ADHD and Faith: A Mom’s Journey

My understanding of my childhood was always that I was a strong-willed and difficult child. My parents often joked that the only restaurant they could eat at was KFC since it was unpopular, and they wouldn’t need to worry about being embarrassed about my behavior while dining out. This way, they wouldn’t need to worry about my behavior while eating out. Growing up with my strong behavior also included being reprimanded for forgetting tasks, becoming easily distracted, and starting tasks without following through. Oh, and let’s not forget that I could spit out words faster than Pecos Bill could’ve spit out sunflower seeds.

 In junior high, I was officially diagnosed with ADHD. While I initially tried the medication I was prescribed, it didn’t take long before I gave up on it. Not seeing a significant change with the medication, I lost interest in managing my symptoms. Thus, ADHD got put up on the shelf and forgotten about.

 As I entered adulthood, it became more clear to me that I functioned differently than others. Simple tasks were overwhelming, decision making was debilitating, staying on track was a struggle and I was always running late. It seemed that I was always working twice as hard to keep up with what was considered the normal pace. This created a dip in my self-esteem and led to depression.

Fast forward to 2019, when my mental health journey truly began. At this time, I was married, had a 16 month old child, and expecting my second child. Through various professionals---- psychiatrist, psychologists, and therapists---- I began to see progress. Naturally, medication was the first line of treatment I was introduced to. Never will I forget those Adderall XL 20mg capsules. My heart was beating out of my chest, my irritability was off the grid, and I was racing around in time traveling speeds. When the Adderall would wear out of my body, the crash was brutal. Regardless of the tasks that lay ahead, my body and mind were done. A couch potato, nonetheless. This was just the beginning of the trial-and-error process of using ADHD medication. Along with medication, I got established with a psychologist and began doing cognitive behavioral therapy every week. It took me about a solid year of visiting new therapists until I found one I clicked with. To this day, I still see the same therapist and attend weekly. More than medication, therapy has been life changing in managing my symptoms.

Now, as of July 2025, I’ve been off all ADHD medications for six months. I’m aware that my symptoms persist; however, it has been a much-needed break for my body. During this medication hiatus, I’ve focused on a holistic approach including daily exercise, clean eating, natural supplements, sleep, and faith. Throughout my journey, I’ve picked up tools to help me manage and cope with ADHD. Amongst these resources, my faith in Jesus Christ has been the biggest and most important source of help. This is the Help and Hope I want to share more about with you.

I’ve witnessed God’s help enough to recognize Him at work in my life. Just recently, while racing my kids to their first destination of the day, I noticed one child was missing socks and the other, their shoes! As I turned around to head home, I remembered it was trash day and I had forgotten to set the trash out on the curb. This small moment served as a reminder of how Jesus not only guides my actions, but also teaches me how to lean upon Him in lieu of my weakness. The reality is that stories like this occur daily for me. Instead of becoming frustrated, I use these opportunities to praise God for my dependence on Him and for His tender loving care.

On a different note, God blessed me with two children who also have ADHD. To be honest, managing my own agenda is a struggle, let alone factoring in raising two kiddos with the same condition. This reality has officially made motherhood the most challenging job I have ever taken on. Yet, the positive side of this situation is that it has deepened my reliance on my Heavenly Father. Each day, I find myself running to God in prayer--- whether it’s for physical strength, mental endurance, patience, or forgiveness, I spend a significant portion of my days talking with God. When I pray, it feels as if I am laying down burdens that I can no longer carry, to the One who can carry them all. Afterwards, I experience His peace that surpasses all understanding. Through my personal relationship with Jesus, I feel encouraged and reassured that I am not alone. Regardless of the difficulties I face, He is always there with me.

Personally, if there has been a season of life where God has humbled me and stripped me of any judgment, it has been this one. I’ve gained empathy for the mom with the screaming kid on the floor. I understand her struggle as she juggles suppressing her own emotions to be calm, cool, and collected. I have compassion for the child covering his ears in a noisy environment. Since learning about sensory overload, I know that the child was struggling to cope in the environment. I also recognize the realities of disheveled homes, vehicles piled high with clutter, and the mad dash to make it out the door on time. Through my parenting battles, I strive to offer encouragement to both mom and child, simply because I can relate on many levels.

Overall, embracing my relationship with Jesus while navigating ADHD and motherhood has given me a new outlook on life. While the challenges are ever-present, leaning into my relationship with Jesus has provided me with strength and purpose. I am reminded daily that while ADHD may shape our experiences, it does not define us.

If you can identify with any of these challenges, I invite you to seek a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I’ve always said it’s as simple as the ABC’s.

A- admit that you are a sinner and have fallen short of a perfect and Holy God.

B- believe that Jesus is God’s one and only Son. That He was born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died on the cross as a perfect sacrifice, was buried, and rose again the third day.

C- confess with your mouth that He is Lord and Savior.

Just as I have found strength in Jesus for aiding my battles with ADHD, I pray that together, we can share this great Hope and Help in managing our conditions through Him.