ADHD Tax
When I first heard the term “ADHD Tax,” I felt incredibly validated and also a little bit mad. It’s a very real and VERY widely shared side effect of Chaos, yet there is no formal relief.
What is ADHD Tax? ADHD Tax is a relatively newer term, probably born of social media, that refers to the additional cost that people who live with ADHD, Chaos, and Neurodivergence end up incurring. It is not a literal government tax, but the unofficial waste of money, energy, and health that we Chaotics encounter. (Think late fees, impulse purchases, replacing lost or ruined items and emotional stress like frustration, shame and embarrassment.)
Ever find yourself repeatedly throwing away wilted vegetables or those avacados that are only ripe for a window of 30 seconds? Misplacing your keys for the hundredth time? Missing appointments you swore you'd remember or be awake for?
The Financial Toll
Late Fees: Bills forgotten until past due? Library books returned a year late? It all adds up.
Impulse Buys: That dopamine rush from a new gadget can override our better judgment, leaving us with buyer's remorse (and less cash).
Lost Items: Keys, wallets, important documents... they vanish into thin air, forcing us to replace them (again).
Missed Opportunities: Forgetting deadlines or appointments can cost us fees, promotions, raises, or even jobs.
The Emotional Toll
Stress and Anxiety: The constant struggle to keep up can leave us feeling overwhelmed and anxious.
Shame and Guilt: We internalize our mistakes and feel like we're not good enough, despite our best efforts.
Strained Relationships: Our forgetfulness and disorganization can hurt loved ones and create tension.
The Physical Toll
Chronic Pain and Exhaustion: Tension headaches, muscle aches, and even digestive problems can be triggered or worsened by stress. There is also a correlation between ADHD and physical conditions such as hypermobility and chronic exhaustion.
Increased Risk of Accidents: Impulsivity and inattention can make us more prone to injuries from falls, traffic collisions, and other mishaps (like running into a door frame for the millionth time).
Neglecting Self-Care: We may forget (or straight up avoid) to eat, exercise, or take medications, impacting our physical well-being.
Substance Abuse: Many individuals with ADHD may turn to substances to chase dopamine and stimulation, leading to additional health risks.
Sleep Problems: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both, can lead to exhaustion and affect overall health.
Tips for Minimizing the ADHD Tax
While we can't completely eliminate the ADHD tax, we can take steps to reduce its impact:
Create Systems: Use calendars, reminders, checklists, and apps to help you stay organized and on track. (Or ask your coach to hold you accountable!)
Set Realistic Goals: Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Then break those down into smaller steps.
Seek Support: Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, therapists, or coaches.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself when you make mistakes. Remember, ADHD is a neurological condition, not a character flaw.
Personally, I have worked hard over the last few years to focus on acceptance. If that bag of kale goes bad for the hundredth time, I no longer berate myself for wasting money and offending Mother Nature.
Beyond the Tax: The Strengths of ADHD
It's important to remember that ADHD isn't all bad. Our unique brains come with amazing strengths like creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, and hyperfocus. By understanding and managing the challenges, we can fully embrace the gifts of our neurodiversity.
You're Not Alone
If you're struggling with the ADHD tax, know that you're not alone. There are millions of us navigating this same terrain. By sharing our experiences, supporting each other, and advocating for ourselves, we can create a world where ADHD is understood and celebrated. Maybe we could get the government to give us a real tax break to help with all that rotten kale?
