Can There Be Other Issues in Addition to ADHD?

Some of the ADHDers I know, including myself, have another condition that they also need to manage; some of us have several. I have embraced my ADHD (and everything else) as what makes me uniquely me. I use qualified professionals and coaching in my personal management strategy.

I want to be very clear that coaching alone is often not enough to help you manage your ADHD and any other diagnosed condition(s). I will always encourage clients to seek professional help if I feel it is in their best interest. Consulting a licensed professional for guidance is never a bad idea. Coaching can be a valuable tool for clients to use with their professionals. It can help you find tools that you use while the professional treats the medical and psychological conditions.

Here are a few of the more common challenges we ADHDers face. This is by no means a complete list and should not be taken as one.

• Anxiety: Anxiety can make it harder for ADHDers to focus and manage daily tasks.

• Depression: ADHDers struggle with depression. My belief is this can be because we are trying to change ourselves to fit someone else’s mold. It is impossible to be happy when we live like this.

• Learning Disabilities: Conditions like dyslexia often co-occur with ADHD. Students with ADHD often struggle with traditional schooling methods for many reasons. This can lead to and are placed in classes that are too simple.

• Substance Abuse: There is a higher risk of substance abuse disorders as ADHDers try to self-medicate to help themselves adapt to society’s norms.

• Autism Spectrum Disorder, Bipolar Disorder*, Digestive Issues, Eating Disorders

If you have any questions or want to talk in a safe place where you will be heard and not judged, please contact me.

Recognizing that there may be more than one issue affecting your life can assist us in developing a more effective management plan for your ADHD.

I’m going to repeat that consulting a licensed professional for any of these conditions could easily be in your best interest.

 *Some individuals with ADHD also have bipolar disorder, which involves mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs. Many of the markers of ADHD and Bipolar Disorder are very similar and require one or more professionals to properly diagnose.