As if it couldn't get worse.

swans004
Thu, 10 May 2012 19:14:24 +0000

It makes sense you’re so frustrated…who wouldn’t be with fighting something like ADHD for so long with no answers to why school/relationships/etc. were so hard? It probably doesn’t help much to say it, but you’re not alone. I tutor ADHD students, and almost all of them have similar issues.

A few suggestions…first, you may want to consider counseling. People with ADHD very commonly have troubles with depression and/or anxiety along with the usual ADHD symptoms. You also may just need to process some of your frustrations, and learn some coping skills. Your ADHD isn’t going to go away, so it’s best to try and put the past in the past so you can start looking forward to your future!

Next, think about ADHD coaching. These folks aren’t therapists, but they’re trained to help ADHD folks with getting organized and developing concrete strategies to get around their symptoms in daily life. I know there are some who specifically work with high school students, so a coach might be helpful in getting things together before the start of the next school year.

Also, look into accommodations from your school. If you’ve got a diagnosis, the psychologist who tested you almost certainly made recommendations about the types of accommodations that could help you in school. I know a lot of students, especially ones at competitive high schools, don’t want the other kids to know. But what’s more important? Hiding a disability that’s not your or anyone’s fault, or admitting you need some help so you can succeed in school? Just something to think about. If your school is just too stressful, too, it might be worthwhile to look at moving to another school next year.

Finally, since you’re on CC, I assume you’re looking ahead to college. There’s a lot of things to consider when thinking about applying, and I know of a couple of college counselors who work with LD students. But you may want to consider taking a year off after high school, or trying community college for a year, at least until you’re feeling more stable. You’ve barely had time to adjust to your new diagnosis, and college is stressful even under the best of circumstances. Giving yourself some time to develop new habits and routines could make all the difference in getting you ready for the next step.

Hang in there. It will get better. And there are lots of people out there who can help if you go looking for them!