A range of resources for parents, carers, and professionals on supporting neurodiverse individuals.
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Neurodiversity Suicide Prevention Hub - ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is often characterised by impulsive, inattentive or sometimes hyperactive behaviours. These can have far-reaching negative impacts on a person’s daily life and relationships.
People with ADHD are more likely to live with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety or substance abuse issues, and research indicates that adults with ADHD are five times more likely to be at risk of suicide. (Fitzgerald et al, 2019).
Vulnerability to suicide in people with ADHD is complex, as there are often many underlying and interconnected contextual factors.
Challenges such as difficulties with impulsivity, emotional regulation, and managing daily tasks, can often lead to feelings of frustration, inadequacy, and isolation. The condition’s impact on personal and professional life, combined with a higher likelihood of co-occurring mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and substance misuse, can exacerbate these struggles.
Individuals with ADHD may experience a lack of understanding or support, both from society and healthcare professionals, which can worsen feelings of alienation. Addressing ADHD in a holistic manner, with proper support and treatment, is crucial in reducing these risks and improving mental wellbeing.
Accidental death is also common. Underlying impulsivity can make them more prone to making spontaneous attempts on their life without necessarily intending to die (Judit Balazs et al, 2017).
Attention Defecit Hyperactivity Disorder traits
- Difficulty paying attention or staying focused on tasks
- Frequently making careless mistakes or overlooking details
- Being easily distracted by noises, thoughts, or external stimuli
- Difficulty following instructions or completing tasks
- Trouble organising tasks or managing time effectively
- Frequently losing or misplacing items
- Fidgeting, tapping, or difficulty sitting still for long periods
- Interrupting others during conversations or having trouble waiting their turn
- Forgetfulness
- Acting impulsively, such as making decisions without thinking of the consequences
ADHD types
There are three types of ADHD and everyone is different. It’s important to remember that these symptoms are not a reflection of intelligence or effort but the brain working differently.
Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
This type is marked by excessive hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour, such as fidgeting, interrupting others, or difficulty staying seated. People with this type may act without thinking, often leading to impulsive decisions.
Inattentive Type
Individuals with this type primarily struggle with attention-related issues, such as difficulty focusing, following instructions, and staying organized. They may appear forgetful or easily distracted, but without hyperactivity.
Combined Type
This is the most common type, where people have both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. They may struggle with focus and organization, while also displaying impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Are you struggling?
If you’re struggling with ADHD and suicidal thoughts, it’s essential to prioritise self-care and create a support system to help manage both your ADHD symptoms and your mental health. Start by acknowledging that your feelings are valid and reaching out for help is a sign of strength.
Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can help make things feel less overwhelming. Set simple, achievable goals like getting out of bed, taking a shower, or going for a short walk. Routine can be helpful, so try to build some structure into your day, even just a few small activities can give you a sense of accomplishment.
Connecting with others can be a crucial lifeline. If possible, share what you’re going through with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist. Let them help you create a plan for staying safe, including identifying triggers and finding ways to cope during tough moments. It may be hard to stay focused or follow through on self-care with ADHD, so use tools like alarms, reminders, or accountability from others to help.
Be kind to yourself and remember that healing from suicidal thoughts takes time.
Professional help, like therapy or medication, can make a big difference. The resources below offer further support and guidance.
Stay Alive app
Download our NHS recommended app if you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or concerned about someone. There are over 800 resources to help you stay safe for now.
NHS
Learn more about the signs and symptoms of ADHD and how to access a diagnosis via the NHS.
Contact your GP
They will help you get support from the right services and will sometimes take appointments over the phone.
- Find your GP contact details
- If your GP practice is closed or unavailable, call NHS 111
- Visit the NHS 111 website
ADHD UK
Information and resources on subjects including diagnosis, medication, education and employment, as well as online support groups.
ADDISS
Provides information, moderated online forums and local support groups.
- Call 020 8952 2800
- Email the team
Contact
Provides support, information and advice for families with children with disabilities or other conditions including ADHD. Also runs family workshops and activities.
- Call 0808 808 3555
- Email the helpline team
Accessing a diagnosis
For many people, a diagnosis can provide a person with helpful insight and clarity, also opening doors to further support. If you suspect you have ADHD, speak to your GP.
It’s not always easy to get an assessment and waiting times can be long, although there are often several routes to access an assessment. It can be helpful to consider other options for support in the meantime.
For information on how to access an assessment through the NHS, visit their dedicated webpage – NHS ADHD Assessments.
Are you supporting someone?
People with ADHD can struggle with impulsivity and emotional regulation, which may intensify suicidal thoughts. Gently encourage them to talk openly about their feelings, and ask direct, compassionate questions about their thoughts of self-harm. It’s important not to dismiss their emotions, even if they often change. Remind them that what they are feeling is real and valid, and that help is available.
Structure and routine can be particularly helpful for someone with ADHD. Help them break down overwhelming thoughts or tasks into manageable steps and offer practical support in finding professional help. They may have difficulty keeping track of appointments or following through on seeking support, so offering to help with these tasks can be incredibly valuable.
The resources below can offer further support and guidance.
Stay Alive app
Download our NHS recommended app if you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or concerned about someone. There are over 800 resources to help you stay safe for now.
Contact
Provides support, information and advice for families with children with disabilities or other conditions including ADHD. Also runs family workshops and activities.
- Call 0808 808 3555
- Email the helpline team
The ADHD Foundation
Expert-led training for professionals offering practical strategies across a wide range of subjects and many areas of neurodiversity.
Young Minds
Information for parents of children with ADHD on accessing a diagnosis, as well as advice and resources for supporting them with their mental health.
NHS
The NHS ADHD pages provide information on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and support for individuals with ADHD.
Real stories
Steven Bartlett, entrepreneur
Steven Bartlett has openly discussed his struggles with ADHD, describing how it often led to difficulties with focus and organisation but also contributed to his creativity and drive. He has embraced it as part of his identity, learning to manage it through structure and self-awareness.
“I’ve always known the ‘way that I am’… My approach has been to maximise my strengths and minimise my weaknesses by putting systems, processes and people in place to help me.
Ever since my diagnosis, I’ve been more productive, more focused and more ambitious, because I now believe that I’ve got a really powerful gift, I understand that gift and I better understand how to use it!”
Simone Biles, athlete
Simone Biles’ journey from an ADHD diagnosis to recognition as one of the greatest living athletes, is a powerful testament to the potential within neurodiversity. By reframing the traits associated with ADHD and channelling them into her passion for gymnastics.
With the support of therapy and medication, Biles didn’t just overcome a challenge – she created a superpower. She has since used her profile to raise awareness of the challenges of living with ADHD, anxiety and self-doubt.
Failing at Normal: An ADHD Success Story
Jessica McCabe shares the story of her diagnosis of ADHD. She explains how discovering that she wasn’t alone transformed her life, leading her to create the YouTube channel HowtoADHD. Through her channel, Jessica emphasises the importance of coping mechanisms and building a supportive community for individuals with ADHD, as well as for their families, partners, and teachers.
Watch her TED Talk on YouTube now.
Stories of hope - Molly
“After I received a diagnosis of ADHD, everything suddenly made sense – those intense periods of hyper fixation on projects, followed by complete burnout. I’d been experiencing these patterns since my early teens. While the diagnosis validated my neurodiversity, what truly helped me heal wasn’t the assessment itself, but the compassionate people who stood by me during this time – those who advocated for me, listened deeply, and met my fear with gentle smiles.
Five months later, I feel different. Each day brings new insights into who I am, and with every sunrise comes a deeper sense of hope. While the journey hasn’t been straightforward, I’m discovering a version of myself I never knew existed – one who understands their patterns, celebrates their uniqueness, and faces tomorrow with growing confidence.
Find advice and sources of support for other aspects of neurodiversity.
Learn more about how to have a conversation with someone at risk of suicide.