If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok or Instagram and suddenly thought, “Wait… is this me?” - you’re not alone. Videos about ADHD often highlight struggles with focus, overwhelm, burnout, and motivation, and they can feel uncomfortably relatable.
Social media has done a wonderful job at normalizing mental health conversations. At the same time, it’s also led to a rise in self-diagnosing. Noticing ADHD traits can be meaningful, but it doesn’t automatically mean that you have ADHD.
So let’s slow it down and talk about what ADHD actually is; and what to do if ADHD feels relevant to you.
ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain regulates attention, impulses, motivation, and energy. It isn’t about laziness, lack of discipline, or “not trying hard enough.” It’s about how the brain manages tasks, time, and stimulation.
Everyone experiences distraction or overwhelm at times but ADHD tends to look different. It shows up as consistent patterns over time, across multiple areas of life such as work, school, and relationships. For many people, ADHD symptoms start in childhood, even if it isn’t recognized until adulthood.
ADHD doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some people experience more inattentive traits: difficulty focusing, forgetting things, struggling to start or finish tasks, or feeling mentally foggy and overwhelmed. Others notice more hyperactive or impulsive traits, such as: restlessness, acting without thinking, or feeling unable to slow down. Many people experience a mix of both, which is the most common presentation.
If you’re noticing ADHD-like traits, that awareness matters. It may be a sign that your nervous system is under strain, or that the strategies you’ve been using to cope aren’t working anymore. It can also mean that you would benefit from more support or structure.
What it doesn’t mean is that you’re broken, failing, or that every challenge in your life can be explained by ADHD. Short social media videos can raise awareness, but they can’t replace thoughtful assessment or understanding your full context. Many ADHD-like traits can also show up with anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, grief, or chronic stress- which is why nuance matters.
So what are your next steps if ADHD feels relevant? Some people choose to pursue a professional assessment with a psychologist, psychiatrist, or physician to explore their history and symptoms more fully. A diagnosis can offer clarity or access to accommodations, but it isn’t required to start getting support.
Counselling can be especially helpful for building practical skills around planning, organization, emotional regulation, and reducing shame or self-criticism. Therapy can also focus on creating systems that work with your brain rather than trying to force yourself into strategies that don’t fit. For some people, medication can be a useful tool, though it’s not the only option and isn’t right for everyone. Small lifestyle and environmental changes (like adding external structure, supporting your body, and reducing decision fatigue) can also make a meaningful difference.
If ADHD content resonates with you, it doesn’t mean you need to label yourself right away. It simply means something in your life is asking for attention. Curiosity is a valid place to start.
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Support can help bring clarity, reduce overwhelm, and build strategies that actually work for your life. If you’re noticing ADHD traits and wondering what they mean for you, reaching out for support can be a helpful next step.
