Sometimes, people with ADHD can feel worried and anxious. A history of saying the wrong thing, blurting out opinions or being punished for interrupting or physical restlessness, can lead some young people with ADHD to feel anxious and even avoid people or certain situations.
Low mood can appear in many forms and affect young people with ADHD in many different ways. Some people are low in energy and enthusiasm and feel that life is difficult or even not worth living. Others can feel on edge or even aggressive and still feel down and feel little hope for themselves.
Many factors in a person with ADHD’s life can lead to them feeling sad or worried. Difficulties at school, trouble managing impulses, making and keeping friends, struggling with poor memory or attention, can all make people feel very sad and depressed. Poor concentration, disorganisation, sleep disturbances, and restlessness can all contribute to depression.
There is also evidence that some people with ADHD can find it difficult to control their emotions, or experience sudden and extreme swings in their emotions. For example, being extremely happy one moment to being extremely sad or angry in the next moment.
If you are feeling like this now please visit our pages on anxiety and depression now for advice on how to get help. If you are planning to harm yourself visit our page 'Help, I'm in Crisis'.
Call Childline free on 0800 1111
Don't want to talk? Text YM to 85258, the Young Minds Crisis Messenger for free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week support.
☎︎ Contact your GP or call NHS 111
The most important thing to remember is that you can do something about it. Don’t assume this is just the way it’s going to be.
I find it difficult to:
Calm down
I can try this...
- Use relaxed breathing exercises. Follow these suggestions:
- Breathe from the belly
- Breathe in slowly, but out more slowly
- Keep doing this for 2 minutes
- Distract myself using the “5,4,3,2,1” trick
- Identify 5 things I can see and describe them in detail
- 4 things I can touch, and how they feel
- 3 things I can hear, and what makes the sound
- 2 things I can smell
- 1 thing I could taste
Be positive
I can try this...
- Talk to people I know and trust
- Stay active. Exercise is a powerful way to improve your mood
- Do the things you enjoy, but don’t overdo them
- Challenge your thoughts. Would someone else you know have a different way of looking at things?