The double-edged sword: ADHD and impulsivity | Kimberly Quinn | TEDxAmoskeagMillyard

There are oodles of research on ADHD in young people. However, there is a dearth of research on the ways ADHD affects seasoned adults and the impact this medically-defined disorder has on their lives. Dr. Kimbery Quinn helps us better understand the ways that ADHD affects adults, the issues they might face in relationships and life, and ways to reframe and help support those we know with this condition. As a professor at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, Dr. Kimberly Quinn teaches cognitive and positive psychology. She’s also a workshop facilitator, who frequently speaks on a variety of topics related to positive psychology, well-being, trauma-informed education, and mindfulness training for schools (students and/or faculty), human services agencies, and business organizations. Her recent research is on the influence of social media on the well-being of college students.

[daniela_]

“It’s not the ADHD that kills us; it’s the underlying shame.” That line alone hit me hard and made me cry. As a woman with ADHD, this TED talk makes me feel seen; like I’m not alone in my struggles.

[EstablishedLowriders]

The saddest part about adhd is only you understand your issues, and everyone else what’s to judge you on your behavior 🤦‍♀️

[aster]

Crying watching this because I feel like ADHD has made my life so difficult.

[someguyontheinternet]

Adhd friends, set play speed to 1.5x, maybe even 2.0x and if on mobile go to full screen so you aren't tempted to scroll through comments. You've got a super power! You have only struggled because the world isn't designed to naturally utilize it. Figure out how you can and show them all wrong. You don't just have "so much potential". You have value you even if you haven't discovered where it is yet. Find your niche, fill it, and you'll be the best in it. You've got this!

[EYTSIRHC]

I’ve had 126 jobs. I’m 33. I dropped out of college because I failed the same math class 7x and I went back and passed with an A. I get stressed and do something impulsive. I moved from Nebraska to Alabama and back and then to Iowa and back. I bought a hamster and a dog. I bought 2 junky vehicles and leased a brand-new car. I stress eat. I took up loom knitting, baking, calligraphy, and went back to school. I have always loved writing, but I struggle to stay focused. My parents, siblings, friends, and boyfriend are at their wits end. I used to have a huge issue with money and food and credit and bills and weight. It’s a lot better, but I’m frustrated I haven’t outgrown it. I worry and stress and spiral out of control. My parents want me to call them when I feel sad, sick, or stressed because they’re tired of my surprises. My boyfriend and I are discussing moving forward and I’m tired of disappointing him. He says I’m not upsetting him, but I know I am. I just can’t control it. I’ve been praying for self-control, but I didn’t realize it was ADHD and not a sin issue or an immaturity issue. I feel like I need a babysitter. It’s hard to stay focused.

[lougf]

Wow! As a parent my adhd could make things fun and carefree, at the same time struggling to get bedtime under control.. At work, it can be being able to juggle several tasks simultaneously yet consistently arriving 10 minutes late and forgetting to write down requests or just forgetting them entirely. Feeling exhilaration at new ideas and then exhausted because I take on too much. Being able to forgive and LITERALLY being mistreated and not recognizing the patterns and being taken advantage of by others. DOUBLE EDGED KIDDING!!

[ginny]

What a blessing to have such a supportive spouse

[zubiatahseen]

Realizing that I am an ADHD has actually made me much more happier than anything else. Everything makes sense now. It wasnt my fault. I was not lazy. I was not a bad girl. I am different and I say it happily. Oh yess I have an atypical brain and I am happy about it.

[JB-cxvk]

I'm tearing up listening to this video. I could have been killed/kidnapped because of my ADHD(which I didn't find out I had until 2 years ago). I was/am a risk taker, and impulsive in my late teens and I was attention starved and just being introduced to the internet. I'm lucky to be alive..

[noeramirez]

I've been struggling with ADHD my whole life and it's destroyed my marriage, relationship with my father that now is in heaven. The last three years it has driven me to impulsive behavior with alcohol and decisions that make me fall behind and end up in the same circle. I'm fed up with it and I've decided to get help once and for all. If you are struggling with ADHD and are married I strongly recommend getting help immediately.

[TylinaVespart]

Oh god, I'm so glad you're talking about the impulsivity bit. Because I masked well it didn't look like I had a problem here... But my life has been a series of months of being responsible to an insane degree, followed by an impulsive moment that I'd then spend months or years accounting for.

It mounts up, and I now struggle to buy anything when we need it. Been diagnosed now and its helping but the marks it leaves on your life are real.

[PennoyerFoyer]

The literal second she said 54 yo, college, and pre-approved credit cards in college ..I burst into tears...I remember those days so fully..and the power I have given myself in FORGIVENESS BECAUSE I WAS NOT DIAGNOSED UNTIL...54.

[afifahragnvindr]

the way she described the 'shame' hits me...

[charlottedickson]

I'm 62, been battling it my whole life, just understanding now how much it shaped my life, I never did homework in my life

Long before it's acronym
it's diagnosis or it's pill
they called us restless dreamers
I'm a restless dreamer still

[openmind]

My issue is my impulsive behavior. It usually comes out when I’m upset. It’s ruined my relationships

[MM-kmzf]

her voice is youthful, calming, and very pleasant.

[kimcom]

This woman makes me proud of my ADHD and impulsivity! I am jealous of her students haha would love to meet her one day

[katherineelizabethco]

During the day when I’m painting I wear headphones to block out distracting rumination. I’ll keep the headphones on when I’m doing household tasks. This helps me, so maybe it could work for others.

[Jack-vhkm]

One of the best speaches ever about the subject, honest and with lot of compassion...thank you very much for sharing your story...

[melissagarcia]

Im crying, so many similarities, so many relationships damaged. Thank you thank you thank you!!!