Getting Support
Having trouble managing your ADHD on your own? Or your child's? Successfully managing ADHD and living life to the fullest doesn't have to be a solo journey. In fact, getting additional support may be just the thing that helps you fully overcome the challenges that ADHD presents to you, your family, and your future.
Different Ways to Get Connected
Of course, wanting support and knowing how to get it are two different things. So where do you start? Your doctor is a great resource. And as you start your search, think about the type of support that would be most helpful and most effective for you. A support group that meets weekly? An online counselor who helps motivate you to stay on track? A family member who comes to the house once a week to help you out? You've got lots of options for taking some of the stress out of dealing with ADHD alone. But the form of support that works best for someone is really a matter of personal preference.
Getting Group Support
Both support groups and group therapy meetings provide adults with ADHD -- or parents of children who have it -- an opportunity to learn from others' successes and struggles. Support groups provide an opportunity to meet others dealing with the same types of problems and challenges, share experiences, discuss treatment progress, and share tips and advice on managing day-to-day life. Group therapy sessions for ADHD provide a similar opportunity, but under the guidance of a counselor or therapist. And group meetings can be structured to discuss specific ADHD-related goals that members of the group have in common. To find support groups or group therapy programs in your area, ask your doctor, an ADHD specialist, or your local hospital's community-outreach program for recommendations. Discuss with your doctor any groups you've discovered online or in the newspaper.
One-on-One Help
If you crave privacy when working toward better ADHD management, you can explore individual counseling or therapy, or family therapy. Working with a therapist can help you better understand your emotions and the exact ways ADHD affects your life. Therapy can also be focused on helping yourself or your child overcome specific challenges, like staying organized or managing time more effectively. Ask your doctor to recommend a therapist who might work for you. If making time to get to and from appointments is a challenge, there are also a growing number of health professionals who offer telephone or online counseling.
In addition to professional counseling, finding a trusted friend or family member just to talk with whenever you feel overwhelmed can help get you through rough patches.
Taking Control
Seeking appropriate treatment for ADHD is essential to managing it. And often, getting emotional support is a key part of effective treatment. So don't be shy about reaching out and experimenting until you find a form of support or therapy that works for you and your family.
For more information on support resources, visit the following organizations:
- Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- National Resource Center on AD/HD
- Attention Deficit Disorder Association
