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Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby is a licensed psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, board-certified coach, AAMFT clinical supervisor, host of the Love, Happiness, and Success Podcast and founder of Growing Self.
Have you recently been diagnosed with adult ADHD (or thinking that you probably should be?) Well friend, welcome to the club and I’m glad you’re here to learn all about the upside of ADHD superpowers. On today’s episode of my Love, Happiness, and Success podcast, I sat down with my colleague and fellow marriage and family therapist, Jesse, to talk about a topic close to both of our hearts: the upside of ADHD diagnoses.
This conversation was personal, insightful, and—if I do say so myself—pretty fun. ADHD has a way of making life entertaining, even when it’s also a little chaotic. If you’re newly diagnosed, suspect you might have ADHD, or just love someone who does, this one’s for you.
The Lightbulb Moment: Getting an Adult ADHD Diagnosis
Let me set the stage. Jesse and I are both card-carrying members of the ADHD club (figuratively speaking; we’re still waiting on those official cards!). Like many people diagnosed as adults, we each went through years of feeling like something was “off.”
For Jesse, the aha moment came while watching a TikTok (of course it did) about the classic ADHD hobby cycle: hyperfixating on a new interest, going all in, and then… moving on. He felt seen in that moment, and it started him down the path to an official diagnosis.
For me, it hit during grad school. I was juggling classes, parenting, and the general chaos of life, and I found myself forgetting things—important things. Like a playdate I completely spaced on. I remember thinking, What is wrong with me? Turns out, the answer wasn’t laziness, disorganization, or any of the other labels I’d unfairly slapped on myself. It was ADHD.
Getting an adult adhd diagnosis was a huge relief. It put a name to my challenges and helped me understand my brain better. Jesse and I both felt the same way: validated, understood, and… finally able to start building a better roadmap for life.
What ADHD Really Means
Here’s the thing: ADHD doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some people have the classic hyperactive traits. Others, like me, fall more into the inattentive category (hello, dreamy space cadet moments). If you’re wondering whether ADHD might be part of your story, check out reputable resources like the National Institute of Mental Health or consult with a psychologist for proper evaluation.
It’s also worth noting that ADHD can be mistaken for (or exacerbated by) other conditions. Sleep apnea, hormonal changes, and even diet can create similar symptoms. This is why a thorough evaluation is so important!
The Upside of ADHD – And How to Thrive With ADHD
So, what’s life like after an ADHD diagnosis? Well, it’s not an excuse—it’s an invitation to step up and do things differently. Jesse and I talked about some of the strategies that have worked for us, and I’d love to share a few highlights:
- Lists Are Life: Seriously, lists are my best friend. Writing things down—and checking them off—gives me the dopamine hit I need to stay motivated. Jesse shared that even tiny tasks (like “drink water”) go on his list, because every checkmark builds momentum.
- Timers and Alarms: The ADHD brain can hyperfocus or completely forget what time it is. Alarms keep me on track. Before meetings, I set a timer to wrap up whatever rabbit hole I’ve gone down (looking at you, alphabetizing socks at 2 a.m.).
- Declutter and Simplify: ADHD loves chaos, but we thrive in order. I periodically purge my pantry, office, and storage spaces. Yes, I’ve bought four jars of cinnamon because I forgot I had any, but hey—that’s life!
- Move Your Body: Exercise isn’t just good for your health; it’s essential for managing ADHD. Physical activity boosts dopamine and helps regulate mood and focus. Science backs this up: studies show that regular exercise can improve executive function in adults with ADHD.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Dehydration can make ADHD symptoms worse, and certain foods (or lack of them) can affect focus and energy. I love David Perlmutter’s book Grain Brain for insights into how diet impacts cognitive health.
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