Building Community: The Benefits Of An ADHD Support Group

Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may experience unique challenges in daily life, but they are not alone. Finding an ADHD support group can help you connect with others who have ADHD, talk about your experiences and challenges, give and receive advice, and share resources. This peer support can serve as an added coping strategy for managing ADHD. 

ADHD support groups can happen in any place, at any time, as long as there are enough group members to engage in a meaningful conversation. A support group may be led by a licensed mental health professional, such as a therapist, or by another group member, depending on the collective goals of the group. Building a community through support groups can reduce feelings of isolation and stigma often associated with ADHD, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance. Combining support groups with therapy can be especially beneficial for those living with ADHD.

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What are ADHD support groups? 

An ADHD support group can be defined as a community of people who come together to discuss issues or ideas related to ADHD. 

ADHD support groups can offer many benefits to group members, including the following: 

Emotional support

Individuals with ADHD may experience feelings of isolation and loneliness more frequently than other people. Support groups can provide a safe and understanding environment where individuals can share their experiences, frustrations, and successes with others who can relate. 

Validation and understanding 

Being part of a group of individuals who share similar challenges can validate your experiences and feelings. It can also provide a sense of belonging and acceptance, helping to reduce the stigma often associated with ADHD.

Education and information

Support groups may provide helpful information about ADHD, including symptoms, the diagnostic process, treatment options, and coping strategies, which can help members better understand their condition and how to manage it effectively.

Practical tips and strategies

Members can share practical tips and strategies for managing ADHD symptoms in daily life, including organization techniques, time management skills, and ways to improve focus and concentration.

Peer mentorship

Support groups can provide opportunities for peer mentorship, where individuals with more experience living with ADHD can offer guidance and support to those who are newly diagnosed or struggling.

Accountability

Being part of a support group can provide a sense of accountability, as members can set goals and check in with each other on their progress, helping to motivate individuals to take positive steps toward managing ADHD symptoms.

ADHD support groups can take many different forms. You may be able to find a local ADHD support group that meets your needs, but support groups can also take place online. Support groups may focus on a particular group, including children, adults, and parents or loved ones impacted by ADHD.

Benefits of ADHD support groups

For individuals with ADHD, finding a support group to attend regularly may come with many social and emotional benefits. Managing ADHD symptoms at home, in the workplace, or at school can be stressful and isolating. One benefit of a dedicated ADHD support group may be that you can receive emotional support and validation from other people who share similar experiences, which may reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Being part of an ADHD support group can also mean that you may learn new strategies and coping skills from other group members. These may include more specific strategies for managing a particular ADHD symptom, as well as general mindfulness strategies, like deep breathing techniques, meditation, or journaling. The power of a support group often comes from the diverse ways of thinking and interacting within the group, which can lead to new solutions and ideas.  

How to find the right ADHD support group

Finding a support group that makes you feel comfortable may be the most important factor in determining whether you stick with it. When looking for an adult ADHD support group, you may make a list of appealing groups and attend a session or two before committing long-term. One way to do this can be to ask friends, a mental health professional, or other individuals with ADHD for a recommendation. 

Once you have a potential group in mind, you may start to attend group meetings. A meeting may follow various structures, but generally, the format includes a time set aside for members to share their stories or talk about how ADHD has impacted them recently. After members share, the meeting may move on to a discussion about a specific ADHD-related topic or whatever the group would like to discuss.   

Due to the sensitive nature of the topics discussed during a support group, it may be beneficial to seek out groups with a trained facilitator or leader who can design the discussion to be inclusive and safe.  

Tips for getting the most out of an ADHD support group

ADHD support groups tend to be participatory, meaning that to get the most out of the group, you may need to participate in discussions or activities. When getting started with a new ADHD support group, there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself and ensure that the support group is useful for you. 

Set realistic expectations

Some individuals may idealize the idea of a support group or expect immediate solutions to their challenges. By setting realistic expectations, individuals can avoid disappointment if their goals are not met right away. Joining a support group will not necessarily make your ADHD symptoms disappear. However, over time, it can help you develop skills to reduce symptoms. 

It may be beneficial to make a list of expectations before starting your support group journey and share these expectations with a therapist or other supportive person to decide whether they are realistic. For these expectations, setting a timeline and reevaluating throughout the process can ensure you achieve your goals. 

Actively participate and share experiences

Active participation may be important for individuals who attend an ADHD support group. Participating by sharing thoughts or experiences can help a person with ADHD get their ideas out so that other group members can offer support and help. While you may be able to learn techniques or strategies by simply watching and listening to other’s stories, it can be beneficial to share your own story and get personalized advice. 

While your participation can be important for your growth, it may also be crucial to the growth of your support community as a whole. When you participate and share your story, you may provide insight and ideas to another person in the group to help them through a challenging time. Over time, the relationships you build through your ADHD support group can become mutually beneficial. 

Be open to learning from others and trying new strategies

During a support group session, you may learn many new strategies for managing ADHD symptoms or for living with ADHD. While many of these will work for some people, they may not all work for you. Going in with an open mind and trying new strategies can help you find what works for you and what doesn’t. 

An ADHD support group usually gives members a chance to learn from each other's experiences while gaining valuable insights that can support them. Each member of the support group may bring a unique set of experiences and perspectives, and being open-minded may enable individuals to benefit from the collective experiences of the group. During a group session, many different perspectives can be presented, and it may be beneficial to work with a therapist to understand how different strategies may impact your current symptoms. 

Work with a therapist

Individuals with ADHD may benefit from pairing a support group with regular therapy sessions. However, finding the time to fit in a trip to the therapist’s office can be challenging. Online therapy may provide an added layer of flexibility in choosing the time and location of your therapy session. 

Studies show that online therapy can be beneficial in reducing symptoms for individuals with ADHD. An online therapist can work with you to develop coping strategies to overcome challenges related to ADHD in everyday life. After an ADHD support group meeting, a therapist may help you reflect on the session and put new strategies into action.