Supporting a Partner with ADHD: Practical Strategies
Living with a partner who has ADHD can be a journey filled with both challenges and rewards. Here are some strategies to help support your partner effectively:
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Understanding Overwhelm
- Tasks that seem simple can often feel overwhelming due to their many parts. Help your partner break tasks into smaller, manageable steps, but don’t do it for them to help them develop their own skills and avoid dependence.
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Encouraging Self-Reliance
- Individuals with ADHD are often extremely self-critical. By helping them build their own systems, you provide evidence of their abilities, which over time, builds self-confidence and self-reliance.
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Communication and Preparation
- Important conversations should never be sprung on your partner. Instead, agree on a time so they can prepare mentally, reducing anxiety and improving communication.
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Maintaining a Tidy Home
- Your partner may struggle with keeping the home tidy due to distractions. Encourage routines like having a designated spot for keys to build structure and consistency.
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Sleep Patterns
- ADHD can affect sleep patterns, often leaving your partner wired when it’s time to sleep. Finding a system that works for both of you, possibly with the help of a coach, can significantly improve sleep quality.
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Seeking Help Together
- Encouraging your partner to seek help can be overwhelming for them. Assist by researching qualified ADHD coaches, suggesting one, and making the initial enquiry together. An ADHD coach can work with both of you to enhance communication and manage home life better.
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Managing Lateness
- To tackle lateness, plan to leave 15 minutes earlier than needed and use visual timers around the house.
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Medication and Appetite
- Stimulant medications may suppress appetite until they wear off, leaving your partner extremely hungry. Remind them to eat at regular intervals even if they don’t feel hungry.
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Celebrating Achievements
- Individuals with ADHD often overlook their achievements. Celebrate their successes to help them build a positive self-image and confidence.
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Collaborative Problem-Solving
- When something isn’t working, ask your partner what they need rather than assuming you know the answer. Their insights may surprise you and be more effective.