Young Adulthood
This is the period when you lose the structure and routine of school and move on to college, employment, and independent living.
It is a time of transition and can be fraught with difficulties, challenges, and opportunities.
Breaking free from ‘adult control’ can be liberating and exhilarating, but this can also present challenges.
Think about the following:
Managing your own daily routine (eating healthily, exercise, being sensible about alcohol etc)
Organising appointments, interviews etc
Managing your own home (housework, paying rent, insuring your possessions)
Taking driving lessons, owning and financing your own car
Managing your own finances (bank accounts, credit cards etc)
Organising your social life (resolving differences and disputes)
Managing intimate relationships
Looking after your own mental health
Taking medication
There is a lot to think about!
You can get help with much of this through the ADHD Support Group, so don’t be afraid to ask.
If you run into difficulties, the golden rule is that these are much easier to sort-out if they are caught soon and before problems build up or become more complex.
Stay connected to people you trust and choose your friends wisely.
Some young adults with ADHD manage reasonably well, but others experience difficulties with:
Debt (over-spending, failing to pay-off loans, forgetting to meet payment deadlines)
Social isolation, anxiety and depression
Gambling
Addiction
Offending
Unemployment and frequent job changes
Risk-taking behaviours resulting in sexually transmitted diseases, unplanned pregnancy
Road traffic accidents
Dropping-out of college
If you feel that things are going wrong, speak to someone you trust or contact the support group.
We can often help you to get things sorted-out or point you towards other services that might help.
Don’t just turn a blind eye to your difficulties and hope that they will go away. Never feel too ashamed to seek help.
Here are some useful contacts: