The ADHD Brain: A Day In the Life

Restlessness, forgetfulness, trouble focusing, lack of motivation, time management issues…sound like another ‘normal’ day in your life? 

It’s hard to put into words the life of someone living with ADHD because no two experiences are the same. The ADHD brain is creative, expressive, unique, and complicated! An estimated 8.7 million adults in the U.S. have ADHD and they are all very different. 

However, despite all of the unique experiences ADHD can bring, adults who suffer do have a surprising amount in common when it comes to day life. Here are a few examples.

Difficulty Finishing Tasks

Ever feel like you have 20 tabs open at once?

We’ve all probably been there at some point, but ADHD makes it difficult to focus let alone multitask. Concentrating on finishing one task at a time is an issue because ADHD minds are naturally busy places. 

Instead of following step-by-step instructions, those with ADHD often create new plans or skip from one idea to the next, forgetting to complete the original task. In a world filled with technology at our fingertips, it’s even more difficult for ADHD-ers to stay on task. 

People with ADHD are often BIG thinkers and some of the most creative people you'll ever meet…They just need a little help getting through tasks they think are boring. 

Tip: The next time you take on a task, start with something you actually enjoy to help increase your productivity. Once you scratch something off your list, you might be motivated to move on (and complete) the next task. 

Memory & Sensory Challenges

ADHD can impact short-term memory, making little things like remembering names or important dates difficult. It's not because you don't care. It's because the brain lacks a strong working memory. Someone with ADHD might read the same paragraph five times but not retain a single piece of information.

One of the stigmas surrounding ADHD is that people are not 'paying attention' or ‘trying hard enough.’ Your inability to stay focused, especially in noisy or crowded spaces, bowls down to another symptom of ADHD- not your lack of effort. 

Crowded places, loud music, people talking, and flashing lights are all triggers for the ADHD brain. There are so many sights, sounds, and intense experiences in daily life that can dial you up to the max! 

This heightened sensitivity isn't always a superpower. Many times, it's like your brain's volume knob gets turned up too high, and everything becomes a bit too much. When sensory overload kicks in, it feels like your brain is doing a marathon with no finish line in sight.

Navigating the balances between a hyper-alert brain and the potential for sensory overload is just one of the many unique aspects of the ADHD journey. It's about finding that sweet spot where the world's excitement meets your need for a bit of calm.

Constantly Misplacing Or Losing Things

Ever call someone to tell them you are running late because you can’t find your cell phone that you are making the call from? Difficulty being organized or messy, even frequently losing things like keys or a cell phone is something people with ADHD face.

The bottom line is that living with ADHD means constantly fighting overstimulation, distraction, and being disorganized. All these challenges make it easy to be forgetful. 

Post-it notes and physical reminders can help but ADHD life is a series of well-intentioned plans that occasionally take an unexpected detour. You swear you didn't mean to forget, but life with ADHD can be chaotic. 

ADHD Is Not Just For Children

As a child, the world seemed like an endless playground of curiosity. Colors were brighter, ideas more vivid, and every day brought a new adventure. Yet, in all of the excitement were moments of restlessness, impulsivity, and difficulty settling into the routines classmates found so easy.

ADHD is often thought of as a disorder that impacts children, and it is- but that's not the whole picture. The fidgety and distracted children in the classroom are now fidgety and distracted adults in society. 

Growing up doesn't magically erase the quirks and struggles associated with ADHD. Instead, it transforms them into a unique set of adult-sized hurdles. 

ADHD often goes undiagnosed in adults yet can significantly impact all areas of life, from your career to your relationships. 

ADHD Screening In Apex, NC 

With all of the misconceptions surrounding Adult ADHD, we’re here to help you get some answers. There are effective screening tools our team can use to help you better understand ADHD so you can get the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.

You don’t have to live with the challenges of ADHD. 

At North Carolina Institute of Advanced Neurohealth, we offer compassionate, high-quality care for those living with ADHD and comorbid mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Reach out for a screening today.