Even on her attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication Grace Friedman has a dificult time concentrating in school.
“When my peers turned in their work, I was still struggling to finish,” says Friedman, 17. “Right away, I would get a rush of anxiety, start to panic and not be able to control my emotions.”
Grace has a list of 5 Tips For Teens With ADHD.
Grace Friedman, 17, of Alameda, Calif., wrote “Embracing Your ADHD” to offer teen-friendly, practical advice about thriving in high school and beyond. The free guide is available at www.addyteen.com. Some of her tips:
1 —You are not your diagnosis: ADHD interferes with most daily activities, but cannot control your life unless you let it. Accept yourself. Embrace your ADHD so you can thrive.
2 —Defuse negative energy: Teens with ADHD are prone to overreacting emotionally to frustrating or stressful situations. We have emotions “on steroids,” and it’s hard for our parents to see us upset. Take a break, walk around, focus on your breathing and when calm, open up to your parents.
3 —Get organized: The better you organize your work and life, the better you control your life and your ADHD. Avoid becoming stressed and discombobulated by actively calendaring your time for assignments, projects and tasks at home and school.
4 —Advocate for yourself: It’s your responsibility to speak up to your teachers, administration, parents, friends and to be heard. Get what you need to succeed.
5 —Run your own race: Set your goals and create a strategy to get there. Connect with people in your life who will support your interests, dreams and passions. It doesn’t matter how quickly you reach your goals as long as you get there safely.
Read more from grace or visit her Website www.addyteen.com