ADHD in Post-Secondary

Relationship Challenges

Challenges with emotion regulation (e.g., you have a tendency to become overwhelmed by emotions), impulsiveness (e.g., you find it hard to listen to people and often interrupt), and organization (e.g., you forget social events or show up late) can impact relationships with co-workers, family, friends, and partners.

For dating relationships and when to disclose you have ADHD, check out Mellissa Orlov’s suggestions. She uses a gender specific example (How Do I Tell My New Partner About ADHD Without Her Running for the Hills?) but, if you can get around the she/her pronouns, the tips about what a partner helpfully understands about ADHD could apply to relationships whatever the genders or preferred pronouns.

For partner relationships, there is a similar problem with non-inclusive language: information and resources often refer to “marriage.” However, the reflections and ideas presented can also often be applied to any committed relationship. If this topic is of interest, one place to begin might be with Melissa Orlov and Dr. Hallowell’s blogs on this topic.

For a lighter treatment of the emotional journey that may come with ADHD, see Rick Green’s videos on his website TotallyADD.

Psychology Today has an article titled “50 Ways Not to Leave Your ADHD Lover” with some helpful ideas.