Have you ever felt easily distracted or hyperfocused, depending on the situation? Do you know someone who is like that? You or they might have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) mainly affects children, but it can also have an impact on the lives of adults. It can wreak havoc on those affected by it. What is adult ADHD? How does it affect someone on a day-to-day basis?
We’ll answer these questions along with how holistic counseling can help with focus. We’ll also examine how to find a holistic counselor and the relationship between life insurance and ADHD.
What is adult ADHD?
Adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition that can lead to unpredictable relationships, lousy work performance, and poor self-esteem. Symptoms of ADHD can include irritability, risk-taking, trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, anxiety, depression, and sleep deprivation.
There are more than 3 million cases of adult ADHD per year in the U.S. It can be a chronic mental condition that can be lifelong. Common treatments for adult ADHD include antidepressants and cognitive medications like stimulants.
How does it affect someone on a day-to-day basis?
Living with this mental condition is a challenge. A typical day for an adult with ADHD can mean becoming easily distracted by things typically others will ignore; having so many thoughts at once that they can’t decipher one from the other; daydreaming in the middle of a conversation; having poor listening skills.
They may appear fidgety and restless, moving from one activity to another, and dissatisfied with the mundane and the routine. Work stress may affect them significantly, and they may be hypersensitive to criticism.
Adults with ADHD may also be hyperfocused and may seem unavailable. It’s not intentional. It’s just the way they’re wired. It can be very chaotic in the mind of someone with adult ADHD. They need patience and understanding more than anything.
If you have ADHD or know someone with this condition, just remember being gentle and compassionate with yourself or them goes a long way.
How can holistic counseling help with adult ADHD focus?
If you deal with adult ADHD, then holistic counseling might be beneficial for you. Holistic counseling refers to dealing with the whole person. These can include natural remedies like working out, meditating, and taking natural vitamins and supplements.
Exercising can be helpful for someone with ADHD because it gives the person a rush of dopamine that many with this condition crave. Meditation can help still the racing mind and ground you in the present. Natural vitamins and supplements can also help with concentration.
Getting enough sleep and talking to a counselor can be beneficial as well. Sleeping enough helps the brain cope with the stimuli from the day, while talking to a therapist can help people with ADHD find strategies to help them cope with this mental condition. There are counseling services available for those that are looking for a therapist.
Anything that has to do with the whole person and not just one particular area really does help those with adult ADHD. It can be discouraging to have this mental condition, but people can find hope and healing with holistic counseling.
How to Find a Holistic Counselor
Need help finding a holistic counselor? Here are three easy steps you can take to find one. Share this information with others that it might benefit.
Use the American Holistic Health Association’s Database
The best place to find a holistic counselor is to go to the American Holistic Health Association website and, under the “Referrals” tab, click “Holistic Practitioners.” There you can enter your ZIP code and figure out where to find a holistic counselor in your area.
Do Your Research
Don’t just pick the first holistic counselor you find. Make sure to do some research on at least two or three practitioners and see which one is a good fit for you. Look at their credentials, experience, specialties, and association with any hospitals or clinics. Always check to see if the doctor you’re looking at specializes in helping people with ADHD.
Make sure your insurance provider is willing to cover your appointments with the holistic practitioner you’re looking at working with. Sometimes there are some things that insurance will cover, but overall, insurance typically doesn’t cover holistic counseling. Know what the counselor is charging for their services and make a plan to budget accordingly.
Reach Out and Set Up an Initial Appointment
Contact the holistic practitioner you want to work with and schedule an initial appointment when you’re ready. Try to schedule as many initial consultations as you can with different counselors so that you can get a feel for how they help their patients.
The Relationship Between Life Insurance and ADHD
People with ADHD are considered to have a mental disability, but having this disability does not significantly affect your chances of getting life insurance. If your ADHD causes you to have other disorders or behavioral issues, it might impact your rates. For example, as depression can increase your heart rate and promote unhealthy behaviors, it could impact your life insurance.
There are many insurance policies that people with ADHD are eligible for. Whole, term, variable, and universal are all excellent life insurance policies, depending on your needs.
Consult with your provider or agent to determine which policy would best suit you. Make sure to send them all medical reports and a list of medications you’re taking.
Living Your Best Life with ADHD
Adult ADHD is hard to live with, but you can still live your best life despite having this mental condition. Learn to be gracious and understanding with yourself and surround yourself with compassionate and empathetic people willing to persevere with you.
Don’t be afraid to go to grief counseling for your condition. Many counselors specialize in adult ADHD and can help you learn to cope with it. Find solace in knowing that you’re not alone and there is hope. ADHD can be frustrating for you and those in your life, but you can manage it and live an enjoyable life.
Remember to practice self-care and equip yourself with the skills you need to navigate this disorder. Keep this in mind: If you don’t manage your illness, it will inevitably manage you.
Peyton Leonard writes and researches for the life insurance comparison site, QuickQuote.com. Peyton is passionate about mental health and helping people find hope through counseling.
