Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, is amongst the mental health diagnosis that elicits strong responses.
I have a special interest in it as many of my closest friends and relatives deal with it daily (some suspect that I may as well).
ADHD is still very misunderstood. There are still people, including physicians and educators, who ‘don’t believe in it’. They still think that these kids and adults just need to ‘buckle down, focus, and get it done’. They see it as an excuse for undesirable behaviour.
ADHD is a chemical disorder, not a mental disorder. Like so many disorders in mental health, there is a physical basis for why this condition exist. As such, there are many treatment options available. Some treatments include behaviour modification (like sleep hygiene, mindfulness, exercise), some include discovering triggers (like food and additives) and some include chemical intervention (via supplements or medication).
ADHD is a condition with a wide array of symptom demonstration. For some, the condition gravely affects their lives whereas for others it’s not as evident. Either way, there is a quality of life available that these people have never experienced.
Proper diagnosis is paramount as many conditions mimic the symptoms of ADHD (such as anxiety, OCD, depression). Once you know what you’re dealing with, then you can choose the appropriate treatment approach for you.
Remember that whether you decide that medication is right for you or not, Naturopathic Medicine approaches can help too. Sleep, food, digestion, and supplements can all have an impact on your quality of life. These approaches can help you get the most of your medication too.
Here a a few links that I have come across in my own exploration of ADHD. Some I really enjoy, others are not my taste but may be yours.
- www.caddra.ca
- http://bilkeyadhd.com/
- http://adultaddstrengths.com
- http://www.adhdcanada.com/
- http://www.adhdcoaches.org/
If you suspect that you have ADHD or know that you do and would like to explore natural treatments, I would be thrilled to connect with you.
Yours in Health,
Kerri
