Your late teens are an exciting time that brings about major life changes and personal growth.
From decisions about college to choices about your career, there are so many possibilities ahead that you may feel overwhelmed.
As someone with struggling with ADHD, however, there are additional concerns and responsibilities you need to be aware of when you move out of the house and enter the first part of adult life.
Be responsible for managing your ADHD You might be a little tired of hearing about ADHD, how to treat it, and how best to deal with it.
At this point in your life, you might start thinking that you're "cured" - after all, you've made it this far, right? It's tempting to discontinue whatever treatments you are taking or let go of the coping strategies you and your parents developed to help you manage your symptoms.
However, doing so is a mistake.
Since your life and your responsibilities will become infinitely more complex over the next couple of years, you the need to manage ADHD more effectively than ever.
Be more involved with your treatments - know where to shop for gluten-free food or where to buy the best supplements.
Build a good relationship with your healthcare provider and be responsible for scheduling appointments.
College is not the only option Going to college after high school might seem like a given, but it might help to delay this next step.
If you view college as an obligation rather than a chance for growth, think about deferring your enrollment and getting an internship or job at a field you are interested in.
Not only will this give you valuable experiences, but it will help you decide your career path so you don't end up bouncing from major to major or job to job.
Develop life skillsbefore moving out It's easy for college freshmen to get demoralized and unmotivated after moving to a new environment, without the familiar routine that was in place at home.
Be prepared for independent living before you move out or leave for college.
Do you work better with a set routine? Create one for yourself; start getting used to going to bed at the same time and waking up at the same time.
Ask your parents to teach you how to do the laundry, how to shop for groceries, how to make a budget.
As you gain these important life skills, you'll feel more confident about being on your own and won't feel too dependent on your parents.
Follow your heart to a good career There's no such thing as the perfect job for people with ADHD.
The perfect job for you is something that you feel passionate about.
If you work in a field you are strongly interested in, you'll be more focused and motivated to work hard and stay on track.
If you are unsure about what your interests are, consider taking a year off and exploring your options before starting college.
Take care of your body and mind Remember to keep a healthy lifestyle.
Exercise, the right food, and sufficient sleep make a world of difference in terms of mood, concentration, attention, and memory.
Get at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise a day to keep your dopamine levels up.
Eat well by avoiding processed food, fried food, and fast food.
Try not to skip meals either; inadequate nutrition impairs attention and concentration.
Finally, develop a good sleep routine before moving out.
Get used to going to bed at the same time every evening so you can wake up refreshed after 8 hours of sleep.
From decisions about college to choices about your career, there are so many possibilities ahead that you may feel overwhelmed.
As someone with struggling with ADHD, however, there are additional concerns and responsibilities you need to be aware of when you move out of the house and enter the first part of adult life.
Be responsible for managing your ADHD You might be a little tired of hearing about ADHD, how to treat it, and how best to deal with it.
At this point in your life, you might start thinking that you're "cured" - after all, you've made it this far, right? It's tempting to discontinue whatever treatments you are taking or let go of the coping strategies you and your parents developed to help you manage your symptoms.
However, doing so is a mistake.
Since your life and your responsibilities will become infinitely more complex over the next couple of years, you the need to manage ADHD more effectively than ever.
Be more involved with your treatments - know where to shop for gluten-free food or where to buy the best supplements.
Build a good relationship with your healthcare provider and be responsible for scheduling appointments.
College is not the only option Going to college after high school might seem like a given, but it might help to delay this next step.
If you view college as an obligation rather than a chance for growth, think about deferring your enrollment and getting an internship or job at a field you are interested in.
Not only will this give you valuable experiences, but it will help you decide your career path so you don't end up bouncing from major to major or job to job.
Develop life skillsbefore moving out It's easy for college freshmen to get demoralized and unmotivated after moving to a new environment, without the familiar routine that was in place at home.
Be prepared for independent living before you move out or leave for college.
Do you work better with a set routine? Create one for yourself; start getting used to going to bed at the same time and waking up at the same time.
Ask your parents to teach you how to do the laundry, how to shop for groceries, how to make a budget.
As you gain these important life skills, you'll feel more confident about being on your own and won't feel too dependent on your parents.
Follow your heart to a good career There's no such thing as the perfect job for people with ADHD.
The perfect job for you is something that you feel passionate about.
If you work in a field you are strongly interested in, you'll be more focused and motivated to work hard and stay on track.
If you are unsure about what your interests are, consider taking a year off and exploring your options before starting college.
Take care of your body and mind Remember to keep a healthy lifestyle.
Exercise, the right food, and sufficient sleep make a world of difference in terms of mood, concentration, attention, and memory.
Get at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise a day to keep your dopamine levels up.
Eat well by avoiding processed food, fried food, and fast food.
Try not to skip meals either; inadequate nutrition impairs attention and concentration.
Finally, develop a good sleep routine before moving out.
Get used to going to bed at the same time every evening so you can wake up refreshed after 8 hours of sleep.
Source...