This is a phrase I’ve heard uttered countless times by my clients. After a while, I started noticing a pattern- almost everyone who often says that in therapy has an ADHD diagnosis. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can present a variety of symptoms, but laziness is NOT one of them. People with ADHD may find focusing, completing tasks, planning, and time management more challenging. With this added challenge may come the feeling of being overwhelmed, anxiety, and lower self-esteem. This, in turn, can cause the automatic nervous system response of freezing to take place. According to Polyvagal Theory, when our arousal increases so much that our dorsal vagal parasympathetic system is activated, our body goes into shut down mode, making it near impossible to get tasks done. When in freeze we feel numb, immobile, and stuck- like when a possum “plays dead.” It is our body’s way of trying to protect itself and it is completely involuntary. One way to help yourself come out of the freeze response is the 3-3-3 coping strategy: name out loud three things that you can see, three things you can hear, and shake out three body parts.
Most of all, BE KIND TO YOURSELF! You are not lazy; your brain might just be overwhelmed and your body is protecting you. Remember, ADHD does NOT equal laziness.
By: Melanie Schwaba LCSW CADC
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