Understanding ADHD Beyond the Stereotypes

Living with ADHD can look different for everyone, and it’s important to understand what it really means beyond the common stereotypes. As a therapist, group facilitator, and human diagnosed with ADHD, I’m here to shed some light!

When you hear the term "ADHD," you might picture a child bouncing off the walls or someone who can’t sit still. But ADHD—short for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder—is so much more than that. There are many myths about ADHD that don’t tell the whole story. 

ADHD Is More Than Just Hyperactivity

ADHD is often misunderstood – you might feel like you’ve been put into a box. Forgetful, hyper, spacy. But there’s so much more to ADHD that is less talked about:

• Having to speak a thought immediately so you don’t forget it

• Starting a bunch of tasks, and leaving all of them unfinished

• Being able to fixate and hyper-focus, but only sometimes

• Feeling restless or fidgety

• Feeling shameful or broken

These challenges can make school, work, and relationships feel harder. And since ADHD looks different for each person, it’s often misunderstood.

Myths About ADHD

Let’s go over a few common myths about ADHD because understanding these myths helps us see the full picture of what it’s like living with ADHD.

Myth 1: ADHD is only a childhood issue.

Truth: ADHD doesn’t magically go away when someone becomes an adult. Many adults live with ADHD and there is often less support for adults living with ADHD.

Myth 2: People with ADHD just need to try harder.

Truth: ADHD is not about laziness or lack of effort. It’s a brain-based condition that makes some everyday tasks more challenging.

Myth 3: ADHD only affects boys.

Truth: Girls, women, trans, and nonbinary folks can have ADHD too, but they’re often overlooked because their symptoms might be less obvious. 

Living with ADHD: The Real Experience

Imagine trying to start a task, but your brain keeps jumping to ten other things. Or trying to remember what someone just told you, but the words slip away. This is the everyday reality for many people with ADHD.

Some folks feel frustrated when they can’t stay organized or meet deadlines. Others may feel shame for not fitting in or for struggling with things that seem easy for others. That’s why kindness and understanding—especially from ourselves—are so important.

Many people with ADHD grow up hearing that they’re "too much," "not trying hard enough," or "just lazy." Over time, these messages can turn into internalized shame. You might blame yourself for your struggles or feel like something is wrong with you - and this shame can make things so much harder for you.

How ADHD Can Affect Relationships

ADHD doesn’t just impact work or school. It can also affect your relationships with family, friends, and partners. Forgetting plans, interrupting conversations, or zoning out during important talks can lead to misunderstandings.

If you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD, you may feel guilty or embarrassed when these things happen, while your loved ones might feel hurt or confused. This can create tension, especially if ADHD is not fully understood!

The good news? Therapy can help you build communication skills, set boundaries, and repair trust. When you and the people around you understand ADHD better, relationships can grow stronger and more supportive.

The Power of Group Support and Individual Counseling

Shame is incredibly common in those of us who have been diagnosed with ADHD. One of the best feelings is knowing you’re not alone. Group support connects you with others who understand what it’s like to live with ADHD. Sharing stories, challenges, and tips can be incredibly helpful—and healing. 

In a group setting, just like our ADHD support group here at Catalyss Counseling, you’ll receive encouragement from others, feel seen and understood, learn new tools and strategies, and even share deep belly laughs together about those ADHD-only experiences.

If you’re living with ADHD, individual counseling can be a game-changer. Talking with a therapist helps you understand how ADHD affects your life, how to focus on the roots of your symptoms, and helps you set goals, track progress, and build confidence. 

ADHD treatment can look different for everyone. Some people benefit from therapy, others from medication, and many use a mix of both. There’s also value in using planners, reminders, and other tools that support focus and organization – it’s all about finding the right tools! The right ADHD treatment is about learning what helps you the most—and that can take time. But you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Considering Therapy?

Living with ADHD can be tough, but you don’t have to go through it alone. As one of the therapists here at Catalyss Counseling who specializes in ADHD treatment, I can help you understand your ADHD and find strategies that work for you. And, as one of the facilitators for our ADHD support groups, you can build confidence, reduce stress, and feel more in control of your life.

If you’re ready to learn more about ADHD treatment or join our supportive community, reach out today. We’re here for you every step of the way!

How We Can Help

If you are looking for support, or if you would like to talk to someone more about how we can help you, follow these simple steps:

1. Contact us today for a free 20-minute phone consultation

2. Or, you can book directly online with the therapist of your choice

3. Begin your journey towards a calmer, more relaxed life

Author Biography

Frankie Washofsky is a therapist with Catalyss Counseling who works with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and ADHD, as well as relationship, LGBTQIA+, and polyamory/non-monogamous issues. Frankie is also an avid gamer and blog author. She specializes in working with trauma survivors, highly-sensitive people, and people-pleasers. Follow Catalyss Counseling on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Other Therapy Services Available at Catalyss Counseling:

Here at Catalyss Counseling, we want to meet all of your counseling needs in the Denver area. Our supportive therapists provide depression counseling, therapy for caregiver stress, grief and loss therapy, stress management counseling, and more. We also have specialists in trauma and PTSD, women's issues, pregnancy and postpartum depression or anxiety, pregnancy loss and miscarriage, and birth trauma. For therapists, we can also provide clinical supervision! We look forward to connecting with you to help support your journey today.