By 
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder. But they are mostly considered a learning disorder. The symptoms are different for every person. So, they are dealt with differently. ADHD can be painful. It can cause trouble. Sometimes more than you can grasp.
I have been daydreaming since I can talk, I think. Then I started pre-school. I was still daydreaming about unicorns in the maths lecture. Then it was middle school when I started facing the real problems. The teachers will constantly bully for poor marks. The students will make fun as I couldn’t answer any questions in the class. At some point, I even forgot the question. Sometimes I would not even hear the question.
Then it was high school when the real trouble started. I had to apply to different colleges. But the grades were significantly poor almost in all subjects. And I was terrible at extra curriculums like my academics. No one expected anything from me, including my parents. Neither did my parents. And the worst happened when one of the teachers stood me up in front of the class and said, “never learned, will never learn”. That was one of my first breaking points.
With ADHD came depression. I was ashamed of myself. Ashamed of the person I’ve become. There was nothing that would interest them anymore. For the rest of the high school life, I became a ghost. I didn’t interact much. But I didn’t have too many friends to start with. Then I cut out the two of my closest ones. Isolation was my answer.
I loved reading comics. I could read one and then switch to another. Same thrill every time. Same excitement. Just different stories. Each page was new. But I stopped reading because of the depression I had. Or I was told I had.
My parents were worried sick by that time. They had no clue what triggered such behaviour. So, finally, they contacted a consultant. He interviewed me. And finally, after years of struggle. I was diagnosed with ADHD. The doctor explained the disorder and recommended counselling. Talk therapy.
I went to therapy for almost six months. 2 days a week. But then I had to move to New York City for college.
I had to continue my therapy. So, I found this website empirecareclinic.com. They had several options for adults, children, parents, professionals, etc. All I had to do is to sign up, and they’ll ask about my requirements. It was local, it was easy to arrange a ride there, especially when looking up psychiatrist near me .
I was a full-time student and part-time waiter at a local cafe. So, I needed something flexible and will be preferably online. Empire Psychiatry had several rules to communicate with their consultants. As usual, I went for talk therapy. There are on-site visiting options available as well.
Some people with ADHD can be on medication. The medication induces dopamine production. But I preferred to be on talk therapy. My ADHD didn’t cause as many problems as my depression and anxiety did. I stopped talking to people in case they judge me. So, I needed someone to talk to, for instance.
Empire Psychiatry provided me with such comfort, and I was assigned a particular therapist. I could see every detail about all the therapists. So, I practically choose my one. They gave me a time and date. Convenient for both of us. First, I was a bit nervous. It turned out it was more like the live sessions. But from home.
They also provided an emergency helpline number and a bunch of meeting information in New York. I attended a few of those meetings. My position or problems wasn’t as serious as a lot of the bunch. Some of the patients struggled with suicidal issues and severe depression, and other things to deal with. But all working towards a good end.
What I faced most in my life is that ADHD is a disability. Yes. Most people treat it like a disability—more than a disorder. So, depression and anxiety would follow everywhere. Lack of concentration and memory loss would be tagged as a ‘dumb’ behaviour or person. And this can cause a lot of problems in a child. Or even an adult. They began to lose perspective and confidence as a result.
I was clumsy and impulsive. Still am. But now, I learned to control myself. Or generally express my problem. These did change my life a lot. For example, if I’m talking to a person. And I interrupt him a lot. Or I constantly change the topic. I understand that I’m overstepping. So, I usually apologize and explain that I have ADHD. My consultant explained this was one of the best ways to put my opinion.
I have learned several techniques to make my life easier, even with ADHD. I had to sort out my mess. I couldn’t let something so simple drag me down.
Here are some of the things I do regularly to regulate my life and thought process:
Routine
I have a routine for every day of my week. Yes, even on weekends. I had to enlist ‘meeting friends’ in it. Otherwise, I’ll never get it done.
Sticky notes:
I have sticky notes everywhere in my house. Kitchen, bathroom, fridge, TV, you name it. So, every time I have a work, I write it down. I even have a few bundles in my car and workplace.
Journal:
Journals and writing help me think. I write some unrelated lines. Then I read it. And this allows me to concentrate and figure out what I’m missing.
Yoga and meditation:
Meditation is one of the things that changed a lot in my behaviour. It made me less impulsive and more focused. Though, I still run around the house while meditating. But my therapist said, at least I’m trying to calm down.
Communication:
The meetings and sessions work well for my hyperactive brain. It lessens the depression. It’s like lifting a load off your chest. I write down an incident to share with my consultant.
These are all the main steps that they mentioned. And all of this changed my life drastically. However, this can be different for everyone.
There might not be a proper cure for ADHD. But we can always try to understand the problem. And then act on it. And accept it as a natural way. Thus, it will make life easier and more sorted.
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