Concern around COVID-19 and the social restrictions that have been put in place to reduce the spread of the virus can impact on mental health and wellbeing. The constant news headlines, uncertainty around the virus and its future impact, and the need to constantly adapt to the ever-changing physical distancing requirements can be stressful to navigate, especially when you have ADHD.
How could COVID-19 affect adults with ADHD?
The first thing to say, is that is totally natural to feel a range of emotions during stressful times, such as the times that we are experiencing now. These emotions might vary from feeling angry, sad, worried, and frustrated. At times you may actually feel quite relaxed and calm.
Be accepting of your feelings and be kind to yourself during this time.
Some adults with ADHD may experience high levels of apprehension or nervousness about COVID-19. Changes to your home, work or study structure and routine due to COVID-19 as well as the distractions associated with working or studying at home can be tricky to navigate.
Some people might like having more time at home, while for others this may leave you feeling stressed and overwhelmed which may negatively affect your ability to complete your work and maintain your productivity.
Being confined to home can be challenging for anyone as it can increase the risk of loneliness or feeling disconnected or disengaged with the rest of the world and can lead to or exacerbate low mood. Boredom due to isolation may also leave you feeling irritable, tired or unmotivated and unable to act and function efficiently.
Supporting your mental health and well-being
The good news is that there are several things that you can try to support your mental health and wellbeing during this period of change and uncertainty:
Ideas to stay connected during the lockdown
Get dressed up and eat dinner with family or friends online.
Host a virtual movie night via Netflix Party.
Cook the same recipe virtually with a friend and compare your results.
Join an online exercise forum by yourself or with a group of friends.
Play your favourite games online.
Join an online choir.
Start an online book club.
Tips for working or studying from home
WATCH: A Simple Guide to Working or Learning From Home from How To ADHD.
Making the transition to working or learning from home? Watch this video from How To ADHD for some research-based strategies for making it easier.
This article contains helpful tips for maintaining focus, setting boundaries, avoiding unproductive hyperfocus, and getting the job done with telecommuting and working remotely. Read The Beginner’s Guide to Telecommuting and other helpful articles on the ADDitude Magazine website.
LISTEN: Attention Talk Radio
In this episode of Attention Talk Radio, ADHD coach Jeff Copper shares strategies to help you manage yourself and be as productive as you can at home.
If you test positive to COVID-19
If you test positive for the COVID-19 virus or develop a mild case of COVID-19 you can continue taking your ADHD medication. However, if you develop severe symptoms such as increased blood pressure, increased heart rate or breathing difficulties please seek medication advice from your treating physician or psychiatrist.
Further information & support
Phoenix Australia are specialists in managing traumatic events and have developed some helpful mental health resources to support both health practitioners and community members during COVID-19 including tip sheets on taking care of yourself and your family and isolation activities for children and adolescents as well as the following videos. Visit the website for more helpful resources.
Beyond Blue have regularly updated information on their website including advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during this time. No matter how the coronavirus pandemic may be affecting you, you’ll find a range of information, strategies and expert advice to help support your social and emotional wellbeing.
Lifeline Australia are there to provide support to anyone who is experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Visit the Lifeline Australia website here.