Strategies for Adults with ADD                                                       

by Helen Selenati

Many adults with ADD focus solely on the challenges of this condition without realizing its unique gifts.  By refocusing on their strengths, accentuating them, and developing ways in which their positive attributes can be used in daily life, people with ADD can create richer life experiences for themselves. The following are some strategies that people with ADD need to know to enhance their day-to-day lives.

-         Develop your true nature and personality – not what others want you to be.  Your strengths are what make you a unique and creative human being.

-         Never worry by yourself – talk to someone you trust about what is bothering you, or else you’ll ruminate or obsess over the issue.

-         Develop strategies for dealing with anger – go jogging, play a competitive sport, do yoga, practice breathing techniques, or take a martial arts class. Engage in any energetic activity that relieves the negative feelings stimulated by adrenalin.

-         Don’t talk excessively – if you are going to communicate, organize your thoughts, write them down in bullet form and then practice!!

-         Show compassion for yourself - instead of blaming yourself for everything that goes wrong.

-         Get things done vs. doing things right – stop procrastinating about starting a task because you can’t do it perfectly. Black and white thinking will paralyze progress. Create action and then do it. You’ll feel great once you get started and you’ll learn by getting things done.

-    Be an active listener – focus on a single aspect of what the person is saying. Learn to be a neutral listener and listen without making any judgments.

-         Find a cause about which you are passionate – create a mission that reflects your true values or nature and focus that high ADD energy towards achieving it.

-         Learn to say NO – People with ADD tend to bite off more that they can chew and in the process overwhelm themselves with too many promises they can’t deliver. If you do decide to say yes to something that interests you or motivates you, then under-promise and over-deliver. This will alleviate any pressure you feel and you’ll be more productive and surpass everyone’s expectations.

Helen Selenati is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Coach. She has a private practice in Redwood City and can be reached at helen@selenati.com or by calling 650-596-0807. Also visit www.selenati.com