How to Cope With ADHD

Everyone has good days and bad days, right? But if you’ve got ADHD, sometimes your symptoms can feel overwhelming. You may struggle to stay focused or avoid getting distracted. Don’t worry. It’s totally normal to have struggles. Fortunately, there are solutions and strategies you can use to help deal with your ADHD so you can live your best life.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Treatments and Medications

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    Get a specific diagnosis and treatment plan from your doctor. ADHD can come with different symptoms ranging from inattentiveness and difficulty concentrating to hyperactivity and disruptive behavior. Work with your doctor to find a diagnosis for your specific symptoms so you can come up with strategies and a treatment plan that’s tailor-made for you and your ADHD.[1]
    • For instance, some people with ADHD can be distracted and zone out easily while others can be hyper-focused on a task to the point where they forget to eat or take care of their basic needs.
    • There are a variety of ADHD medications, and by understanding your condition and its symptoms, your doctor can work to find the ones most effective for you.
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    Take prescription medication to control your symptoms. Work with your doctor to find the most effective prescription medication to help you manage the symptoms of your ADHD. Take your medication as prescribed and let your doctor know if you have any negative side effects.[2]
    • Usually, stimulants are prescribed to help treat your ADHD, but there are also non-stimulant prescription meds that may work better for you.[3]
    • Never take prescription medications without talking to your doctor first to make sure they’re safe for you.
    • If your symptoms seem to get worse while you’re taking a non-stimulant medication, talk to your doctor. You may need to change meds to find one that works for you.
    • If you have a child or teen with ADHD, make sure they take their meds so they can focus and pay attention at school and at home.
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    Use a pill container to help remember to take your meds. It’s totally normal for your ADHD to cause you to forget to take your medication, or even to take it twice! But it’s really important that you take your meds as prescribed by your doctor to help you manage your symptoms. Use a pill container that lists the days of the week to help you organize your medications so you can be sure you’re taking them correctly.[4]
    • A pill container can also help you know when you’re running low on your meds so you can get more.
    • You can find pill containers at your local pharmacy. You can also order them online.
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    Try CBT to develop coping strategies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that you can use to help alter your behavior and better deal with your ADHD.[5] Use CBT to control and redirect negative thoughts and feelings, which can make it easier for you to cope and improve your focus and concentration.[6] Visit a therapist in your area or ask your doctor for a referral for one.
    • Different coping strategies may be more effective for you and a therapist can help you find them.
    • Your therapist can also help you find strategies to better manage your time and be more productive.
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    Practice neurofeedback training to control your thoughts. Neurofeedback training uses electrodes to monitor your brain while you complete a task so you can practice controlling your mind to help you focus and concentrate. Ask your doctor about trying neurofeedback training to help you learn to control your mind and manage your ADHD symptoms.[7]
    • Electroencephalography (EEG)-neurofeedback, for example, has been shown to have therapeutic benefits to people with ADHD.[8]
    • Neurofeedback training can cost between $2,000-$5,000 USD.
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    Try breathing exercises for a natural alternative. Research shows that mindfulness exercises such as meditation and deep breathing can help improve ADHD symptoms like distractibility, focus, and attention.[9] Try inhaling and exhaling 5-6 full breaths in a minute, keeping your focus on the breath to practice.[10]
    • Try to practice for 10-20 minutes a day.
    • Practices such as tai chi combine both mental focus and breathing exercises and may help you manage your symptoms as well.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Organization and Time Management

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    Designate a place to keep important items so you won’t lose them. Set aside a place where you can place things like your keys and wallet to help keep yourself from getting frustrated or overwhelmed if you misplace them. Place your important items in the same spot every time so you can find them when you need them.[11]
    • For instance, you could have a key hook or a bowl near your door where you keep your wallet, keys, and anything else you need to take with you when you leave your home.
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    Redirect fidgeting to help improve your focus. Fidgeting is a super common trait that people with ADHD have, but you can actually harness it and use it to help improve your focus. Instead of fighting the urge to fidget, allow yourself to do it in the background while you complete the task you’re focused on. Walk around the room while you read, try doodling while you’re in class or in a meeting, or use a fidget toy to keep your hands busy while you pay attention.[12]
    • Use fidgeting as a secondary or background task that will help your brain focus on your main task.
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    Keep a planner to help you stay organized. Write down any appointments, deadlines, or tasks you need to complete in a planner so you don’t forget it. Use your planner to organize the tasks you need to do so you can stay focused on getting them done.[13]
    • It’s tough to beat the satisfaction of crossing an item off of your list!
    • Try scheduling non-specific tasks like cleaning your bathroom or shopping for groceries in your planner as well. You may find it’s a helpful way to manage everything you need to get done.
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    Tackle the most important tasks first. Prioritize the tasks you need to do by deciding which ones are the most important. Then, order your other priorities after that one and start knocking them off your list.[14]
    • Go 1 task at a time to keep yourself focused on them.
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    Give yourself more time than you need to complete a task. It’s common for people with ADHD to underestimate how long it may take them to do something, so give yourself a buffer zone so you don’t get stressed out. For every 30 minutes of time you think it’ll take you to do something, add an extra 10 minutes, just to be safe.[15]
    • Reducing your stress can also help keep you focused on knocking out the task.
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    Set timers to keep from wasting time on a task. Avoid getting sidetracked while you’re working on a task by setting a timer to help enforce your schedule. Even if you need more time to finish a task, a timer can remind you to stay focused. Use your phone or a clock to set timers for yourself based on how long you think the task should take.[16]
    • You can also schedule reminders on your phone to help you stay focused or remember to do a task.
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    Repeat instructions aloud to make sure you’ve got them. If someone gives you a task that you need to complete, try saying the instructions out loud to make sure you’re completely clear on what needs to be done. Verbalize the task to help it stick in your brain so you can stay focused on it.[17]
    • Repeating something out loud can help remember it.
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    Ask for help if you’re struggling with something. Don’t beat yourself up if your struggling to do something or you can’t stay focused. Try asking for help from someone who can assist you.[18]
    • If you’re struggling with a task at work, ask a coworker or manager for help. If you’re at school, ask your teacher for assistance.
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    Clear clutter so you can focus better. Piles of stuff all over the place can be distracting and overwhelming. Cleaning up your home and keeping your stuff organized can help you find what you need easily and also bring some peace of mind. If your ADHD causes you to struggle to keep your space neat and clutter-free, try forcing yourself to do it. Invite some friends over to hang out or eat dinner to help motivate you to stay focused on completing the task of tidying up and organizing.[19]
    • Sometimes having a little push can get you to stay focused.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Self-Care Tips

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    Avoid overstimulating environments if you can. Places with lots of stimuli, such as a crowded music venue or a basketball game, can have multiple conversations, all sorts of different smells, and a variety of lighting effects, which can be overwhelming if you have ADHD. If you have difficulty processing them, you can feel frustrated or anxious.[20] If you think that a place or event will be overwhelming to you, try avoiding it to keep from getting overstimulated.
    • If you can’t avoid the occasion, but you know it could be overwhelming, try talking to someone there that you trust about your concerns. They can act as an anchor or a focal point that you can go to if you start having trouble dealing with it all.
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    Take a timeout whenever you feel overwhelmed. If you find yourself struggling to handle a task or you’re feeling overstimulated, try removing yourself from the situation and take a break. Find a place that will give you some time to decompress.[21]
    • Timeouts can be great for adults, but may actually be counterproductive for kids with ADHD. Use strategies that are appropriate for kids with ADHD instead of timeouts.
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    Set aside time each week to let out your emotions. Schedule a “blow-out time” where you do whatever you like to do to let out some of your pent up emotions. Play some loud music and jam out, go for a long run, or take some time to yourself to just relax and binge-watch a show.[22]
    • If you have ADHD, you might struggle with controlling your emotions, so letting them all out in a safe way can be a healthy way to deal with them.
    • If you have a child or family member who has ADHD, allow them some time to let out their emotions, too.
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    Try not to overcommit yourself. It’s pretty common for people with ADHD to commit to something if they’re asked and then get overwhelmed when they’re overcommitted. You can avoid it by learning to say no and setting boundaries.[23]
    • For instance, if you’re asked to help volunteer for a bake sale but you already have plans on that day, decline the invitation, or find a compromise such as volunteering for half an hour instead of 3 hours.
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    Remember to take care of your needs. Focusing on a task can cause you to forget to eat, rest, or even go to the bathroom. Throughout the day, take a moment to check in with yourself to see if you’re hungry, thirsty, tired, or need to use the restroom. Check on your personal needs every now and then to make sure you’re taking care of yourself.[24]
    • Don’t be too hard on yourself if you forget to eat or rest, either. Just take some time to tend to your needs before you get back to a task.
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    Eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet. Following a healthy diet can help you feel better and keep your symptoms from getting worse.[25] Focus on eating lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats and avoid sugar and caffeine to give your body and mind the nutrition it needs to thrive.[26]
    • Your ADHD can cause you to forget to eat or eat unhealthy amounts of high-carb and sugary foods, so try to focus on following a healthy diet.
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    Spend some time outdoors each day. People with ADHD can benefit from sunshine and green surroundings. Try to get outside for at least half an hour each day and visit a nearby green space to boost your mood.[27]
    • Try exercising outdoors to get the best of both worlds!
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    Get enough restful sleep each night. Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. If you’re having problems getting to sleep or staying asleep, talk to your doctor. You may need treatment for a sleep disorder. Getting a good night’s rest can help you better cope with your ADHD.[28]
    • Try taking natural supplements like melatonin to help you fall asleep.
    • People with ADHD often struggle with sleep issues. Talk to your doctor if you’re unable to manage it on your own.
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    Exercise to boost your mood and help manage your symptoms. Exercise can make you feel better and actually help people with ADHD focus and pay attention.[29] If you or a loved one has ADHD, try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise 3-4 days a week to let out some steam, work up a sweat, and actually improve your symptoms.
    • It doesn’t have to be anything major. Try going for a walk or a bike ride every other day.
    • If you have a child with ADHD, try getting them involved in martial arts or dance classes. Studies suggest that skill-based exercises like martial arts or ballet can be especially helpful.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Communication and Support

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    Check out some online resources. Use the numerous online resources that provide information, advocacy, and support for folks with ADHD and their families. Search through them for helpful tips about how you can cope with your ADHD and more effectively communicate with your friends and family about it.[30] A few helpful resources include:
    • Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) distributes information via its website, through webinars, and via newsletters (http://www.add.org).
    • Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) provides information, training, and advocacy for people with ADHD and their families (http://www.chadd.org).
    • ADDitude Magazine is a free online resource that provides information, strategies, and support for adults with ADHD, children with ADHD, and parents of kids with ADHD (http://www.additudemag.com).
    • ADHD & You provides resources for adults with ADHD, parents of children with ADHD, as well as teachers and healthcare providers who serve people with ADHD (http://www.adhdandyou.com/).
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    Join a support group to help you deal with your ADHD. Search online for a local ADHD support group you can join so you can connect with other people who struggle with the condition. Talk to them about issues you’re having and you may gain some valuable insight from folks who have been there.[31]
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    Explain ADHD to your family so they understand it. If you have ADHD, explain what it is and what the symptoms are to your loved ones so they understand why you may act a certain way.[32] If you have a child with ADHD, you explain what that means to them so they understand why they may feel certain emotions or struggle to focus.
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    Acknowledge the impact your ADHD can have on your loved ones. Recognize how your symptoms can affect your partner or family members. Symptoms such as being impulsive, critical, or nagging can take a toll on them. If your spouse, partner, or family tells you about how your behavior is affecting them, don’t dismiss or ignore it. Think about how it makes them feel and try to address the problems.[33]
    • Put yourself in their shoes. How would it make you feel if someone behaved the way you did.
    • Don’t beat yourself up about the symptoms caused by your disorder, just try not to dismiss the concerns or complaints of your loved ones.
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    Calm down before you discuss a family conflict. If you, your child, or a loved one has ADHD and you get into an argument or a fight, don’t try to talk about it while everyone is still upset. Wait until everybody has calmed down and then discuss what caused the disagreement and what you can do to avoid a future argument.[34]
    • Kids with ADHD, especially teenagers, may be more impulsive or quick to argue with you. But if you try to force a conversation while everyone is still angry, it can make the problem worse.
    • If you or your loved ones with ADHD keep getting into fights, you may want to talk to a mental health professional to find better ways of dealing with it.
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    Be patient and understanding if you have a kid with ADHD. If you have a child or teen with ADHD, you can help them try to manage their symptoms, but it’s also important that you try to cut them a little slack if they slip up or struggle. Try to be patient as they learn to deal with their symptoms.[35]
    • For instance, if your teen forgets to do their homework or take out the trash, let them know they need to try harder, but don’t blow up on them.
    • Consider whether something is worth the struggle. If you can let something go, do it.
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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    What should I do if I have ADHD but I don't have any symptoms?
    Ran D. Anbar, MD, FAAP
    Ran D. Anbar, MD, FAAP
    Pediatric Pulmonologist & Medical Counselor
    Dr. Ran D. Anbar is a pediatric medical counselor and is board certified in both pediatric pulmonology and general pediatrics, offering clinical hypnosis and counseling services at Center Point Medicine in La Jolla, California and Syracuse, New York. With over 30 years of medical training and practice, Dr. Anbar has also served as a professor of pediatrics and medicine and the Director of pediatric pulmonology at SUNY Upstate Medical University. Dr. Anbar holds a BS in Biology and Psychology from the University of California, San Diego and an MD from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Dr. Anbar completed his pediatric residency and pediatric pulmonary fellowship training at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School and is also a past President, fellow and approved consultant of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis.
    Ran D. Anbar, MD, FAAP
    Ran D. Anbar, MD, FAAP
    Pediatric Pulmonologist & Medical Counselor
    Expert Answer
    Some people think that a diagnosis means that they are going to develop all of the known symptoms caused by that condition. Some people even catastrophize their diagnosis and think of the worst possible outcome. If you don't have any of the common symptoms, that's great! I wouldn't recommend getting fixated on it or worrying too much about it.
  • Question
    How can I relax after I've been diagnosed with ADHD?
    Ran D. Anbar, MD, FAAP
    Ran D. Anbar, MD, FAAP
    Pediatric Pulmonologist & Medical Counselor
    Dr. Ran D. Anbar is a pediatric medical counselor and is board certified in both pediatric pulmonology and general pediatrics, offering clinical hypnosis and counseling services at Center Point Medicine in La Jolla, California and Syracuse, New York. With over 30 years of medical training and practice, Dr. Anbar has also served as a professor of pediatrics and medicine and the Director of pediatric pulmonology at SUNY Upstate Medical University. Dr. Anbar holds a BS in Biology and Psychology from the University of California, San Diego and an MD from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Dr. Anbar completed his pediatric residency and pediatric pulmonary fellowship training at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School and is also a past President, fellow and approved consultant of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis.
    Ran D. Anbar, MD, FAAP
    Ran D. Anbar, MD, FAAP
    Pediatric Pulmonologist & Medical Counselor
    Expert Answer
    A diagnosis is not your destiny. Keep in mind that ADHD is not going to keep you from living a healthy, happy life. Just be patient with yourself and let any negative feelings pass. If you'd like, feel free to get a second opinion to confirm the diagnosis. Just try to channel any negative emotions into something positive.
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Warnings

  • Don’t take any medications without talking to your doctor to make sure they’re safe for you to take.
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References

  1. ↑ https://chadd.org/for-adults/diagnosis-of-adhd-in-adults/
  2. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/treatment.html
  3. ↑ https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml
  4. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/12-best-tips-for-coping-with-adhd/
  5. ↑ https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml
  6. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-best-strategies-managing-adult-adhd/201702/can-you-improve-adult-adhd-without-medications
  7. ↑ https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/treating-adhd-without-medication/
  8. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3051071/
  9. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-best-strategies-managing-adult-adhd/201702/can-you-improve-adult-adhd-without-medications
  1. ↑ https://www.additudemag.com/deep-breathing-exercises-for-adhd-meditation/
  2. ↑ https://www.additudemag.com/stop-losing-things/
  3. ↑ https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-fidgeting/
  4. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/12-best-tips-for-coping-with-adhd/
  5. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/add-adhd/managing-adult-adhd-attention-deficit-disorder.htm
  6. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/add-adhd/managing-adult-adhd-attention-deficit-disorder.htm
  7. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/add-adhd/managing-adult-adhd-attention-deficit-disorder.htm
  8. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/add-adhd/managing-adult-adhd-attention-deficit-disorder.htm
  9. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/12-best-tips-for-coping-with-adhd/
  10. ↑ https://www.additudemag.com/dealing-with-adhd-80-coping-strategies/
  11. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/1-2-3-adhd/202004/making-sense-sensory-overload-in-autism-and-adhd
  12. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/going-beyond-intelligence/201709/timeouts-good-adults-not-kids
  13. ↑ https://www.additudemag.com/caution-emotional-hurdles-ahead/
  14. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/12-best-tips-for-coping-with-adhd/
  15. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/12-best-tips-for-coping-with-adhd/
  16. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/treatment.html
  17. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-best-strategies-managing-adult-adhd/201702/can-you-improve-adult-adhd-without-medications
  18. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/add-adhd/managing-adult-adhd-attention-deficit-disorder.htm
  19. ↑ https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/13-adhd-coping-skills-for-organization-time-management/
  20. ↑ https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/treating-adhd-without-medication/
  21. ↑ https://www.mentalhelp.net/adhd/online-resources/
  22. ↑ https://add.org/adhd-support-groups/
  23. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/recognizing-and-managing-adhd-in-adults
  24. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/add-adhd/adult-adhd-attention-deficit-disorder-and-relationships.htm
  25. ↑ https://chadd.org/for-parents/parenting-teens-with-adhd/
  26. ↑ https://www.additudemag.com/help-teen-manage-adhd/

About This Article

Ran D. Anbar, MD, FAAP
Co-authored by:
Ran D. Anbar, MD, FAAP
Pediatric Pulmonologist & Medical Counselor
This article was co-authored by Ran D. Anbar, MD, FAAP. Dr. Ran D. Anbar is a pediatric medical counselor and is board certified in both pediatric pulmonology and general pediatrics, offering clinical hypnosis and counseling services at Center Point Medicine in La Jolla, California and Syracuse, New York. With over 30 years of medical training and practice, Dr. Anbar has also served as a professor of pediatrics and medicine and the Director of pediatric pulmonology at SUNY Upstate Medical University. Dr. Anbar holds a BS in Biology and Psychology from the University of California, San Diego and an MD from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Dr. Anbar completed his pediatric residency and pediatric pulmonary fellowship training at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School and is also a past President, fellow and approved consultant of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. This article has been viewed 105,450 times.
8 votes - 75%
Co-authors: 45
Updated: November 4, 2021
Views: 105,450
Categories: Attention and Developmental Disorders

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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