Exploring Depression, ADHD and Motivation from a Personal and Professional Perspective

As an adult with ADHD, I know first-hand that it can be challenging to differentiate between depression and the issues associated with ADHD. It is easy to confuse the two. As a doctor and patient, I want to explain the distinctions between motivation issues and depression related to my experience living with ADHD. 

 Let me begin by talking about motivation. This is something that people with ADHD have difficulty with all the time. For example, when trying to focus on a project or task at hand, it can be hard for me to stay motivated because of the lack of stimulation from my environment or the task itself. This is a common problem amongst those with ADHD and is often mistaken for depression or apathy. 

When it comes to issues associated with having ADHD, this could mean anything from difficulty focusing on tasks to having trouble managing time effectively or even feeling overwhelmed by specific situations, which can lead to procrastination. The key here is recognizing that these are issues related specifically to having ADHD rather than depression or apathy. Understanding these differences and how they manifest themselves in my life has been an invaluable part of my journey toward better managing my ADHD and executive dysfunctions. 

Finally, there's depression – something that should not be taken lightly as it can have severe consequences if left untreated. Many people think that being depressed means being sad all the time, but it goes much deeper than that; feeling hopelessness, worthlessness, or even having suicidal thoughts are all symptoms of depression and should be treated as such. 

Life can often feel like a relentless tornado of responsibility - full of frenzied activities that threaten to consume and exhaust us. This state has the potential to cause avoidant patterns that affect my mood - making it difficult for even those closest to me to be in its presence! Fortunately, I have been spared major depressive episodes due essentially (my guess) to a great support system available when needed most.

ADHD and depression have different clinical profiles that can be challenging to differentiate. I, as a physician and patient, understand the importance of being mindful of these nuances when introducing treatment plans - something that could give readers an invaluable opportunity to lead more fulfilling lives.