Dealing with ADHD and Anxiety as a Woman
There is often a greater overlap between ADHD and anxiety than most people realize. Dealing with ADHD and anxiety as a woman can create even more challenges as you try to navigate that overlap while maintaining a high quality of life.
ADHD can sometimes make it difficult to fight back against anxiety with traditional approaches. So, addressing both issues is necessary when it comes to finding treatment and management solutions that meet your needs.
With that, let’s address the overlap and differences between ADHD and anxiety, and how a multifactorial approach is often the best way to manage both while dealing with the challenges and changes that come naturally throughout life as a woman.
Similarities and Differences
It is not always easy to receive a proper diagnosis when you’re dealing with both ADHD and anxiety. The symptoms can sometimes present themselves in similar ways. For example, both can make it difficult to concentrate, both can cause sleep disturbances, and both can make you feel restless. The reasons are different, but the outward signs are similar.
How can you tell the difference between ADHD and anxiety? ADHD often comes with additional issues like forgetfulness, disorganization, and even fidgeting. Anxiety is often characterized by nervousness, fear, and worry. Anxiety can also manifest itself physically through things like a racing heart and rapid breathing.
However, as stated above, it is not uncommon for these two conditions to co-exist. Unfortunately, ADHD can exacerbate the symptoms of anxiety, and vice versa.
How These Conditions Impact Women
Women have specific considerations to think about when dealing with ADHD, anxiety, or both. First, understand that hormonal fluctuations can impact both of these conditions, causing symptoms to worsen. Menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can all cause shifts in your symptoms and perhaps bring them to your attention for the first time.
It is not unusual for women to struggle with self-criticism. Unfortunately, many people with ADHD and/or anxiety already have a hard time with things like self-esteem. Showing yourself compassion and kindness is crucial. Self-acceptance is crucial for symptom management.
Social issues can also exacerbate feelings of anxiety in women. Forming healthy relationships, feeling like you have to work harder to “fit in,” or trying to maintain a certain status in your career can all make you feel like you have to hide your symptoms, which again, can make things worse.
What Can You Do?
The best thing you can do if you are struggling with any of these symptoms is to get an official diagnosis. Whether you are dealing with ADHD, anxiety, or both, the right diagnosis is the first step toward getting the help you deserve.
That help includes anxiety therapy or therapy designed to help with the impact of ADHD on your day-to-day life. Working with a mental health professional can help you feel more in control of your symptoms. When it comes to anxiety, it can also help you learn where your worries stem from.
Along the way, make sure to prioritize self-care. Lifestyle changes can make a big difference for both of these conditions. That includes getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, and staying physically active. It also includes finding relaxation techniques that work for you, like meditation, mindfulness, and journaling.
The most important thing to remember is that you do not have to deal with either of these issues alone. Leaning on your support system is important, but getting professional help will make it easier to keep moving forward and learning how to effectively manage your symptoms, no matter what you’re struggling with. If you are ready to take that step, do not hesitate to contact me for a consultation.
