ADHD self-improvement: Adult ADHD can be scary and threatening: It’s common to feel broken or sub-par when people talk about you possibly having ADHD. It’s common to feel like you’re the identified patient and, once you’re “fixed”, everything will be just fine. Oct-03-2022

Adult ADHD can be scary and threatening

It’s common to feel broken or sub-par when people talk about you possibly having adult ADHD. It’s common to feel like you’re the identified patient and, once you’re “fixed”, everything will be just fine. Everything. It’s common to feel that you’re lazy or ditzy; you just don’t try hard enough. It’s common to feel that adult ADHD makes you less capable than the next person.

Successfully living with adult ADHD is not a matter of will power or simply applying yourself better. I distinctly remember my high school biology teacher telling me that if I “would only apply myself I would do great things”.

I want to repeat this: adult ADHD is not a lack of will power or attention or an excess of procrastination. Adult ADHD is a difference in brain physiology and a neurochemical deficiency in dopamine. A change of thinking and talk therapy can help, but you can’t think or talk your way completely through it.

Let’s try and remove some of the stigma around adult ADHD by comparing it to a more socially-acceptable condition: imagine you’re really thirsty. It’s been an entire day since you last drank anything. Your lips are dry. Your tongue feels like a block of pumice, ready to suck up any drop of water you encounter. Your focus narrows to water.

Adult ADHD is sort of like that. It’s a condition where there is a lack of dopamine— the success neurochemical— in the brain. Our brains evolved to crave dopamine as a tool that allows complex process completion and achieving long-term goals. If you don’t have enough of it, you’ll do almost anything to get it… including diverting your attention to something novel— like that hypothetical squirrel everyone uses to make fun of our distractability.

Because Adderall contains amphetamine, society has over-simplified the medical treatment of adult ADHD to just needing a stimulant.

Technically, Adderall is not a stimulant. It’s a dopaminergic compound that raises the dopamine levels in the brain and helps establish a healthier neurochemical baseline. Internally, this new baseline can help a person with ADHD find balance and feel “normal”. Externally, the additional dopamine gives a new focus; an ability to meet deadlines; a reduction in tantrums and yelling, negative self-talk, disorganization, and impulsivity. Finding the proper dosage, durations, and timing requires trial and error while working with a trusted medical provider.

The addition of the proper amount of dopamine is not a requirement to coaching a person with adult ADHD. It can, however, be a strong foundation upon which a productive coaching relationship erects systems and scaffolding around the most disruptive ADHD symptoms.

ADHD does not need to be your biggest failure in your life or relationship. We can help you manage it and transform it back into your super power that attracted people to you in the first place.



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Tommy Underhill TTCD, ASDCS, ASDI Sex, Adult ADHD & Adult Autism

Tommy specializes in working with adults with ADHD and autism through a neurophysiological lens for social, relational, and sex issues. He oversees the long-term and strategic management for Littleton Couple’s Counseling. His entrepreneurship and small business management and operations span more than 30 years. Tommy is the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Psychosexual Therapy. In his spare time, he runs a halfway house for wayward and abused orchids.

https://creativecontinuum.biz


Questions Answered At a Glance

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What makes sex therapy different from “normal” therapy?

Sex therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses specifically on communication, relationships, intimacy, and sex. We often discuss low libido, desire discrepancy, painful intercourse, non-traditional relationships, orgasm difficulties, and sexual preferences.

What is sex therapy?

Sex therapy is a form of talk therapy that helps people deal with sexual problems and improve their sexual health and well-being. It’s important because we’re all sexual beings, and our mental health can affect our sexual desire and pleasure. Sex therapy can help people talk about uncomfortable things about sex, intimacy, and communication, but it’s important to remember that many sexual health problems could be solved if people talked openly about sex and their experiences.

Are you comfortable talking about ethical non-monagomy (ENM)?

Yes. Ethical non-monogamy (ENM) is a relationship style that focuses on honesty, openness, and mutual agreement when it comes to having multiple romantic or sexual partners. Whether you’re just starting to think about this idea or have been curious for a while, ethical non-monogamy can be a really liberating way to love and connect. But it’s important to know that this lifestyle might not be right for everyone. That’s totally okay. The real question is, does ENM fit with your values and emotional needs?

Can you help with struggles with sex and religion?

You might be confused about why feelings about sex are so tough when you believe “God made us as we are.” This struggle and doubt can make you feel even more ashamed and alone from your partner. You might even wonder if you’re going through religious sexual trauma, even though you were never physically abused in the church. This unwanted religious sexual dysfunction can strain your intimate relationships, and it might make the pain, guilt, and shame you’ve been carrying since you were a kid even worse. We can help.

Are our sexual wants normal?

It can be tough to figure out what’s “normal” when it comes to sex, because everyone’s different. Instead of trying to fit in with what others think is “normal,” it’s more important to listen to your own body and mind. Think about what makes you feel good and what you’ve been wanting lately. Comparing yourself to others or to porn can make you feel bad about yourself, but if you’re struggling with your sexual identity, know that you’re not alone.

My partner and I have mismatched desire. Are we normal?

A common concern is the struggle with low libido or decreased arousal. Many people experience fluctuations in their sexual desire—often due to medical conditions, stress, or other underlying factors. If your current arousal levels differ significantly from the past or from your partner, discussing it with one of our certified psychosexual therapists can help alleviate anxiety and provide guidance on how to address the issue.

How do I know when it’s time to talk to someone about my sexual issues?

If you’ve been looking for info about sex therapy and common sexual concerns, you’ve already taken a huge step towards acknowledging your worries. If your concerns keep you up a night, talking to a sex therapist could give you some clarity and help you find solutions.