Forgetting things, trouble focusing, and putting off tasks are symptoms we can all relate to. However, they may be signs of a larger problem.
Sean Brehemy didn't know he was struggling with ADHD, or hyper attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, until he was in his 30s.
"It just became an overwhelming mental aspect of day-to-day that was really hindering the ability to be successful in multiple avenues," Brehemy said.
After returning home from the Marine Corps, he struggled to keep a job, woke up in the middle of the night riddled with anxiety, and often forgot to finish tasks. One day, his wife encouraged him to write down every time one of these things happened.
"When I became aware of that, it was probably 75% of my day that a task would become started but unfinished, or I'd get distracted from it easily and stressed or anxious about it," Brehemy said.
According to Forbes Health, 10% of adults in the U.S. have ADHD. Mental health professionals say they saw a significant increase in adults seeking treatment since 2020.
“If we're not treating ADHD, then we're going to struggle with aspects of anxiety and aspects of major depression," said Lee Health clinical therapist and licensed mental health counselor Derick Duston.
He treats ADHD patients by finding out what's causing them to struggle and giving them coping strategies.
“We're going to help them identify ways to structure their life so that they're not disorganized and they're not losing items. Put things back where they belong, and to try and find a pattern in their life to get organization. Focus on breaking big tasks down to small tasks,” Duston said.
Brehemy admits it took him a while to seek help.
“I felt like you're a man, right? You have to keep it all together. Your kids and your wife are allowed to fall apart at any point in time. But it's your responsibility always is to always hold that in place," Brehemy said.
However, with a lot of therapy, determination, and discipline, he says it's made all the difference.
"I can pridefully say that today I wake up with a pretty clear, cognitive mindset. It doesn't go away, but you can eliminate the distractions, anxiety, stress, and all the things that come along with it that are negative if you focus on certain aspects," Brehemy said.
DOWNLOAD
the free
Gulf Coast News app
for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more.