{"id":42409,"title":"Making friends when you have ADHD","description":"#ThinkUniquely is dedicated to supporting those with Neurodiversity, primarily ADHD. We publish informative articles and blogs to try and help those who may be struggling with elements of their Neurodiversity","content":"

Making friends when you have ADHD can sometimes feel like a challenge, and that\u2019s not because you don\u2019t want connections, but because things like sensory overload or social burnout can sneak up on you. Many people with ADHD end up shutting down during social interactions, not because they don\u2019t care, but because managing energy levels and attention spans in busy environments can be hard.<\/p>

One big thing to understand is that it\u2019s not about fitting into traditional social expectations. It's about understanding yourself\u2014what energizes you, what drains you\u2014and communicating that with friends. Knowing when to take breaks and pace yourself in social settings can help you avoid getting overwhelmed. Setting clear boundaries around your energy and attention is also a major step towards better connections.<\/p>

It\u2019s okay to be open with your friends about your needs. True friends will get it and appreciate you for being upfront. You don\u2019t need to follow a script or worry about whether you\u2019re \u201csocializing the right way.\u201d Friendships flourish when you feel comfortable being your authentic self, quirks and all.<\/p>

Now, the good news is there are ways to make navigating friendships a bit easier. If you\u2019ve been feeling stuck in social situations or feeling like you\u2019re shutting down when things get too much, don\u2019t worry\u2014there are strategies that can help!<\/p>

We also found this great article that may help:<\/p>

https:\/\/www.yourtango.com\/self\/people-with-adhd-shut-down-making-friends<\/a><\/p>

5 Tips for Making and Keeping Friends When You Have ADHD:<\/h3>

  1. Be Honest About Your ADHD<\/strong>
    Don\u2019t be afraid to tell your friends about your ADHD. Letting them know how it affects your attention or energy can create understanding and make you feel more comfortable. Whether it\u2019s about losing track of time, getting easily distracted, or needing a break, friends who care will appreciate your openness.<\/p><\/li>

  2. Prioritize Deep Connections Over Quantity<\/strong>
    You don\u2019t need a huge social circle to feel fulfilled. Focus on building deeper, more meaningful connections with a few people. It\u2019s easier to manage and gives you the space to invest time and energy into friendships that truly matter to you.<\/p><\/li>

  3. Set Reminders to Stay Connected<\/strong>
    Forgetting to text back or check in with friends? It happens to all of us with ADHD. Try setting gentle reminders on your phone or calendar to message or call your friends. It shows you care, even if time sometimes gets away from you.<\/p><\/li>

  4. Create a Social Plan That Works for You<\/strong>
    If big social gatherings are draining, suggest smaller meetups that feel more manageable. Meeting one-on-one or in small groups can help you stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed by too much noise or stimulation. Pick environments that you enjoy, like a cozy coffee shop or a quiet park.<\/p><\/li>

  5. Don\u2019t Be Afraid to Take Breaks<\/strong>
    It\u2019s okay to say \u201cno\u201d to social events if you\u2019re feeling burnt out. True friends will understand that sometimes you need time to recharge. Taking care of yourself is key to maintaining strong relationships in the long run, so never feel guilty for needing some space.<\/p>

    <\/p><\/li><\/ol>

    Ultimately, it\u2019s all about balance. Friendships are built on understanding, and when you embrace your unique way of connecting, you\u2019ll find that maintaining meaningful relationships becomes easier and more fulfilling. Just remember, being yourself is enough\u2014and the right people will love and appreciate you for that. #ThinkUniquely<\/p>","urlTitle":"making-friends-when-you-have-adhd","url":"\/blog\/making-friends-when-you-have-adhd\/","editListUrl":"\/my-blogs","editUrl":"\/my-blogs\/edit\/making-friends-when-you-have-adhd\/","fullUrl":"https:\/\/thinkuniquely.co.uk\/blog\/making-friends-when-you-have-adhd\/","featured":false,"published":true,"showOnSitemap":true,"hidden":false,"visibility":null,"createdAt":1725952756,"updatedAt":1725960863,"publishedAt":1725960862,"lastReadAt":null,"division":{"id":285063,"name":"ThinkUniquely"},"tags":[],"metaImage":{"original":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/mzffcolvpdjqusi7hyekf4ly3ip5e2lxrdqdyqt6i0eqquuj.png","thumbnail":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/mzffcolvpdjqusi7hyekf4ly3ip5e2lxrdqdyqt6i0eqquuj.png.jpg?w=1140&h=855","banner":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/mzffcolvpdjqusi7hyekf4ly3ip5e2lxrdqdyqt6i0eqquuj.png.jpg?w=1920&h=1440"},"metaTitle":"","metaDescription":"","series":[],"similarReads":[{"id":32235,"title":"ADHD Awareness Month","url":"\/blog\/adhd-awareness-month\/","urlTitle":"adhd-awareness-month","division":285063,"description":"As the UK embraces the brisk, enchanting onset of October with its whispering winds, russet leaves, and the aromatic allure of pumpkin spice, there\u2019s more on the agenda than the cosy allure of autumn. October is not solely the herald of Halloween festivities and a season of warm jumpers; it also marks a crucial, much-needed spotlight: ADHD Awareness Month. This period is not just a slot on the calendar but a significant epoch that aims to amplify understanding and acknowledgment of ADHD, a condition frequently misinterpreted and, regrettably, often stigmatised","published":true,"metaImage":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/stb07pzdawfotga5n9p3au8birjb8hl0gyo1bujodshx1gdu.jpeg.jpg?w=1140&h=855","banner":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/stb07pzdawfotga5n9p3au8birjb8hl0gyo1bujodshx1gdu.jpeg.jpg?w=1920&h=1440"},"hidden":0},{"id":42685,"title":"ADHD Hyperfocus: When a Simple Task Becomes a 5-Hour Deep Dive into Wikipedia","url":"\/blog\/adhd-hyperfocus-when-a-simple-task-becomes-a-5-hour-deep-dive-into-wikipedia\/","urlTitle":"adhd-hyperfocus-when-a-simple-task-becomes-a-5-hour-deep-dive-into-wikipedia","division":285063,"description":"ADHD hyperfocus is the intense concentration some experience, often leading to deep dives into unrelated topics, like spending hours on Wikipedia. While it can derail productivity, it\u2019s also a superpower when harnessed correctly. With strategies like setting timers and limiting distractions, hyperfocus can be managed and even used to your advantage.","published":true,"metaImage":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/9nbjurbdc5zhsvk6izlw6amqaji7ordnwr6d5vao2a1wasii.png.jpg?w=1140&h=855","banner":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/9nbjurbdc5zhsvk6izlw6amqaji7ordnwr6d5vao2a1wasii.png.jpg?w=1920&h=1440"},"hidden":0},{"id":42594,"title":"What is RSD and how can you deal with it","url":"\/blog\/what-is-rsd-and-how-can-you-deal-with-it\/","urlTitle":"what-is-rsd-and-how-can-you-deal-with-it","division":285063,"description":"Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is a heightened emotional response to perceived or actual rejection, criticism, or failure, and it is particularly prevalent in individuals with Attention-Deficit\/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). For many people with ADHD, rejection or criticism can trigger overwhelming feelings of inadequacy, shame, and sadness, even when the rejection is mild or imagined. While RSD is not an official diagnosis, it is a term that has gained traction within the ADHD community to describe these intense emotional experiences that can deeply affect self-esteem and relationships","published":true,"metaImage":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/n7ihb1m5xhb6qpfgyecfox9gwf5shthdt15ydxoa4qy29fmf.png.jpg?w=1140&h=855","banner":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/n7ihb1m5xhb6qpfgyecfox9gwf5shthdt15ydxoa4qy29fmf.png.jpg?w=1920&h=1440"},"hidden":0}],"labels":[]}