Why would anyone admit they have ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)? Anytime you admit to having ADD, you open yourself up to judgement, comments and possible conflict. Due to the stigma and the reputation that is often associated with ADD/ADHD, many still question its validity. When you talk about it, you have to be prepared to receive comments you may not like. So, why would I admit to this? Before I can answer, you need to understand how all this came about.
How did I find out I had ADD?
Although, it crossed my mind occasionally, I never really considered it because I was not the typical ADHD case. As a child, I don't recall ever having issues with my behavior (although my mom may have a different opinion). I did well in early elementary school but noticed towards the end of elementary I seemed to have more trouble. It was difficult for me to concentrate, I had problems remembering facts that I had previously mastered. I found myself becoming distracted easily and daydreaming a lot. Although I loved reading, if it was a book that required you to dig further, I had trouble. I would find myself reading the same few pages over and over again but couldn't remember what I had just read.
I learned to compensate for some of this and on the outside I probably seemed fine. But on the inside, my self-esteem dropped. I didn't understand why I had some of these problems. Also, if I was interested in a topic, I could become engrossed in it and drown out all the exterior noise. Can you imagine how frustrating this was not only for me but those around me? They didn't understand why some days they had to practically yell to get my attention and others every tiny noise would drive me crazy.
Conversations were difficult for me, I was either totally focused on what you are saying or I might be telling myself... focus, listen to what they are saying, look them in the eye, so you look like you are listening, focus, etc. I was so busy telling myself to listen that I never really comprehended the entire conversation. Imagine dealing with that when you are in high school or college and trying to listen to a lecture.
As an adult, the more I compensated for these symptoms, the more exhausted I became. The more stress that was in my life, the worse my symptoms. When I became a mother it really seemed to do me in. What I have learned is that some types of ADD have a higher rate of coexisting with depression. Soon, I was constantly exhausted, and I couldn't think clearly. It was like my brain was in a fog and although I knew the information was there, I couldn't process it. It became such a problem that I went to see a therapist. Within the first 30 minutes, the therapist brought up the possibility of ADD and recommended testing. I found an office that specialized in diagnosing and treating ADD. I went through an expensive and extensive amount of testing and it was confirmed. I read books and researched to learn as much as I could. I met with a psychologist and a psychiatrist that helped me come up with a plan to find out what would work for me.
It's not that I am proud I have it, really, who would want this? It is the fact that I understand it and I want to help others who are struggling with their own diagnosis or their child's. I understand it from my own personal struggle and as a mother whose child struggles with it. I understand this diagnosis and I would not want any child that has it to suffer because they were not diagnosed, didn't understand it or never learned how to deal with it. So here are some of the reasons I admit I have ADD.
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I understand it from my own personal struggle and as a mother whose child struggles with it. I understand this diagnosis and I would not want any child that has it to suffer because they were not diagnosed, didn't understand it or never learned how to deal with it.
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As a parent, part of my job is to help my child learn how to deal with life issues. If my child has symptoms I should be open to finding out more.
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Many people are uneducated about this diagnosis.
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Many people have preconceived notions about ADD/ADHD.
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Parents with children that have these symptoms may not realize it. When they know that I have it, they feel comfortable asking me questions.
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Teachers are not doctors, they can't make the diagnosis, they can make comments to lead you in that direction. So take comments like distracted, impulsive, fidgets, etc. seriously and ask the teacher if it is normal or something to look into further.
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We all probably have some symptoms some of the time, so it seems like an excuse. When you have ADD/ADHD there is a difference. You have many of the symptoms on a consistent basis that cause disruption in your life.
Many people still have much to learn about ADD and I am happy to share my experiences and knowledge. When people find out that I have ADD they typically want to know more.
I admit I have ADD in hopes that I can help someone else by sharing my experiences.
Cammie Moise