ADHD Awareness Month Week 4: How to Support Loved Ones with ADHD and My Upcoming Miss Central Indiana Competition

As we enter the final week of ADHD Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to talk about how we can better understand and support loved ones with ADHD. Whether you’re a family member, friend, or caregiver, educating yourself about ADHD and learning how to offer meaningful support can make all the difference in someone’s life. I want to share a few key ways you can do that and recap some exciting events from this week, including my Live with Braxton Kennedy Hiser and preparing for Miss Central Indiana on Sunday!

Educate Yourself on ADHD

One of the most powerful ways to support someone with ADHD is to understand the condition itself. ADHD is a neurological disorder that affects executive functioning, impulse control, and focus. People with ADHD often experience challenges in organizing their time, managing tasks, and controlling impulses. Educating yourself through reputable resources (such as CHADD or ADHD Awareness Month websites) can equip you with knowledge to offer better support.

Help Them Build a Routine

People with ADHD often thrive with structure and routine. You can help by working together to create a daily or weekly schedule that includes time for work, rest, and personal activities. This can provide a sense of stability and predictability, which helps reduce overwhelm and anxiety. Keep in mind that routines don’t need to be rigid but should provide a framework that offers balance and support.

Focus on Strengths

While ADHD presents challenges, it also comes with unique strengths. Many people with ADHD are highly creative, energetic, and passionate. By encouraging them to focus on their strengths, you can help boost their confidence and sense of self-worth. Whether it’s supporting their hobbies or helping them tap into their natural talents, lifting up their abilities can be a game-changer for their emotional well-being.

Listen and Validate

Sometimes the best thing you can do is simply listen. For someone with ADHD, feeling heard and validated can provide immense relief. Ask questions, listen actively, and offer reassurance that they are not alone in their experiences. This week, during my Live Instagram event with former Miss Indiana Braxton Kennedy Hiser, we discussed how being diagnosed with ADHD (as a child in my case and as an adult in Braxton’s case) can be isolating. But having a support system that listens without judgment makes a huge difference.

Take Care of Yourself

Supporting someone with ADHD requires patience, empathy, and energy. It’s important to also prioritize your own self-care. Whether you’re a parent, partner, or friend, your well-being matters. Make sure you’re taking time for yourself to recharge, practice mindfulness, and seek support when needed. By maintaining your own health, you’ll be better equipped to support your loved one.

Instagram Live Recap

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of going live on Instagram with Braxton Kennedy Hiser, a former Miss Indiana and someone recently diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. It was such a powerful conversation, comparing what it was like to be diagnosed at different stages in life. We talked about how ADHD impacts different areas of our lives but also shared how we’ve both learned to navigate challenges and embrace our strengths. If you missed it, don’t worry—you can watch the replay on my Instagram page! This conversation was one of my favorite events of ADHD Awareness Month, and I hope it offered some valuable insights and encouragement for everyone watching.

Preparing for Miss Central Indiana

In the midst of all this excitement, I’m also getting ready to compete for Miss Central Indiana this Sunday! I am beyond excited to take the stage once again and continue spreading my ‘Live Without Limits’ message. As you know, my initiative focuses on helping people with disabilities, including ADHD, and showing them that no diagnosis can hold them back from achieving their goals. Competing this weekend is not just about the title—it’s about using my voice to inspire and empower others, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to do just that.

Wish me luck, and thank you all for your continued support throughout this journey!