By Laurian Ward, Counselling Psychologist – Pretoria East
October marks World Mental Health Month, a time to reflect on how we understand and respond to the challenges people face in their emotional and cognitive worlds. One topic that has received increasing attention in recent years is ADHD – a term that now seems to appear in everyday conversations, on social media, and even in workplace banter. But what exactly is ADHD, and why are so many people suddenly identifying with it?
ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects focus, impulse control, and emotional regulation. It is not simply about being “distracted” or “hyper.” It involves a consistent pattern of inattention, restlessness, or impulsivity that significantly interferes with daily life, relationships, and functioning. People with ADHD often describe feeling overstimulated, disorganized, or mentally “scattered,” even when they try their best to stay on track.
Yet, public perception of ADHD has become blurred. On one hand, awareness has grown – a positive step in reducing stigma and helping people seek support. On the other, ADHD has become a kind of cultural shorthand for being busy, distracted, or overwhelmed in a world filled with constant notifications and demands. Many people joke, “I’m so ADHD today,” when they simply feel tired or unfocused. While this may seem harmless, it can unintentionally minimize the daily struggles of those living with the actual condition.
The perception problem runs deeper than casual language. When ADHD is misunderstood as a “trend” or personality quirk, people who genuinely need help may feel dismissed or doubted. Conversely, some may self-diagnose based on relatable online posts rather than through proper assessment, leading to unnecessary worry or confusion. The truth is, ADHD is not one-size-fits-all. It presents differently across ages and genders, and often overlaps with other emotional challenges like anxiety or mood difficulties.
Perception can help when it encourages empathy and awareness—but it can also harm when it replaces informed understanding with assumption. Recognizing that distraction and impulsivity exist on a spectrum helps us appreciate that not every lapse in focus signals ADHD. Modern life demands our attention from multiple directions, and feeling scattered doesn’t automatically mean we have a disorder.
If you find yourself wondering whether you might have ADHD, it’s best to seek a professional assessment rather than rely on social media checklists or self-diagnosis. A qualified psychologist can help determine whether your difficulties fit the diagnostic criteria or whether they stem from stress, sleep problems, or emotional overload.
As we honour World Mental Health Month, let’s move beyond labels and trends. ADHD is real, complex, and manageable with the right understanding and support. Awareness should open doors to compassion and accurate diagnosis, not close them through overgeneralization.
If focus, organization, or emotional regulation are daily struggles, reach out for a professional consultation. Mental health is not about fitting into a label—it’s about finding balance and understanding your mind better.
