What is ADHD?

[@puppersissage8640]

Ohh this will be very helpful to explain to my teachers tysmm 💕💕

[@HowtoADHD]

Thanks! That's what we were hoping for, just a super short explanation to share with anyone who needs it :)

[@ajithsidhu7183]

@@HowtoADHD can u for on e how to cure or manage it

[@peterdentice5725]

ajith sidhu Sorry to say there's no "cure". There's only managing it as an option.

[@ajithsidhu7183]

@@peterdentice5725 how do i manage it than

[@peterdentice5725]

ajith sidhu I would search for what you are seeking help with in particular. There are more videos on this channel or Videos on other channels. One of the bigger things that helps with managing it, is knowledge. The more you know, the better equipped you'll be. Watch videos where people talk about their ADD and how life was for them growing up.

[@sparky7677]

You saved my life I’m a 64 year old man who been watching your channel for years I finally got treatment for my adhd and my life is night and day much better ,thank you thank you thank you !

[@HowtoADHD]

aw that makes me so happy!! Thank you for sharing!

[@iqi616]

Mitchell, did they prescribe medication? If so, how has it gone? I'm always worried about side-effects.

[@ennvee3354]

Yaaaa 72 er over here, and now we are better, diagnosed about 8 years ago.❤️👏🏽🙏🏼🌈💐👍🏽. Thanks again.

[@DanRicke]

71 years old, just got diagnosed ADHD and depression haven't had meds yet, your videos illustrate my life perfectly, my life could be used as a example for untreated people to examine, I told my therapist about your channel it might help her too.

[@andykishore]

Sometimes answers in life take a long time to find.

[@emdotrod]

Jessica: *explains what ADHD is in 3 minutes* Me, didn't listen to what she said instead gazing upon the video: *whoooooo moving things*

[@cobalius]

Well i was pondering about the ads atound this video xd

[@indenturedLemon]

me reading comment while not paying attention to the videos at all

[@brittanygoodrich1927]

Me too had to rewind a couple times haha! Didn’t take my meds. ;)

[@garyfrancis5015]

Brittany Goodrich I find that watching a short 3:27 minute video. It is when a video 13 minutes and read the comments and write a comment show watching a video. But Jess doesn't do long video so it easy for me to just to sit while watching it. Amazing editing like always.

[@RaindropsBleeding]

Her name is Jessica?

[@ADHDMastery]

Spot on Jessica. I feel my type (inattentive) catches people out and they don't realise until way later in life.

[@Cheesusful]

Inattentive here, discovered it almost 2 years ago... At 30

[@yfccssdg]

Hey guys! Thank you so much for sharing this learning material with us! Today I've started with my pharmacological treatment, Blessings for you and your family!! You are awesome!!

[@unchartedthoughts7527]

I can confirm

[@zirie3332]

Yep. Mine was diagnosed 2y ago, at 45.

[@ShallieDragon]

Same as me. I just thought I was lazy and disorganized and scatterbrained for many years. Little did I know that I have a diagnosable mental illness.

[@kimifur]

Succinct and accurate. ADHD is SOOOO much more than "not being able to sit still". That's not even the main issue. Thanks for the great video, as always!

[@NinePointFive]

Right? If I'm hyperfocusing I can sit at my desk and work on a project online or something with yarn for like, 4 hours before I realize how much time has passed... But if it's something mundane it will take like, 12 attempts before I get it finished... Le sigh.

[@metalgearfox2288]

@@NinePointFive same I read a book in class while everyone was screaming and believe it or not I was able to pay attention. My only weakness though, WINDOWS!!!! They are super distracting

[@undeadblizzard]

I describe my brain like a hamster with a caffeine addiction.

[@water_melon3806]

Wait she's talking fast?

[@MuttonErase]

Ngl I didn't realize how fast she was talking until I read this comment

[@miyawasser]

@ 2:15 realised that 1987 is just a jumbled version of 1798 and promptly got distracted from the rest of the video🤦🏻‍♀️

[@jannesbosma9801]

Lol, I have to watch every episode a few times until I get the feeling I didn't miss anything.

[@rynblewis]

lmao same

[@KatTheTruth]

I noticed the same! I always do this with numbers and words, though.

[@kingboo_2237]

Your name is somehow familiar

[@NinePointFive]

@Travis Barnes I used to play a game with myself in the car on long road trips where I would take two numbers from a license plate and add and subtract and multiply and divide them until I got another number in the license plate. :)

[@888xHomage]

I love how fast she speaks 😭 Normally I click outta videos because I can’t stand to sit there while people talk like the sloths outta zootopia

[@Rachael_Seculer-Faber]

You can click to speed up KZbin videos, it's really helpful

[@leoniepoortman]

Yeah I speed up a lot of people I watch, I'm so glad the feature is in youtube

[@islab4429]

Wait she’s talking fast? Didn’t even realise that lol

[@boldanabrasevic3020]

I thought she talked slowly, hold on-

[@adrithewolfgirl6508]

same

[@c.a.1506]

Does anyone else just sometimes forget that they have ADHD? Not because the symptoms have disappeared, but just because their memory is that terrible? Like Me: "why am I doing this thing?" Bf/housemate/psychiatrist/future me: "because you have adhd" Me: *surprised Pikachu face*

[@user-uh5tb9er4o]

yes!

[@elisam.2896]

hard same

[@dreamgirl_magic243]

Same me to

[@BarelyNoticedADD]

Focusing on the negative is too boring.

[@kristinahollosi]

yes! But not because my memory is bad. just cuz it's my normal existance, so if I'm not like "comparing myself" to a norm or focusing on the differences between me and most people (in the "attention" related sense) then I don't really notice. Cuz, for the purposes of my brain, this is my reality.

[@BVoshol]

Defining "executive functions" is probably already on your list, but that would be a great one to do!

[@AnimeCloud22]

Agreed!

[@KuroKitten]

Also Agree! Explaining this to friends and family is.... hard. Having a nice succinct video to link would be such a blessing

[@ValeOfMuses]

Please please please. It is so incredibly hard to explain.

[@Oznolem]

Indeed, they always respond in "Oh yeah I have that too, maybe everyone has a bit ADHD from time to time?"

[@axelessfern]

This is a good way to tell someone some basics or at least something about ADHD. I think you did a good job Jessica!

[@Tt_seriesindia]

I don’t know if it’s my ADHD but your ears are lovely

[@HowtoADHD]

this made me giggle. Ears are funny.

[@ozok17]

@@HowtoADHD also they're really hard to draw!

[@ozok17]

(i mean, not yours in particular, just ears in general are hard to draw)

[@scotmelville]

"Twice exceptional!" *Shows Albert Einstein* Scot literally starts crying. This is how many people described me younger and Einstein was often referred to me because his immense struggles when he was a child. No one remembers that path, every just knows the end result. The "How" to explain everything... is literally what ADHD struggles with...

[@Groggle7141]

He struggled as a child?

[@bigboibush6935]

I would like to see a video about people who are introverted or shy with ADHD and how it affects that person's life

[@ilikecows5370]

I too would like to see a video about that!

[@sqrlteen9120]

A lot of lost friendships because you simply don’t have making contact with X person on your mental to-do list. It’s the same as daily tasks, you try to remind yourself to make contact with John Doe and before you know it it’s been 3 weeks and they’re upset with you. Cleaning the house. Washing dishes. I struggle with “keeping” things clean because more often than not I don’t realize how badly something needs to be cleaned then i spent an absurd amount of time cleaning it back to perfection. If I’m ever cooking with a recipe I often forget what step I was on or have to go back and re read the same step over and over. Then while I’m worried about missing a step it will cause me to forget to do something else vital in the process. So I guess just imagine most any task you’d do alone at home being extremely difficult and you’ve got it

[@BarelyNoticedADD]

Introvert with ADHD. Conversion drags, I get bored and walk away, most of the time literally. I found myself terminating conversations with my bosses once bored.

[@kathleenharris6124]

I agree!!! Dealing with Socializing or lack there of.. wanting to be part of but not knowing how.. what it does to ones Self-esteem etc

[@Livingincoastalsandiego]

@@BarelyNoticedADD LMFAO..Thank god I'm not the only one. Perfect example. I started to like this yoga instructor, but over time I quickly got bored of her conversation. One time literally in the middle of the conversation I was like "why am I so annoyed by her"..lol

[@ivan89000]

hiiiii! i have ADHD too! people don’t understand what it is..people bully me because i’m “different” than them. i love your videos :) much love to your family and friends! stay safe :)

[@retalsaman4451]

Yeah me too… but get bullied from teachers instead of my classmates I still haven’t told them that I have ADHD, so may you help me by telling me how you told everybody and got over bullying, thanks 🤍✨

[@flutenanyidk1806]

Forget them, go find more people who understand. Those people aren’t worth your time. You’re beautiful and awesome.

[@retalsaman4451]

Flutenany Idk I really want to but there’s lots of stuff holding me back, but thanks ❤️

[@iqi616]

Natalia, I've always joined/formed an "out crowd". It helped at school but has been helpful at work too because I always seem to be considered to be a neutral kind of person.

[@HardTimes562]

I don't feel so alone anymore.

[@qwertyforeverd2953]

I have an appointment to get diagnosed on Monday. I’ve been binging these videos for the last month.

[@ЗвезделинаБожилова]

OMG! Sameee

[@MC-bz3mt]

I've binged after the diagnosis. Made me feel i was not alone 🙂

[@lighinz137]

I got my mom on board with making an appointment to get diagnosed but I’ve been procrastinating making that phone call 😅

[@Katie-xr5tk]

My sister and I watch them so that we are not only not alone but not a failure either!

[@iqi616]

@@lighinz137 do it

[@fabiantemme727]

You are so cute, and speak fast enough that it is pleasure to listen.

[@Cheesusful]

I like the way she jumps around the screen too, helps keep my attention :)

[@MsAdlerHolmes]

Gotta talk quick before everyone gets distracted by literally anything.

[@andrewwmitchell]

Haha. I like her speed too. Most youtubers talk so sloooooowly!

[@jesshathaway3104]

@@andrewwmitchell I KNOW I put it on like x1.5 speed cos it's literally painful to listen to and I get distracted so easily

[@worldtech8345]

It is to constantly struggle with your life and being misunderstood (😅😂)

[@cedricburkhart3738]

Yeah but who wants that? I tried to prefect my skill with the inglesh language to both understand and be understood.

[@RyanRussell885]

Thank you so much for doing this. I just watched your TED talk, and it really hit close to home. I finally got diagnosed two days ago, and started medication-what a difference! I’m thirty six years old, and for the first time in my life, I feel like a functional human being. I’ve been really digging into trauma and ADD for the past couple years, and I’ve been doing everything from therapy, to mindfulness meditation, to closely monitoring and managing my nutrition, sleep, and exercise. I wish I had found out when I was a kid and started treatment and strategizing earlier. What an incredible difference! Thank you!

[@ExplosiveT-5]

I feel like my friends are getting sick of me sending them your videos, but I like having them know the signs of ADHD so they can notice how much of an impact it has on who I am as a person.

[@missquprison]

Just when I was about to go to sleep, here we go again

[@HowtoADHD]

oops

[@ozok17]

sleep is an important tool, especially in managing symptoms.

[@BrTriCosta]

though adhd in itself can be cumbersome a lot of times, one of the worst part is the addiction part. fighting to quit smoking rn, and had abused substances earlier in life. then come depression, and guilt. while i have the support of my family, some may not be so fortunate. This videos of yours bring a smile to me, and i am sure to many more ! bonus for making me understand a bit more of myself ! keep up the good work !

[@desereetouchet9294]

Fellow brain here. I quit in 2008 and before I stopped smoking I separated it from everything else I did, went outside, didn't smoke in my car. Then I went on a low carb diet, found out after I had a way easier time quitting than previous attempts that the physical cravings are prompted by sugar spikes. So since I didn't have daily habit reminders about smoking, and the physical cravings weren't triggered (those only trigger for 72 hours after the last cigarette) = easy qutting for me. Hope it helps, you can do it!

[@ennvee3354]

Cravings to me, are just apart of our search for normal, once you find your true normal,cravings should began to just be cravings again,best to you.

[@NinePointFive]

Tobacco is insidious. I'm sorry you're struggling with it. My husband had to do hypnotherapy twice to quit. I quit but I think I was never that addicted to it in the first place. Now alcohol, on the other hand, was very hard for me to give up. But I was endangering myself and it was affecting my relationships. Quitting anything you are addicted to, no matter what it is, is very difficult. Keep trying. Many smokers have to make 6 or more attempts before it sticks. You got this!!!

[@Drywall-Troupers]

Bro you didn't born smoking, it's something that you picked up, and is something that you can put down, we as human being are thing with life that smokes and drinks alcohol, which up your way of joy mainly focused on your energy to make it the day,

[@Iloveowlets]

I can’t wait for you to release more videos defining the more intricate aspects of ADHD, because like you said, it’s so much more than not being able to sit still and people need to realise that

[@zephrynlewis5574]

I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your videos, you gave me the courage to finally get myself tested and I've come back positive with ADHD anxiety and depression. Your content has unequivocally changed my life for the better and I just want you to know how valuable your videos have been for this 30 year old human from Canada, thank you so much and keep it up you are excellent

[@charlesjpickering8357]

I recently discovered I had ADHD and I’m reading the drummer and the great mountain but I LOVE your videos you have a great way of delivering information and are just f**king awesome! Thank you and keep up the amazing work.

[@taetems2536]

Oh my. I needed this video a few days ago to combat some misinformation. Such a good, brief, and well-defined video definition!

[@HowtoADHD]

yay, hope it's helpful in the future! I thought it might be nice to have a video to share with people so we're not constantly having to explain.

[@sharon052683]

Finding ur channel has gotten me over my present spiral. Thank you for creating it and showing me I’m not alone.

[@noctemeffugio5962]

I would love to hear more about emotional dysregulation and about how ADHD can interact with anxiety!

[@kristinahollosi]

me too! Intersectionality between ADHD and Anxiety. Also, I'd like to hear abt being an HSP (highly sensitive person, I just call myself hypersensitive), and ADHD. I think those are somehow interconnected for me, idk how to explain that or why, but it makes sense. and then i think anxiety does come as a combined manifestation of HSP and ADHD. I wonder is hypersensitivity might actually be a source/aid of my brain's ADHD or something

[@HardTimes562]

@@kristinahollosi I never even heard of some of these words and terms and yet I understand so well I never knew HSP was a thing that explains alot of myself thank you.

[@blakethomson7775]

Mmmmm, as a fan of science and clear communication, I really enjoyed this video. A great video to begin this series. Well made and well presented. As far as additional videos, I'd love to see one about hyperfocus. I still don't understand it well, and it is one of the symptoms that I find the most difficult to manage.

[@HowtoADHD]

Thank you so much! Added it to the list 👍☺️

[@strongpowerty9377]

@@HowtoADHD When you talk about that, could you also show examples of hyperfocus vs. neurotypical focus? I find it hard to see a difference; so many people talk about reaching a "flow state" when working/doing anything (which is completely normal i guess) but how can i see the difference between that and hyperfocus? Others get sucked into their hobbies or social media too, so where exactly is the line?

[@ozok17]

I'd be especially interested in how "hyperfocus" can be the same as or different than "flow", and how to identify times and activities when I've been in one or the other (or both?) of these states, since that might help me understand what they are. (yes, i know that's "begging the question", circular thinking, whatever. examples do help me understand ideas, though.)

[@TonyLey]

@@strongpowerty9377 If the house was on a fire while a neurotypical person was in their flow state? They'd stop and do things necessary to fix what was going on. An ADHD person during hyperfocus? They'd have no idea the house burned to the ground around them...and that it happened yesterday. And they should probably eat something because they haven't eaten since they....put....their...toast....in the toaster...(which is what started the fire in the first place.

[@ozok17]

@@TonyLey (having triggered a smoke alarm while boiling eggs, this makes a bit too much sense... "i resemble that remark". :P )

[@philahadebe3312]

Jessica: Explains what is ADHD Me: Doesn't listen and dances to the background music the whole time.

[@erinanderson8147]

I’m watching these videos because several people in my life have ADHD. Some are managing better than others and one has been recently diagnosed. So I’m trying to adjust my interactions with them to hopefully be more supportive and to help them execute life better. Love your tone of voice and how fast paced your videos are. Thanks for educating people with videos that are easy to understand and thank you for sticking to the point. Keep it up!

[@chewingpeppers]

I love your videos! By the way, found out that I have ADHD through them, last year. KZbin's random algorithms can be helpful sometimes... anyway, I'd like to thank you for all your hard work, dedication and support 💜 You're such a wonderful person, and I really appreciate your channel a lot!

[@NinePointFive]

I'm a 41 year old mom of 3 who is really struggling right now to help her kids do remote learning. I never learned how to study or be organized about anything in life effectively - at least not in a way that stuck. It contributed to my addiction issues, has affected my professional and personal life, and has made it hard for me to reach my personal goals. I've decided that since this is our new normal for the foreseeable future that I finally need to get myself out of the rut of "I'm just a sloppy mess and that will never change." I'm a creative so it's hard to talk myself out of my distractions - they are just so fun and rewarding. But there are other things that need to take priority and my children's education is chief among them. This video was extremely helpful and I love that you even listed some of the positives of being ADHD. I suspect at least one of my children may also have ADHD (we were in the process of having him evaluated when the pandemic hit) so I plan to use this information for us both. THANK YOU!

[@andrewkelley4827]

Can you do a definition video on “neurodiversity”?

[@HowtoADHD]

oooo that's a great (and challenging) one, thanks!

[@pyenygren2299]

This is a good way to explain ADHD. Important facts, and easy to understand because of illustrations and the way you talk. More of this, please!

[@melaniemassicotte6212]

I would love this new series and a definition about "hyperfocus" would be great!

[@sarahs9791]

Im talking my mom into taking me to take the adhd test. Thank you so much for posting this video, it helps alot with exsplaining it. Both my parents have very severe symptoms of adhd and because of that dont find my behaviour strange. Thank you thank you thank you! Your videos have saved my life and helped me more than you can imagine. You are a lifesaver!!!

[@broughtontaylor8142]

omg!!! this is such a good idea! i am trying so hard to break the stigmas of this diagnosis ever since i was diagnosed with adhd!!! so many people who don’t have it believe so many untrue things (for example: everyone with adhd is hyperactive.) THIS IS NOT TRUE!! many people with adhd aren’t, and that’s ok because everyone with it experiences it in a different way! hope this was helpful!!!

[@bananabr3d]

I may know where its coming from. I dont know how its in america or other countries but in germany we got 2 names: some have ADHS for the type with hyperactivity (the H) and some and others have just ADS :D

[@bananabr3d]

@@broughtontaylor8142 but im definitely hyperactive 😂

[@gravytyquam8285]

I am a combined, the crazy thing is that my best friend was who told me to see a professional, because I may have a problem, and he is now who tells me that is something that I should fix.

[@bananabr3d]

@@gravytyquam8285 have combined to (may be understood wrong) but my diagnosis was actually an accident. Had depressions and the professional told me that i actually could have adhd. But I were already 18 so the biggest problems disappeared annyway 🤷‍♂️

[@gravytyquam8285]

@@bananabr3d in my case I never I always thought I had depression, but it didn't make seance in some areas of my life, but ADHD explain everything I have ever been through, I still need to know more about it.

[@alejandra-kv1fe]

I'm glad this channel exists, I was just diagnosed today and I will be binging these vids to understand myself better, thanks :)

[@SuperDrummerJay]

Thank you, Jessica! This is a great, quick descriptive video that people can link to, for those who may not understand the basics.

[@Creationweek]

I just want to say thank you, I found your channel a few months ago while procrastinating my work by trying to find tools to help with focus attention and motivation. I was already being treated for depression and anxiety so I spoke with my psych and recently got my diagnosis for adhd at 35 years old and am now getting treatment. Again thank you idk if I ever would have recognized my symptoms without your channel.

[@RoamingAdhocrat]

It's a difficult question to answer as it's almost impossible to describe. One might ask the same about birds. What are birds? We just don't know.

[@HowtoADHD]

it is hard, right?? Like, where do you even start.

[@ozok17]

Just, look around you!

[@RoamingAdhocrat]

@@ozok17 Have you found out what we're looking for? That's right: the car keys.

[@DennisRuhe]

Birds are those distracting flying things

[@violining21]

ozok17 have you worked out what we’re looking for?

[@kieran4265]

what you are doing is so important and needed! there is so much misinformation about adhd, especially in the education system. i did very well in school. i got good grades, and I had a very high reading score at a young age. I wasn't diagnosed with adhd until my sophomore year of high school and many of my teachers were shocked when I asked them to fill out a Vanderbilt assessment form so that I could be prescribed medication. they thought that adhd was mostly hyperactivity and never noticed my inattentiveness in class. I wish I had a video like this to show my teachers at the time. You guys are doing amazing things!

[@Efflorescentey]

So excited Hank mentioned you. You two should collab!!

[@bradleyakin2180]

You've taught and helped me more recently than everyone else combined in my life. I am forever grateful. It really pushes me to now try to "control my enthusiasm" better! Thank you.

[@yourbroskijack]

Yes FOLLOW YOUR DREEAMMSS

[@quinnsclafani9902]

Had just started rewatching your ted talk for the 2nd time Bc I was so bored. This vid came at a perfect time haha

[@melissaclancy2183]

I only just got diagnosed by a therapist about two weeks ago (I'm a 29 year old woman and predominantly inattentive) after having gone back to grad school and proceeding to really struggle with certain aspects of it (things I thought I had outgrown when I just squeaked by on getting my bachelor's 8 years ago...). Your videos have put a lot of things in perspective for me - things that I thought were hard for everyone but I was just "worse at" them for some reason now make sense as being symptomatic of something bigger rather than a personality flaw, and it's made me feel a lot better about myself and what I'm capable of. Not just because I now know I'm not alone in what I find hard about being a person, but also that there is potential for things to get better, or at the very least, coped with. Your channel is especially valuable for me because many other resources I have seen involve helping "your child" with their struggles (which tends to just make me feel terrible about myself all over again) or in general functioning in a workplace or school environment (while that's nice...ADHD affects my whole life, not just my ability to be a productive member of a capitalist society) - and your videos, while also addressing those things, don't assume any of it. It talks about all aspects of life, for any age. There's no judgment but no coddling, and no assumption that you have all the answers or that one thing is going to work for everybody. I thought I had depression and anxiety for a long time (in some ways I still do), but no resources I saw really jived with how I felt my brain was working. Yours was the first series of advice that actually made some damn sense. TL;DR - thank you thank you thank you Jessica (and your team) for helping me feel like a person and not a failure OK full disclosure I am absolutely binging on these videos to procrastinate a research project that's 2 semesters late. I'm gonna get on that. Thank you

[@katgray8405]

Can you do one on RSD (regection sensitivity disorder) it usually goes along with adhd

[@sophias.8323]

ahhh i was watching the « working from home video » when I got the notification. clicked on it immediately, can’t wait to watch it!! edit: okay your enthusiasm and positive energy are so contagious, this was so refreshing!! I probably SHOULD go to sleep, but there was that Wikipedia article..... and my room is messy..... and it’s raining so I wanna watch the lightning!! Anyway, I’d love to see more about executive dysfunction bc it’s so hard to explain, and maybe hyperfocus? or RSD? or comorbid conditions and how they overlap or hide symptoms? but anyway, great video, loved it!!!

[@HowtoADHD]

Hyperfocus -- added to the list! RSD -- doing an episode on that next!

[@sophias.8323]

How to ADHD woooohoooo ahhhh I’m so happy, looking forward to that!!!! good luck and stay safe!!!!

[@Katie-xr5tk]

What is Rsd?

[@sophias.8323]

Katie RSD is rejection sensitive dysphoria. it’s basically an extreme sensitivity abt anything that might be rejection. Someone looks at you in a weird way and you immediately jump to the conclusion that they hate you, that you have disappointed them. You’re also extremely sensitive to any kind of critique, however constructive it may be. But I’m sure it’ll be explained better in the video!!

[@Katie-xr5tk]

@@sophias.8323 I read that description and thought immediately that it sounded like my younger sister

[@theoverseer393]

I’ve also heard it has an affect on sleep cycles, hence why ppl may sometimes sleep late or feel sleepy in classes (and some meds are for narcolepsy too)

[@jo-bredfunnygirl2166]

Hey! I am so happy I found your channel. My daughter is 7 and struggling so hard right now with many of her ADHD symptoms. Every day getting ready for school is a struggle. I just want to help her. She is so smart and spectacular! We are waiting for her doctor appointment to begin medication. I hate that I have been so frustrated with her on a daily basis. I love her to pieces and just want to help her succeed.

[@js8303]

Early! I love these videos since I also have ADHD!

[@cedricburkhart3738]

I don't I just have ADD Not ADHD.

[@aster5600]

I was diagnosed almost 11 years ago when I was 7 years old. Now that I'm studying to become an elementary school teacher, resources like this are very helpful for me. Not only to describe my ADHD to others, but to use as a reference when I'm frustrated with myself. Your videos help me feel understood and validated when my family struggles to grasp the full impact of ADHD on my life. Thank you for being so supportive and helpful! Love from Hawai'i!

[@rosygoldjade2024]

I love your videos, they help me understand my condition so much more! ♥️

[@jon4702]

Thank you so much for making these videos. I am 35 years old and have just been diagnosed with ADHD. It's a crazy mix of excitement for the future with meds and sadness thinking about how hard life has been up until now. Your videos are perfect at explaining everything and making me feel not alone. The pace is perfect. The information is great. Please keep making these. They have changed my life and I'm hoping that medication can help me not be so forgetful. Thank you again.

[@BlackTLiving]

Fantastic! Definitely one on emotional dysregulation. This aspect seems to be downplayed or unrecognized.

[@elisabethrich7915]

I’m a 52 year old woman who was only diagnosed as a 36 year old. I spent most of my life being told I was lazy (when I was trying SO HARD), uncoordinated (my family nickname was a Yiddish word for clumsy oaf), and that I was smart but unmotivated. So, I got issues. Your videos have improved my internal narrative SO SO MUCH. You’ve also helped my husband understand me a lot better. Your videos have made my life better. I feel so understood and not so alone. Thank you!

[@lizshoemaker]

Thank you so much for all you contribute not just to individuals with ADHD, but in how you've helped build community. I don't feel weird and alone!

[@tinaswope6416]

Thank you so much! My friend has ADHD and now can see the affects that he has to deal with and face it his life. This video also made me think about others and what they have to deal with!

[@bv0804]

When I was a kid I was diagnosticated with ADHD, but my mom never tell me. I went to terapy and do diversed excersises. I tought I was just dumb. After some months I left terapy and never come back since then. I star to noticed that I have weird troubles with easy thing and lower capacity to remmember things. When I found about this disorder (ADHD) I questioned my mother if I haved it and she confirmed. I don't know if I keep having it, I really don't know what to do. I alredy 18, and I worry this can give me troubles in the future. I'm happy to watch this video ❤

[@HardTimes562]

Just focus on a big picture then set it to the side and put small steps leading to the big picture then focus on those small step one at a time try not to rush things u will be fine. You got this

[@aussiebooks123]

I found this after my partner sent me a link. I cried. this is me and this gives me an understanding of the difficulties I have endured just living my life and wondering why other people did not feel the same way. Thankyou. Thankyou thankyou thankyou.

[@sanne418]

Jessica: *“Watch these other videos!"* Me: *Totally will, I'm gonna do it right now!* Jessica: *"Unless you need to eat or study...”* Me: *Well, you got me there. School, here I come*

[@xynice]

And u didn’t do it

[@andrewslejska4205]

I was diagnosed in 2012 to get accommodations at school but was always brought up thinking that I just needed to try harder so I thought it was just my laziness. I found your channel and it was like I found the first group of people I could actually relate to. I have found your videos very insightful and helpful in managing my attention. The coping strategies you talk about have already helped me so much. Thank you.

[@pixie362]

I told my mom about my suspicions, and now she's agreeing to make me an appointment

[@brightonbotanicals5503]

Thanks , I live in England and was diagnosed this year at 40. I'm grateful more people will get diagnosis because of your work and everyone in the n.d community that is using their spoons to educate. I was the rare girl that danced on the table and ran around the classroom doing headstands etc. I was gifted and hyperlexic but spent high school sat in isolation, deprived of an education. My daughter is 16 and it took 10 years from age 5 to 1`5 of me fighting for her diagnosis. I was told I was projecting etc. Her lack of support or understanding at school sadly led to self harm ad me being fined and threatened with prison for her being too burnt out to go in. THEY had "seen she CAN cope" so would not make the slightest adjustment for her. It's shocking how little has changed since the 90's when i was that age. Luckily she is at a great college and thriving as they treat her like a human being and don't try to control her tics and stims....Finally!

[@jayrico1973]

I literally do my hw sometimes without even caring just get it done and do like 5 problems at time and getting up a lot to do random stuff

[@desereetouchet9294]

Started watching this channel because I wanted to see what to look out for in my daughter, and recognized myself. I finally got diagnosed 2 weeks ago. Thanks for all you do!

[@jolienberinghs1338]

Hi! Does anyone else with ADHD struggle to FALL asleep? How do you fall asleep? Please tell me

[@ozok17]

practice. also, sometimes benadryl (diphenhydramine), if you've been awake for multiple days in a row not-on-purpose. also, lots of "trial and error" (or, more positively, "guess and check"). and, to-do lists. and, the saying (though not quite appropriate in all circumstances) "Don't stay up late to do anything you wouldn't get up early to do." Also, lots of failure to sleep at the "right" time and place tends to result in eventual sleep at more approachable (accessible?) times and places (even if there are those who disapprove). also, um, journalling, to help with recording results from the "guess and check" method. and, maybe meditation, though not necessarily at bedtime. and, did i mention to-do lists? dunno whether those actually help. lately, i've been trying to instead/also keep a "done" list, including everything i've done lately (that day, that hour, whatever) that was useful to me or that i feel good about having done or that i meant to do and did on purpose, including things that didn't actually make it onto my "todo" (sic) list. anyhow, ymmv. if you're not getting enough sleep, or good enough sleep, or early enough sleep, keep trying, and try different things, and get help from qualified experts if at all possible. and if those experts don't take you seriously, keep trying and find other experts. sleep matters. (sorry for ranting. :-/ )

[@galli0]

A routine for sleep is good, some have a stricter one, mine is a little looser, ill try and stop with actively looking at stuff (tv/laptop/phone) and just put on an audio book or music because if its quiet my brain will run a mile a minute on repeat thoughts or random stuff it wonders about that ill then have to look up.. so as soon as i say thats it for the night, ill put on my audio book, make my way to the bathroom and do my stuff there, then go to bed making sure its dark as it'll get at my latitude in summer, depending on how actually sleepy I'm feeling Ill set the sleep shut off timer for 30 mins or an hr or more, and that depends a lot on my sleep meds too, sometimes they really help and sometimes its like i didnt take them.. Not sure if that rambling helped but ..i have adhd, succinctness isnt my thing

[@BlooMood99]

Having a simple night routine is really important, and having a somewhat consistent bed time helps too. I also turn on videos that I’m uninterested in and turn the screen off. The noise keeps me just engaged enough to not get lost in my thoughts but also the screen being off and the volume being low allows me to not focus to much on the video that I would stay up to watch it. I might be weird but this is how I get to sleep.

[@turki5955]

i try to sleep the same time everyday, while it's not always working.. but i try my best to be less anxious and that affect the quality of sleep

[@iqi616]

It used to take me hours to get to sleep. Skills I've learnt from mindful meditation help silence my spinning brain. Not a quick fix but persistence paid off. Quitting caffeine helped too. For me the key was breaking the thoughts-emotions-thoughts feedback loop by only observing my thoughts instead of engaging with them (you can't make a pool of water be still unless you stop throwing pebbles into it). Nowadays I count breaths. At 10 I start over at 1. If I realize I've started thinking, I non-judgementally restart at 1. These days sometimes I don't even make it to 10!

[@ryanmac3134]

Thank you for this. I’ve struggled for a long time with ADHD, not realizing it and not having an ability to express it. Your Snaps have helped a great deal. Just discovered the KZbin channel

[@unchartedthoughts7527]

*Anyone else feels like the medication helps a lot, but do you feel like a you are just a prefrontal cortex with a body attached to it just for decoration?*

[@iqi616]

Liked because I'm interested in finding out.

[@HardTimes562]

I always feel like life is just a big virtual game simulator.

[@52Paulis]

This is an excellent new series. Often in a conversation people are not on the same page a definition gives us a platform from which to work.

[@trickkyrickky]

Early birds! 00:15 AM here

[@ozok17]

reading this comment right after the "What are birds? We just don't know." comment. am amused.

[@shining18110]

Jessica, this is absolutely brilliant! As a psychologist, coach and 'experienced ADHDer' I think this is the best summary I have ever seen. Great job!

[@gameplayertv7770]

0:12 Hamm I think adhd is when human is dumb lake me

[@Lisa-zx5kb]

Been watching for years but I just got diagnosed myself, so I'm celebrating by binge watching. 😊

[@greenhoodie]

1.5 x speed = catering to my ADHD 👍

[@HowtoADHD]

haha and I was worried I was talking too quickly for this video

[@greenhoodie]

@@HowtoADHD Your speed wasn't bad in this video actually! (I was squeezing it in before I start work 😁).

[@galli0]

😅 i watch all youtube (except music theory if i can help it) at 2×speed 😅 I am speed

[@nosidam232]

This is my first video of yours and I’m so glad that you talk at a quicker speed and the animations and stuff really help me to stay attentive!!

[@joshuahillerup4290]

Ok, but what *is* it? What's actually going on in my brain?

[@HowtoADHD]

here you go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJnGn2SVptiMo8k

[@goblin-teeth]

My ADHD assessment is on the 4th of August, after years of waiting! Thank you so much for making these videos, I can't tell you how much they've helped

[@R4ID8376]

I'm so early

[@R4ID8376]

When I commented this it says theres no comments

[@HowtoADHD]

@@R4ID8376 hi! Yep, right when it came out!

[@ozok17]

@@R4ID8376 i'm so confused: this reply of yours says it was added 48 minutes ago, but the original comment (to which you're responding) says it was added 41 minutes ago. *confused*

[@pmraul2921]

I can’t Thank You enough for your channel. My kids have been able to understand some of their struggle through school, work and life in general. As young adults I feel it is so beneficial that they found this out now and not struggle through life into their 50’s like me and not know that is part of the struggle.

[@lindsayreeder9056]

Thank you for this! This is another help in explaining to my parents and partner what ADHD is. All your videos are super helpful for me since I got diagnosed in March. Thanks for continuing to make such awesome videos! Look forward to more in this series!!!

[@clearmentalhealth9959]

THANK YOU for making the pace of this video fast... when a video is too slow, I can't even focus for 5 seconds.

[@jarrodrobichaux9169]

Thanks Jessica for all the videos you make on ADHD. Both me & my oldest son have ADHD and I send these videos to people that don’t understand why we do some of the things we do.

[@madisonmiller4581]

I think this is a good intro video! Either for someone who was very recently diagnosed, or for someone in the life of someone ADHD who needs help understanding more about the condition.

[@doctorlegrand]

Great way of explaining ADHD in a very simple but in a concise fast way :)

[@firerabbitea3761]

Thank you so much Jessica , I’ve known about my adhd for years but I FINALLY got a doctor to listen to me, I’m getting my diagnosis in a couple weeks and I’ll finally be medicated ! (I used to get medicatedas couple years ago but my mom took me off without reason , but I never got a diagnosis) I’m going off to highschool soon and I can’t wait to actually get the help I need after so many years of waiting for medication. You helped my understand my adhd better, you truly don’t understand how much your videos helped me , thank you :)

[@axelessfern]

I came early for the first time for one of your videos! Yay! I also have ADHD, and had also said (in a different comment on this video) that this was a good video to watch to get some knowledge about ADHD if some aren't aware or not knowledgeable about ADHD.

[@DisWriter]

Hi Jessica. I'm a Gen X psychotherapist. I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 7 in the 80s. My dad, and even the schools that diagnosed me, never really understood what ADHD really is. Now my daughter and one of my nieces has been diagnosed. I just sent him your video to understand it better

[@MelodicDinosaur]

Your channel has been helping me for years and today I finally got diagnosed at age 30! Thanks Jessica - I'm gonna watch a bunch of your videos again tonight as a confirmed brain! 🥰

[@sageybug3868]

It always surprises me when i come to this channel and actually can watch a whole video without getting distracted!! Your editing and video style is so brain friendly!!! Thank you!!!

[@myhauntedheights]

Jessica, you saved my life. I saw your ted talk last year and that's when I realized that I might actually have ADHD. I got diagnosed a few months later (at age 26) and started medication a few months ago. It changed everything. Though I'm still struggling and learning a lot, I can already tell the difference. Thank you so much!

[@williambranum8938]

I am a retired Navy SEAL with 26 years of service. I was recently diagnosed with some ADHD at 46 years old. My youngest daughter is clearly the same as me…But in the testing she showed inconclusive. I just came across your channel and just watched your 1st Ted Talk. I still have tears in my eyes. Thank you for what you do! You are changing lives!

[@myriamduran3262]

I’ve been watching your videos for about a year, and identified with so many symptoms of ADHD, but was a little in denial... I was diagnosed a couple of months ago. I’m 28 and this feels long overdue, but it’s truly changing my life to know and to have medication. Thank you so much for making these videos, you’ve really helped !

[@camlin4147]

So I don't remember if or when I got an official diagnosis as a child, but I've known since early grade school that I'm at least mildly ADHD. But I performed well academically, and my depression was the important thing that really needed treatment. The ADHD was just a quirk that sometimes got annoying. I started watching this channel two days ago, and the more I learn, the more I realize that my ADHD is not a footnote in my psyche, but a load-bearing pillar. These videos explain so much.

[@bea.apparently]

This is such a helpful video😄🙌thank you so much for making it😊- I also love how you speak fast and change the camera shots quickly to keep our attention ☺️

[@paulsheridan7408]

I work for the Probation Service in the UK and come across so many people with neurodiverse needs. Your videos are really helpful, thanks.

[@ek4183]

Love this, saw one on Snapchat and had to find the channel. (Kinda took me a min to remember why I opened KZbin after) Got diagnosed a few months ago with ADHD and it’s been a interesting journey.

[@GumballMachinery]

Thank you SO much for making this video!! It normally takes me at least 10 times as long to explain all of this to people. 😅

[@leannbradshaw3016]

I love this idea! I just got diagnosed at 34 and I know this will be super helpful to give to loved ones! Btw just wanted to thank you for your videos, my therapist (who also has ADHD and helped me to get a diagnosis!) referred me to your channel and it has been SUCH a saving grace! Thank you!!! 💜

[@neganlanciani2941]

I really appreciate that you have a lot of movement and different illustrations in the video, it makes it so much easier to focus without my meds :)