Everyday more adults are receiving a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD. Adult ADD is not new and it does not have a sudden onset, which means you have had ADD since you were a child. Often when an adult receives a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD one of two things happens. The first and less common reaction is a feeling of disbelief, when told about the diagnosis of ADD.

Yet, a more common reaction is an expression of relief or recognition. This sense of relief stems from the fact that finally someone believes what you have been trying to tell people for a very long time. Perhaps you had a child recently diagnosed with ADD and you read how it tends to run in families.

Often those who are uncertain that he or she could actually have ADD eventually come to a period of awakening. The awakening is a time of enlightenment when one realizes past behaviors or symptoms exhibited throughout a lifetime are a direct result of having Attention Deficit Disorder. The realization that losing small items frequently, forgetting or missing appointments, and feeling disorganized and out of focus is not how life has to be lived.

Although ADHD can affect every aspect of one’s life to varying aspects, and it is normal to for adults living with ADD to feel overwhelmed and stressed out at times. Yet, with some guidance from a life coach or family physician, life does not have to be total chaos.

Life is a journey. If a newly diagnosed ADD adult is willing to learn new routines and behaviors to help organize and self-regulate impulsive behaviors, life can be manageable and less stressful. There are some key ideas to make life with ADD easier.

First, keep an accurate appointment calendar, and use daily alarm reminders for repetitive routine needs and unusual circumstances you are likely to forget. There are programs available for computers, cell phones, and organizers. Find and use dry erase boards in easily visible places to write yourself or the family reminders about important events for each day.

Many ADD people are visual learners and respond favorably to the use of bright colors including highlighters and simple markers. When there are daily routines used each day, life becomes more manageable. Keep a daily, weekly, and monthly schedule regarding when to do certain chores, activities, and repeating appointments. Set certain dates each week or month to pay or mail bills, clean cat boxes or animal cages.

This does not mean an adult with ADD cannot be spontaneous and have fun, yet in reality life is much more fun when life is less stressful and you can find what you are looking for without a feeling of total frustration.

Adults may have difficulties regarding self-regulation and self-discipline. In order to get a grasp on what you need to change, take a good look inside, and keep a list or journal about your individual strengths and weaknesses.

Be honest and open when making your inventory list, if you are evasive or lie, you only hurt yourself. Seek out a mentor at work or school to help guide you. A mentor is someone with whom you feel comfortable enough to open discuss your most private concerns, and whom you respect fully to help guide you down the best path for you.

Adult symptoms of ADD include, feeling as if you are always on the go, constant restlessness and fidgeting, feeling easily bored, impulsive, and exhibit high-risk behaviors, like driving too fast, and frequent changes in sexual partners and jobs. There are often issues with money, addictive personality traits towards using and abusing alcohol or drugs, and poor self-esteem.

In addition to the symptoms above, one may experience one or more of the following behaviors, excessive talking, irritability, or moodiness, verbal outbursts, over reacting, impulsive job changes and relationships, inability to stay focused, difficulty managing time, and feeling overwhelmed or depressed.

With help, ADD is manageable, and can be an amazing opportunity to learn who you are and how you best function. Life does not need to be total chaos.