Photo by Atoms from Unsplash
With the COVID-19 vaccines rolling out fast, the entire world has been slowly trying to reopen. However, there are many people who may have a difficult time readjusting after COVID-19. People with ADHD in particular may struggle post-pandemic with attentiveness and the ability to refocus their minds into a new environment. If you’re a person with ADHD struggling to adjust after COVID-19, here are a few helpful ways to solve this problem.
Structure a Plan
For people with ADHD, putting together a plan helps them be in control and be prepared for when circumstances change. So why not try doing this? You can start by writing down how you plan to prepare for certain events at your job, school, etc. If you have to return to the office, what important future events should you know about? Start writing them down and how you plan to participate in them. Taking action to prepare for upcoming events could help ease discomfort in returning to regular activities.
Share Your Inner Fears
Another good thing you can do is to share your fears of getting back to the old normal. Don’t be afraid to let your boss or workmates know about your fears or apprehension. Let them know about your anxious thoughts. Also, share with them why you feel the way you do. You may discover that you may not be the only one having these fears. Expressing your feelings clarifies and lessens the discomfort of the negative emotion.
Seek Professional Assistance
If you’re dealing with a severe case of anxiety, try contacting a licensed professional who can assist you in practicing desensitization. They could help you take small steps in approaching the outside world again. If you can’t afford a licensed professional, consider practicing desensitization on your own. Take things slowly in exposing yourself to the outside world such as going to your neighborhood grocery store or to Walgreens.
Find a Supportive Friend
When sharing your inner fears, you are probably more comfortable sharing them with a trusted friend. So, if you’re struggling with transitioning back to the old normal, talk to someone you can trust about it. This person could help guide you into taking the necessary steps to go back to your regular life. Find a loving friend or family member who could help you see future success and lessen your fears.
Be Kind to Yourself
The last important thing is to not be so hard on yourself. Going back to regular life before this pandemic won’t be easy. So it’s important to be gentle and kind to yourself. Don’t push yourself too hard to readjust your mind back to the old normal. Because it’s been a long, challenging year for all of us, it will be beneficial to be kind to ourselves.
As we all strive to get back to the old normal, let’s be aware that not all of us will be emerging from this pause in the same way. People dealing with ADHD may struggle with attentiveness, anxiety and time management. If you’re one of these people, it could be a challenge to readjust. If you follow the suggestions above, you can face the real world with confidence.
