Navigating anxiety after an ADHD diagnosis

It’s completely normal to feel uncertainty and anxiety after an ADHD diagnosis. Though an ADHD diagnosis can bring clarity and relief, you might find yourself wondering how this new understanding impacts your life, your identity and your future. At Scope, we understand what you’re going through, and offer a specialised program to help you navigate anxiety after your ADHD diagnosis,

Understanding anxiety after an ADHD diagnosis

There’s a well-established link between ADHD and anxiety, with up to 50% of ADHDers experiencing anxiety. Often, this isn’t generalised anxiety, but anxiety stemming directly from challenges associated with ADHD. Anxiety can often manifest as worry about executive functioning difficulties like managing time, tasks or meeting deadlines, while years of undiagnosed ADHD can lead to chronic stress, low self-esteem and a sense of underachievement. Therapy can help with anxiety after an ADHD diagnosis by reframing your life narrative, validating past struggles and prompting a re-evaluation of your identity and future.

Why traditional approaches may fall short

Many traditional therapeutic approaches are built on the assumption of neurotypical brain functioning, which can be emotionally and physically exhausting for ADHDers. These therapists often focus on ‘fixing’ perceived deficits, rely heavily on certain styles of communication and lack the flexibility needed for neurodivergent experiences. This leads to ineffective treatment and potentially feelings of invalidation and heightened anxiety.

Our neuro-affirming approach

At Scope, we are truly neuro-affirming, celebrating each individual's unique strengths. Our 10-session therapy program, ‘Embracing Life With a Neurodevelopmental Condition’ is designed to help you thrive with a new diagnosis. The program is available in-clinic and online, and is rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a flexible and adaptable approach that is better suited for individuals experiencing anxiety after an ADHD diagnosis. ACT helps you effectively deal with painful thoughts and feelings, reducing their impact without suppressing them. It’s about building psychological flexibility and leveraging ADHD strengths, such as creativity and hyperfocus.

How the program empowers you to manage anxiety after an ADHD diagnosis:

Understand anxiety differently - Learn why simply trying to get rid of anxious thoughts and feelings often doesn't work for neurodivergent individuals, and discover how to change your relationship with them.

Unhook from difficult thoughts - Develop skills to "defuse" from unhelpful or critical thoughts related to ADHD, your traits, or how others might see you, so they have less power over your actions.

Make space for feelings - Practice accepting and making room for uncomfortable emotions (like anxiety, self-doubt, or vulnerability) without letting them stop you from doing what matters.Connect with what truly matters - Clarify your core values – what kind of person you want to be and what you want your life to stand for, especially in light of your neurodivergent identity.

Take valued action - Learn to take purposeful steps, guided by your values. This includes navigating decisions about disclosure of ADHD, self-advocacy, authentic living being more present and navigating support.

Build a stable sense of self - Connect with the "observing you" – the constant, aware part of yourself beyond thoughts, feelings, or labels, creating a more grounded sense of self and identity.

Wondering how to move forward after your ADHD diagnosis?

It's normal to feel overwhelmed. Our program is designed to help you process everything, equip you with real-world skills that are specifically suited to your neurotype, and guide you towards a life where you're not just coping, but thriving. If you're ready to navigate your anxiety after an ADHD diagnosis and embark on a transformative journey, contact Scope today.

Ready to start? Book your session today!

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