How to be supportive when your partner has ADHD
ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It causes people to experience inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.
Life for people with ADHD in Dubai is challenging as it is but having a partner who has the condition can also be daunting. Being insensitive towards their condition can contribute to their symptoms aggravating. Even if you are well-intentioned, knowing what to do, and more importantly, what not to do is imperative.
How to be supportive when your partner had ADHD
Educate yourself
You will never be able to understand what your partner is going through unless you educate yourself about ADHD, its symptoms, the management techniques, and its implications for one’s well-being. It helps you be empathetic and gives perspective on your partner’s life struggles.
Learn patience
Understand that your partner is not deliberately leaving things incomplete, they are not consciously being erratic, or they did not choose to not think things through.
It is their condition that causes them to exhibit these symptoms. And while they can be frustrating to deal with, you must be patient. Focus on the good that they bring into your life, rather than mulling over the symptoms of their condition.
Be encouraging, but not patronizing
Your partner is your peer, so there is no need to parent them. They are an adult and can understand the implications of their condition. Instead of patronizing them, encourage them. Do not be controlling of their behavior, as that is extremely unhealthy.
Make your own rules
Since ADHD presents different symptoms in different people, there is no one right way to deal with it. So, couples must identify where ADHD is impacting their relationship, and make coping strategies for those scenarios.
It allows you to establish your own ground rules based on respect, love, and harmony.
Find solutions for things that are not particularly important
Unless the matter is of life and death, you can compromise in your relationship and find a way around the problem. For example, if your partner is unable to cope with cleaning and related chores, can you get help?
Having a solution-centric approach rather than constantly mulling over the shortcomings is better for your partner and your relationship. And if you cannot think beyond such matters, ask yourself if you value and love your partner enough to begin with.
Accept them instead of changing them
If you love your partner, then you must also learn to accept them the way they are. Do not try to morph them into your vision of them or try to ‘fix’ them; ADHD is not something they chose, and it is not in their control. Either take it or leave it; there is no manipulating it.
Get help from a professional
While your partner needs to keep visiting an expert, it may also help for you both to get couple counselling in Dubai if finding your dynamic is getting harder. An expert can help you both find better ways to take your relationship forward, without it harming your identities. To get professional help, you can visit Fitcy Health and choose from over 200 professionals, who are available at affordable rates.
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