It’s been hard for you to admit to yourself, but you can tell something isn’t right. You’ve been ignoring these feelings for far too long, but it’s starting to have a negative impact on your daily life and routine.

You honestly can’t remember the last time your mind has been quiet. Thoughts keep popping in your head, circling or floating around. Work has been a struggle. You can’t seem to focus on the tasks at hand. Distraction has been coming faster and easier.

Even at home, you can’t seem to focus. Your to-do list keeps growing longer and longer. You start projects but are unable to finish them. On top of being distracted lately, you can tell that you’re thinking and feeling differently, especially about yourself.

You’re worried that there may be a larger issue at hand. Your own research has led you to a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and anxiety, but you’re not quite sure which of the two you’re actually struggling with.

Is it possible to have ADHD and anxiety at the same time? Let’s find out!

Exploring ADHD and Anxiety with RAFT Counseling

ADHD and anxiety are two completely different disorders. That being said, most individuals who struggle with one of them often consider them to be a packaged deal. A lot of people who have ADHD also can show signs and symptoms related to an anxiety disorder.

A lot of anxiety can actually be caused by having ADHD. Most of someone’s worries, fears, or stressors are often related to the amount of work or tasks you’re able to complete during your day.

So yes, it is completely possible to have both ADHD and anxiety at the same time.

The Signs and Symptoms

Since ADHD and anxiety are often comparable, there are several different signs and symptoms that are shared between the two different conditions. These are some of the most common signs and symptoms of ADHD and anxiety:

• Defense mode
• Fatigue
• Fight or flight response
• Intrusive or unwanted thoughts
• Irritability
• Lack of concentration
• Muscle aches and pains
• Reactive
• Sleeping problems
• Stomach or digestive issues

How to Cope with Anxiety and ADHD

No matter if you’re struggling with ADHD, anxiety, or a mixture of the two conditions, you’re probably trying to figure out if there’s anything you can do on your end to start the process of helping yourself. There are actually certain lifestyle changes that you can implement on your own end to help reduce and relieve some of the anxiety or ADHD signs and symptoms you may be experiencing.

Get on a Schedule

ADHD and anxiety can make it even harder to complete your day-to-day tasks or chores. When you create a list of things you may need to get done, it can help to keep you focused and on track.

Prioritize Yourself

It’s time to focus on yourself and your own needs. This means fueling your body with healthy and well-balanced meals throughout the day, drinking enough water, prioritizing your sleep, aiming for at least eight hours a night, and finding time to move your body during the day.

Start a Journal

Clear your head by writing in a journal. A journal is a great tool for use in the present moment to keep track of all your thoughts and emotions, but it’s also amazing to look back on later to reflect on how you were feeling, any triggers, or examine what coping mechanisms work or didn’t work for you.

Treatment Options for ADHD and Anxiety

While there are treatment options for both ADHD and anxiety, it can be difficult to treat them both at the same time. A lot of medications that can help with ADHD can actually worsen the anxiety-related signs and symptoms that you may be experiencing.

Typically, if someone is struggling with both ADHD and an anxiety disorder, they may focus on the condition that may be causing you the most problems or influencing your day-to-day in a negative way.

If you’re interested in learning more about therapy options for ADHD, anxiety, or a combination of the two, reach out to us today to set up a consultation. We have availability with our therapists soon and would love to connect with you for online counseling sessions or in our office in Parker, CO!