Why do I feel like I’m always falling short with ADHD? 

Many adults with ADHD describe a constant sense of falling behind, even when they’re trying their hardest. According to NHS England’s response to the 2025 ADHD Taskforce report, delays in assessment and support can affect confidence, wellbeing, and daily functioning, which can leave people feeling as though they struggle more than others. Emotional patterns such as self-criticism, overwhelm, and frustration are common and closely tied to the way ADHD shapes attention, motivation, and regulation. 

Why ADHD Makes You Feel Like You’re Not Keeping Up 

Research shows that adults with ADHD often experience challenges with executive functioning, including planning, organisation, working memory, and sustained effort. A 2024 study published in BMJ Open found strong links between ADHD, low self-esteem, anxiety, and social difficulties, suggesting that these emotional pressures can compound everyday challenges (BMJ Open study). When tasks require more mental effort, it’s easy to interpret the struggle as a personal failing rather than a recognised part of the condition. 

Emotional Regulation and Self-Perception 

Support organisations such as Mind UK explain that emotional dysregulation can make setbacks feel more intense and progress harder to notice, which may contribute to cycles of burnout and self-blame. According to the NICE NG87 ADHD guideline, structured psychological interventions, including CBT-based approaches, can help adults understand emotional patterns, regulate responses, and build healthier coping skills. 

Key Takeaway 

Feeling like you’re always falling short is a widely recognised experience for adults with ADHD and reflects the condition, not a lack of effort or ability. With the right understanding and support, it’s possible to break this cycle and develop greater confidence, stability, and self-compassion in everyday life. 

Avery Lombardi, MSc

Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.