Author: Avery Lombardi, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Many adults with ADHD experience a deep sense of not being “good enough”, even when they’re trying incredibly hard. According to the NHS, ADHD can affect confidence, emotional regulation and self-esteem, especially when daily tasks feel harder than they seem for others. These feelings are common and often rooted in the condition, not in your ability, character or effort.
Why ADHD can affect your sense of self-worth
Executive functioning challenges can make everyday life feel unpredictable. The Independent ADHD Taskforce highlights that inconsistent performance, delayed diagnosis and lack of support can reinforce negative beliefs over many years. The NICE NG87 guideline notes that emotional dysregulation and self-criticism can make adults with ADHD more sensitive to setbacks, feeding the belief that they’re falling short. Findings from Healthwatch England also show that many adults don’t receive the emotional or practical support they need, which can intensify these feelings.
Strategies that can help rebuild confidence
Charity guidance from Mind UK encourages adults to recognise strengths, use structured routines and set realistic expectations to reduce pressure. A BMJ study on self-compassion (BMJ self-compassion study) shows that compassion-based strategies significantly improve resilience and emotional wellbeing. NICE also recommends CBT-based approaches to challenge negative beliefs and support healthier self-esteem.
Key Takeaway
Feeling “not good enough” is a recognised experience for adults with ADHD, but it reflects the condition not your worth. With the right support, understanding and practical strategies, it becomes possible to build confidence, recognise strengths and trust your own progress.
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.
