I Recently Learned That October Is ADHD Awareness Month

I recently learned that October is ADHD Awareness Month

I do suspect I have the combined type but regardless I would like to help spread some awareness by providing some resources (linked at the bottom) + sharing stuff about my Spitzer Space Telescope OC who's ADHD-coded

Spitzer himself has the Combined type, so he has a mix of both inattentive and hyperactive symptoms. He takes pride in his hyperfixations and the hobbies/activities he loves that keep him stimulated. Drumming keeps him moving, and infodumping about astronomy gives him joy. It's especially exoplanets and the infrared side of astronomy that grabs his attention. Listening to noisy breakcore while cleaning up works like a charm. But he also has to find ways to manage troubling symptoms.

Spitzer is prone to being overwhelmed, and that had become more problematic later in his life when burnouts became more apparent and debilitating due to executive dysfunction. He has trouble getting tasks done by himself as he can overlook details or rush/skip steps and often gets distracted and doesn't even realize it. He also has trouble regulating the stress that comes, among other stressors.

His family was able to help him in those aspects. Kepler and Hubble both spent time to help him follow a daily schedule he liked, gave him reminders, and helped to break tasks up into smaller bits. Kepler was there for Spitzer to make sure his observations were on track, but the two took part in a lot of body-doubling, support swapping, and especially infodumping. Hubble wanted to make activities more engaging for Spitzer, and tries to make sure that, when they both hang out, it's something they both can enjoy.

Stargazer did the most when it came to emotional support. She was very comforting, very open, and taught him techniques to ground himself. Spitzer personally thinks that her hugs are the best hugs. Deep pressure helps when he gets stressed; his family knows how well hugs do, but Stargazer's hugs in particular made him feel safe and secure.

Whether or not you have ADHD, there's plenty of ways to support and help someone you know who suspects or has it, and if done, it can go a long way! ADHD has its positive sides but it can also be an actual struggle to live.

ADHDAwarenessMonth

ADDitude

CHADD

(These websites come with plenty of resources, activities, and additional information)

My personal advice and this is something that I think goes a long way: if you're stressed out, take some time to try meditating. It's a good way to ground yourself and has personally helped me with my racing thoughts, and sessions don't have to be long. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water and take steps to get yourself on a diet that can help with your symptoms. ADHD also involves a chemical imbalance in the brain, which can be affected by what you eat. If you do your body good, you can also do your brain good.

And plus, drinking some nice cold water feels refreshing!