Mom With ADHD Stresses Out Over Piles of Paper

Dear Geralin,

Since having children our paperwork has grown into a chaotic mess that stresses me out. We have papers everywhere (and I do mean everywhere). We can never find anything so we spend a lot of time looking around for things. I don’t know where to begin. I feel like a failure because I can’t even figure out where to begin.

Do you have any suggestions?

Lauren in Apex

Dear Lauren,

First let me congratulate you on your new diagnosis. ADHD is not a curse! I see many successful clients who are living proof. You need to learn what works best for your particular needs. A lot of ADHD clients tend to overreact to their “failures”, engage in negative self-talk and experience avoidance issues.

It’s important that you recognize this and try to be more respectful of the way your *wired.* There isn’t an organizing solution where one-size-fits, especially where ADHD is concerned. The best thing about having ADHD is that it allows a lot of room for non-main-stream strategies. I always learn something new from clients with ADHD and I’m giving you permission to be creative with your organizing systems. Don’t try to do what everyone else does…

Based on the information I have about you I’m going to get straight to the point and keep it simple.

1st: For privacy and security reasons don’t “trash” documents. If possible, purchase a cross-cut shredder that destroys credit cards and CDs. I prefer shredders that 0pen and empty “drawer-style” (from the front of the machine vs. having to lift out the shredding mechanism.) Sam’s Club, Target, Staples—all the big box stores have them. If you can’t buy a shredder tear your papers into small shreds and throw then in different waste baskets.

2nd: Please check with both your attorney and accountant before shredding anything you think might be needed for tax purposes or legal matters.

3rd: Shred old, outdated papers containing account numbers, addresses, applications, budgets, credit reports, drivers license numbers, employment information, estimates, explanation of benefits, luggage tags, pass port numbers, prescriptions, report cards, signatures, social security numbers, transcripts, travel itineraries, warranties on products you no longer own.

File and Keep until Renewed or Replaced

• Appraisals: artwork, jewelry, luxury items
• Certificates: birth, marriage, divorce, and death
• Claims, Statements and Policies: insurance, year-end retirement, investment accounts
• Documents: loan and mortgage paid-in-full
• Records: military service, medical records, diplomas, transcripts
• Reports: social security, credit ratings (current only)
• Resume
• Securities and trade confirmations
• Tax returns and all associated financial documentation
• Wills and power of attorney documents

This is the tip of the iceberg where filing is concerned but you asked for a starting point and I don’t want to overwhelm you.

One “must purchase” item for ADHD folks (and children who can’t tell time yet) is a TIME TIMER. It is a timer with a red disk that diminishes as time elapses. It is battery operated and costs about $30.00. Make sure you get one with a chime on it (vs. a silent one). They can be purchased at: www.myADDstore.com

Using a timer is critical when doing dreaded chores; work on the task (filing papers for example) for 20 minutes a day uninterrupted.

Remember these two statements:

1. Even if you fail at something you still possess the ability to improve and succeed!
2. Even if you fail at something it doesn’t make you a failure!

Good luck Lauren; keep me posted on your progress.