feel more manageable, even during the toughest of times.
 
For more tips and advice, contact me today.

Your adult ADHD diagnosis means that day-to-day tasks that seem simple to others can be daunting, but there’s no reason to despair. With knowledge and counseling, your symptoms are manageable. To learn more about strategies for tackling the symptoms of adult ADHD, contact me at Cloud Counseling today.

As a person with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), you may suddenly become extremely happy or enthused. As a result, others are likely to find you interesting and engaging. Your frequent bursts of strong emotion, however, can also cause problems.
 
For example, you might agree to an exciting yet time-consuming project without understanding how it will impact your energy or make you feel overwhelmed. Perhaps you get caught up enjoying happy hour or competitively playing a game for hours—neglecting other responsibilities.  There are short-term and long-term obstacles posed by getting caught up in emotions.
 
You may also have spurts of excitement, anger, frustration or impatience that are out of proportion to the everyday events that trigger them. Such responses can undermine your progress in managing your ADHD.
 
These symptoms are known as Deficient Emotional Self-Regulation (DESR). It’s important to note that not everyone with adult ADHD has DESR, but studies find that DESR is much more common among adults with ADHD—in one study, about half of ADHD adults reported DESR symptoms. 
 
While many people have trouble regulating their emotions when they are under unusual strain or stress, having DESR means that you may not be able to tone down your emotional reactions—even when you’re not “maxed out.”
 
Some examples of DESR behaviors are:

• Revealing too much personal information when you’re in a professional setting
• Saying something that you later regret
• Quitting a job on impulse without thinking through the matter
• Hurting a friend’s feelings by acting without considering his or her perspective
• Buying something you don’t need at the store while forgetting to buy what you do need

 
While DESR may manifest in different behaviors, it’s just as manageable as ADHD.
 
Five Ways for You to Stop and Smell the Roses
Now that you know something about DESR, you can learn to apply the brakes before you run roughshod over the garden...

  1. Don’t Put Too Much on Your Plate
 You may have many interests, but becoming too busy can turn your passions into sources of stress. You may have to graciously bow out of some commitments before you feel overwhelmed.

  2.  Jog—Don’t Run Yourself Ragged
 Exercise is a great stress reliever. Even a quick set of push-ups or sit-ups or a brisk walk around the block can clear your head and help you put things in perspective.

  3. Plan Ahead
 Think of a plan for how to respond to a situation that you know could evoke strong feelings. Envision ways you could react to different things the other person might do, along with outcomes you hope to achieve. Review your plan right before you go into the challenging situation and keep it in mind during your interaction. You may wish to carry a few written reminder notes.

  4. Feel—Don’t Necessarily Act
 Although it's easier said than done, you can train yourself to notice feelings before it’s too late. Mindfulness training can teach you how to observe your impulses without acting on them.

   5.  Time Out!
 If you are tempted to blow up, it's better to walk away. Ten seconds may be enough to help you calm down and regain your composure. If you are feeling angry at someone you know, explain to him or her that a break will help you collect your thoughts and lead to a better outcome for both of you.
 

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) & Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Can Help
ACT and DBT incorporate mindfulness and acceptance of feelings and emotions to help you better understand, accept, and manage your ADHD and DESR symptoms.  If you would like to explore these techniques through Cloud Counseling, contact me to learn more and get started.

Your adult ADHD diagnosis means that day-to-day tasks that seem simple to others can be daunting, but there’s no reason to despair. With knowledge and counseling, your symptoms are manageable. To learn more about strategies for tackling the symptoms of adult ADHD, contact me at Cloud Counseling today.

If you have ADHD, the ancient art of yoga can support you on your path to increased focus and concentration. Millions of people the world over practice this physical, mental, and spiritual discipline for the health and relaxation benefits it provides.
 
Yoga is a practice that includes breath control, simple meditation, and specific body postures. It has been around for thousands of years, so it is “tried and true.” In today’s fast-paced world, yoga has enjoyed a much-deserved renaissance, as it can counteract the blaze of stimuli that surrounds us all day every day.
 
How Yoga Quiets the Mind & Balances the Body’s Systems
Yoga’s focus on breathing, meditation and poses has a positive effect on the endocrine system and helps balance hormones. The brain, nervous system, and endocrine system all work together to move the body. Yoga keeps the systems fluid and balanced.
 
Yoga seeks to bring the body, mind, and spirit into harmony. Through yoga, practitioners can achieve the balance necessary for bodily, spiritual, and emotional health. The benefits of yoga for people with ADHD include stress relief, increased focus, self-awareness, meditation and increased confidence.
 
The Breath of Life
Yoga can increase lung capacity and improve oxygen levels due to its encouragement of deep breathing—or “breath of life” —techniques. Deep breathing delivers more oxygen to the brain, which supports cardio and mental health.
 
Yoga may hep people with ADHD through postures that encourage deep breathing, such as forward bends. One study suggests that yoga may have more impact on hyperactivity than strenuous exercise.
 
Start Small: Alternatives to Yoga for Cultivating Mindfulness
If you believe in the positive effects of yoga and mindfulness for ADHD patients, we could discuss the benefits and how to make a minimal commitment to mindfulness therapy.
 
Yoga postures aren’t for everyone. If yoga isn’t your thing, here are some tips to help you bring your focus to the present moment:

1. Feel the breath flowing into and out of your body. Notice the sensations in your nostrils, shoulders, ribcage, belly.
2. Be present to sound. Allow sounds to pass like clouds in the sky. Let go of labeling. When you notice thoughts arising, gently return your awareness to listening.
3. Listen to yourself answer the phone. Share space with the person calling. Be aware of how you speak and listen. Choose words without the need to win.
4. At the end of the day, write down what you enjoyed during the day, what you are satisfied with, and what you are grateful for.

 
To learn more about methods to effectively manage your ADHD in healthy, positive ways, contact Cloud Counseling today.

Your adult ADHD diagnosis means that day-to-day tasks that seem simple to others can be daunting, but there’s no reason to despair. With knowledge and counseling, your symptoms are manageable. To learn more about strategies for tackling the symptoms of adult ADHD, contact me at Cloud Counseling today.

If your partner has ADHD, you both have a lot to benefit from learning about his or her condition. Taking the time to understand can improve your peace of mind and the health of your relationship.
 
Understanding is easier said than done, though. First, your partner may not even know she suffers from ADHD. She may never have been diagnosed. A significant number of adults with ADHD are unaware that they have the condition. When neither of you knows that a particular behavior is a symptom, you may misinterpret it.
 
For example, if your partner is easily distracted when you talk to her, you may think it means she doesn’t love you when, in fact, the distractibility likely has less to do with a lack of affection–and more to do with her ADHD.
 
Another difficulty is the destructive cycle that can occur when the two of you become locked in a struggle. For instance, your ADHD partner doesn’t pay attention to you; you feel ignored and respond with anger; in turn, your partner feels attacked, and the conflict escalates.
 
Another challenge occurs if your partner does not have her symptoms under control enough to be responsible. If she proves unreliable when it comes to picking up the children, for example, you will pick up the slack. Over time, you might take on the role of parent not only to your children, but also to your ADHD partner, and your partner can almost feel like an additional “child” in the family.
 
Know How To Nurture Your Relationship
 
1. Learn About ADHD
Once you understand the symptoms of ADHD, you will not be caught by surprise.
 
If you then refrain from interpreting your partner’s irritability or oppositional stances as meaning she doesn’t love you, the two of you can join forces to find ways of managing behaviors she’s not so proud of. Instead of working at odds, you can become a team.
 
2. Find an Appropriate Treatment Plan
Your ADHD partner’s ways of managing behaviors she’s not so proud of may include a combination of medication, exercise, healthy eating and sufficient sleep. It may also involve her adjusting her behavior to create new habits, such as careful scheduling.
 
The two of you can plan your week, keeping in mind how emotionally drained your partner will feel after certain activities. Then, you can make arrangements that protect her energy and allow her to interact with people in a way she is proud of. Finally, the two of you will need to schedule time together and devise verbal cues to keep fights from intensifying.
 
3. Make Your Relationship a Joint Venture
As the non-ADHD partner, be willing to give away some responsibilities in a well-thought-out way that allows your partner to succeed.
 
Help your partner manage tasks by turning them into games with rewards built in. For example, she could set a timer for ten minutes, put some fun music on, and challenge herself to get as much done as possible until the timer stops. After ten minutes, she can shift to the next task or, if there are no remaining tasks, enjoy a reward, such as a video game. Rewards enhance the brain’s release of dopamine.
 
4. Make Time to Connect
All couples need to connect, but because ADHD partners are easily distracted, it can be even more essential to plan dates, time for intimacy, and opportunities for conversation about issues that are important and interesting to both of you. Share your ideas and goals together. Treat each other as equals. You and your ADHD-partner are different, but neither of you is superior.
 
Reach Out to a Specialist
Finally, if you believe that couples counseling with a therapist who specializes in ADHD could benefit you and your partner, you may want to consult with Cloud Counseling about ways to work together to create more seamlessness in your day-to-day routines.
 
This can foster greater understanding and intimacy in your relationship. Contact us to learn more and get started.

Your adult ADHD diagnosis means that day-to-day tasks that seem simple to others can be daunting, but there’s no reason to despair. With knowledge and counseling, your symptoms are manageable. To learn more about strategies for tackling the symptoms of adult ADHD, contact me at Cloud Counseling today.

We all strive to be nonjudgmental and accepting of others, and we expect the same in return. Everyone makes mistakes: makes the occasional snap judgment, is overly critical, or forgets to think before they speak. I don’t need to tell you that no one is perfect.
 
While the adults with ADHD that I work with strive to be accepting and nonjudgmental of their friends, families, coworkers, and even strangers, very few naturally try to withhold judgmental on their own actions, particularly as they pertain to the difficult symptoms of ADHD.
 
Even if those around us withhold judgment when we forget our responsibilities or struggle in a social setting, it takes a great deal more effort to have the same level of acceptance towards ourselves.
 
I’m here to explain what it means to be accepting and nonjudgmental about your symptoms as an adult with ADHD. Let’s dive in.
 
How You Speak to Yourself
It’s just as important to be mindful of how you’re speaking to yourself as it is with others. Before you launch hurtful invective at yourself for forgetting to take out the trash or struggling to complete an assignment as work, think twice. If your best friend spoke to you the same way you speak to yourself, would you keep them as your best friend?
 
Instead of being critical, be productive. Ask yourself why something happened and think about a creative solution to the problem for the future.
 
Seek Out the Good Things
We have a tendency to notice and remember the “bad” things more than the good. The next time you’re tempted to berate yourself for one of your symptoms, pause, recognize what you’re doing, and change directions. Don’t worry about changing the underlying behavior—simply practice more self-compassion and try to understand why you’re doing something.
 
While adult ADHD often makes everyday life more difficult, no one with this disorder is without incredible qualities in equal measure. Remind yourself what yours are as much as possible!
 
Change Your Perspective
It is tempting to see our symptoms as purely negative. It’s only natural when adult ADHD is interfering with our ability to succeed at home, at work, or in social settings. But I’m here to tell you with a mindful, judgment free approach to your ADHD, you can start seeing the “bad” in a new light.
 
I’ve seen adults with ADHD manage to turn their symptoms into something positive. By withholding judgment, you may be able to start seeing them as positive, the things that make you unique. For example, a noisy, chaotic mind is often a creative mind.
 
Reframe your disorganization as a symptom of your creativity instead of your ADHD. Besides, it’s been said that a messy desk makes for a more creative life.
 
Overall, the best way to approach your ADHD in a nonjudgmental and accepting way is to think about how you expect yourself to treat others and turn that positivity inward.
 
Mindfulness of the negative messages you’re sending yourself is the first step to a less judgmental vision of your ADHD. I’m not saying ADHD doesn’t create difficulties in our lives, but we certainly don’t needed the added pressure of an internal monologue that uses valuable energy for coping to make judgments on a disorder that is sometimes beyond our control.[1] 
 
Check back for more on mindfulness or for a daily reminder about how to live judgment free with your adult ADHD.

Your adult ADHD diagnosis means that day-to-day tasks that seem simple to others can be daunting, but there’s no reason to despair. With knowledge and counseling, your symptoms are manageable. To learn more about strategies for tackling the symptoms of adult ADHD, contact me at Cloud Counseling today.