Joe Swash has updated his fans just days after revealing he plans to return to his doctor regarding his ADHD, having come off his medication a year ago. The 44-year-old explained he was keen to start managing the condition once more, as he felt it was taking “more of a grip” on his life.
This came particularly after a recent family holiday during which, within just a few days, he forgot his wife, Stacey Solomon’s suitcase leaving it at home, left his iPad on a plane and missed a flight back. In a candid Instagram post, he said: “Now, in hindsight, I know is a bad idea so I’m sort of gonna start the journey again from scratch.”
Joe appeared upbeat about tackling his condition again in his April 28 post, with a determination to do it “properly” this time and strike the right balance with medication. He also pledged to keep his loyal followers in the loop throughout his journey.
On May 7, he posted a more reflective image on his Instagram story, telling followers: “In between filming today I had an appointment with my doctor to discuss the next steps. I’ll keep you updated!”
ADHD influences how the brain functions, particularly in tasks involving memory, concentration, or remaining still. While symptoms typically emerge before the age of 12, the condition can present itself differently in adults compared to children.
View 2 ImagesJoe Swash shared a somber update with fans days after his original post(Image: Joe Swash Instagram)
The symptoms fall into two main categories: inattentive and hyperactive. Inattentive symptoms can lead to problems such as forgetfulness, being easily distracted, difficulties with time management or following instructions, and frequently misplacing items like wallets or keys.
Hyperactive symptoms typically involve impulsivity and may include having excessive energy, feeling restless, being extremely talkative, frequently interrupting conversations, or making hasty decisions without considering the consequences.
According to the NHS, most people will experience both inattentive and hyperactive symptoms, though some may only display one category. Women are more prone to experiencing inattentive symptoms, which can be more difficult to identify than hyperactive ones.
As Joe outlined, these symptoms can have serious implications for daily life and may place strain on a person’s career, education and relationships without appropriate support. However, there are various ways to manage the condition, depending on the symptoms, and a specialist can help identify which approach will be most effective for you.
View 2 ImagesJoe Swash briefly mentioned his ADHD diagnosis on the Stacey & Joe show (Image: GETTY)
For some people, maintaining certain lifestyle changes can be enough to manage their condition. This may include adhering to a regular routine, exercising frequently, and steering clear of caffeine before bedtime.
Some people may require reasonable workplace or educational accommodations, such as tranquil, dedicated workspaces, assistance from colleagues, or receiving directions repeatedly through various methods including written and verbal formats. Additional support through talking therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy or mindfulness practices can prove beneficial for certain people.
ADHD specialists may also recommend medications such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine. According to the NHS: “You may need to try more than one medicine to find out what works for you.”