Is Volunteering an Antidote to ADHD Loneliness?
“Service is one of the most powerful antidotes we have to loneliness.” — Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General.
“I am always volunteering. ADHD brains are hard-wired for empathy. It’s a natural fit.” — Julie, Florida
Many ADDitude readers gravitate to volunteer opportunities that make a difference while harnessing their ADHD energy and creativity. Traits like hyperfocus, justice sensitivity, and compassion, our readers say, make them well suited to be of service.
The benefits of volunteering are plentiful. Being of service with like-minded people raises self-esteem and feelings of belonging, both crucial to warding off one of the most pressing public health issues of our time: loneliness.
“Service is one of the most powerful antidotes we have to loneliness,” said U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy in his podcast House Calls. “When we help other people, that helps us feel connected to them in that moment, but it also reminds us that we have value to bring to the world.”
Here, ADDitude readers tell us how and why they devote their free time to volunteering.
The Power of Service for ADHD Brains: Benefits of Volunteering
To Increase Connections and Skills
“I volunteer for our church in different ways — being a greeter on Sunday mornings, cooking and serving meals for special events, distributing goods to those in need. Volunteering brings me out of my shell; I’ve met so many new friends.” — Gretchen, California
[Read: Resilience Begins with Responsibility — the Power of Service for Kids with ADHD]
“I volunteer on the committees of several community music groups in which I play, which gives me the benefit of having friends with shared interests and a chance to use my leadership skills. ” — Bronwyn, New Zealand
“Volunteering has helped me to get to know some of the people I serve alongside a bit better, so it definitely has that social benefit for someone like me who struggles a bit with social interactions.” — Trish, South Africa
To Raise Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy
“My volunteer work makes me feel good about myself and useful. This is especially important to me because I don’t feel like my life has amounted to much, largely due to my ADHD. Before I retired, I was always underemployed and never found satisfying work. My volunteering connects me to other like-minded people with whom I enjoy working.” — Susan, New York
“Volunteering helps with self-esteem, drive, and purpose. It helps us lead meaningful lives. Many adults with ADHD have heard a lot of negative feedback over their lives, which can be debilitating and wearing. Volunteering helps them hone in on their strengths and shows them that their contributions are not only needed but also valued.” — Cheryl, Illinois
[Read: Perfect Is a Myth — and Other Self-Esteem Boosters]
“I volunteer as a Bible teacher. This is wonderful as it takes my focus off myself and makes me happy, as I remind myself and other people that we do not have to be perfect.” —Tanya, Australia
“I am 70 years old, and I am in training to be a volunteer chaplain for first responders and for families/survivors of critical incidents. Volunteering, especially for those of us who are no longer tied to a full-time career, is very important for our sense of self-worth and provides us with the assurance that we are still needed. The opportunity to work and train with like-minded individuals and to give back to those on the front lines who serve and protect their communities helps me get excited about each day, even when my ADHD symptoms and other challenges wear me down.” — Cecelia
To Put ADHD Traits to Good Use
“I volunteer at the local elementary school. It gives me structure, and a never-ending stream of variety and stimulation. I feel like it’s an environment where the strengths of ADHD can really shine through. The kids love the energy and spontaneity and different ways of thinking about things, and the adults love that I bring a fresh perspective about their neurodivergent students. Besides, it doesn’t take long to pick out one of ‘my kiddos.’ It takes one to know one, and I love offering them both validation and tips. — An ADDitude Reader
“I volunteer at a Habitat for Humanity ReStore. My ADHD loves the novelty of all the new donations I process. I thrive on the organized chaos of preparing for the store to open: I hustle when the 11 a.m. opening looms! It’s also a great opportunity to be creative when staging an area.”— Michelle, Mississippi
“My enthusiasm is usually less out of place in volunteering. It also helps me to feel more useful in life generally.” — K, North Carolina
“I volunteer with kids. My ADHD helps me have the energy to engage, be spontaneous, not take myself so seriously, and be more childlike.”— Mia, Wyoming
To Explore New Worlds (Under No Pressure)
“Volunteering is a way for us with ADHD to be able to try different things or wear different hats. For example, volunteering at the library and the animal shelter are ways for me to feel a bit like both a librarian and an animal rescuer or vet assistant at once, without me necessarily having to settle on one or to need to go back to school.” — Helen, Arizona
“I volunteer as an usher at a local performing arts center. After welcoming ticket holders, I watch the performance, and I’m often left inspired. Because many ADHDers have multiple interests, volunteering is a superb way of getting involved with whatever we fancy at the time, without a huge commitment.” — Michelle, Mississippi
To Better Manage ADHD
“I taught Sunday school and directed a children’s choir. The benefits of staying busy far outweigh not having anything to do. The more activities I have going on, the better focused and organized I am. If I am not busy, I don’t get anything done and my time management goes right out the window.” — Kathleen, West Virginia
“I volunteer at my kids’ school by chaperoning field trips, proctoring tests, and assisting in the front office. I like that when I’m volunteering, I am focused solely on the task at hand whereas at home I jump from project to project, never completing anything!” — Erica, North Carolina
“When I get a chance to volunteer, it’s a lovely way to break away from my routine and remind myself that I can make friends anywhere. It also helps me learn new skills, which keeps me stimulated. Both of these factors help with my ADHD and the former also helps with my RSD.” — Kirsty, Oregon
“Volunteering in a variety of ways has given me opportunities to test my executive functioning and develop mechanisms to get things right, all while being in a low-pressure environment. (I’m not in danger of losing a job if I make a mistake or forget to do something while volunteering.)” — Trish, South Africa
To Make a Difference on Your Terms
“I worked with adult immigrants helping them learn English. The contact with others was beneficial both socially and mentally. It was challenging and provided me with variety and a sense I was making a difference.” — Kathy, Minnesota
“Being able to give back and help is so healing for me mentally. The injustices and cruelties of this world most definitely take a heavier toll on me because of my ADHD. Being able to walk away from a task or event knowing that I made a small difference helps.” — Heather, New Jersey
“I volunteer at a cat shelter, and I’ve found it satisfying because, unlike my demanding professional career, it is concrete, task-based work. I scoop the litter, refresh food and water, clean the kennels, and visit the cats. It involves little decision-making and multi-tasking. When I’m finished, I go home. I don’t have to be mentally agile, and yet I do meaningful work.” — Jean, Michigan
“In 1991, I founded and became president of the Attention Deficit Disorder Association of Missouri. We met twice a month and, at the end of the month, we had a speaker. We also had a lending library and a hotline. I also wrote a puppet show for children, teachers and anyone who wants to know about ADHD. This show won a medal from the governor. All of these things have greatly helped me learn more about my own ADHD and have taught me many ways I can help myself and my son, who also has ADHD.” — Barb, Missouri
“I volunteer often at my kids’ schools. When I worked a ‘real’ job, I couldn’t keep up. I was stressed and felt like a failure as an employee and a mother. Volunteering allows me to work at my own pace and decide which jobs I want to do or can handle. It allows me to feel accomplished. — Erin, Maryland
“I lead a small group for teenage girls, many of whom have ADHD or struggle with mental health challenges like ASD, anxiety, and depression. They’re all a bit different from the norm, which is what I love about them. I want to provide them with the kind of support, acceptance, and guidance that I wish I had when I was growing up. Educating myself on how best to facilitate this group is what led me to pursue my own ADHD diagnosis. Leading this group can be very challenging at times, but it’s also very rewarding and fulfilling to see the positive impact it has on these girls. The mental health benefit is great, because it helps me feel like I am impacting the world around me (in my own small ways) for good.” — Trish, South Africa
Interested in Volunteering? Heed These Reader Tips
“Find something that matters to you. Accept that your contribution may not be enjoyable but know that you’re making a difference.” — Kalena, Florida
“Put yourself and your skills forward and explain how you could be of benefit. Once you’re in, immerse yourself. Reflect from time to time on what is going well with volunteering and what you can improve.” — Mary, Australia
“Find an organization that can be flexible with the amount of time and level of activity you commit. That way you can make adjustments as needed before you get overwhelmed or regret your decision to volunteer. It should be a positive experience, not a burden.” — Jennifer, Missouri
“There is no shame in trying out various volunteer opportunities to see what works for you, your schedule, your internal motivations, and your experience. If you find someone who is happy volunteering, ask them what they do and don’t like about that role and organization, and compare that to what you are personally looking for.” — Cecelia
Where ADDitude Readers Volunteer
- churches and faith-based organizations
- hospitals and mental health/wellbeing groups (e.g., addiction recovery centers, crisis centers, survivors of domestic violence, CHADD, grief support)
- animal shelters, sanctuaries, zoos (e.g., horse sanctuaries, Sea Turtle Preservation Society)
- neighborhood homeowners association
- recycling, clean up, and beautification groups
- housing programs, shelters, and food banks/meal delivery services
- local, state, and national parks, conservation groups
- art organizations, libraries, and museums (e.g., film festivals, performing arts centers, historical societies)
- schools and youth organizations (e.g., Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, PTA, alumni associations)
- sports and athletic organizations (e.g., school teams, Special Olympics)
- political and civic organizations
Benefits of Volunteering: Next Steps
- Read: The Cure for Adolescent ‘Negativity Loops?’ Community Service
- Read: 7 Keys to Living a Happy Life with ADHD
- Read: Are You Ducking and Dodging the Connections You Need Most?
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