How Do I Know If I Have ADHD? A Relatable Guide
Let me guess. You’ve started five tasks today and finished none, your coffee’s gone cold because you got distracted scrolling TikTok, and your keys are probably playing hide and seek (hint: are they in your hand?). Oh, and you’re asking yourself, “Do I have ADHD, or is my brain just a complete circus?” Welcome to the club. Pull up a chair, assuming you can sit still long enough, and let’s chat.
The short answer is: Maybe. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) isn’t just about being forgetful or hyper; it’s a whole mix of quirky brain behaviours that make life both chaotic and fascinating. That said, sometimes what feels like ADHD might actually be something else. PTSD, high-stress environments, or just the sheer chaos of modern life can mimic ADHD symptoms. However, if this all sounds a bit too relatable, it’s worth exploring further with a professional.
But don’t worry, ADHD isn’t a death sentence. It’s more like a fast-paced rollercoaster with no seatbelt. Buckle up as we break it down—and yes, we’ll throw in some tools to help you navigate the ride. Let’s dive in.
What ADHD Really Looks Like
1. The Ping-Pong Brain
Imagine your thoughts are like a room full of cats hopped up on catnip, and you’re trying to herd them… on roller skates. It’s chaos, it’s exhausting, and it’s exactly why concentrating feels like solving a Rubik’s cube with oven mitts on.
Forget the tired “browser tabs” analogy, this is life when ADHD takes the wheel. And no, it doesn’t just mean you’re “bad at focusing.” It means your brain is a high-speed blender, and someone forgot to put the lid on (hint: it’s you).
2. Paralysis by Overwhelm
You’ve got a to-do list. It’s colour-coded, neatly written, and even has cute little checkboxes. But instead of tackling it, you’re frozen in place, watching reruns of a show you could probably recite word for word.
It’s not that you don’t want to get things done. It’s that your brain looks at the mountain of tasks and promptly decides to play dead, like a fainting goat in a thunderstorm. Sure, you’ll eventually leap into panic-fuelled action, but not before procrastinating so hard you’ve deep-cleaned the fridge, Googled “how to survive a shark attack,” and questioned every life decision that brought you here.
3. Hyperfocus: The Unexpected Superpower
Sure, you can’t sit through a team meeting without doodling 37 dragons on your notepad, but you’ve just spent eight hours perfecting your fantasy football lineup or learning the complete history of Beyoncé’s greatest hits. ADHD doesn’t mean you can’t focus, it means you hyperfocus on the weirdest things.
Speaking of icons, consider Leonardo da Vinci. Yes, that da Vinci, arguably one of the most brilliant minds in history. He sketched thousands of inventions, wrote notebooks full of half-finished ideas, and even dabbled in dissecting corpses for “research” (or, you know, a medieval hobby). Oh, and he designed the first helicopter, probably while distractedly doodling during a meeting about something entirely unrelated. ADHD? Perhaps. Genius? Absolutely.
4. Sleep? Never Heard of Her
Your body’s begging for rest, but your brain has other plans. Maybe you’re replaying every awkward thing you’ve ever said, googling if penguins have knees, or deciding at 2am that your wardrobe desperately needs reorganising.
This isn’t just “trouble falling asleep.” It’s your mind throwing a rave while you’re pleading for peace and quiet. Pro tip: Keep a notebook by your bed for those late-night brain dumps. It won’t stop the chaos, but at least you won’t forget your brilliant 3am ideas.
ADHD or Something Else?
Here’s the thing: ADHD quirks can sometimes overlap with other challenges like PTSD, chronic stress, or just living through the chaos of modern life. But ADHD isn’t occasional, it’s a constant whirlwind of energy, impulsivity, and unpredictability.
Turning ADHD Into a Superpower
Let’s talk about neurodivergent greats like Leonardo da Vinci, Steve Jobs, or even Mozart. These aren’t just names, they’re proof that a wandering mind can also be a visionary one. ADHD isn’t a limitation; it’s a different way of seeing the world.
Your brain might not follow a straight path, but it’s capable of incredible creativity, innovation, and resilience. Yes, it’s messy. Yes, it’s unconventional. But the best things often are. Find out what your ADHD Superpower is here.
It’s Not All Chaos: The Upsides of ADHD
Before you start panicking, remember: ADHD isn’t all bad. People with ADHD are often creative, spontaneous, and absolutely brilliant problem-solvers. If life were a heist movie, you’d be the genius cracking the safe while everyone else stares at the instructions.
What Can You Do About It?
If you’re nodding along, thinking, “That’s me,” here are some ways to thrive with ADHD:
1. The Power of Routine
Routine might sound like the most boring word in the dictionary, but for ADHD brains, it’s magic. Create a daily schedule, even if it’s written on a napkin, and stick to it. Think of it as giving your brain training wheels.
Tip: Start small. Plan just your mornings for a week. Wake up, stretch, make your bed, drink water, eat breakfast. Boom, you’re already winning.
2. What to Do When You Can’t Sleep
- Brain Dump: Keep a notebook by your bed and jot down every thought. Yes, even the ones like “Why doesn’t glue stick to the inside of the bottle?” Clearing your mind can make all the difference.
- Wind Down Properly: Avoid screens an hour before bed. This includes your phone, TV, and whatever device you’re currently scrolling on. Read an actual book, do some light stretching, or try meditative breathing instead. Your brain will thank you.
- Supplement Wisely: Beyond magnesium glycinate and melatonin, there are other natural options to consider (but check with a doctor first, obviously).
- Ashwagandha: No, it’s not an alluring dance move or an unreleased Bollywood hit. Ashwagandha a herb known for reducing stress and calming the nervous system, making it easier to drift off into dreamland.
- Valerian Root: Often referred to as a “natural sedative,” it’s been used for centuries to help with sleep.
- L-Theanine: Found in green tea, L-Theanine is an amino acid that promotes relaxation and helps reduce the mental chatter that keeps you awake.
- GABA: A neurotransmitter supplement that can help quiet your overactive mind, especially when you’re stuck replaying your worst moments from high school.
- Passionflower: Great for easing anxiety-related insomnia, making it perfect for those nights when your thoughts are louder than your neighbour’s late-night karaoke.
By pairing these supplements with better bedtime habits, you can increase your chances of catching some quality ZZZs, even if your brain insists on debating whether fish sleep… at 2 a.m.
3. Move That Body
Exercise isn’t just for gym bros, it’s your secret weapon against ADHD chaos. Physical activity helps burn off that restless energy and boosts dopamine, which your brain is constantly chasing.
Hack: Find something fun. Zumba, trampoline parks, an exercise bike while Netflix surfing, rock climbing, anything that makes you forget you’re exercising. Who needs a fancy gym when you can sneak in some squats while ironing? Functional fitness meets domestic bliss! Whatever works, just don’t burn your shirts or leave the iron on if you suddenly do decide to go to the gym.
4. Fuel Your Brain
If you’re running on caffeine and crisps, your brain isn’t happy. Balance it out with protein-packed meals and omega-3-rich foods like salmon or walnuts. Think of it as giving your brain premium fuel instead of whatever’s leftover in the cupboard.
5. Laugh at It
When all else fails, laugh at the ridiculousness. Forgot your phone in the fridge? Classic (it’s more common than you think). Double-booked yourself again? Hilarious. ADHD is a package deal, quirks and all. Embrace it with a sense of humour, it’s cheaper than therapy. Just ask Noreen.
Should You Get Tested?
If these behaviours sound uncomfortably familiar, it might be time to stop diagnosing yourself via TikTok and chat with a healthcare professional. A proper diagnosis isn’t just a fancy label, it’s like getting the user manual for your brain (finally!). Whether it’s therapy, medication, or lifestyle tweaks, there’s a way forward. And honestly, all of those are way better for you than your current coping mechanisms of procrastination, indecision, or convincing yourself you just need “better vibes.
Love Your ADHD Brain
ADHD isn’t a flaw, it’s just a different operating system. Some people are Windows, some are Mac, and you? You’re a Linux—quirky, powerful, and occasionally frustrating if you don’t know how to use it. But once you learn how to work with it (instead of against it), life becomes a lot more manageable—and dare we say, fun. So if you’re wondering, “Do I have ADHD?” take a deep breath, embrace your inner tech genius, and remember: it’s not the end of the world. It’s just the beginning of understanding your wonderfully unique brain.
Join our community to share stories, find more tips, and connect with people who truly get it. Together, we’ll figure out how to navigate this rollercoaster—and maybe even enjoy the ride.
