Podcast Summary
Living with ADHD as an adult: Challenges and support: Seeking help and support can make a big difference for adults living with ADHD. Share experiences, stay positive, and keep moving forward.
Living with ADHD as an adult can be challenging and unpredictable, but seeking help and support can make a significant difference. In this episode of the ADHD adults podcast, James and Sam discussed their experiences of late onset diagnosis and adapting to it. Sam shared her recent efforts to get referred for an assessment, while James reflected on the ups and downs of his week. Despite the difficulties they face, they emphasized the importance of staying positive and continuing to move forward. They also encouraged listeners to join their community and share their own experiences and questions. Overall, the podcast offers a raw and honest look at living with ADHD as an adult and the importance of seeking help and support.
The Digital Age Blurs Work and Personal Life Lines: The digital age requires setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care to avoid physical and emotional exhaustion from constant connectivity and work obligations.
The digital age has blurred the lines between work and personal life, making it challenging to disconnect and take time off, even during personal milestones or health issues. The speaker experienced this firsthand with numerous work-related obligations, including responding to articles and debates on social media, despite wanting a break. Additionally, the speaker's health issues added to the challenge, making it difficult to take time off due to the perceived need to stay productive. The constant connectivity and pressure to be always available can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion, making it essential to establish boundaries and prioritize self-care.
Assumptions can lead to unexpected challenges: Double-check information and be aware of potential obstacles to avoid unnecessary anxiety and complications.
Assumptions can lead to unexpected challenges, even in seemingly routine situations. Alex, who was recovering from an operation, assumed he would be well enough to work the day after, only to find himself still dealing with post-surgery issues. Similarly, Sam made assumptions about hotel instructions, leading to a stressful and time-consuming experience. These incidents highlight the importance of double-checking information and being aware of potential obstacles to avoid unnecessary anxiety and complications. Additionally, the conversation touched upon the ongoing struggle with RSD at work and the fear of being let go, emphasizing the need for constant reassurance and support in the workplace.
Navigating unexpected detours with ADHD: People with ADHD face unique challenges, including forgetting tasks, getting lost, and starting new hobbies impulsively. It's important to remember that everyone experiences these challenges differently and finding ways to manage them is a continuous process. Community support and connection can also be valuable in navigating these experiences.
Living with ADHD can sometimes mean navigating through unexpected detours and distractions in life. The conversation between Alex and Jules in this podcast episode highlights the common experiences of forgetting important tasks, getting lost, and starting new hobbits impulsively. For Alex, these distractions include driving the wrong way on a dual carriageway and getting sidetracked by a new hobby of birdwatching. For Jules, she forgets about a card they left at the post office and gets lost on a new street. Despite these mishaps, they both acknowledge that these behaviors are part of their identities as individuals with ADHD. It's important to remember that everyone with ADHD experiences these challenges differently, and finding ways to manage them can be a continuous process. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of community support and connection, as shown by the questions and feedback from the ADHD community in part 2 of the podcast episode.
Managing repeat prescriptions: A frustrating process for some: The process of managing repeat prescriptions can be inconsistent and frustrating for individuals, particularly those with memory issues or disabilities, highlighting the need for a more streamlined and uniform approach.
The process of managing repeat prescriptions varies greatly from person to person and location to location, leading to frustration and inconvenience for some individuals, particularly those with memory issues or disabilities. This issue can be considered an example of ableism in the pharmacy system, as those who forget to request their repeat prescriptions must go through the process of obtaining a new one, often requiring additional appointments and time. Some individuals have reported success with using apps or having a good relationship with their GP practice, while others must call or visit their pharmacy regularly. This inconsistency highlights the need for a more streamlined and uniform approach to managing repeat prescriptions, as well as clearer guidance for healthcare professionals to better support their patients. Ultimately, this issue is not only frustrating but also highlights larger systemic issues within the healthcare system.
ADHD and Risk Perception: Individuals with ADHD can exhibit both risk-taking and risk-averse behaviors, depending on their unique experiences and situations. Risk perception, a 'hot' executive function, can be influenced by emotions, leading to varied responses to potential danger.
While ADHD is often associated with impulsivity and risk-taking, individuals with ADHD can exhibit both risk-taking and risk-averse behaviors. This is not a definitive trait but rather depends on the person's unique experiences and situations. Risk perception, which involves the emotional response to potential danger, is a "hot" executive function, meaning it can be influenced by emotions. As a result, individuals with ADHD might perceive risks differently in various situations. Alex and James discussed this concept, emphasizing that the deficits associated with ADHD should not be considered a lack, but rather a functional problem. Gleno's question about risk adversity and ADHD sparked this conversation. The podcast has been a valuable resource for many, including Brian, who was recently diagnosed and is currently catching up on episodes. While it can be entertaining, the most helpful information is often found in the "rabbit ears" sections of the podcast.
No definitive evidence linking ADHD meds to premature aging: ADHD medications may not affect skin aging or longevity, but they can improve cognitive function in those with ADHD through better overall health.
There is currently no definitive evidence that ADHD medications cause premature aging. The aging process is complex and unique to each individual, and there is no reliable and objective way to measure biological aging between people. While some studies suggest that physical appearance can be a reasonable indicator of biological age, there is no evidence that ADHD medications have a significant impact on skin aging or longevity. However, people with ADHD who are treated with medications may experience cognitive benefits due to improved overall health. The evidence supporting this is still emerging, and more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between ADHD medications and aging.
Embracing ADHD identity as an adult: Recognizing ADHD as an integral aspect of oneself, rather than a defining label, is essential for adult ADHD individuals.
The experience of being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can bring up complex emotions and self-perception issues. During episode 81 of the ADHD Adults Podcast, hosts James and Alex shared their personal experience of inviting guest Hannah Walker Brown on the show and the long delay in recording due to various personal crises. They reflected on how this experience highlighted the importance of the topic of how one views their life as an adult after an ADHD diagnosis. Hannah's perspective on her ADHD resonated with James, who shared that he had always been hesitant to identify as ADHD out of fear of it defining him completely. Hannah's acceptance of her ADHD as a part of who she is inspired James to consider this perspective further. This conversation emphasizes the significance of embracing one's ADHD identity and recognizing it as an integral aspect of one's self, rather than a defining label.
Accepting and Understanding ADHD as Part of Neurodivergent Identity: ADHD shapes unique perspective and behavior, acceptance is key, and support systems are essential for adults newly diagnosed with ADHD
Living with ADHD involves accepting and understanding the neurodivergent aspects of one's personality while managing the disorder. Sand shared her personal experience of grappling with the acceptance of her ADHD and how it intertwines with her neurodivergent identity. She emphasized that ADHD is a disorder, but it doesn't define her entirely. Instead, it shapes her unique perspective and behavior. Moreover, Sand highlighted the importance of preparing for the influx of adults who will be diagnosed with ADHD in the coming years. As she pointed out, many adults are yet to be diagnosed, and they will face challenges in accepting their new identity and dealing with the symptoms. Therefore, it's crucial to establish sufficient support systems to help these individuals navigate their journey post-diagnosis.
Age is not a barrier to getting a diagnosis for ADHD: It's never too late to seek a diagnosis and improve your life with ADHD, regardless of your age. Challenge misinformation and seek accurate information from trusted sources.
Age is not a barrier to getting a diagnosis and seeking help for ADHD. The speaker shared a story about someone in their seventies who was denied a diagnosis by their doctor, but after checking with a trusted source, they discovered that there is no age limit for diagnosis. The speaker emphasized that it's never too late to get on the list for a diagnosis and improve one's life. They also encouraged listeners to reach out and share their insights and experiences with ADHD, regardless of their age. The speaker also touched on the importance of challenging misinformation and seeking accurate information from trusted sources. Overall, the message is that age should not be a deterrent for seeking help and that there is always hope for improvement, no matter how old you are.
