So you are looking to receive or already have a diagnosis for ADHD, well that is a great place to start! Now you might be wondering about the costs and the broad array of options out there to pick, choose and combine in treating your ADHD given your current means.
ADHD treatment currently, February 2023, is about ease of access. With long wait lists for doctor's appointments and medication shortages, relief from symptoms in the short term may seem difficult. As you pursue your doctor recommended options, know that there are tools for you to test out in the mean time to try and manage your stress, anxiety and regular day-to-day planning. Tools that are great for anyone and especially helpful for people with ADHD.
Adults and children with ADHD deal with something known as Executive Dysfunction which can make regular everyday planning, executing and delivering on tasks and objectives quite difficult. This is at no fault of their own, having ADHD means your brain may struggle to produce the neurotransmitters needed for these functions and regularly runs a deficit.
So, what can be done? If your brain does not regularly produce enough of these neurochemicals, it may seem that common medications for ADHD like stimulants, non-stimulants and anti-depressants are the only way for you to lead a consistent life. However, there are lower cost possibilities that can be used in addition to these medications, as a means to reduce dosage or as an initial jumping off point for you ADHD treatment.
It is understandable to be hesitant when making a decision regarding medication as a treatment for ADHD and you will need to consult with your doctor for information on choosing the right medication for adult ADHD.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that helps people recognize and change negative thinking patterns and behaviors. It can be used to treat a variety of issues, including ADHD. CBT helps people identify and challenge negative thoughts, develop problem-solving skills, and learn ways to control their emotions. It also encourages positive thinking and teaches techniques to help cope with difficult situations. CBT can be used in combination with medications to help with attention and impulsivity in people with ADHD.
Digital routine apps can be a great option for ADHD treatment with or without medication. Brili Routine: Habit Tracker helps you stay organized, break down goals into achievable tasks, and provides rewards for accomplishments! It makes it easier for those with ADHD to stay on top of life's challenges in a fun and rewarding way.
When it comes to starting the journey of treating your ADHD, there are many things you can start today at home to help.
Many at home techniques stem from creating a routine. Integrating some structure into your life in a consistent way starts with flexible routines you can access, improve and evolve over time. Research has proven the benefits of a routine, consistently working out, eating and sleeping regularly – they help tremendously. These fundamental techniques and habits really positively factor into your long term mental health and can make your baseline in mood and behavior more consistent.
For children with ADHD, routines are so beneficial they are almost a necessity. They can reduce conflicts in the family, provide children with a greater sense of independence and confidence and much more!
For adults with ADHD, the necessity for routines only grows. With a job and family to look after, things can get chaotic very quickly. Routines help to ease the anxiety that comes with the everyday responsibilities and expectations of being an adult. Often psychiatrists' first piece of advice for people with ADHD is to find a way to get organized.
A regular routine or habit, while it may sound boring at first, can provide you with so many fun benefits!
Imagine the reduced pressure of having a plan ahead of time. Creating a set approach for the things you do regularly takes the anxiety and uncertainty out of chores and tasks. No longer are they un-defined and stressful, they are made real and achievable through simply setting out the steps. With Brili, everything you plan and create is saved forever for you to start whenever you would like.
Routines can help you break things down into bite-sized tasks. With ADHD, it is all too easy to over-think and create stress around a task making it more difficult to initiate. Breaking down a large task into smaller ones allows you to complete it at a healthier pace.
Routines help you keep it simple. When introducing regular routines, you can eliminate the needless steps and streamline your chores, cleaning and everyday self-care. You keep it simple and evolve your routines over time.
Routines help you stay on track using timers. The right amount of timers and reminders is critical when you want to get things done with ADHD. Especially if these timers and reminders are on your phone, where debatably the most distractions exist in our modern lives, they are more effective.
Separate your work and relaxation space. Routines allow you to organize and set your environment for getting things done. This helps with motivation and avoiding impulsive procrastination. If you do work in the same place you relax, it can be all too easy to get off task.
