Keeping up with classes, projects, and extracurriculars is hard enough. But doing so with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can feel impossible at times. If you have ADHD, you might struggle to pay attention in class, meet deadlines, and generally stay organized. However, there are several steps you can take to manage your behavioral health and thrive academically at school.
How to Handle ADHD
Gather a Support Team
When you’re managing a condition like ADHD, you need the right professionals on your side. Find out whether your school offers psychiatry services or therapy for students. If they don’t, community or online psychiatry services can be a great option. It’s also helpful to take advantage of any support services your school might offer. See if you can get any special accommodations for your classes, such as more time on tests.
Keep Up with Your Medication
It can be easy to forget to take your ADHD medication when you’re busy with classes. However, skipping a dose can also be detrimental to your well-being and academic performance. Your ADHD psychiatrist can provide ongoing medication management, as well as advice about building your meds into your routine. If you’re going away for college, see your psychiatrist about getting enough doses to take with you.
Use Your Technology
Day-to-day organization is often challenging for students with ADHD. This is where technology can be helpful. Use the calendar app in your phone to make your schedule, set reminders, and block off time for homework and studying. You might also use your phone alarm to remind you of important meetings and appointments. However, if your phone is distracting to you, consider setting app limits while you’re studying–or turn it off altogether.
Know Your Distractions
Recognizing your distractions is key to managing your classes and your ADHD. Every student is different, so pay attention to what pulls your attention away when you’re studying or sitting in class. For example, seeing your friends in the library might make it impossible to focus on work, yet the silence of your apartment makes your mind race. So, for you, the sweet spot might be working in a study room with instrumental music in your headphones.
Work with a Tutor
If you’re struggling to sit and study for your upcoming exams, a tutor will be a useful resource. Your tutor can provide study strategies and guide you through your course material, keeping you on track when your attention strays. Sessions with your class TAs will help in a similar way. It’s possible that your school offers tutoring as part of their academic support services, so be sure to look into this.
ADHD doesn’t have to hold you back from your degree. With the right support team and services, you can manage your attention and succeed in your classes. Sol Mental Health is proud to offer holistic psychiatry services among our behavioral health offerings. Our patients have access to individual counseling, health coaching, psychological testing, and holistic behavioral care services. Contact SOL Mental Health today to learn more about our psychiatry services and book a consultation with one of our providers.
SOL Mental Health is partnered with several insurance providers to make our services more accessible to you. You can verify your insurance through our website before scheduling an appointment.
