Update ADD and Loving It! is still online, right here pass the word, reduce the stigma. If you think you may have Adult ADD, see the 3 next steps at the bottom of this post. Was a excellent video.
Just a heads up. There’s a new documentary on Adult ADHD called ADD and Loving It! tonight Friday at 8pm (7 pm in Winnipeg, Regina & Saskatoon) on Global TV staring comedian and actor Patrick McKenna – Marty Stevens from the TV show Traders (who I greatly enjoyed watching) and The Red Green Show. It’s written, produced and directed by fellow comedian, Rick Green.
The film’s website is TotallyADD
Patrick Mckenna and Rick Green from ADD and Loving it Canadian Documentary
Here’s their description of their film. You may want to let others know about this.
ADD & Loving It?! is a refreshing, witty and inspiring documentary about adult Attention Deficit Disorder
ADD & Loving It?! explores and explains the disorder by following Patrick’s journey for a diagnosis so he can confirm what he’s always suspected – that he has ADD. Along the way, Patrick and his wife Janis open up about their challenges and struggles, something Janis admits “we’ve spent our whole lives trying to hide.
Patrick notes, “Some people think the diagnosis is the kiss of death, while others think there’s no such thing; it’s nothing, it’s all made up.” But after talking with the experts and with ordinary people, as well as drawing from his own experience, he confirms that ADD is real. It’s genetic, it can destroy lives, and adults with ADD have a higher rate of accidents, addictions, suicide, bankruptcy, divorce, illegal drug use and financial problems.
Patrick uses his gift of comedy to demonstrate the three characteristics of ADD – inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. He uncovers the 18 symptoms used to diagnose ADD in childhood, and illustrates how these traits develop by adulthood. After all, adults learn not to bounce in their chairs during meetings, while kids in grade three rarely go bankrupt.
Janis guides Patrick through several ADD quizzes and their banter sets a warm, loving tone for the film. Patrick’s high score leads ADD expert Dr. Umesh Jain to diagnose Patrick with ADD. Patrick is stunned but begins to see his life from a whole new perspective and recognizes how much his ADD has cost him and his family. And realization becomes motivation. Now that he knows he has ADD, he can deal with it.
The experts interviewed are among the top names in the field of ADD in North America – Stephen Kurtz, Kate Kelly, Edward Hallowell, Annick Vincent and Margaret Weiss to name a few. No film has ever assembled such a powerhouse team. As each expert explains the details about ADD, he or she is backed up by at least two or three others. What you will see and hear is information from the most reliable sources on the topic of adult ADD.
The film creates recognition and laughter. That in itself is healing, especially for those struggling in isolation. Research has shown that laughter does improve health. While laughter may not be the best or the only medicine, it’s certainly the easiest to swallow.
Pete’s note. If you think you might have Adult Attention Deficit Disorder
1. Take the 5 minute Harvard/NYU/W.H.O. Adult ADHD screener test on my website.
2. Find a local ADHD support group near you to find a list of medical professionals who know enough about ADHD to diagnose it properly, sadly, many don’t.
3. The best way to treat ADHD is multiple methods, no one magic pill, you don’t “cure” it, you learn to manage it more effectively with things like Adult ADHD coaching, ADHD medications etc. See Top 10 Ways to Manage Adult ADHD
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I am currently watching the show on TV, i am 34 years old, just found out 1 year ago that I have ADHD after my wife decided to consult by herself since I was driving her crazy. We now have a very good relationship because we understand the disorder. I applaude you for taking the time to do this great documentary about ADHD.
As someone with ADHD the show reminded me of some of the positive aspects of the disorder. It also reminded me that I need more coaching.
I hope that viewers who do not have ADHD came to understand how ‘un-fun’ life can be for those of us with it. The things that most people simply take for granted in their day to day lives can be torture for ADD people.
This program is a great tool in helping people understand that the condition has a physical basis and that people who have ADD are not simply lazy or stupid or some other thing that I can’t remember right now.
Wow is the background on this page ever a nice shade of blue.
Love the documentary. Have a son in University who was just diagnosed with ADHD but is not under any medication. His doctor had suggested that he has probably already established coping skills after all these years. However, if he runs into problems to see the psychologist at the University. Am curious to see how he will handle it. Perhaps that could be the topic of another documentary.
How can I get a copy of this documentary to send to my son?
Looking forward to your response.
Hi my name is Korrie Scott,I watched your show last night on global.It was amazing & such a relief to know I’m not alone.Now I want to know how do I fix it .Everything that was said was like Patrick&Rick were talking to me through the T.V.,like a lightbulb went off in my head.Oh my gosh I am so happy Patrick&Rick done this documentry.I got to tell ya,my life really doesn’t have a significant meaning.I have had adhd since I was young & now as an adult I still have it.I am struggling really bad,I don’t know what to do,I need some help from somewhere who knows what the hell i’m talking about.
Hello
I watched your documentary and absoultly loved it. I work for a mental health agency as a Child and Youth Worker in the school setting. I consult with teachers and EA’s and even with parents whose children are diagnosed with ADHD and I would love to show them this documentary to explain exactly what being ADHD means. Some teachers are too hard on these children and do not focus on their strenghts but will focus on there weaknesses. It drives me crazy when teachers tell me, ah this kids needs an EA because he speaks out too much or he can’t get oraganized or he’s lazy, he needs help. When they tell me this I tell them, yes they need guidance and you can guide them by focusing on the positive things he does or ignoring some things (pick your battles). So I guess what i would love to know is if there is a way I can buy a copy of this documentary and share this info with parents and schools.
Thank You…
Oh and by the way, it was a different documentary… it was funny and insightful.
Josee Bazinet
Child & Youth Counselor
HANDS the family help network.ca
North Bay, Ontario
Thanks for all the great comments.
Just to be clear. ADD and Loving it is not my video, I had nothing to do with it. I just blogged it because I thought it was a great idea. I wish more people would do similar videos. Let me know if you see any.
I’m not sure how to get a copy of the video, you’d have to ask the people that made it.
TotallyADD
I hope they put it up on their website and on youtube and let others embed it on their blogs and websites
Bloefeld, thanks, I wanted a relaxing color of blue.
Korrie you might want to read this post
Top 10 Ways to Manage Adult ADHD
Thanks for the great comments.
For those of you who loved the video you might want to tell others about it, ie your doctor, school boards, community health clinics, employers and encourage them to show it.
I missed the first 20 minutes (argh!!) of the documentary but loved it. Janis is my new inspiration! Both my husband and daughter are ADHD and some days I struggle to keep my sense of humour through the mad searches through the lost and founds, driving the cell phone to my husband who forgot it, looking for the ever elusive wallet, the list goes on and on. But through the slip-ups and disorganization I have the privilege of living with two exceptionally creative, talented, gifted people who never cease to amaze me with their ideas and skills. ADHD is a big part of that. The documentary gave me a lot of ideas to infuse into our household, a lot of explanation for the by-product behaviour I see, but at the same time it gave me the support I needed to carry on. I did email Totally ADD to get a copy of the film – fingers crossed.
I cried as I watched this documentary. I was diagnosed with ADHD a few years ago as an adult. I have struggled with a life time of feeling completley misunderstood. It was such a relief to hear that the medications are safe. It was such a relief to hear that there are others to “get” what it is like to struggle with this disorder. And, it was such a relief to hear that there is “life” despite ADHD. It is very sad that this disorder is viewed as a kids disorder. The impact of ADHD is profound especially given the stigma that is attached to any disorder viewed as a mental health problem. ADHD is neurological although it often results in a mental health piece given the struggle to simply live. I watched this show with my husband who is terrifically supportive. Thank you so much!
I saw the show while I was at work. I couldn’t beleive it – I was so emotional hearing what was being said and what Patrick and his wife had gone through, the check list LOL. I have 2 children that have ADHD – the struggles we had gone through and the struggles the children go through, especially with school work – getting it done on time and then the real kicker – getting it handed in on time. I wish we knew those things when they were growing up. The show did make me feel better about their futures. I think it is about expanding on their strengths. Teaching them better ways to cope and function seems so attainable. All I can say is thank you so much for the show.
Congratulations ! This is what we have all been waiting for !I cant stop telling everyone about this DVD ! I was diagnosed 4 years ago aged 47yrs after realising that that was what was stopping me from reaching my potential and since I have had my meds my life is fantastic and I am so grateful for every moment !My son is 12 and was diagnosed aged 5yrs but I knew I wouldn’t be able to help him if I did not help myself !Your an inspiration to us all keep up the good work MORE MORE MORE !! Thank you very much to all involved !!Love Light and Angels always and forever !!xx
My first clue, was all through University professors asked me if I had ADHD. I laughed it off, but was told ‘you will find out.’ I am a classic ADHD’er, but atypical in that the hyperactive aspect is not as prevalent in women,- ( but it sure has helped burn calories all these years…lol) Learning about ADHD I saw my life explained. I am now able to make sense and have compassion for things I used to blame myself for. It’s unfortunate that a diagnoses had to wait until I was 45 years old, but at least from this point on, I can make an informed choice. Stimulants do slow us Adhd/add’ers down– long enough to actually think ahead and consider consequences!! I was informed that there will be a social network site that will be starting up for Add/Adhd persons to provide feedback and support for each other. Keep tuned in- God bless and never forget, you are worth it!!