by Cynthia Hammer, MSW, Author of the book, Living with Inattentive ADHD
Adults with ADHD don’t typically try to understand why things went wrong. We move on to the next shiny thing. ADHD medication slows down our racing thoughts, so we can ask, perhaps for the first time, “Is this the best thing to do?” or “Is this the right thing to say?”
Writing about our ADHD takes our reflections and insights to a higher level. We analyze our behaviors — and misbehaviors — and understand how our ADHD contributes to problems in our lives.
I used to come home from work and, in my dress clothes and high heels, head straight to my rock garden to weed. After an hour, my dress is soiled and my shoes were trashed.
Writing about my impulsive weeding allowed me to be objective. I realized, “I should change my clothes before working in the yard.” Of course, this realization didn’t make me change my clothes. I had to create a habit, with my brain reminding me,” I must change my clothes before gardening.”
The more I write about my ADHD challenges, the more I understand work and relationships that don’t go well. Writing forces me to examine what I earlier accepted as another bad day. Instead of replaying the day and chastising my poor performance, I write about it.
Writing gives me the perspective to make changes. It reduces the number of times I fall short of my own or other people’s expectations.
Write About the Big ADHD Issues
I write when an ADHD-related behavior makes me fall short. For example, a few years ago I visited my son and daughter-in-law in Florida. She has an excellent memory and I struggle to remember anything. After they drove me to the airport for my return flight home, I realized I forgot my purse, with my travel ID, at their home. They drove back — an hour round-trip — and retrieved my purse in time for me to catch my flight. I was mortified.
Writing about the episode allowed me to let the issue go. Everyone has challenges in life. I know I will always have ADHD but I am more than my ADHD.
ADHD –Not Writing Experience–Required
I can hear you thinking, “I can’t write.” All I ask is to put your thoughts on paper. The more often you jot down your thoughts, the better you’ll become. Write for yourself and don’t censor yourself. If you are so inclined, share your writing in a blog or an online support group. Put your writing out there. Finding acceptance will build your confidence and self-esteem. What’s more, feedback from others will give you new ways to see yourself and assess your behaviors
.—————————————————
Learn how to give girls with ADHD a fair start in life at www.FINDtheADHDgirls.org
