In the show we explore some challenging subjects connected with having ADHD. This is a page that has some tips, links to resources and information that has helped me along the way. All in my search to understand what having ADHD means. It is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders worldwide impacting millions of people, so experiences will vary from person to person. But I hope you find something in here of use, thanks for stopping by!
In the show we talk about the Big Bear of Shame. In fact, he is there the whole time like an unwanted guest that won’t leave! Shame is a big part of having ADHD especially when trying to navigate in a world designed for neurotypical minds. Shame tends to appear as a starring role in the lives of people with ADHD due to behaviors such as these:
Top Shame researcher Brene Brown says:
"Shame hates it when we reach out and tell our story. It hates having words wrapped around it - it can't survive being shared. Shame loves secrecy."
Here are some challenging facts:
It’s important to be honest about the challenges people with ADHD face. Openly identifying the challenges is the first step to getting support.
When I first got my diagnosis, I felt a feeling of shame that my brain was different! But the more I learned about ADHD, the more I realized I needed to be kinder to myself and take positive steps to understand the challenges and work with information. Knowledge is power.
Start with being honest about what you feel shame about and then communicate that to those around you.
People with ADHD Can really struggle in relationships we have created a video with some top tips to help!
People with ADHD can struggle with finances so we have created this video with some top tips to help.
Tools to get things done!
People with ADHD are renowned for putting tasks off or leaning things to the last minute. But have you heard of body doubling! Body doubling is a productivity strategy in which another person works alongside you as you complete a task you might otherwise find challenging. Having someone nearby may help you stay focused, engaged, or motivated to finish the job.
More about it hereTools to get things done!
This fantastic website with lots of amazing content created by ADHD advocate Jessica McCabe. She has been talking about ADHD for a number of years and has a really friendly, funny and easy to understand approach to informing people.
Website LinkEngaging Talks
The message in this Ted Talk really influenced ADHD the Musical and encouraged me to be brave and honest which is a sign of strength not weakness!
TED TalkFinance
Free, impartial, expert advice - Each year they help more than 100,000 people
LinkFinance
Blog post titled: “I made managing money 'dopamine friendly' so it works with my ADHD”
LinkFinance
Expert tips from money saving expert: Martin Lewis
LinkExercise
Exercise has been one of the most effective tools for me managing ADHD. It is scientifically proven to improve brain function and mood. Understandably it can be hard getting started when you are experiencing overwhelm or lack of motivation so find what you enjoy!
Exercise
I started running using couch to 5k - A free running program to help you get running you are guided every step of the way and can choose a motivational voice that works for you!
More about couch to 5k hereExercise
This is a free running event that happens every Saturday and is great to run with a group! The best part of it is feeling smug you have done your daily exercise by 9.30am!
More info on Park run free 5k - run all across the UkManaging Overwhelm
The app's wide variety of guided meditations, sleep stories, and music may help you feel more relaxed. I love the masterclasses with lots of inspiring speakers. It’s great if you feel overwhelmed and need to take 5 mins to meditate or do a breathing exercise, pop a meditation on go for a walk or sit in the park.
https://www.calm.com/Managing Overwhelm
This talk is very inspiring and a lot of what the core message of what ADHD The Musical is about. Worth a listen a listen
Youtube LinkManaging Overwhelm
Low cost therapy for creatives
https://www.wellbeinginthearts.org.ukManaging Overwhelm
A charity helping people affected by anxiety, stress, and anxiety-based depression
https://www.anxietyuk.org.ukManaging Overwhelm
A mental health charity providing advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem
https://www.mind.org.uk/Managing Overwhelm
A charity providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide.
www.samaritans.orgBooks
This book changed my life and was a really interesting perspective on ADHD. It is written from the inside by a doctor who himself has Attention Deficit Disorder. It offers a completely new perspective on ADD and a new approach to helping children and adults living with the problems Attention Deficit Disorder presents.
Amazon Purchase LinkBooks
This is a simple easy to use guide that helps you manage organisation and tasks around the house. It is based around 6 principles:
Website
We were very lucky be partnered with the ADHD Foundation and Neurodiversity Charity they have helped inform the research process In the show
ADHD Foundation WebsiteThis is an incredible comprehensive guide from the fantastic ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity. This has lots of advice, tips and guidance to manage ADHD. They also have a full website full of resources for children, to money, management, to relationships, all free!
ADHD In Adults
| Location | Description | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| London | London based charity | |
| London | ADHD UK - national charity based in London | Website Link |
| Wakefield | West Yorkshire ADHD Peer Support Group | Website Link |
| Bristol | Diverse UK |
Facebook Group
Website Link |
| Bristol | Bristol Adult ADHD Service | Website Link |
| Liverpool | The ADHD Foundation Resources | Website Link |
| Warrington | The ADHD Foundation | Website Link |
| Devon | ||
| EdgeHill | ADHD Adult UK | Website Link |
| St. Helens |