5 Things People with ADHD Wish You Knew (From Someone Who Lives It)

At Noops, we’re all about supporting brains that work a little differently, especially those of us with ADHD. And as someone with ADHD myself, I can tell you that the challenges go way beyond just being a bit forgetful or distracted.

So I wanted to share a few truths, the kind that don’t always make it into the textbook definitions. These are the things people with ADHD really wish others understood.

1. If we’re often late, it’s not because we don’t care.

Many people with ADHD experience something called time blindness it’s a very real neurological trait that makes it hard to sense the passage of time. We might underestimate how long something takes, lose track of the clock, or hyperfocus and suddenly realise we’re late. It’s frustrating, not flaky and trust me, we feel terrible about it.  The worst thing for me is being told "Nic's always late", I try so incredibly hard not to be late, the last thing I need is people reminding me how bad I am at it.

2. Starting tasks can feel like moving a mountain.

One of the hardest things to explain is executive dysfunction  that feeling when your brain just won’t start. Even when we want to do something (and even when we know it’s important), initiating the task can feel overwhelming. It’s not laziness  it’s a neurological bottleneck. Sometimes we need tools or systems to help unlock that freeze.  

3. We often struggle with mental health too.

People with ADHD are significantly more likely to experience anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem  not because ADHD causes those things directly, but because struggling daily with things that seem “easy” to others can wear you down. Feeling misunderstood or judged doesn’t help. Support, compassion, and the right routines make all the difference.

Personally I suffer with my mental health and I would say this is probably the most challenging part of my own ADHD.  I often feel like whatever I do is never good enough, sending me into a spiral of paralysis and feeling like "what is the point", what is the point in doing anything because when I do I don't get it right anyway.   I never want sympathy, I just want to feel like a normal person.

4. Our working memory needs a little backup.

We don’t always retain information the same way others do. If we forget what you just said, or need reminders for things we should remember please don’t take it personally. It’s called working memory issues, and it’s a common ADHD trait. Notes, reminders, and visual aids help massively.

My personal battle with this can be in close relationships.  I have been told over and over "you just don't listen", trust me I listen, i listen so hard but when the noise in my brain is so loud It can be hard to hear and retain.

5. We’re trying our best — even if it doesn’t always show.

ADHD can make everyday life feel like you’re constantly juggling invisible balls while someone moves the goalposts. But that doesn’t mean we’re not capable. In fact, we’re often incredibly driven, creative, and resilient — we just need the right support to thrive.

Why I Created Noops

Living with ADHD myself is exactly why I created Noops Nootropics. I wanted natural brain support that was designed for people like us — not just quick fixes, but supplements that actually work with our brains to help improve focus, clarity, and emotional balance.

If you relate to anything in this post, you’re not alone  and you’re certainly not broken. You’re wired differently. And that’s okay.