How Does ADHD Affect Relationships?
Having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can make things in life a little more challenging. If you or a loved one have ADHD here are some helpful things to be aware of.
Anger & Frustration with ADHD
A person with ADHD can be rather quick to show anger or frustration.
As their partner in the relationship, you may find yourself trying to pre-empt their anger, which can be draining, or you might find that conversations can unexpectedly turn into relationship problems like an argument or a fight.
Anger can come from experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety during the day, and as a result of other anxieties connected to their ADHD that do not correlate with your relationship – you may sadly just have encountered them at a point when they are very anxious.
Hyper-focusing and Feeling Ignored
Many with adult ADHD can cope with their stress by jumping into a project, work, or hobbies as a way to relax. This may feel like you are being ignored or that no one is “home” which will hurt the feelings of your partner. It can help to not take anything too personally here.
When your partner is in “Hyperfocus” mode it is hard for them to multi-task. It might make sense to set a time frame for an activity so they can disconnect and spend quality time with you.
You might try kindly expressing to them how “Hyperfocus” makes you feel. However, do keep in mind that Hyperfocus is a coping mechanism. Asking them to completely stop this behavior may be met with a defensive response.
Ideally, both partners will find a common understanding about this and trust will be built.
Disorganization and Messiness
Living with someone who is disorganized or messy can be aggravating and frustrating.
Oftentimes people with ADHD leave things around the house or forget to put things away, which can cause a strain on the relationship.
It’s important to set clear boundaries with your partner and express to them, “musts” or things that are very important to you which is one of the secrets to a happy ADHD relationship.
It might be helpful for your partner to have an area that is their own. This way they can keep it as tidy, or messy as they’d like. While keeping to the firm cleaning boundaries previously set.
Forgetting and Procrastination With ADHD
People diagnosed with ADHD tend to forget or procrastinate when it comes to things that seem to feel overwhelming.
Setting a reminder on your phone can be a great way to check off those tasks. Additionally, making sure a calendar is utilized in the home can be a great way for them to remember things and see the schedule. This helps visualize events in the future so they can better plan their days.
How to Fix ADHD Without Medication?
Finding ways on how to fix ADHD without medication involves several effective strategies that focus on behavioral and lifestyle changes. Structured routines, mindfulness practices, and setting up an organized environment can significantly reduce ADHD symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is another powerful method, helping individuals develop coping strategies and better manage their reactions and behaviors.
Reframe Counseling Services specializes in providing non-medication-based interventions for ADHD. We offer personalized support and strategies, focusing on holistic improvement and skill development. Our approach is particularly beneficial for those seeking alternatives on how to fix ADHD without medication, ensuring clients receive comprehensive care tailored to their unique needs.
Contact Reframe Counseling
While these are helpful ways to better understand your partner, those with ADHD can also benefit from seeing a therapist or counselor on a regular basis. They can provide medical advice and diagnosis or treatment for the disorder. This way they can work on areas of their lives they’d like to work on. Seeing a therapist regularly can boost confidence and give helpful insights into their own brain. To schedule, an appointment contact us today!
