Motherhood is a journey filled with joy, challenges, and constant learning. Add to that running a mental health private practice and living with ADHD, and you have a recipe for a uniquely demanding, yet rewarding life. As a mom with ADHD who also runs a private practice focused on mental health, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about balancing responsibilities, embracing my strengths, and navigating the inevitable hurdles that come my way.
Embracing Challenges as Opportunities
Living with ADHD means navigating a world that often demands structure and focus, qualities that don’t always come naturally to me. However, I’ve found that being a mother and a mental health professional has forced me to develop strategies that not only help me manage my symptoms but also empower me to thrive.
One of the biggest challenges I face is maintaining organization and structure in both my personal and professional life. From juggling appointments and client sessions to managing household responsibilities and caring for my family, each day presents a new set of tasks that require careful planning and flexibility.
Strategies for Success
Over the past few months, I’ve developed several strategies that have proven invaluable in managing my ADHD while successfully running my practice and being a present parent:
- Creating Routines and Systems: Establishing daily routines and systems helps me stay organized and reduces the overwhelm of managing multiple responsibilities. This includes setting aside specific times for client sessions, administrative tasks, and quality time with my family.
- Utilizing Technology: Technology has been a game-changer for me. Utilizing apps and digital tools for scheduling, reminders, and task management helps me stay on track and ensures I don’t overlook important deadlines or commitments. However, technology can be a slippery slope for me at times where it contributes to procrastination and distraction. Turning off notifications on my phone and other devices has been really helpful though.
- Outsourcing and Delegation: Recognizing my limitations and not being afraid to delegate tasks has been crucial. Whether it’s outsourcing administrative duties or asking my spouse for support with household chores, delegating tasks allows me to focus on what truly matters in both my personal and professional life.
- Self-Care: As a mental health professional, I prioritize self-care not only for myself but also as a model for my clients. This includes regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and ensuring I have time for hobbies and activities that bring me joy and recharge my energy.
The Gift of Empathy
Living with ADHD has also gifted me with a unique perspective and empathy in my practice. I understand firsthand the challenges of managing symptoms such as impulsivity, distractibility, and difficulty with time management. This allows me to connect more deeply with my clients who may be navigating similar experiences and offer personalized strategies and support.
Finding Balance
Balancing motherhood and a mental health practice requires constant adaptation and self-reflection. There are days when I feel overwhelmed, and moments when I doubt my abilities. However, through it all, I’ve learned to embrace my strengths, celebrate small victories, and seek support when needed, especially in the form of seeing my own therapist.
Final Thoughts
Being a mom with ADHD and running a mental health private practice is undoubtedly challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. It’s about finding creative solutions, embracing flexibility, and learning from each experience. Ultimately, it’s a journey of growth, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of balance between my roles as a mother, a mental health advocate, and a person living with ADHD.
If you’re navigating a similar journey, know that you’re not alone. Embrace your strengths, seek support when needed, and remember that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Our staff are all proud mothers or mother figures and are here to help navigate motherhood in general, especially as neurodivergent mamas!