Lifestyle

Miss ADHD’S myths

MOLLY AINLEY | LIFESTYLE EDITOR

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopment disorders today, with 2%-5% of children being thought to have it, however, the general public’s grasp on the realities of this disorder is limited. With the research and expert knowledge of Richard Evans who is an educational expert and founder of The Profs, and my own understanding, there is an aim to debunk some myths. These myths are often spread due to a lack of education and information but also due to assumptions which can lead to incorrect rumours. It does not take very long to research any disorder, especially when using NHS websites, so I do advise all readers to not just inform themselves about ADHD but any disorder which affects their friends, family or those close to them. The simple act of knowing is the first step of support. Mad myths: 1. Only boys have ADHD Although boys receive an ADHD diagnosis 4x more than girls in the UK. Girls do in fact have ADHD too, and often the symptoms appear differently. Despite boys often being more hyperactive physically, girls will feel this hyperactivity inwardly. It is more than often girls will be told their symptoms are anxiety or depression and therefore go undiagnosed.

2. ADHD is not a real medical disorder

Research has proven that people with ADHD have different brains, including differences in the production and performance of dopamine, norepinephrine and glutamate. In addition, there is evidence to suggest it is hereditary. I myself have heard people say “everyone has ADHD”/ ”everyone is a little ADHD” and both these comments (or those alike) undermine the severity of ADHD and the legitimacy of it.

3. ADHD is misdiagnosed The symptoms of ADHD should be taken seriously as they have large effects on every aspect of a person’s life. The suggestion of misdiagnosis harms those who are seeking a diagnosis. There is underdiagnosis for girls, disadvantaged families and people of colour and this idea of misdiagnosis makes it even harder for them to access treatment. There are many other myths concerning ADHD, however, by the time we would have debunked them all there would be a thousand more. I believe the only way to ever truly understand something is to extensively research and ask people (if they are comfortable) about it. Even then you will never be able to understand what it is like in their shoes.

If I could tell anyone who is trying to be there for someone with ADHD or be there for someone awaiting an assessment, it would be to be understanding, and I do not mean blindly. I mean remember they are human being who is trying. You are entitled to be frustrated, but more often than not with any neurodevelopment disorder, the person with it is 100% more frustrated.

If you wish to seek other myths in relation to this piece being debunked head to The Profs or email monisha@authority.com. Also, happy October. Have a spooky time and check on your friends.

LIFESTYLE 10 THE FOUNDER October 2022 How to deal with the change in seasons

CHLOE PLUMMER | CONTENT WRITER

Source: Chloe Plummer

2. Watch your Sleep Schedule

This is crucial and probably the biggest to be affected by the change in seasons, due to the decrease in sunlight hours causing a slow in the body clock, a sleep schedule is imperative. Too much sleep can cause anxiety, an increase in napping and a lack of enthusiasm, whereas too little sleep can affect your attention span, eating habits and irritability. Improving your sleep schedule can prove difficult, however, there is technology available that can massively help maintain a good amount of sleep. There are lamps which mimic the sunrise, with a choice of what time the light slowly wakes you up in a natural way. As The Independent explains, natural light “increases the levels of serotonin in the brain”. The change in seasons from the warm and hazy summer to the cosy and brisker autumn is annually a shock to the system. There are so many positive connotations to the chillier season of autumn such as an excuse to drink more hot chocolate, wear warm jumpers and snuggle with a blanket rewatching comfort series. However, with the days becoming shorter and the darkness slowly increasing in the morning and evenings, it is understandable that people do struggle with motivation or to get up and go. Here are some ideas to try and combat the effects of getting low in the autumn months and navigate how to deal with the change in seasons. 1. Romanticise everyday things Now this may seem like a vein or unrealistic way to deal with any seasonal depression that you may be feeling but honestly this can work wonders in terms of motivation. If you are a person that thrives off organisation, then make sure that your time is still valued in the autumn months. The darker mornings are no excuse for letting go of any good habits that you have adopted this year. So, by making a realistic and rewarding list with some fun or enjoyable tasks as well will help the feeling of defeat in the darker months. If you are someone who needs a reward to motivate the execution of tasks, promise yourself a coffee from the library or spend some time making your favourite soup. The incorporation of positive rewards throughout the day will allow a balance of productivity and enjoyment, producing positive attachments to getting things done.

3. Move your Body As the colder weather is amongst us, what better time to join a gym or a cycling group? Exercise is an amazing way to promote endorphins and act as a distraction from the gloomy weather, becoming active can increase confidence and improve mental health, it can also be a social and enjoyable idea to do as well. If you factor in about 3 hours of exercise a week your concentration can develop and can make autumn feel a little less daunting and tedious.