#8. This post is a part of a series where people answer my anonymous survey question. If you have ADHD but haven’t gone public with it, what would it take to you go public with ADHD?
There are risks and rewards for going public with ADHD AND for staying hidden in the ADHD closet. See this post for context on the series.
“It would take a kinder world. A world which realizes that to a large extent neurochemistry makes subtle differences in minds, which can lead to UNDERSTANDABLE differences in learning and being in day-to-day life. Thanks for doing this.”
There are just so many misconceptions surrounding the label that the label often doesn’t really help. Telling someone you have ADD can be like telling someone that you have a sick pet T-Rex in your garden. First you have to try to convince the person that your pet is real before they can even begin to understand the problems you have with having a sick pet T-Rex.
I’ve noticed that there are very, very many public figures who have come forward to talk publicly about their dyslexia and advocate for others who have it. And while there is a list floating around of famous people who have been diagnosed with ADD, very, very few actually talk about it, except in passing at best. Out of those who have publicly talked about it, at least half could be labeled ‘infamous’ rather than ‘famous’- hey, we can’t
‘pick and choose’ who we want to have ADD- but I do wish more people would come out about ADD the way so many have about dyslexia. Or maybe there are just way more famous dyslexic people as opposed to famous people with ‘pure’ ADD?
I’m in my 5th year of college, almost 23 years old, and was just diagnosed this past summer. Last year my grades lowered even more and became unacceptable. I couldn’t understand why I was having such a hard time in school. I even considered dropping out of college and finding a job in music. Once I was diagnosed and began taking medicine, I literally felt like my old self again. Although I’m still making sure Vyvanse is the medicine for me..I’m so much happier! Many aspects of my life have significantly improved. (I only wish I could have gone back to my college prep high school days, because I know I could have made straight A’s if I had known before)!
I am a Social Work major and plan on becoming a counselor. I’ve always considered private practice, but now I am not so sure I can stand sitting in an office all day. But helping people is definitely what I want and get the most pleasure out of doing.
I’m glad I came across your blog and enjoyed reading about the importance of finding the right job for ADHD adults. I will definitely take this into consideration upon graduation.
God Bless,
Katie
Thanks Katie, glad you found something that worked and like my blog.
fyi asking questions boosts dopamaine, as an ADHD coach, I get paid to self medicate:) so I think that adhd can be an advantage in the helping professions. maybe you want to work at a few places instead of just one ie contract work, shared offices etc
I am happy to have found this blog. I am coming to terms with a boyfriend who I love dearly but who has adhd and the symptoms nearly drove us apart. I am a very neat and ritualistic person so pair that with an adhd engineer and tell me how that works smoothly… Thankfully we’re both stubborn and have refused to give up.
This post reminds me of how I sometimes forget about the adhd and catch myself being unkind to him over symptoms rather than looking for ways of supporting both of our awareness and strengths to resolve the issue.
Glad you like my blog Tak. opposites do attract:) ADDers often marry very organized, tidy people at first it’s fun but if you don’t both learn to adapt to the others ways and somewhat but not completely change your own ways lots of problems will arise.
ADDers have been criticized for many many years. Better to notice him doing things well & mention that and get very calm before asking him to change/fix things and help him find someone who can teach him how to manage his adhd ie adhd coach, professional organizer etc.
Also read What Shamu Taught Me About a Happy Marriage