'...even people with the same subtype and coexisting conditions won’t present the same. We all have unique personalities and ways of relating to the world.'
As someone with severe ADHD as well, this point particularly resonates with me, Christie. It's a damn complex problem that manifests differently in different people.
For example, recovery and improvement for some may be way more complex and take much longer compared to others.
Thanks, Raveen! Yes, I thought it was important to highlight that ADHD (and, indeed, other neurodivergence) doesn't have a "look." It presents differently in everyone, but no one can see what it's like in our minds.
The insightful content you share here is incredible. As someone who does not have ADHD learning what it is like to live with it will help me have more compassion for others. This line you wrote called out to me: " And if not for my ADHD diagnosis, I would never have gotten to this place. I’d still be a star-shaped peg trying to fit in a round hole, failing and blaming myself." I can only imagine it was a relief to know there's a reason you are how you are. Once I wasn't able to move after a falling accident and as my symptoms were "normal" the paramedics likened my inability to move to a bad hangover (I had been drinking). Turns out I was bleeding internally. I was so thankful there was something wrong with me. It's not the same as having ADHD but knowing it wasn't my fault made me feel validated, like I knew something wasn't right within me. I'm happy for you to have discovered all this about yourself. Thank you for sharing! I'll pass this on! :) Happy 2025!!
Thanks, Colleen; I appreciate the comment and the share!
Yes, learning about my ADHD has been a process over the last several years, but I bit the bullet and started writing about it last year. As someone afraid of sharing too much about vulnerable topics like mental health, it was scary, but I'm glad I did. I've connected with so many others who had the same struggles, and I found writing about it both liberating and informative (because I had to research a LOT to write effectively, so I learned more about my situation as I went).
'...even people with the same subtype and coexisting conditions won’t present the same. We all have unique personalities and ways of relating to the world.'
As someone with severe ADHD as well, this point particularly resonates with me, Christie. It's a damn complex problem that manifests differently in different people.
For example, recovery and improvement for some may be way more complex and take much longer compared to others.
Thanks, Raveen! Yes, I thought it was important to highlight that ADHD (and, indeed, other neurodivergence) doesn't have a "look." It presents differently in everyone, but no one can see what it's like in our minds.
I don't have ADHD but know many people who do, and I definitely learned a few things from reading this. Thanks for this insightful article!
You're welcome, thank you for reading!
The insightful content you share here is incredible. As someone who does not have ADHD learning what it is like to live with it will help me have more compassion for others. This line you wrote called out to me: " And if not for my ADHD diagnosis, I would never have gotten to this place. I’d still be a star-shaped peg trying to fit in a round hole, failing and blaming myself." I can only imagine it was a relief to know there's a reason you are how you are. Once I wasn't able to move after a falling accident and as my symptoms were "normal" the paramedics likened my inability to move to a bad hangover (I had been drinking). Turns out I was bleeding internally. I was so thankful there was something wrong with me. It's not the same as having ADHD but knowing it wasn't my fault made me feel validated, like I knew something wasn't right within me. I'm happy for you to have discovered all this about yourself. Thank you for sharing! I'll pass this on! :) Happy 2025!!
Thanks, Colleen; I appreciate the comment and the share!
Yes, learning about my ADHD has been a process over the last several years, but I bit the bullet and started writing about it last year. As someone afraid of sharing too much about vulnerable topics like mental health, it was scary, but I'm glad I did. I've connected with so many others who had the same struggles, and I found writing about it both liberating and informative (because I had to research a LOT to write effectively, so I learned more about my situation as I went).