"Why Does ADHD Make Me Feel Drained?"

Summary

This script explores the challenges faced by a 30-year-old male with ADHD, including feelings of inadequacy and exhaustion despite high functioning. It delves into the extra effort required by ADHD individuals, the impact of untreated ADHD leading to depression, and the chronic stress that depletes energy. The speaker suggests strategies like therapy, medication, and organizational skills to manage ADHD and improve self-confidence.

Takeaways

• 🔄 **ADHD Effort**: People with ADHD expend more effort to complete tasks compared to neurotypical individuals, leading to increased fatigue.
• 🌟 **Compensatory Mechanisms**: Smart kids with ADHD often develop strategies to mask their condition, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.
• 📈 **Life Catch-up**: ADHD individuals may experience fatigue as they play 'catch-up' in life, adjusting to increased responsibilities.
• 🤯 **Chronic Stress**: Constant stress can deplete energy, as the body's cortisol response is designed for short-term bursts of productivity, not sustained output.
• 🧠 **Internalized Beliefs**: Many with ADHD internalize a belief of inadequacy due to early life experiences and societal feedback, affecting self-perception and effort.
• 📚 **Educational Challenges**: Despite being smart, ADHD can make school more challenging, leading to a sense of always falling short.
• 🏥 **Health Checks**: Regular health checks can rule out physical causes for fatigue and ensure that any treatment is well-targeted.
• 🛠️ **Organizational Skills**: Learning organizational techniques can help manage ADHD symptoms and reduce the cognitive load.
• 🧘 **Mindfulness and Meditation**: Practices like meditation can improve focus and executive function, beneficial for ADHD management.
• 💊 **Medication Consideration**: Medication can be a valid option to manage ADHD symptoms, but should be considered alongside other strategies.
• 🌱 **Self-compassion**: Developing self-compassion and confidence is crucial for overcoming the internalized belief of 'not being enough'.

Q & A

What is the main concern expressed by the 30-year-old male in the script?

The main concern is that despite trying his best, he feels like he is accomplishing only 10% of what others do and is constantly fatigued, questioning if there is something wrong with him or if he is doing something incorrectly.

What is the individual's history with ADHD?

He was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 10, struggled with depression and anxiety throughout his life, and underwent therapy and re-diagnosis.

What are some of the daily activities the individual engages in to maintain his well-being?

He goes for long walks, maintains an active cycle, and is surrounded by people every day. He also has a good relationship and no financial stress.

How does the individual perceive his social interactions compared to others?

He feels drained after 3 hours of interaction and prefers to be alone with his girlfriend at the end of the day, unlike others who seem to have more energy left for socializing.

What is the significance of the individual being diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 26?

It indicates that he may have developed compensatory mechanisms during his childhood, allowing him to function without noticeable impairments but leading to fatigue and stress later in life.

Why does the individual feel like he is not doing enough despite his efforts?

He compares himself to others and feels inadequate because of the belief that he is not enough, which stems from his childhood experiences with ADHD.

How does stress affect the individual's energy levels?

Stress leads to a chronic state of cortisol production, which results in short-term productivity but long-term exhaustion, as the body cannibalizes muscle tissue for energy.

What is the relationship between ADHD and depression as discussed in the script?

People with ADHD are more likely to develop depression later in life, often due to the belief that they are not enough because of their struggles with ADHD.

What are some strategies that can help individuals with ADHD manage their workload and stress?

Strategies include improving organizational skills, using calendars and to-do lists, assembling all materials before starting work, and seeking psychotherapy to address underlying confidence issues.

What role does medication play in treating ADHD according to the script?

Medication can improve focus and outcomes for individuals with ADHD, but the effects are temporary and do not address the underlying organizational and confidence issues.

How can individuals with ADHD overcome the feeling of not being enough?

They can work on their confidence through psychotherapy, learn organizational tools to protect themselves from their ADHD, and adopt strategies to manage their workload effectively.