ADHD and What I Would Tell #MyYoungerSelf | Michael Phelps - YouTube

Michael Phelps is an American swimmer, who has won a record-breaking 19 Olympic medals during his swimming career. He has lived with attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder.

For Phelps, a gangly, hyperactive child who was diagnosed with the condition aged nine, the swimming pool was a sanctuary, a place to burn off excess energy. His mother, Debbie, once recalled being told by a teacher: "Your son will never be able to focus on anything." It's interesting that the boy who was unable to concentrate at school would sit for four hours at swimming meets waiting to compete in five minutes of races.

In an interview, Phelps said that swimming gave him better energy management and reduced his tendency to fidget. Michael Phelps like many other students with ADHD struggled to concentrate in class and was a fidgety student in the sixth grade. His pediatrician gave him an ADHD diagnosis. Although the medicine did help him be less "jumpy" at school, he realized at the age of 13 that he was using it as a crutch. He believed that if he used his mind to focus and control his actions, he could help himself without utilizing medication. With the help of his doctor, Michael weaned himself off the medicine and discovered the strength of his mind to concentrate on his studies and maintain self-control.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects many children around the world. ADHD when left undiagnosed and unattended, it creeps into adulthood and takes the name as Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity (A-ADHD) In 2020, the prevalence of persistent adult ADHD was 2.58%, while the prevalence of symptomatic adult ADHD was 6.76%. These numbers translate to 139.84 million and 366.33 million afflicted adults globally. In general, attention-deficit disorder is characterised by inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity.

How to manage ADHD

Michael Phelps dealt with his ADHD issues while crediting his inclination to swimming. Phelps told Men's Fitness, "I felt calmer being able to get in the water." "I noticed that the more time I spent in the water, the more at ease I felt. I made the decision to continue because it was thrilling and difficult.” Michael Phelps like other celebrities Paris Hilton, Justin Timberlake, Simon Biles has ADHD issues but, Michael Phelps spoke openly about ADHD issues and emphasized that when someone had to face such concern they should talk to someone about it.

When we talk about treatment, behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is typically advised by doctors. When a preschooler (age 4 or 5) is diagnosed with ADHD, it is typically the course of action, however, a child psychologist in consultation with psychiatrist may also suggest for medication treatment if they notice no improvement or if their symptoms are strong or persistent.

Psychological counselling (psychotherapy), psychoeducation about the disorder, and self-care techniques are typically included in counselling for adult ADHD. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which teaches particular methods to control your behaviour and transform negative thought patterns into positive ones, is a commonly used for ADHD. It can assist you in overcoming obstacles in your life, including difficulties at job, school, or in your personal relationships, as well as in addressing other mental health issues, such depression or substance abuse. In addition to CBT, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Family Therapy can assist you in managing social and emotional difficulties and help family members to understand about ADHD. Online counselling can be also effective while seeking help for ADHD. While taking crucial step toward treatment process, take free online self-assessment, and talk to your online counsellor about your symptoms. An online consultation with best clinical psychologists near me or best psychiatrist near me is strongly recommended. The ABA Therapist develops an integrated education development plan for your child. It has been noted in many of the cases that there is co-morbidity with autism, OCD or depression which need intervention.

Video Credit: Child Mind Institute | ADHD and What I Would Tell #MyYoungerSelf | Michael Phelps - YouTube

Source

• What can athletes with ADHD teach us about the condition? | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder | The Guardian
• Helping a Son With Attention-Deficit Disorder Achieve Gold-Medal Focus - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
• Michael Phelps opens up about his struggles with mental health (boston.com)
• https://www.psychologytoday.com/
• https://clearcomfort.com/
• https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/ss/sl
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGynNTwUq3Y
• The prevalence of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A global systematic review and meta-analysis - PMC (nih.gov)
• https://sports.yahoo.com/michael-phelps-will-analyze-swimming-as-part-of-nb-cs-broadc[…]4nwmjJDX-y6ZH_dSieELhA7oZSUlVcowwnWIheqRG7hFlx-Ucn9UCpjnpVKN

Self-care Tips to overcome ADHD:

• Set your regular activities and set reminder for it; Take proper sleep
• Work with on a single task rather than work on different things simultaneously
• Minimize external distractions; Schedule your time
• Exercise regularly; Practice mindfulness
• Avoid caffeine; Change your diet
• Stay connected; Try to relate to new people
• Engage in Social surrounding and Involve family functions
• Write down your thoughts