Challenges, coping strategies, seeking help for ADHA

Living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), previously known as ADD, can present significant challenges for adults across various aspects of life, ranging from managing daily responsibilities to maintaining relationships, both personal and professional.
Individuals with ADHD may face difficulties with time management, meeting deadlines, and impulsive behaviour, often leading to them feeling that they are being misunderstood by others. Despite these challenges, there are skills and strategies that can be learned to effectively cope with the symptoms.
Guyana Times had the opportunity to sit down with David Loncke, a professional mental health counsellor attached to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, who shared his personal and professional take on ADHD, and how we, as Guyanese, can find coping strategies to deal with the challenges of living with ADHD. He also shared on finding the professional help we may need.
As he spoke on adopting daily habits, recognizing personal strengths, and developing techniques that can help to better manage ADHD, Loncke said, “When you exercise, it has been known to increase your mood. Through exercising, you look better and you feel better. With ADHD, it has a tendency of impacting your self-esteem.”
Loncke said, as he spoke directly on developing techniques to better manage ADHD, that educating others about the condition can also contribute to building understanding of what you’re living with, while seeking the support of friends, family, and colleagues.
Living with ADHD can pose unique challenges, Loncke highlighted, some of those main challenges or attributes may look like inability to fulfil task, inability to complete task, mood irregularities, or problems with relationships and maintaining them.
“However, though these may be some symptoms indictive of ADHD, it must be noted that there are other challenges and complications that may cause you to think that it is ADHD when it could be something else,” David explained. Further, he explained that it is absolutely necessary to get in touch with a professional to get a thorough clinical interview done. “It’s only through that path you can really know,” Loncke underscored.
While emphasising that some may experience those very symptoms, he said it often falls under misconceptions which a lot of persons make the mistake of believing. While ADHD typically develops from childhood, it can also impact adults. This often leads to poor performance at work, or in any professional setting.
While in Guyana there are no specific data on the prevalence of ADHD, research has shown that four per cent of children live with it, while two per cent are found in adults. The Mental Health Unit under the Ministry of Health is urging individuals who suspect they may have ADHD to seek professional help, rather than believing this kind of behaviour pattern might be normal.
Addressing ADHD in workplaces, Loncke expressed that it is vital to obtain accurate diagnoses through comprehensive assessments for each individual. Regarding risk factors, Loncke noted that although researchers have not been able to identify a particular cause for ADHD, some risk factors they have been able to narrow down include ‘brain structure and the way the brain functions mainly in premature births. Due to premature birth, these individuals are more likely to develop ADHD.
Genetics does also play a part in developing ADHD.
On treatments, he said that while non-pharmaceutical methods may be helpful, medication can provide sustained support, allowing chemicals to remain present in the brain for longer periods, thereby aiding in symptom management.
Loncke implored, “It is important to trust the healthcare system and consult professionals for comprehensive assessments and any potential diagnoses.”
Understanding ADHD, recognising its impact, and seeking appropriate help can significantly improve the quality of life of individuals navigating this condition.
With the right support, coping strategies, and access to professional care, individuals with ADHD can effectively manage their symptoms, and lead fulfilling lives both personally and professionally.
If you are seeking resources for help with ADHD or mental health support, the following organizations and contact information may be valuable: Equal Guyana: +592 610 5428; – Push Foundation: +592 666 3193; Mental Health Unit: +592 223 6624; Kadijah Mc Clure: +592 664 6670; West Dem Hospital: +592 684 4526, +592 713 9867; Desert Flower: +592 645 3349; GPHC Psych Clinic: +592 660 8805.