Q&A:
"Wondering if these are symptoms of ADHD, something else or just nothing?"
-I get distracted fairly easily
-If I find something like a game I really like I can play it for 8 hours straight without moving from my seat and the next day be completely bored of it
-My room is a complete mess
-Cannot manage time
-Very forgetful. Gets me in trouble.
-Can be moody
-Can be almost completely blank and emotionless
-Restless
-No motivation
-Tired almost always. Probably because my sleep schedule is out of wack
-Too many thoughts happening at the same time don't know what to focus on
-Zone out and just straight up stare at something for a couple minutes without knowing why. Usually I'm daydreaming while this is happening
-Small tasks feel big
-Overlook things because I rush everything
-Can't follow directions
-BORED. All the time
-Procrastinate everything. Even things I like doing. I will procrastinate something I want to do and not know why I'm not just doing it
-Misplace everything
-I always think a task will be quick and always takes me way longer than I think it will
-Hate social gatherings where you need to sit still the whole time
-Sress easily
-Kinda got a short temper
-And of course always fidgeting
A: Mental health counselor here. So, to answer your question, some of those are symptoms of attention deficit disorder, and sounds like more inattentive type than hyperactivity. However, some of those could also be symptoms of anxiety or depression, or executive functioning problems, or some combination of each. Seeing a professional (master's level therapist is a LCSW or LMHC; PhD or PsyD psychologist or MD prescribing psychiatrist) could help with diagnostic clarification. The one thing I caution people about with diagnoses is that, while it can help give a name and place for your symptoms, a diagnosis alone won't solve any problem. Some people feel really labeled and defeated by diagnosis. It can be a heavy thing and change the way we think about ourselves in in a negative way. For others, it can be super empowering and feel like a relief to find an answer. What really matters is the extent to which these symptoms are interfering in your life. Are they affecting your ability to work, your relationships, your self esteem, and day to day tasks? If you feel these symptoms are having a negative impact on you in a way you are struggling to manage on your own, it's probably time to see someone. If you are diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, a psychiatrist would likely prescribe a stimulant. Stimulants can be helpful in reducing symptoms of ADHD because they make neurotransmitters more available, which improves activity and communication in parts of the brain that operate on dopamine and norepinephrine and signal for specific tasks. Alternatively (or additionally) working with a therapist who specializes in executive functioning can also assist with behavioral changes you can implement to take back some control over these issues and work to improve time management, task completion, focus and attention. In my experience, things like proper nutrition, exercise, and meditation practice can go a long way in providing more calmness and balance to the body. There isn't a "wrong" path, but there is definitely more than one way to treat mental health concerns. Find the one that works for you. Best of luck!
