The Link Between ADHD and Anxiety and How to Treat Both
Living with both ADHD and anxiety can feel like you're always juggling more than you can carry. Many people do not realize that these two conditions often show up together, and when they do, everyday life can feel even harder to manage. From racing thoughts to forgetfulness to trouble sleeping, the combination can be confusing and exhausting.
The start of the new year can make things even more noticeable. With the winter months moving in and routines getting back in full swing, it is common to feel off balance. If you live in a busy place like New York City or across the river in New Jersey, the noise, pace, and pressure can add to the stress, making small challenges feel much bigger. That is why it helps to understand how these two issues connect and why getting ADHD counseling might be a helpful next step.
What ADHD Looks Like in Daily Life
ADHD is often thought of as something only kids deal with, but adults live with it, too. It can just look a little different once you are older. Instead of bouncing from one thing to another out loud, you might feel restless on the inside or lose focus in the middle of your thoughts.
Here is what ADHD might look like day to day:
Trouble focusing or finishing tasks that need your full attention, especially if they are boring or repetitive
Forgetting where you put things, skipping appointments, or missing details without meaning to
Feeling wired or keyed up, even when everyone else seems calm
Sometimes people think they are just disorganized or lazy, when they might actually be showing signs of ADHD. These signs are easy to miss, especially when life is hectic and full of distractions. It is also common to confuse ADHD with anxiety since both can create similar struggles.
How Anxiety Shows Up and Why It’s Often Missed
Anxiety can sneak up on you. It does not always look like panic or fear. Sometimes it is just a quiet buzz in the background, showing up as overthinking or worrying too much about things that might go wrong.
Here are some experiences that point to anxiety:
Getting stuck in your head, replaying conversations or planning out endless “what if” situations
Feeling tense in your body, like your shoulders are always tight or your stomach will not settle
Avoiding things you need or want to do, not because you are lazy, but because worrying makes it harder to start
Because anxiety can feel like a part of adulthood, some people just get used to it. But if you are constantly worried or not sleeping well, that is not just "normal." It is even harder when you live in a fast-paced city like NYC, where the atmosphere can keep your stress level on high.
How ADHD and Anxiety Work Together
ADHD and anxiety do not just happen side by side. They often affect each other in a back-and-forth way that can be hard to break.
Here is how that cycle might look:
ADHD makes it easy to forget something important or miss a deadline, which leads to feeling ashamed or anxious
Worry from anxiety makes it hard to focus and you feel disorganized, which makes ADHD symptoms feel even worse
The more these patterns repeat, the harder it is to feel like you can trust yourself with even simple things
But this loop is not a personal failure. It actually happens when both conditions work against each other. Understanding that connection can make a big difference, especially when you are tired of feeling stuck.
Ways to Treat ADHD and Anxiety at the Same Time
Treating both ADHD and anxiety does not have to mean picking one over the other. In fact, it is better to look at how they show up together and get support that fits your real day to day life.
Professional therapeutic support can include things like:
Talking with a therapist who is knowledgeable and can understand what it is like to live with both diagnoses
Using therapy to build steady routines instead of trying to push through on your own
Practicing ways to calm your body and mind, like mindful breathing or taking short breaks during your day
We offer evidence-based therapy designed for individuals managing the stressors of ADHD and anxiety in New York City. You can access our services both in-person and telehealth counseling to find support that fits your daily schedule and unique needs. Sometimes, more than one type of help is needed, and that is okay. The important thing is finding small, steady steps that work for where you are right now. Treatment does not have to be rigid. It can shift and grow with you.
Finding Your Focus in the City
Living with ADHD and anxiety at the same time is more common than most people think, especially among young professionals, parents, and individuals balancing multicultural identities in a fast-moving environment. It can leave you drained, frustrated, or wondering what is wrong. But these are real struggles that can be understood and supported with our tailored approach to therapy for ADHD and anxiety.
By learning more about both and how they connect, you can give yourself the chance to feel steadier in your day-to-day life. Focus and calm do not have to feel out of reach. Getting support, on your own terms and timeline, can help make things clearer and lighter.
Many people living with ADHD and anxiety feel stuck in the same repeating patterns, especially in a busy city like New York where it is hard to truly slow down and reset. Getting to know how your brain works is a big part of finding support that makes daily routines, work, and life feel easier. When you feel ready to take steady steps forward with your mental health, we offer care designed to meet you where you are. Learn more about how ADHD counseling can help. Reach out to Resonance Psychology when you’re ready to take that first step with us.