Newly Diagnosed with ADD or ADHD
Manage the Negative Side, Take Advantage of the Positive Side
ADD or ADHD is not all bad. There are certain benefits that can be used to your advantage.
As an adult, a new diagnosis of ADD or ADHD can bring relief, as well as a possibly unexpected range of feelings as you see yourself in a new light. As you discover new coping strategies and begin to contemplate decisions about various medications, be sure to weigh out all of your options and become as informed as possible.
While medications do achieve the effect of controlling certain functions of the brain, they do come with various side effects. Some medications must be taken every day to see results, and some take effect right away, perhaps allowing you to only take on an "as needed" basis, say for an upcoming business meeting. Talk with your doctor to determine which medication might be best.
There are also a number of natural herbs and supplements that can boost concentration ability and help you focus, without the negative effects of drugs. Results from these types of supplements generally take several weeks to generate results, but tend to come with fewer to no side effects.
It is important that you realize that AD/HD is not simply a "brain defect" that requires medical intervention to correct a malfunction. The upsides to AD/HD are rarely mentioned, and when they are, they are far overshadowed by related problems and how to cure them. Dating back to 1902, ADD and ADHD are not new to human kind, although they have become much more prominent in the last 30 years. Brilliants such as Mozart, Da Vinci, and Einstein had AD/HD.
Hyperfocus belongs to AD/HDers. This is a heightened ability to focus in on some item of interest. This natural tendency can be a great asset when directed with intention.
People with AD/HD do have differences in brain processing. They simply think differently. Because of this difference it can be very difficult and frustrating when the rest of the world operates in a methodical, linear fashion. Many AD/HDers develop a very low self-esteem after so many years of trying to function like everyone else and not succeeding.
If you have recently been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, before beginning medication, perhaps this would be a good time to take a second look at the way you’ve maneuvered through life up until this point.
Are you happy? Does your life seem to have a harmonious rhythm and flow, or has it been a constant upstream battle? Has your career paralleled your natural born talents, or have you forced yourself into a job that you believe you "should" be able to master?
AD/HDers are natural out-of-the-box thinkers. While it can be difficult and even scary to contemplate a career change, a person with AD/HD can blossom in the right environment. There is no specific AD/HD friendly career path. While it is important for everyone to have a job or career in what they are naturally interested in, it is even more so for AD/HDers.
