Oftentimes, a lot of attention is put on the ones who have mental health issues or disorders and we tend to forget about the people that are trying to support them. It’s not always easy to be there for them if we truly don’t know how to help them and as a loved one, it hurts.
We understand that having a loved one who has ADHD can be overwhelming. We might feel a sense of helplessness as a friend, relative, or partner for not being able to cater to their needs. I always get scared of saying the wrong things or hurting their feelings by losing my cool, even though it’s unintentional.
However, we should give ourselves some credit for even trying.
Here’s how we can support them through their journey.
Firstly, be patient. People with ADHD have trouble staying focused and tend to be forgetful. So, when making plans or discussing something, we should be patient and give them time to process information. Repeating important details can also be helpful. And this might be tough if you’re just naturally impatient so it’s easier said than done but we know that we can try.
Secondly, offer to help them take things off their to-do list. It can be stressful for someone with ADHD to handle multiple tasks at once. Offering to lend a hand can ease their stress levels. Just remember to ask them how they would like to be supported. It’s important to avoid being controlling or assuming what they need.
Thirdly, listen and ask questions in conversations. Many people with ADHD struggle with social interactions. When talking to your loved one, be sure to listen and give them your full attention. Asking questions about what they are saying shows that you are interested and helps keep the conversation going.
And sometimes our loved ones just need someone to lean on. We can aim to create a safe space where our loved ones can feel comfortable to open up to us. It could be a simple call or message to check on them, and this might be just the emotional boost they need to tackle the day ahead.
Finally, remember that it’s okay to make mistakes. ADHD is really complex and everyone’s experience with it is different. Don’t be hard on yourself if things don’t always go according to plan. We’re all learning, and we’re proud of you for trying.
