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Episode 4: Michael Phelps + ADHD

This episode of the Grim Drive Podcast, where we explore mental health through the lens of professional sports and athletes, takes a look at Michael Phelps + ADHD.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) reflects a difference in neurobiological functioning. Although the terms “deficit” and disorder” are in the diagnostic term, we have found that this unfairly stigmatizes those with ADHD.  Those with ADHD are often highly intelligent, creative, and great at problem solving.  When the superpowers that come with ADHD are harnessed, including the ability to hyperfocus, and the path toward a negative self-image is averted, those with ADHD are often extremely successful.  The path to integrating ADHD and playing to strengths is key, otherwise, those with ADHD tend to build shame more and more, which is what leads to common secondary issues like anxiety and depression.

This episode delves into Michael Phelps’ experience with ADHD.  We always try to bring light to issues that led to an athlete speaking out on mental health.  Michael Phelps was first diagnosed with ADHD in the 6th grade.  And while he often discusses depression and substance use with regard to mental health, the first diagnosis of ADHD is often the foundation that leads to many secondary mental health issues forming on top.

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Michael Phelps related links:
***Watch the “Weight of Gold” documentary on HBOmax

Video interview (along with Michael Phelps) with Taylor Rooks (sports journalist): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuYT9BGroJM

His “story”:

ADHD:

  • 40% more likely to get divorced (DTD)

  • 30% more likely to be unemployed (DTD)

  • 40% of the addicted population have ADHD (DTD)
  • Prevalence higher among foster/adopted populations 15 million or more in the US have it
  • 5.9-7.1% of children/adolescents (ADHD-RS)
  • Affects males to females 2-3:1
  • Medication (initially) and positive human connection (upon follow up) are biggest factors in success

ADHD (DSM-V): ***Jargon Free

  • It is a neurobiological disorder, valid, not related to lazy/lack of IQ
  • How “deficit” and “disorder” are misleading/unfair
  • Used to be ADD and ADHD; now all ADHD (with three subtypes) – Child/Adolescent/Adult Diagnosis approach
  • Inattentive: 6/9 symptoms met
  • Hyperactive: 6/9 symptoms met
  • 2+ life areas affected significantly (home/school/work/friends)

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What to do about ADHD:

***Disclaimer on MH tips (A LOT of tools and strategies with mental health are easy to understand, HARD to execute…#1 reason they are hard to execute is the fraudulent mindset of “it can’t be that easy”…it is and it isn’t…easy to comprehend does not mean easy to execute (working out and eating right are perfect examples of this)…beware of the mind’s tendency to downplay great solutions due to negativity, denial, or excuse making designed to avoid hard work…trained response by the brain, deluding the self into thinking there is no point in order to give yourself permission to avoid change.  *Always best to seek professional help and work with someone 

  • Get an accurate diagnosis (anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, substance use, trauma, etc; can all create symptoms that look like ADHD but are not
  • Discuss medications with PCP or psychiatrist
  • Temper expectations: ADHD is neurobiological, lifelong.  It can also be a positive; beware of what you have been told and especially watch out for projecting out your whole life based on how things have gone in 1/2 particular areas…
  • Habit Forming (cue/routine/reward)
  • Organization + Planning (Structure is KEY)
    – Modify your three Environments (Physical/Digital/Mental) – Remove distractions
    – Implement habits
    – Learn ways to get into a FLOW state

FLOW in EIGHT steps:

  • Eliminate all internal distractions (from Environments)
  • Eliminate all external distractions (from Environments)
  • Do work at your ideal time
  • Listen to the right type of music
  • Plan ahead so the step is SPECIFIC (Staircases)
  • Make sure you are in the Zone (of proximal development)
  • Consider consumption (caffeine, sugar, water, other foods) – Understand Habits (cue/routine/reward)

Other:

Be your own best coach (self 1v2)

  • Understand the temptation of procrastination (self-delusion or brain’s need for comfort)
  • Learn to plan and break large goals into small steps
  • Always put the hardest thing FIRST, not the other way around
  • Use the 2-minute rule
  • Behavioral activation is key
    • Exercise
    • Sleep
    • Nutrition
    • ***Understanding, patience, and support from friends/family

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