ADHD and Trauma
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and trauma are two mental health issues that have a lot of symptom overlap. ADHD is a disorder characterized by an individual having difficulty finishing tasks, the inability to pay attention to details, struggling to follow conversations, being easily distracted, and being forgetful. They can find it difficult to sit still for a long period of time, they may feel restless, and act impulsively.
We’ve talked about trauma before on the Finding Tranquility blog. To refresh, trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event such as an accident, a natural disorder, sexual assault, and even childhood experiences. This can lead to symptoms such as having recurring nightmares, trouble sleeping, emotional outbursts, and struggling to focus on tasks.
Individuals with ADHD and individuals with trauma both have trouble focusing on tasks, difficulty learning, are easily distracted, have trouble listening, are prone to being disorganized and feel restless. Individuals with ADHD are more likely to be forgetful and impulsive, but individuals with trauma are more likely to have nightmares, flashes of anger, and dissociate.
When to Seek Help?
If you are an individual that struggles with any of these symptoms and suspect that you might have ADHD or might be struggling with unresolved trauma it is a good time to seek professional help and/or get an assessment. Having these symptoms is one way to know you need an assessment or should seek help, but the biggest and best indicator is when you find that your symptoms are actively hindering and obstructing your quality of life.
If you are trying your best to manage your symptoms and emotional responses but you find it is still very difficult, stressful, and/or overwhelming, or you do not feel autonomous, and you feel hopeless, then it is a good time to see a professional. Many individuals have undiagnosed ADHD and unrecognized trauma because they unknowingly manage their symptoms well, but that is not the case for many. It is okay to seek a helping hand. We all strive to be the best versions of ourselves, and sometimes that means leaning on and seeking the guidance and expertise of others.
Here at Finding Tranquility Psychotherapy Services we have a registered social worker, Tanya, who specializes in helping individuals that deal with trauma as well as relationships, substance abuse, emotion regulation, OCD, and depression. We are ready to help individuals start their journey towards healing and being their best self.
Never forget you are more than what people say you are.