Self-compassion

Self-compassion incorporates mindful awareness, self-kindness, and an understanding of common humanity. The practice of self-compassion has been associated with a range of benefits, including resilience, mental well-being, and reduced effects of stigma and shame. Adults with ADHD may be lower in self-compassion than their neurotypical counterparts and may benefit from cultivating self-compassion as a fundamental practice. Coaches and therapists can introduce a client to the concept of self-compassion using examples of compassionate responses to common ADHD-related experiences or thoughts. Helping a client reframe judgmental statements is also an informal way to introduce the application of self-compassion as challenging situations arise. More formal evidence-based practices and exercises, applied over time, offer other tools for clients who want to give additional attention to cultivating their own self-compassion. A practitioner who can support a client with ADHD in developing self-compassion helps pave the way for increased self-acceptance, improved well-being, and greater self-worth.