Enjoy Your ADD

Attention Deficit Disorder can be enjoyed and celebrated. Embrace your ADD and use it to your advantage. Keep reading for ways to harness your abundant creativity and energy.

Steps

 * 1)  Find out if what you are experiencing is, in fact, ADD.  See the WikiHow Article on Recognizing the Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder for more information. See a medical provider who will diagnose the condition. ADD is a medical condition that can be treated.  [[Image:Determine if Your Partner Is at Risk for HIV or AIDS Step 3.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 2)  Once you have determined you have ADD, relax and rejoice.  There is a reason you are the way you are.  Banish any further negative self-talk.  A lot of fun people have ADD; celebrities such as Ashton Kutcher, Miley Cyrus, and Howie Mandell.  [[Image:Enjoy Your ADD Step 2.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 3)  Look for sites to help you find the organizational systems that will work best for you.  [[Image:Enjoy Your ADD Step 3.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 4)  Remember that you are a creative individual.  If a system seems too complicated, use your imagination and creativity skills to change it into a workable system for you.  The simpler the better.  [[Image:Enjoy Your ADD Step 4.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 5)  Search out support and help from other people with ADD.  People who have been through what you have, are more likely to understand the shame and embarrassment that you've lived with all these years.  They will be able to share their stories and give you tips and advice that people without ADD cannot offer.  [[Image:Determine if Your Partner Is at Risk for HIV or AIDS Step 2.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 6)  Communicate with your family, employer and friends.  Explain to them your limitations and struggles.  Elicit their help in keeping you on track.  If you have trouble communicating your feelings and needs, ask them to read a book or online article about adult ADD.  [[Image:Determine if Your Partner Is at Risk for HIV or AIDS Step 5.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 7)  Research as much as you can about ADD and the various treatments, but never go into any kind of treatment hoping to 'cure' your ADD.  If you are constantly negative about your ADD, you will never be able to escape the pain and shame you have felt all your life.  There is no 'cure'.  How you choose to LIVE is up to you.  [[Image:Enjoy Your ADD Step 7.jpg|center|550px]]

Tips

 * Post a list of your good qualities and abilities in a conspicuous place. Read it every day and remind yourself that you are valuable.  Take it easy on yourself and celebrate life.
 * Set up a morning routine list and a nightly routine list. Work this list rigorously every morning and night.  Put it in writing, and make it as detailed as you like.  Post your lists in the most likely places (your bathroom mirror is a great place for your morning list).
 * Handle your bills as soon as they arrive. Make this a part of your nightly routine.  Write the checks, stamp the envelope (or set it up online through your bank).  Mark the send date on the envelope and put it in a box near your front door.  Every morning before you leave, check the box and mail out any items that have been marked for that date.
 * Decorate a cardboard box or milk carton and keep it by the front door for your purse/wallet, keys, mail, and anything else you bring in each night.
 * Write a 'destroy date' on all of your paperwork. Put a date in the upper right corner of when you can safely throw out or destroy that piece of paper.  When you come across it again, if the date has passed, immediately destroy it.  You don't have to worry about saving it.  You've already given yourself 'permission' to get rid of it.

Warnings

 * Never take another person's medication or take supplements of any kind until you talk to a doctor. Medications which affect the mind can have side effects, and should never be taken without a prescription.  There are also a lot of nonprescription 'remedies' out there, and they may do more harm than good if you are on a special diet or taking other medications.
 * Even if you suspect you have ADD, always get a professional diagnosis, and discuss the treatment options with a doctor. Severe ADD is no joke and should be treated when diagnosed.

Related wikiHows

 * How to Recognize the Signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
 * How to Stay Organized with a Routine
 * How to Be Organized
 * How to Get Yourself Organized on the Web
 * How to Keep Your Home Organized Daily