Difficulties with attention or concentration and being very active or doing things without thinking

When we are little, we cannot pay attention for long, and we are not expected to! We also have lots of energy and do not think before we act, sometimes leading to hurt feelings, bruises, and scrapes.

As we grow older, we are supposed to get better at paying attention, sitting still, and thinking before acting. Some of us might take longer. For some kids, problems with paying attention, being too active, and acting without thinking can cause trouble at home and school. Everyone gets distracted sometimes, forgets something, or gets impatient. But when it happens frequently and disrupts your life, it’s important to investigate. If this is happening to you, know that it’s not your fault, nor is it a sign that you’re lazy. It might just be a different way of processing things.

What is typical?

It’s pretty common for kids younger than 6 to have trouble paying attention, sitting still, or thinking before doing something. But as you get older, we’re expected to do more. If you still cannot pay attention, sit still, or act calmly, we can have trouble in school and in activities or sports.

It is important to observe whether these difficulties are frequent or if they happen more when you are worried about something. This is because there are a bunch of reasons why you might have trouble paying attention, sitting still, or thinking before you do something, like:

• Not getting enough sleep
• Not eating well or having inadequate nutrition
• Not getting enough exercise
• Feeling scared or worried
• Feeling sad
• Spending too much time on a phone or other device

If you feel like these difficulties keep happening and are making you feel bad about yourself, it’s a sign that it’s important to ask for help. It’s okay if you don’t know where to start. Everyone needs support at some point, and you deserve to feel good.

When should I be concerned?

We should worry about these problems if they cause trouble at home, with friends, or at school.

Signs of inattention:

• Not paying attention to details unless very interested.
• Making careless mistakes.
• Difficulty focusing on tasks, especially long or boring ones.
• Trouble finishing tasks.
• Trouble remembering to do things.
• Mind wandering when needing to focus.
• Not listening when spoken to directly.
• Difficulty planning and organizing.
• Losing things often.
• Easily distracted.
• Forgetting things often.

Signs of hyperactivity:

• Trouble sitting still.
• Leaving seat when supposed to be sitting.
• Fidgeting or squirming.
• Trouble being quiet.
• Feeling the need to move constantly.
• Feeling restless.
• Being too active.
• Talking too much.

Signs of impulsivity:

• Answering questions before they’re finished.
• Difficulty waiting their turn.
• Interrupting others.
• Doing things without thinking.

Other important signs:

• Difficulty organizing time (e.g., starting several things and not finishing any of them)
• Avoiding tasks that require continuous mental effort (such as long papers or studying for tests)
• Talking too much or changing the subject abruptly
• Difficulty maintaining friendships due to impulsive behavior
• A constant feeling of being “late” or “lost”
• Low self-esteem, such as feeling stupid or different from others

Some kids have trouble with only a few of these things, while others have more. Usually, trouble paying attention also comes with being too active and acting without thinking. This can make it hard to do well in school and other activities.

Important:It’s not uncommon for some young people to begin to suspect they have attention problems later in life. In these situations, it’s important to pay close attention, as difficulty concentrating can also be related to anxiety, excessive stimuli (like intense use of social media or video games), lack of sleep, or stressful situations. Therefore, to understand what might be happening, it’s important to also examine your childhood history: if signs of inattention or hyperactivity were already present in childhood, it may be important to investigate.

Finally, if the signs listed above are happening to you, know that you don’t have to face this alone. Seeking help is a step of courage, not weakness.

What can I do if I (or a friend) struggle?

Dealing with these problems can be hard and exhausting. Sometimes it feels like no one understands what you’re going through. But you are not alone, and there are ways to make your day-to-day life easier. Try these ideas:

1. Ask for help: Talk to a parent, teacher, school counselor, or another trusted adult who truly listens to you. Asking for help isn’t weakness; it’s intelligence and self-care.
2. Talk to your teacher: They can help you at school, perhaps by adapting activities or coming up with strategies to make your routine easier.
3. Organize and plan: Use calendars, planners, apps, and alarms. Breaking down large tasks into smaller chunks makes it easier to focus and reduces anxiety.
4. Do things you’re good at: This builds confidence. Sports and other active things can help too. Moving your body helps release energy, calm the mind, and even help you sleep better.
5. Take breaks: Give yourself enough time for tasks and take short breaks. You don’t have to do everything at once.
6. Remove distractions: When studying or doing something that requires focus, try turning off TVs and phones to focus better.

And most importantly: You’re not less intelligent or lazy, right? Maybe your brain just works differently, and that’s okay. With support and the right strategies, you can learn to deal with it and live more easily.

What kind of professional support can I seek out?

Feeling embarrassed, inadequate, or guilty about inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity is common. But there is help available. Talk to a trusted adult, such as your parents or another close family member. Explaining what you’re feeling is the first step.

You may be seen by a doctor, such as a pediatrician, general practitioner, or a professional at your nearest Basic Health Unit (UBS). They can refer you to other specialists, including mental health professionals, who can help. A psychologistor psychiatristwill listen to you, understand what’s going on, and help you find ways to feel better.

Public services are also available through the Unified Health System (SUS). You can find support at places like your local Basic Health Unit (UBS), Child and Adolescent Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS i), and public outpatient clinics.