Can ADHD and suicide be linked in certain circumstances?

IainJammyboy

Asking for myself - especially since there's not alot out there that people say other than it being a "concentration issue"

JustV

Disclaimer: not a doctor, but I've recently been diagnosed and learned a LOT about ADHD. It's definitely more than a concentration issue, but people tend not to go into it more deeply.

One of the first things I learned about it was that it's known in the sector as one of the worst named disorders. People with ADHD don't lack focus, they lack the ability to regulate it so it tends to be all over the place. It also impacts things like your working memory and how you perceive time, which is why people with ADHD tend to be late, disorganised, and forgetful. It's very deep and has a big impact on executive function (which is your ability to do things).

For reliable, medical/academic info on ADHD I'd really recommend Russel Barkley's videos. He's been researching it since the 70's and has some great bite-sized pieces. I was 'meh' about getting a diagnosis or learning more until I saw his videos and they validated my entire life:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tpB-B8BXk0

Healthy Gamer is another great channel run by a licensed specialist.

IainJammyboy wrote: »

Asking for myself - especially since there's not alot out there that people say other than it being a "concentration issue"

With your question specifically, there are a few things I'm happy to pass on that I've learned.

ADHD is a chronic disorder that requires active management to prevent secondary harms. Unmanaged or untreated ADHD can lead to things like broken relationships, social isolation, chronic disorganisation, trouble maintaining a job, etc. So the ADHD in and of itself doesn't necessarily lead to depression, but the secondary effects of it can.

It also doesn't help that society makes the things people with ADHD struggle with into moral issues (being on time, studying well, maintaining your relationships, maintaining a nice house), which leads to a lot of shame and ostracisation for people who have it.

Healthy Gamer actually has a video out where he says that people who are diagnosed with depression first have a 3% chance of also being diagnosed with ADHD. But people who get the ADHD diagnosis first have a 70% chance of also being diagnosed with depression.

They're quite connected I think because of how ADHD affects people, especially when it's untreated or you don't have the support you need.

Then if you think about suicidality as a symptom of depression, which is a secondary effect of unmanaged ADHD, I suppose you could draw a line that way.

Sorry, a little long-winded! I hope that helps - why do you ask?

JustV

There's also some research into the effects of unrecognised ADHD in children, and depending on the environment the child grows up in, that experience can literally be traumatic. Because you have situations like the one I had where you grow up knowing you're just as smart as everyone else, but for some reason you can't put pen to paper and get stuff done.

And you can imagine if you're carrying those experiences and that trauma into adolescence and adulthood, that adds another layer of mental health stuff.

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IainJammyboy

@JustV tank you - I'll sum it up for you, but I think with all this emotional disregulation, these concentration problems, suicide attempts and whatnot - it makes alot of sense I think, I just can't relax. Part of it too is that my anger gets so much aswell to the point my parents are terrified to even come near me, but it's not something I can control - and my dad is the exact same as me with everything. Going private to get a diagnosis so I don't end up attempting suicide again or something and to just be happy again. I am completely sure though that this isn't related to epilepsy or borderline personality disorder as the NHS say, but they're going to discharge me anyways because I don't want antidepressants or this group "therapy" I get offered. It makes alot of sense

Laura_tigger82

I can really hear how you don't feel able to control this @IainJammyboy - even if it has unfortunate consequences for you and how your dad is the exact same as you. How are you feeling about the idea of seeking a private diagnosis at the moment? We are really proud of you for keeping going, even when things are really tough for you and we are here with you. You deserve to feel happy again and to have your needs recognised and supported

Amy22

Also a fellow ADHD'er and to answer your question I both agree with @JustV and @Faolan as ADHD is not just about struggling to focus or concentrate. I think the whole focus aspect comes from the 'stereotyped' idealisation of someone with ADHD.

It can have multiple factors such as time blindness, where we can be oblivious to time so it can beharder to complete tasks or meet deadlines. There's exective function and dysfunction too which has a big part in ADHD. We want to do things and be able to do them but we just haven't got the energy to do so. Therefore, it isn't just down to focus but also the factor that our bodies and mind function differently.

I tend to use the spoon theory analogy to describe executive dysfunction and function. So whenever I want to do something such as getting dressed or even cleaning my room, it costs me a spoon. There are days when I have more spoons than other days therefore when I run out of spoons I know that I haven't got the energy to do things. This means that I can't physically do anything so I need to relax. It can be quite hard trying to relax with ADHD especially when there are thousand of thoughts floating around. I tend to use meditation on youtube to help me ground or indulge in a hobby or watch TV as I find it helps me to relax. I wonder if there is anything you could use or do to help you relax in the moment?. I know it's easier said than done but there must be something you find that does help in someway. It could be something even quite small too.

On another note, depression can be linked to ADHD as it can cause us to feel quite low especially with executive dysfunction. Also, there tends to be a higher percentage of people with ADHD who may struggle with self esteem too as they put a lot of pressure on themselves or feel guilty that they aren't doing anything. But as @JustV said ADHD doesn't always lead to getting depression but the secondary effects of it can have an affect. I'm probably not the best at advice as I am still learning about this each day but I hope this helps you .

Sending hugs,

Amy22