Hi Gina:

Welcome to the ADDitude discussion boards! ADDitude has a great free printable that I think you'll really like: Snappy Comebacks to ADHD Doubters!

Also, September is ADHD Awareness Month, so we've created an online guide all about ADHD symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment so that ADHD adults can share the truth with their friends and family.

Finally, those feelings you describe of being overwhelmed, stressed, overbooked and on the edge are very common in adults with ADHD. One of the most popular resources among our users is a book titled Crazy Busy by Dr. Ned Hallowell. It's written specifically for people like you and I would recommend checking it out.

Good luck!

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Hi Gina!

I've found it best to just shake it off when people, especially my elders, make comments like you mentioned. Most of the time, they don't know your situation, and don't mean any harm and there is no use making them feel horrible about it. I'm a southern girl myself... just smile and go on. Now, if someone having full knowledge of my ADHD, makes a comment that offends me, I give myself full permission to be a smartie right back at them....but I always keep that smile on my face. (Think Steel Magnolias or Scarlet O'hara).

I'm 28 years old and have been dealing with my ADHD diagnosis for 20 years. The best advice I can give about coping with ADHD is keep a sense of humor. Control the things you can, and try not to get upset about the things you can't.

And as for becoming overwhelmed, I know exactly how you are feeling. My suggestion: Weigh out the pros and cons. So you like everything you are doing.... does the satisfaction you get from being involved in so many things outweigh the stress these things are putting on you? I've also realized that when I'm stressed I take it out on the people closest to me who don't deserve it. I always try to keep that in mind as well. Personally, I'd rather take on what I can handle, and use my gifts (one of them being ADHD) to blow those things out of the water! There are plenty of other people out there to pick up where you've left off.... Who knows, maybe by giving up some of the responsibility, you might help someone else realize their dreams and gifts, ultimately helping them become the person they were meant to be.

No one, ADHD or not, will benefit from having too much on their plate. Never be afraid to say no, or to let go.

Don't let ADHD own you. I know its hard. I host my fair share of pity parties. But its the card we've been dealt. Lets make the best of it!

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Perhaps recruit other members to assist you so you can delegate some of the responsibilities. I realize it may not be as easy to do as to say, but even Moses had to learn to delegate some of his responsibilities because he was becoming overwhelmed by it. So don't beat yourself up over it. Your desire is for the benefit of your church, and the more the responsibilities are spread around, the lighter the load, and the more the church benefits. Find out if there are others that would be interested in helping. There may well be someone who is looking for some way to contribute, but is waiting to be asked. Enlist your pastor's aid in finding additional helpers.

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