Maridelsander, “Retro microphone”, Attribution CC 2.0 Generic, 14 September 2010.
I recently watched a wonderful film, The King’s Speech. It is the true story of Prince Albert of England, who struggled with a rather severe speech impediment. He had not been helped by any number of professionals from whom he sought treatment. His wife, in great desperation, reaches out to Lionel Logue, an Australian actor and speech therapist with a great deal of experience in the area of wartime trauma.
The path to speaking with confidence was clearly not a linear one, but it is Lionel who makes the difference for the prince. At the end of the film we hear the landmark speech that Prince Albert delivers, announcing that a state of war exists between Great Britain and Germany. The prince, now King George VI, literally “finds his voice.” With nothing standing in his way, he is able to galvanize Londoners for the grim fight ahead.
What’s blocking you?
What are the traits of ADHD that get in the way for you? Managing these symptoms can be the gateway to living the life that you’ve always wanted, but perhaps you never thought possible.
The best treatment for ADHD is multimodal, that is, combining two or more types of therapy to create a recipe for success. We do know, according to research, that medication and behavioral interventions are frontline treatments that create the greatest change over time.
Why is it so hard for people who suspect that they have ADHD to get the help that they need?
Here are a few reasons:
There is still a lack of public education regarding ADHD. Therefore, there is a great deal of misinformation out there, especially regarding medication.
Due to stigma, many fear the label. Who really wants to receive a diagnosis that includes the word “deficit” in its title? Many have struggled for years at home, at school, and in the workplace, feeling less than adequate. Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder is a poor title anyway, as ADHD is a disorder of regulation. Sometimes we have too little focus, and sometimes we can focus and do tasks faster than anyone we know!
Navigating the treatment maze can be challenging. It starts with finding a provider. Some providers are more knowledgeable than others regarding ADHD. If a provider states that they work with ADHD, and yet do not seem to have a true understanding of the disorder, it can be demoralizing. You might think, “there must really be something wrong with me because this provider can’t help me.” It takes courage to get help in the first place; we fear getting pushed down a little further. We want to be seen from a strength-based perspective, not objectified by the disorder. It is easy to identify a problem, but it’s much harder to find a solution for that problem.
There are co-existing conditions that can sometimes make an ADHD diagnosis challenging. In addition, many women with the disorder have been misdiagnosed. They receive treatment for anxiety and depression, instead.
You are tired of struggling for so long and have given up hope. Many with ADHD have a sense of learned helplessness. We become accustomed to relying on others instead of developing our own capabilities. ADHD is not our fault, but it is our responsibility!
You realize that the life you are living will require change on your part, and change can be frightening. Acknowledging the impact ADHD has had on your life can be overwhelming, especially for adults diagnosed later in life. Dealing with the residual issues of ADHD is a process, which ADHD coach Joyce Kubik likens to “unpacking your suitcase.”
Facing the truth about your life is brave. It takes courage to admit that you have a problem. In the end, it is what it is. You can’t fight an enemy that you don’t know. Stepping up to get the diagnosis can the beginning of a new life. There can be a sense of relief and validation from having a diagnosis that explains so much.
One thing I have seen is that when people receive good treatment, it changes their view of themselves. There is more available energy for living life. People want more and expect more!
What if everything that you believed about yourself isn’t true? With support, you can “shed your old skin,” and emerge to take a larger place in the world. Knowing where your ADHD shows up and what to do about it is empowering. For the first time, you experience a sense of control over your life.
Start living your life, not the symptoms of ADHD!
See how an ADHD coach can make a difference. Sign up for your complimentary session today!
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