It can be easily misinterpreted that individuals with ADHD might have a predisposition for negativity. The reality is far more complex and deeply intertwined with how ADHD affects our perception, emotional regulation, and memory, not to mention the psychological effects a neurotypical society can bring.
Before the age of 10, ADHDers receive more than 20,000 more negative subliminal messages then neurotypicals. These often relate to their behavior, academic performance, or social interactions. This frequent criticism can lead to a skewed self-perception, where negative experiences are not only more frequent but also more prominent in our minds.
ADHD brains LOVE to obsess and ruminate, especially on things that give us a strong emotional reaction. This can mean that negative experiences have a more profound impact, leading to prolonged fixation over these moments.
Our tendency to hyperfocus can exacerbate this, making it difficult to shift attention away from negative thoughts. Thus, it isn’t that individuals with ADHD love to be negative; rather, our brains are more susceptible to being caught in a loop of negative thinking!
It can often take 100 good moments to overrule 1 upsetting one in our minds. This isn’t just a reflection of emotional sensitivity, but also of how memories are encoded and retrieved. Positive experiences - though more frequent - may not imprint as strongly or be as easily recalled as intense negative ones. This imbalance can make it seem like negative feelings and experiences dominate, even when there are many positive moments as well.
Living with ADHD in a society that prizes efficiency, focus, and consistency can feel alienating. Traditional educational and workplace methods often do not cater to the unique needs of those with ADHD, such as the need for dynamic and engaging tasks or the necessity for frequent breaks for optimal productivity. This can reinforce our feelings of inadequacy and frustration, contributing to a negative outlook. When you constantly feel at odds with the world around you, it can be challenging to maintain a positive or hopeful perspective!
If you're an ADHDer that struggles with negative thoughts, consider the following...
SQUASH YOUR ANTS: Imagine your Automatic Negative Thoughts as invading ANTs. Challenge upsetting thoughts with: "Where are the facts?" If no facts surface, SQUASH that ANT!
YOUR BEST FRIEND: When negative thoughts arise, imagine yourself saying that to your best friend or your best friend saying that about themselves. You probably wouldn’t agree with such hurtful things about them! Don't say it about their best friend (you).
“YOUR PEOPLE”: We can feel extra self-conscious when we aren’t surrounding ourselves with the best company for us. Ask yourself...
Do they understand me?
Do I actually care about their opinions?
Do they judge me for doing what I need to do for me?
Defeat your negative thoughts and 'Activate your ADHD Potential' with my # 1 best selling book/workbook
All my Best,
Coach Brooke
