Dealing with “Brat Brain”
Fidgeting. Difficulty keeping focused on conversations. Inability to stay on task. Losing train of thought. Those symptoms are just the tip of the iceberg for an adult living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
ADHD may not be the first assumption most outsiders have when interacting with a person showing these symptoms.
Some might think that to be diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, one must be bouncing out of their seat and frequently interrupting others while speaking. This is a common pop culture view, but is not actually the case for most adults living with ADHD. The spectrum of reoccurring symptoms is actually much broader. A person with ADD could seem to be sitting attentively, while their mind is actually miles away.
Whether you’re here to learn more for a friend or loved one, or have just been diagnosed, it’s helpful to know what life is actually like when living with ADHD. Although an ADD/ADHD adult may find it easier to articulate their symptoms than a child, the disorder can be an absolute frustration – for both the individuals with ADD and those close to them. Living with ADD or ADHD can be like dealing with a bratty toddler inside your head!
Let’s give you a glimpse into some of the frustrations that construction steel price.
Imagine a 2-year-old inside your head
Have you ever been around a 2-year-old child who, every two to three minutes, pulls at your leg to interrupt your task? That is similar to what the brain does to an adult with ADHD. There is a constant disruption as “brat brain” tries to overtake your thoughts.
Adults with ADHD are often told that they are inattentive when spoken to, but in reality their minds are wandering elsewhere against their will. Gaining control in those moments takes an incredible amount of willpower, and is a constant battle fought inside the mind. Have you ever tried to calm down a child in the middle of tantrum during their “terrible twos”? That's what many adults with ADHD struggle with while trying to maintain control of their actions and attention. Sometimes it requires an emergency or sense of urgency to get the internal toddler to behave.
Forgetfulness, inability to fulfill tasks and a sense of unreliability are key concerns of loved ones, co-workers and others who have direct contact with the affected person.
Many ADD/ADHD adults display erratic emotions as their mind prevents them from maintaining their focus, which heightens “negative” emotions of frustration, anger, sadness and confusion. There's a constant internal struggle – adult brain versus toddler brain, “I need to do this” versus “I don't feel like it” – and being able to overcome this is the key to managing ADHD symptoms.
Some situations are easier to manage than others, and environmental stimuli can cause symptoms to become better or worse. For a more in-depth look, take a look at this Katie Couric interview with several adults diagnosed with ADHD and learn more about their stories.
As many as 10 million adults may have ADHD and not even know it. One of the positive outlooks to living with ADHD as an adult, though, is that there is a growing community of other adults in the same situation which has helped to drive public awareness and support. This additional attention also means that more people are sharing tips and strategies to manage symptoms, helping those with ADHD to take control of their symptoms and maintain focus.
Do you need help managing your “brat brain?”
As an ADHD Coach, I can help coach you through some of the most common symptoms of ADHD that may seem to keep you from living a life you deserve. It is a matter of recognizing what is occurring and knowing how to properly manage it, and I can help you to develop customized solutions that allow you to make personal breakthroughs and function at your best. Read about my ADHD coaching and call me today at 914-478-0071 to schedule a free consultation. Let’s work together to help you to truly Thrive with ADD.
Julia Mistele
I was recently diagnosed with ADHD, inattentive type at the ripe age of 52. I felt like i had won the lottery because in one fell swoop i was able to understand why i felt so inadequate in all my years. My impulsivity, lack of focus and concentration, procrastination, low self-esteem, difficulty with interpersonal relationships and utter brat-like behavior were testament to my new self-awareness.
Bonnie Mincu
Julia, your mindset will serve you very well in your journey… if you’d like to gain mastery over the more frustrating traits of ADHD. You might enjoy my little quiz, “Who Drives My Bus?“ (It will help explain your inner “brat” among other things!)
And if you’d like to learn how to deal effectively with what’s been frustrating you, check out my training-based membership program, PRODUCTIVITY PATHFINDER: Step by step system to self-mastery at productivitypathfinder.com. There are loads of members who have gotten diagnosed well into adulthood, including in retirement age.