Even the most difficult ADHD struggles can be made lighter by the love and support of those who care about you. Find out more about supporting someone with ADHD.

Published on

13/11/2022

Updated on

7/2/2023

Minutes

Review by

Alice

The mini ADHD Coach

This Article

How to support someone with ADHD: FAQs

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Understand how 25 ADHD traits affect you by visualizing and assessing them.

Here's How You Can Support Your ADHD Friend

You may be willing to do more than expected to help someone feel better.

I admire those who ask for advice about their friends with ADHD and care about their mental and physical health. You guys are amazing for always looking out for your friends who need support.

When I have ADHD, it is a great feeling not to need to explain what I am doing or how I show my symptoms. This is like a person who has freckles on their cheeks and says nothing because they can't do anything about them. But we can accept what they already have.

It's possible that the person you're observing is aware of your observation and has been thinking about it, too.

It's not worth saying something obvious because the person may not like it. Many people with ADHD or other mental health issues know the symptoms they experience and how they affect their lives. However, they don't feel comfortable discussing it.

You can accept yourself and your neurodivergent mind as a part of you. This does not mean that you are powerless. You can effectively manage your ADHD symptoms with determination and support. This will lead to fewer struggles. Send this article to friends so they know your efforts and can better understand how to support someone with ADHD.

ADHD environment is essential for positive reinforcement

All of us have different ways to deal with changes in our lives. Some people can move on quickly and shake off the situation. Some people may take longer to cope and process.

When faced with a significant change or something we have never dealt with before, like ADHD, it can be difficult. We all have those moments where everything feels overwhelming, and we need someone who understands what we're going through.

Our mental health coach or physician is a great support system. Our environment and support groups, in addition to the advice of our mental health professional, will also influence our ADHD experience. Your social circle can determine whether or not you receive help.

You'll find that if you are constantly around people WHO DON'T understand your neurodivergent condition, they will also make it more difficult for you. We don't want this to happen.

You'll notice a difference when you have a friend or loved one willing to listen and try to understand what you are going through. You may not feel comfortable, but it will make you more confident in discussing your symptoms and seeking help.

Visualize your ADHD traits!

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Adult ADHD friends: Helping them with everyday struggles

Some people with ADHD experience hyperactivity symptoms, adult ADHD traits of inattention, and impulsive behavior. We may need to take care more for ourselves if these symptoms become overwhelming.

Even though ADHD can be a challenge, there are still many things that we can do to feel good. When our focus is intense, we can excel at many things. Even with limited resources and enthusiasm, we can still be successful in whatever we do.

The adverse effects of ADHD symptoms and traits can significantly impact our lives and those around us. When things seem unbearable, even if we have done everything possible to handle them, seek additional support from family, friends and loved ones.

The following list includes things people can do to help an adult with ADHD.

Supporting us in our daily struggles

ADHD affects our daily functioning. For example, we may struggle to finish a task or meal. Some people find these activities relaxing and soothing. Some adults with ADHD may be unable to perform these tasks well due to their symptoms.

For instance, I need help to stay organized. It is difficult for me to get rid of clutter and put things off, no matter how badly I want it. My ADHD brain gets in the way, not because I'm lazy or stubborn. There are often better things to do at home than cleaning up the mess.

Parents, friends, and family can provide the motivation we need. It can be easier to overcome daily challenges when you have someone with whom to share them. It is not that we should always rely on others to help us. But the knowledge that we aren't alone can give us more confidence. They can make our daily routines more enjoyable.

Be a friend, not another parent.

Adults with ADHD may have trouble processing their emotions and thoughts, make careless mistakes, or be easily influenced by impulsive choices. We can often get into sticky situations because of these symptoms. People around us may also become frustrated.

It's okay to lecture or pressure us about our mistakes.

We need people to help us understand our perspective, be patient with us when we make mistakes and improve all aspects of our lives. We can count on our loved ones and friends to support us through difficulties. We should not add to our anxiety by seeking out people who will comfort us and make us feel more at ease.

Even with our imperfections, we want to be loved and accepted. Try to understand the perspective of an adult with ADHD. It won't be easy, but you'll feel better once you've built a deeper and more meaningful relationship with them.

We will be patient and have our backs.

When our ADHD symptoms take over, we ask that everyone be patient and understanding.

In a relationship, for example, our partner who is not ADHD might feel left behind if we get caught up in different struggles. We might do things against their wishes, causing tension between us.

Our family may feel we must try harder and our plans are not working. Our friends' frustration or fatigue may distract us when we act impulsively. People in our surroundings may see us as a burden or unable to complete tasks.

We need patience to try and sort out the situation. We need to be supported as we make decisions which may or may not benefit us. We need your support in sticky situations. As long as you are there, we can handle any failure.

Avoiding Harsh Remarks and Talking to Us equally

ADHD is not a disorder or disabling condition. We don't want to be treated as "the bottom of the food chain" and want to feel respected in all aspects of our lives. Being treated like a friend or partner instead of a second-class citizen can lift our spirits and boost our confidence. This allows us to be more productive at home or work.

While we understand that you cannot control someone's behavior or actions, a little kindness can help us a lot. Sometimes, I feel invalidated when people make negative remarks about adults with ADHD. Sometimes our struggles would be bearable if only people didn't look negatively at us. We know that ADHD is not easy to deal with, and we do not want to be treated as if it were.

We'd appreciate it if you spoke to us with kindness and encouragement and didn't treat us as fragile. We prefer to avoid being told what to say and do constantly. It will only make us more incompetent. We will also feel worse about ourselves if we receive harsh criticism or comments. Feedback is essential to improve our lives in many ways, but it can be delivered more constructively.