Now that you have been diagnosed with ADD, you may be searching for a support system - people who can help you through your journey. In this post, you will learn about the support available to you - not just from groups, but also from your family and friends. You will also get suggestions on how to talk to others about your ADD, including what to do if you feel you are not getting the support you need.
SUPPORT GROUPS FOR ADD
Sometimes just meeting people with similar life experiences can make the journey easier. Luckily, there are support groups available where you can meet with other aduks who have ADD. There are support groups available for ADD adults and groups for parents of ADD children. Some groups are psychoeducational, meaning that they talk about the facts of ADD and discuss resources that are available to you. Psychoeducational groups tend to meet about once a month and are generally free of charge or can be attended for a small fee. A therapeutic support group gets more into personal stories and discusses feelings and events in people's lives. Therapeutic support groups can meet up to a couple of times a week, with once a week being the standard. Therapeutic groups may have a per session fee or a flat fee that you pay at the beginning of the group.
Group Confidentiality
A standard rule of support groups is that the information shared in the group stays in the group. It cannot and should not be shared with others. However, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed, especially with an online group. In addition, online confidentiality can never be guaranteed, regardless of the amount of firewalls and virus protection on either side of the Internet connection. National Attention Deficit Disorder Association
What Happens in a Support Group?
Psychoeducational groups are usually run by one or two leaders. The leaders' role is to keep the group on topic, provide support to group members, coordinate guest speakers, provide resources for group participants, and take care of the financial and logistical aspects of running the group. At the beginning of each group meeting, the leaders introduce themselves and discuss what is on the agenda for the evening. They may have everyone in the group introduce themselves and say what they would like to gain from attending the group. Then a guest speaker gives a talk on a topic related to ADD, such as new advances in the field. A question-and-answer session may follow. The leader then will ask if there are any other topics that participants would like to discuss, and then the meeting is adjourned.
Therapeutic groups are usually run by one or two mental health clinicians. At the beginning of the group meeting, the leaders may summarize the topics discussed in the last meeting. They also remind everyone in the group that confidentiality must be maintained outside the group. Next, members of the group discuss how things have been for each of them since the last meeting. Other group members and the group leaders provide feedback. The group may focus on the experiences of one member for most of the session, particularly if that member is going through a crisis. The leaders wrap up the meeting by summarizing what was discussed, and members may share insights they have learned from their time in the group.
Online Forums
In cases where a local support group is not available or accessible, Intemet forums can be helpful. When you have just a few minutes here and there, these forums are a great place to check in and get some information and support. Remember - as with anything you share on the Internet, confidentiality can never be guaranteed.
Online forums consist of a dialogue between an original poster, who presents a topic or question, and responders, who give their opinions and suggestions. Reputable online forums have moderators who make sure the forum is being used efficiently and respectfully. Forums are usually available at no charge or in exchange for a low yearly membership fee.
GETTING SUPPORT FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Part of coping with and getting help for ADD is reaching out to the people most important to you - your family and friends. In this section, you will learn how to talk about ADD with spouse or partner, children, other family members, and friends. By educating your loved ones about ADD, you open a new door to improved communication and understanding.
In addition to talking with your loved ones, show them this blog. Tell them that it will help them better understand what things are like in the "ADD world." Acknowledge to your loved ones that you understand that they get frustrated when you do certain things. Let them know that these events are equally frustrating to you and that you are not trying to upset them.
Talking with Your Spouse or Partner
In most cases, you spend more time with your spouse or partner than anyone else in your life. Your spouse or partner may have even originally suggested you be evaluated for ADD. If you obtained the ADD diagnosis on your own or this is the first time you are bringing it up with your spouse or partner, you may be concerned about the reaction you might receive. However, don't be surprised if your spouse or partner is actually relieved that there is a name for the behaviors he or she has noticed. National Attention Deficit Disorder Association
Because people with ADD may not fully realize the impact of their behaviors on others, it may be helpful for your spouse or partner to attend your medication and counseling sessions with you. Maybe your spouse or partner has seen some behaviors in you that you have not been previously aware of. This information could give your doctor what he needs to fine-tune your diagnosis. Talk to your doctor or counselor if you would like to bring your spouse or partner to your appointments.
Talking with Your Children
You may wonder if you should tell your child about your ADD diagnosis. For older children, such as teenagers, it may be very helpful to share that information, including educating them about the genetic basis of ADD. It is especially important to explain to your child that having untreated ADD puts a person at greater risk of developing substance abuse, depression, anxiety, or eating disorders. You may also want to emphasize that getting help for ADD can greatly reduce the chances of these things happening. It is important to emphasize to your child that he should feel free to talk to you any time something is worrying him. Just knowing a parent is available to talk can make a huge difference in a child's life.
You also want to let your children know how important it is to take safety precautions (such as wearing a helmet or fastening a seatbelt) before engaging in certain activities. This is because people, especially children, with ADD are more prone to injury and accidents than people without ADD.
Be aware that anything you tell your child may be shared with others. Be especially cautious discussing your use of medication with your children, particularly if you take stimulant medication. You want to make sure that your medication stays safe and secure. Even if your child may not try to get access to your medication, his friends might.
Talking with Your Friends
To whom you disclose your ADD diagnosis depends largely on the amount of trust you have in a person. You want to be fairly certain that your friend will keep your diagnosis in confidence and that he will listen in a nonjudgmental way. When you disclose that you have ADD, tell your friend that you would like the information to be kept just between the two of you. Be aware, however, that confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma surrounding mental health issues, but for the most part, you should find plenty of support.
If you feel uncomfortable telling a friend about the diagnosis of ADD, consider just mentioning some areas that you are needing some support in, such as staying organized and cutting back on the amount of interruptiom during a conversation. Tell your friend specifically how he can support you - by just listening to you, taking a walk with you during breaks from tasks, or even just giving you a hug when you need one.
Difficulties Getting Support
What if your spouse or partner, family, or friends do not believe ADD exists, think you have been misdiagnosed, or think you shouldn't be taking medication? Sometimes people become frustrated and upset about things they do not understand. If you have ADD, there is a good chance that the important people in your life do not know about the genetic and biological basis of ADD and the symptoms and behaviors that result.
If your family or friends feel you were misdiagnosed, talk to them about it. You may learn more about yourself and how your behavior affects others. Take time to speak calmly about your diagnosis. Provide facts about ADD, such as that ADD is a genetic and biological disorder and that several genes for ADD have been identified. You will get much further in educating others if you keep a calm and steady demeanor. To find out more, you can check out National Attention Deficit Disorder Association.
