Sound familiar? 30 Common Signs of ADHD
Have you ever wondered if you might have ADHD—but weren’t sure what that actually looks like in real life? While many people think ADHD is just about being distracted, the truth is far more complex. ADHD affects not just attention, but emotions, energy levels, relationships, and how you experience the world.
If you find yourself constantly overwhelmed, exhausted, or struggling to keep it all together, you’re not alone. And if you're in Missouri and ready to explore these patterns with support, therapy in St. Louis can be a powerful first step toward clarity and relief.
Common ADHD Symptoms You Might Not Recognize Right Away
Here are some signs that ADHD may be playing a role in your day-to-day struggles:
Trouble focusing during conversations – You see their mouth moving, but your brain has drifted elsewhere.
Immediately forgetting what someone just said – You hear it, but you can’t retain it.
Constant fatigue – Even a normal work week wipes you out. You need the whole weekend just to recover.
Social anxiety and isolation – Social events feel draining or stressful, so you often say no.
Feeling low or down most of the time – There’s a persistent sense of sadness you can’t shake.
Anxiety that never seems to shut off – You're in a near-constant state of worry.
Sleep problems – You’ve “never been a good sleeper.”
Chronic worrying or rumination – You replay situations and worry about things you can’t control.
Irritability – You get overwhelmed or upset easily.
Trouble “coming down” from big feelings – Once you’re overwhelmed, it’s hard to reset.
Overeating as a form of stimulation – You snack during TV or tasks to stay engaged, even when you’re not hungry.
Sensory overwhelm – Loud spaces, crowded rooms, or even strong smells can push you over the edge.
Sensitivities – To light, noise, food, medication, pain—your system feels like it’s on high alert.
Routine disruption leads to meltdown – You rely on routine and feel lost without it.
Losing things constantly – Disorganization gets in the way of daily life.
Low self-esteem – You’ve accomplished things, but still don’t feel good enough.
Body image issues – You’re uncomfortable in your body or critical of how you look.
Perfectionism – You strive to do everything just right to avoid feeling like a failure.
Struggling with basic self-care – Even brushing your hair or changing clothes feels like a big lift some days.
Panic attacks when overwhelmed – You sometimes reach a breaking point.
Inconsistent self-care – You forget to eat, sleep, or move consistently.
Forgetting things even with reminders – Your system just feels disorganized.
Word-finding difficulties – You sometimes lose your train of thought mid-sentence.
Over-excitement – You get overly enthusiastic when talking about something you love.
Chronic health conditions – ADHD and things like autoimmune issues, GI problems, and allergies often overlap.
Self-loathing – You struggle with the deep feeling that something is “wrong” with you.
Polarized thinking – You see things in extremes: all good or all bad, no in-between.
Planning without action – You have great ideas but struggle to execute them.
Work or school feels safer than socializing – Structure feels calming; relationships feel unpredictable.
People-pleasing – Especially common in women with ADHD, you overextend to gain approval.
What It All Means
If you see yourself in several of these signs, it doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with you. It may mean your brain just works differently—and you’ve been trying to function in a world that wasn’t designed for it.
ADHD manifests differently for everyone, but there are common threads that therapy can help untangle. Through therapy in St. Louis, you can explore your patterns in a safe, supportive space. You’ll build understanding, gain practical tools, and most importantly, start to feel more like yourself again.
Therapy in St. Louis: What Support Can Look Like
Here’s how therapy can help if you suspect you’re living with ADHD:
Clarity and evaluation support – Whether you’ve been diagnosed or not, therapy can help you explore your symptoms.
Emotion regulation tools – Learn how to manage overwhelm, anxiety, and irritability.
Self-esteem support – Challenge the self-doubt and inner criticism that often come with ADHD.
Routines that work for your brain – Develop systems that support you instead of draining you.
Compassionate space to unpack your story – We’ll look at where your patterns come from—and how to shift them with care.
ADHD doesn’t have to define your life. With support, it’s entirely possible to manage the hard parts and lean into your strengths.
You’re Not Alone—And Help Is Available
Therapy is a powerful way to begin reconnecting with yourself, understanding your patterns, and developing a healthier, more sustainable way to live. If you’re ready to get curious about whether ADHD is affecting your life, or if you already know and want support, I’m here.
Schedule your free consultation here: https://edie-rasmussen.clientsecure.me
I provide therapy in St. Louis for women navigating ADHD, anxiety, overwhelm, and burnout. You don’t have to carry this on your own anymore.
