ADHD Awareness Month Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder is one of the most common disorders diagnosed in childhood with around 11% of children in the US having been diagnosed. Additionally, around 6% of adults also have this diagnosis. While there is much debate around the actual rates of this diagnosis and the current tools for diagnosing, the importance of ADHD Awareness Month increases as we improve our understanding of this disorder and the impacts of late diagnosis for many teens and adults. Individuals with undiagnosed or untreated ADHD may have difficulty maintaining employment or move from job to job, struggle with managing the day to day demands of managing finances, forget appointments or meetings, be frequently late to work, school, or appointments, and struggle to maintain their relationships with loved ones. Here are a few common myths about ADHD:- Kids will outgrow their ADHD. While some children do “outgrow” their symptoms, as many as 50-80% will still struggle with some or all of the same problems. Some may also experience new problems related to their ADHD as they enter adulthood.
- People with ADHD just cannot concentrate. Many kids and adults with ADHD do struggle with focus and concertation however, they are often able to concentrate on things that they find interesting or engaging.
- ADHD is caused by bad parenting. There are many potential factors that contribute to ADHD including genetics. Research has shown that the brains of individuals with ADHD are wired differently which impacts their attention and impulse control. While positive parenting strategies can improve some of the behavioral challenges that emerge with ADHD, it does not actually change the ADHD symptoms.
- ADHD medications are addictive. When used in their therapeutic dosings, the stimulant medications used to treat ADHD have not been found to have a significant risk for addiction. In fact, because of the positive impacts of these medications on symptoms, there is some evidence to suggest that these medications may decrease the chance for developing a substance use disorder as those with untreated ADHD may be somewhat more likely to try to self-medicate. Additionally, there are also non-stimulant medication options available for those who may not want the other effects of stimulant medications.
For more information about ADHD including links to the research referenced here check out https://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/. If you or someone you know is struggling with ADHD or is considering pursuing assessment for ADHD, mental health professionals can provide support through coping skills and strategies to adapt to your needs as well as support seeking formal assessment. World Day of Bullying Prevention (10/7/2024) October 7th is the 18th annual World Day of Bullying Prevention. As many as 1 in 5 students report experiencing bullying behavior with many students who hold a minority identity reporting these experiences at even high rates. There are many short and long-term negative effects of bullying including poorer mental health, lower academic performance, high rates of school incompletion and absenteeism, and increased risk for substance use and abuse. Whether you work in a school, have children, or are a childfree adult, there are many ways that we can all support efforts to prevent bullying. Here are a few ideas:- Read an anti-bullying book. If you do have children or work with children, take some time to read and discuss a book with anti-bullying messaging.
- Encourage kindness. Take active steps to model and encourage kindness such as practicing giving complements, writing positive affirmations, or creating a kindness chain.
- Random acts of kindness. Perform a random act of kindness for a stranger. For children, discuss acts of kindness and encourage them to try one that is appropriate for them.
- Paint kindness rocks. Take some time to paint some smooth river rocks with kind messages or pictures and place them where others can find them. This could be in a public space, at your workplace, or at your local school.
- Be an advocate. Whether for your own child, a relative, or for your community, take steps to advocate for anti-bullying efforts. If a child tells you they are being bullied, provide support and be a voice for them when needed.
Bullying should not be seen as simply a “rite of passage” for children. If you, your child, or another loved one is experiencing or has experienced bullying, help is available. Mental health professionals can provide support and coping skills to address the mental health impacts of bullying. | 
