The Modern Dilemma: Everyone Feels Distracted — So How Do You Know if It’s ADHD?
Almost every adult I meet says the same thing:
“I can’t focus lately.”
“My brain just doesn’t shut off.”
“I’m so overwhelmed, is this ADHD or just burnout?”
It’s a fair question. We live in a world that practically manufactures distraction. But ADHD and stress aren’t the same thing, even though they can look eerily similar from the outside.
How ADHD and Stress Overlap
Both can cause:
Trouble concentrating
Forgetfulness
Irritability or emotional overwhelm
Difficulty finishing tasks
When we’re stressed, our brains prioritize survival not spreadsheets. When we have ADHD, the brain’s executive system (the part that organizes, prioritizes, and remembers) is wired differently all the time, not just during tough weeks.
Clues It Might Be ADHD — Not Just Stress
You’ve struggled with focus, organization, or time management since childhood (even if you “masked” it well).
You thrive under pressure but fall apart with unstructured tasks.
You can hyperfocus for hours on things that interest you but can’t seem to start things that don’t.
You feel constant guilt for being “lazy” despite putting in a huge amount of effort.
Stress might make symptoms worse, but ADHD is the engine. Stress is just pressing harder on the gas.
When to Get Tested
If you’ve tried every productivity hack, planner, and vitamin, but still feel like your brain runs on a different operating system it’s time for data, not self-doubt.
An ADHD assessment helps separate what’s situational (stress) from what’s neurological (ADHD). It gives you clarity, language, and an action plan not just more self-blame.
