In therapy, it often happens that clients with late-diagnosed ADHD come with an extremely negative self-talk. <\/p>\n\n
Even after receiving an ADHD diagnosis, which largely explains their behavior, they still habitually blame certain aspects of their behavior on themselves.<\/p>\n\n
These are the most common things you tell yourself and attribute to your ADHD… and for which you don’t feel better.<\/p>\n\n
However, I offer you a different perspective so that you can see that these are actually your strengths, not weaknesses.<\/p>\n\n
You\u2019re not complaining; you\u2019re brave enough and aware enough not to run away from uncomfortable truths and to talk about important social issues. <\/p>\n\n
The ADHD community has a strong sense of justice and a protective attitude toward minorities, which is actually a major motivator for significant social change.<\/p>\n\n
You don\u2019t have low self-esteem; you\u2019re surrounded by people who don\u2019t support you and\/or scare you instead of encouraging you because of their own lack of self-confidence. <\/p>\n\n
Just because you constantly hear others say \u201cI could never\u201d or \u201cI don\u2019t have the courage\u201d or \u201cIt\u2019s too difficult,\u201d doesn\u2019t mean YOU shouldn\u2019t stay persistent in your goals.<\/p>\n\n
You\u2019re not sabotaging yourself; you\u2019re just so afraid of losing what you already have and love that if you succeed, you\u2019d rather stay where you are. <\/p>\n\n
It\u2019s hard to leave the known for something unknown, even if it\u2019s something better for us. <\/p>\n\n
What\u2019s important is shifting your focus from what you might lose to what you might GAIN.<\/p>\n\n
You don\u2019t give up easily; you\u2019re just aware of how much energy it takes for you to take that step, and you take the time to recharge and plan your next move. <\/p>\n\n
Over-analyzing helps you see more potential outcomes and set your action plan. Be careful not to use over-analysis as a hidden excuse for the fear of success. <\/p>\n\n
Yes, you read that right: success can sometimes be just as scary as failure. <\/p>\n\n
You\u2019re not shy; you\u2019re subconsciously protecting yourself because you\u2019re overwhelmed by other people\u2019s energy and likely intuitively feel that you\u2019re not in safe company. <\/p>\n\n
Due to the abundance of mirror neurons and double empathy, you read other people\u2019s nonverbal cues better and recognize behaviors that might not be very friendly. <\/p>\n\n
However, if you tend to defend yourself in every situation, even when you\u2019re surrounded by well-meaning people, seek therapy support.<\/p>\n\n
You\u2019re not lazy; you\u2019re afraid of your own potential because your whole life you\u2019ve been told you\u2019re “too much.” <\/p>\n\n
In ADHD, inaction (rest) is often perceived as not productive enough because we\u2019re full of energy and enthusiasm to contribute to the community. This great desire can sometimes overwhelm us because we see the whole picture but don\u2019t see the next step. <\/p>\n\n
If you feel overwhelmed, think about what is the next smallest step you can take.<\/p>\n\n
Remember, there are always two ways to look at yourself and your behavior: <\/p>\n\n
the one that builds a worse image of you or the one that supports you in creating a supportive image.
Which one do YOU choose from today?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n