A Day With ADHD

by Deb Toering, LPC, NCC, BCPCC

Deb Toering is a Board Certified Professional Christian Counselor (BCPCC) in private practice at Trinity Family Counseling Center. In addition to working with a wide range of client populations and presenting issues, Deb is also an engaging public speaker. She has spoken in front of various groups across a range of topics including marriage, bullying, ADHD/ADD, and teen leadership.

Just getting out of bed is a challenge for many with ADHD.

One person reported, “I have to set a total of 11 alarms over 3 different apps along with a physical alarm clock across the room to wake up.”  Getting into bed at night can be just as challenging.  There is always one more thing to do, one more episode on Netflix, a few more minutes on Facebook.  Many ADHD brains come alive at night which is a problem if you have an early morning! Once in bed, the body may be exhausted but the mind is still very alert.

Executive function skills such as planning, prioritizing, organization, managing time and paying attention are often compromised. The day begins with frustration and shame for getting up late, AGAIN. Gauging the amount of time needed for each task required to get out the door is difficult. Finding keys, clothes, making lunch, keeping focused on the next task without getting distracted takes great effort. Starting off the day by running late and feeling overwhelmed with the unending to-do list leads to stress, low self-esteem and depression.  Over time, the shame and sense of failure overshadow an individual’s ability to see their tremendous strengths.

As an ADHD counselor, I can offer you hope! Let’s figure out how your brain is uniquely wired. Let’s look at your strengths and tackle those areas that are causing you problems. Let’s break that cycle of frustration and shame!