“ADHD is not a disability, it’s a different ability.”

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often described in terms of distractibility or restlessness, but for those who live with it, the reality can feel far more complex. At our clinic, we recognise that ADHD is not just about struggling to pay attention. It can shape daily experiences in ways that affect work, studies, relationships and self-esteem.

One of the biggest challenges people talk about is regulating attention. This does not always mean an inability to focus. Many people with ADHD experience periods of hyperfocus, where they become so absorbed in one task that shifting attention elsewhere feels almost impossible. At other times, focus slips away quickly, which can lead to unfinished tasks, frustration and a sense of falling behind.

Organisation and memory can also become difficult to manage. Remembering deadlines, keeping track of appointments or following through on commitments may feel harder than it should. This is not a reflection of intelligence or effort, but rather how ADHD impacts executive functioning in the brain.

Impulsivity is another challenge that can affect day-to-day life. It may appear in conversations, where someone speaks before thinking, or in decision-making, where choices are made quickly without considering the outcome. Some people also notice it in their spending habits or lifestyle decisions. While impulsivity can bring creativity and spontaneity, it can also create stress, conflict and regret.

Emotional regulation is often overlooked but very real. Many people with ADHD experience emotions more intensely than others. Small frustrations can feel overwhelming, while moments of joy may feel exhilarating. This emotional intensity can be draining, both for the individual and for those around them.

ADHD is also experienced physically. Some people describe feeling hot, flustered or noticing a racing heart when under pressure. Restlessness may be felt as an urge to move, fidget or tap. These bodily sensations are genuine and can be linked to how the nervous system responds to stimulation and stress.

Living with ADHD is not about weakness or failure. It is about navigating a brain that processes the world differently. With the right support, structure and therapeutic approaches, people with ADHD can learn to manage these challenges and also discover the strengths, creativity and resilience that often come with them.