Susan B. Mullen, LPC

When diagnosing ADHD, it is important to rule out other issues that may be causing the symptoms. Seizure disorders, hearing loss, anxiety, and domestic problems are some examples of problems that can cause behaviors similar to those seen with ADHD.

Treatment can include stimulant medications, behavioral therapy to teach patients ways to navigate their world and control symptoms better, and accommodations at school or work. A structured environment (with lots of organization and well-defined rules) seems to help most kids with ADHD function at their best.

ADHD is mainly thought of as a disorder that affects children, but symptoms can last into adulthood for a third to half of those diagnosed. In adults, ADHD has similar symptoms as when it is seen in children: impulsive behavior, difficulty maintaining focus, being easily distracted, or a tendency to fidget. These symptoms can cause problems in a patient's careers and relationships. Additionally, adults with ADHD are at increased risk for substance abuse. Medications can be an important part of treatment for adults, as well as stress reduction techniques and organization skills training. Specialized ADHD coaches can help adults with ADHD manage their symptoms and succeed in all areas of their life.

These problems and others can make a job seem unbearable. For example, a demanding or detached supervisor can contribute to poor job satisfaction and work anxiety. Similarly, a lack of control in one's job, such as the inability to work on a project or make day-to-day decisions, can diminish one's workplace morale. Many workers in these situations find themselves dissatisfied and eager to leave their jobs or even to become fired. However, resignations and job losses can pose equally challenging career difficulties. Job loss or unemployment can trigger financial stress as well as feelings of isolation, depression, and diminished self-confidence. People experiencing job loss may feel dissatisfied with other job prospects or fear their career opportunities are limited.

For many, mental health therapy can improve negative emotions and behaviors arising from career difficulties and both those with jobs and those experiencing job loss may benefit from therapy. Therapists may listen to people's career difficulties and provide advice for navigating a number of work-related problems. Online counseling can be particularly helpful for career issues in the modern workplace in that direct access to a therapist throughout the day can help alleviate recurring pressure and anxiety arising from one's job. Many people find that therapy or counseling for career difficulties can improve their overall job performance and disposition. For example, therapists can guide people to develop and hone essential skills, such as building the self-confidence necessary to deliver a presentation or the sustained focus needed to complete a lengthy project. For those experiencing job loss or unemployment, therapy can help with feelings of isolation, depression, and diminished self-confidence. Therapists may encourage some to seek other job prospects and opportunities. Like some problems in other areas of life, difficulties in the workplace can be debilitating for some, and consultations with a therapist can help some overcome initial feelings of being overwhelmed.

Career counseling is another option for those with career challenges. Career counselors help people develop professional skills and gain the tools necessary to further their careers. A career counselor may help with job applications, coach practice job interviews, proofread resumes, and provide networking strategies to move someone towards his or her ideal career. Career counseling can also help people navigate work problems like lack of motivation, indecisiveness, and burnout, so that they might better enjoy their current position.

Some people decide to switch career paths in order to achieve happiness and fulfillment. Through personality and aptitude tests, therapists and career counselors can help people identify occupations or industries that are better suited to them. Therapists and counselors also take into account a person's intellectual and physical strengths, as well as what a person values in work, whether that be job security or opportunity for creativity and challenge. Therapists and career counselors may recommend people complete certification courses or educational degrees to shift towards their ideal careers.

Career difficulties are a widespread issue that nearly everyone who works has or will endure at some point in time. Many people find that mental health therapy or career counseling can greatly improve their career satisfaction and overall happiness.

Humans begin to gain self-esteem in childhood from being cared for by adults and reaching natural milestones such as learning how to tie one's shoes. Self-esteem evolves through adolescence and adulthood, and can change drastically based on one's positive and negative experiences. It's important to develop healthy self-esteem to navigate through challenges, make decisions, and gain motivation to pursue interests.

Self-esteem issues can influence one's emotions, behavior, relationships, and world view. Self-esteem issues frequently arise from low self-esteem. Low self-esteem can be caused by factors such as trauma, caregiver neglect, abuse, bullying, and academic, social, or professional difficulties. Stressful life events such as parental divorce, caregiver conflict, and financial problems may also contribute to low self-esteem. In recent years, researchers have highlighted the influence of social media in negatively impacting adolescents' mental health. Common signs of low self-esteem include:

• Focusing on failures instead of accomplishments
• Feeling triggered when making mistakes
• Constantly comparing oneself to others in a negative way
• Lacking confidence

Excessive self-esteem can also be problematic in that it can hinder one's ability to form relationships with others. People with extremely high self-esteem may appear to be conceited or entitled. Some researchers suggest very high self-esteem can lead people to engage in more risk-taking behaviors. Causes of excessive self-esteem are less well-known, but may include upbringing, personality, and cognitive biases.

Fortunately, self-esteem issues can be readily addressed at any time. Positive self-affirmations recognizing one's own accomplishments can raise low self-esteem. Accepting one's own weaknesses and imperfections can benefit those with both low and high self-esteem. People with self-esteem issues often find therapy is an effective means to improve their self-esteem and mental health. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people with self-esteem issues identify and change destructive patterns of thought. Support groups, family counseling, and antidepressant medication may also help with self-esteem issues.

Maintaining a positive outlook and belief in oneself can go a long way towards forming healthy self-esteem. Developing a strong sense of self can be important for well-being and contributes to overall happiness and success in life.