Almost everyone with ADHD has had moments where they have said or done something without meaning to. The action comes out before you have time to stop it, and depending on what it is, it can cause disruption. You might be in a conversation with friends and suddenly say something inappropriate without meaning to. Or you might feel yourself drifting out of the conversation, your thoughts racing, and say something random just to re-enter it. Only then do you realise that what you have said is offensive.
This is one of the most frustrating aspects of ADHD, and it often leaves people feeling disappointed in themselves. But in life, everything should be a lesson. So instead of feeling down about what have said, it is usually better to lift your head, apologise if necessary, and move on with a plan. For me, a small reminder on my phone kept my grounded when I needed it most. It wouldn’t even say anything, but whenever I saw it, I was reminded to pause and think before speaking. Small tools like that can help interrupt impulse before it takes over.
That is one side of impulsivity: speech. The other is action. One of the most damaging actions for many people with ADHD is spending money on things they don’t need. Impulse buying. As I mentioned in my last blog, sometimes the best solution is the simplest. Take one step back and ask whether it is actually worth it. Most of the time, it is not.
Impulse itself is not always a bad thing. An impulse buy can occasionally be fun or rewarding. The problem is the pattern. Repeated impulsive behaviour, especially around money, can quickly stress and regret.
The key with impulsivity is keeping yourself grounded and in check. That might mean reminders, notes, boundaries, or personal goals you hold yourself to. Everyone’s process is different.
