ADHD Quotes: from Sad to Inspiring

ADHD Quotes: from Sad to Inspiring

Julia Ovcharenko

This article is for informational purposes — not medical advice. For diagnosis or treatment, talk to a clinician

Hello again, fellow ADHD people! Times are always tough when you’re ADHD, aren’t they? One week, you manage to keep executive dysfunction at bay, clear your dreaded backlog of unread messages, go on a nice fun walk, work out strategies to minimize screen time, and things seem to be looking up, when suddenly you forget about this one appointment and everything goes awry😫 Life feels insurmountable…

You’re not alone though, we all feel like that from time to time, and sometimes, all we need to feel better is the understanding voice of a friend who knows what we’re going through… Today, we’re bringing you some ADHD quotes to cheer you up, get you thinking about how to go about your differences, and play to your strengths - which you, as a neurodivergent person, have plenty of, no matter how tough the going may be at times.

Misunderstood ADHD Quotes

  1. It’s not even possible to be anything but yourself and still be happy; doing too much ADHD masking causes feelings of loneliness and can result in long-lasting psychic damage, so please accept and cherish your beautiful self even if others aren’t doing so.
Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

2. Nothing wrong with being both of these things!

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

3. It can sometimes take years and many attempts to find your people; yet it’s always worth it in the end (trust me).

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

Love ADHD Quotes

  1. Isn’t this beautiful?
Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

2. Screw those that say that you’re ‘too much,’ or ‘too loud,’ or ‘too’ anything!

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

Deep Sad ADHD Quotes

  1. I relate all too well… Emotional dysregulation is no joke.

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

2. None of it is ‘an excuse’ or done on purpose! I wish neurotypicals would understand.

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

3. And then no one cares about that complex web of feelings and ideas :/

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

4. Who are we? ADHDers! What do we want? To stay in hyperfocus! When do we want it? Always! (Spoiler: that’s not happening, babe, I’m sorry🙁)

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

5. It’s common for ADHD people to have Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), which can make what neurotypicals see as ‘the mildest’ criticism or suggestion cause incredible pain 🙁

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

ADHD Motivational Quotes

  1. If there’s something we ADHD people have in spades, it’s creativity! You deserve to apply it where and how you see fit 🙂

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

2. Einstein once said that two things are infinite: the Universe and the space in an ADHDer’s brain that can be filled with all things improbable and exciting… What? No? This isn’t the exact quote? Okay then, have it your way. Still, I made my point.

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

3. It’s okay if today’s mountain is a doom pile of all the strange stuff that you have no idea where to put or a stack of dirty dishes! You can do it - little by little!

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

4. Life is tough, and everyone fails sometimes; yet, don’t let them take it out on you! You’re allowed to be an ADHD person living out your dreams - perhaps you’ll even inspire naysayers to try again and do the same.

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

ADHD Inspirational Quotes

  1. Am I a mess? Quite possibly :( (Who tf let you guys into my room 😱!?) Am I glorious though? Absolutely!

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

2. ADHD gets a bad rap (quite deservedly, as it can be viewed as a disability), yet, if it’s managed correctly and if you give yourself grace, its benefits may very well be the reason you attain all that you wish for in life…

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

3. Ever been picked on at school or in the workplace for being slow - or, conversely, being SO FAST that you have to redo stuff all over again and end up being slow? Tell all of your critics that Plato’s on your side and that their impressions of Flash the Sloth from Zootopia are not even that good (if you don’t tell them, who will?)

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

ADHD Funny Quotes

  1. I’m in this picture and I don’t like it…
Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

2.How to deal with coworkers (step 2) ✨

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

3. Ah yes, the infinite wisdom of our primate ancestors…

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

ADHD Positive Quotes

  1. Yes! Go on that long walk (it’s good to have in-built GPS though, isn’t it) 😅
Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

2. Hear the expert speak! 😊

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

3. If the Universe didn’t love us, it wouldn’t have given us ADHD quotes like this one! Do you see yourself through a lens of love?

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

4. An ADHD affirmation (there’s plenty more where that came from!) 💕

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

ADHD Awareness Quotes

  1. I hereby grant you permission to print this out and tape it to the wall of your classroom/workplace. Let those neurotypicals know!
Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

2. You can print this one out, too :)

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

ADHD Relationship Quotes

  1. Has anyone found these two? What are your thoughts?
Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

2. If ADHDers and neurotypicals have a trait in common, it’s this: NO ONE likes being looked down on and treated like a child.

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

3. Do you agree? Feel free to discuss in our Numo app :)

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

ADHD Quotes for My Son

  1. And that’s the President of the United States for you! Just sayin’ 😁
Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

2. Sometimes you’re just in the wrong environment…

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

3. Maybe that’s the case?

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

4. This is one of the ADHD quotes showing us the extent to which this disorder can be disabling.

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

ADHD Quotes for Moms

  1. I wish every adult around an ADHD kid would internalize these words by Dr. Edward M. Hallowell.
Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

2. Some hopefully helpful stuff for mothers with ADHD🧡

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

3. I know you’re not like this! ADHD kids should be allowed to be themselves - even if it makes the adults put in a bit extra work.

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

4. Something to tell the teacher of your ADHD child.

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

5. Please be compassionate with yourself AND your child… You both deserve it 💛

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

6. One of the ADHD quotes to help you any time the going gets tough…

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

Living with ADHD Quotes

  1. Half of my life as an ADHDer is just trying to avoid this state…
Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

2. Can’t imagine… Oh no, wait, I can :/

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

3. AND we manage to play the instruments (not always though, only when the hyperfocus hits)!

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

4. Yes!! That’s exactly how it feels! Thank you, Anne of Green Gables, you’re a true ADHD legend and an infodumping apologist.

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

5. A normal day in the life of an ADHD person. BTW, they say it’s unethical to use a laser to play with your cat, as it chips away at their confidence in their hunting abilities. Does that feel familiar? 😔

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

Adult ADHD Quotes

  1. Maybe it’s not us who are time blind; maybe the neurotypicals should just GET A LIFE! 😝
Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

2. Mmm, nothing like a pump of adrenaline and cortisol just before the deadline to get us ADHDers working…

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

3. Amen! One of the ADHD quotes that will always be my gospel.

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

4. ADHD in the workplace can be a challenge… Yet, with the appropriate accommodations, we can thrive! Let’s continue advocacy and see to it that every ADHD person gets supported by their bosses and coworkers!

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

ADHD Quotes for My Daughter

  1. Thanks to the efforts of the neurodivergent community to try and spread ADHD awareness, people do know now that ADHD in women and girls 1) exists and 2) may present differently; yet, they still downplay the symptoms and view them as ‘just character traits’ or ‘fun quirks.’
Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

2. So true! Although salt baths and chocolate cake can help, too! Nothing wrong with a bit of treat yo self every now and then 💖

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

3. Do you have ADHD as a girl? Click here to find out!

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

4. That feeling of alienation as a female ADHD person hits hard sometimes… But be persistent: you’ll find the people who can understand you, perhaps in our Numo app for ADHD people ;)

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

5. Honestly, I wish I had all the resources available now as a young girl with ADHD… I feel like my life would have been completely different.

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

Famous ADHD Quotes

  1. Never mind the Einstein quote I got wrong above; ladies, gentlemen, and variations thereupon, I present to you a quote actually made by the famous scientist that can be applied to your beautiful ADHD mind and thus included in our collection of ADHD quotes!
Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

2. This quote is from the well-known English author and philosopher Gilbert Keith Chesterton. I know we don’t diagnose other people, but do you guys think he was one of us?

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

3. Feel free to cite this ancient Chinese philosopher next time Lauren from accounting (who isn’t even your team leader, for chrissake!) tries to micromanage you 😜

Editorial illustration of ADHD reflections — Numo ADHD

Anyway, we’ve been happy to share some inspiring and fun ADHD quotes with you! We hope that you like them, and for now - toodle-oo! 🤗