The theme of this newsletter is managing impulsivity. Impulsivity is a key trait of people with ADHD. It is part of what makes us spontaneous and fun creatives, originals, the life of the party! A little bit of impulsivity can be fun, but a lot can be dangerous.
I have hurt people by saying things I later regretted, I messed up my credit by spur of the moment spending. Many folks with ADHD have experienced the life changing consequences that can come from impulsivity. It can negatively impact one’s career, relationships, and health.
So what can we do?
There are 3 things I have read about and am trying to work into my own ADHD journey;
1. A treatment plan with a medical professional. Sometimes medication can give us the ability to have a kind of buffer between thought and action. There is no shame in needing medication, as drugs can address neurochemical imbalances that contribute to ADHD signs. Medication isn't the only solution for dealing with impulse management though.
2. Listening to others. Sometimes other people can be a source of wisdom when we can’t see what we are doing or know we are going into a situation where we may struggle to control our behaviour. I have had my sister temporarily take my credit card when I didn't trust myself not to overspend.
3. Practicing mindfulness. The art of noticing your thoughts is like building a muscle. Training yourself to pause and sit with the waves of restlessness, the discomfort of boredom, and the anticipation of making a purchase teaches you that these feeling are separate from YOU. You are not these things, and with practice you can learn to choose to not engage with them. That is true power.
Having an ADHD Brain is sometimes like having a Mercedes engine in a Toyota. Love your brain, love yourself, but try to keep from driving into a ditch!
~ Sandy Slade
Upcoming Events
WEDNESDAY ADULT ADHD SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS (ONLINE): WHEN: Every Wednesday evening at 7:30pm-9:00pm Atlantic Time. WHERE: Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9720415025
Meeting ID: 972 041 5025
Password: 8vNmaC
ADHD MONTHLY PARENTS' GROUP MEETING (ONLINE): WHEN: July 27th, 2020 at 7:00pm Atlantic Time WHERE: Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9720415025 Meeting ID: 972 041 5025
Password: 8vNmaC
If you haven't used Zoom you can check it out here. The first time you join a meeting you may be prompted to download some software, after that zoom will be able to launch from your computer when you click a meeting link.
The COVID-19 pandemic is a stress and disruption for everyone, but for those of us with ADHD there are some particular reasons it may be difficult to cope. We've assembled a collection of external resources that we think may be helpful to you:
