If you're like me, then it can be difficult to concentrate on the simplest tasks. If your mind wanders endlessly, you're distracted by literally anything, and you always have the energy to run a marathon, then you might have ADHD.
Here are some basic signs of attention deficit hyperactive disorder.
1. Careless mistakes
You look back to see what the mistake was, but, you realize that, when you made it, your mind was running at the speed of light. Whether it was spelling something incorrectly, or even just miscalculating something, you knew the right answer, but it didn't cross your mind to double-check.
2. Difficulty staying focused
Focusing is something that you have a hard time doing. Homework might take you much longer than usual to finish because you might be checking your phone and refreshing Twitter, or even focusing on the fly across the room. The truth is that it happens everywhere. You're out at dinner with your girlfriend and there's a TV being played in your range of view? Good luck hearing more than 50 percent of what she's saying. You'll be in trouble later!
3. Indecisiveness
You start a task and set out to finish it, but, then, another task comes up that you have to work on. Then, you remember another responsibility that you need to attend to and the things that you had planned to do pile up from there. Before you know it, there are all of these started projects and you'll be lucky if you've gotten a few completely out of the way.
4. Forgetfulness
What were we talking about again? Oh, yeah. You'd forget your own birthday if it didn't mean cake and money. You set your keys down for a second and tend to some chores. All of a sudden, it's time for your next class and your keys? They're nowhere to be found. Some things that you misplace literally disappear and decide to pop up in the most random places.
5. Fidgeting
You couldn't sit still if your life depended on it. The phrase, "ants in your pants," becomes more like a daily ritual than a silly elementary school saying. From tapping your feet to drumming on the desk with your pencil, if you're not moving, you're sleeping.
6. Interrupting
You don't mean to do it, but whatever comes to your mind usually comes out of your mouth, whether it's in the middle of someone else's sentence or your own!
7. Hot temper
You're hyper, but don't usually have a temper. That is, until someone sets you off and, when he or she does, Lord help him or her. It's like the anger comes out of nowhere and, when it does come, you have to hold your tongue and clench your fists. Sometimes, it gets the best of you, and the person that cut you off in heavy traffic had better hope that the window is up and the door is locked because the beast has been unleashed.
8. Restlessness
You run around all day and are constantly on the move. You must be tired from running around non-stop, right? Yeah, I wish. It's finally time to go to bed. You lie down and can't wait to get a good night's sleep. Good luck with that! The minute that you start to feel a little drowsy, one million thoughts run through your head and your body is ready to run a marathon.
ADHD is manageable and, don't worry, you're not alone in feeling all of these things. Whether you use medication or prefer to put a human-sized hamster wheel in your room, there are ways to cope with your disorder. My ADHD first arose when I was a kid in elementary school and, now, as an adult in my 20s, I can tell you that it never quite fades away. Learn how you work and find ways to cope that suit your lifestyle. You will overcome it and can even use it to your advantage!
