In my last post, I talked about the reactions I’ve had because of my ADHD. Even today, almost twenty years after I first found out I have ADHD, I still face similar issues. My own family used to treat me like I was mentally ill. My half-brother and my cousin, who I almost never had contact with, deliberately reached out to people I knew to tell them about 'my illness' and supposed drug use. I was pushed away, both socially and by my own relatives. That was about ten years ago. It wasn’t that they directly said, 'We don’t want you anymore!,' but they treated me with so little respect and decency that I felt I had to distance myself to protect my self-worth. That was the smartest decision of my life, and I encourage anyone in a similar toxic situation to consider doing the same. I find my happiness and contentment within myself, in nature, and with all the kind people who give me hope.

Not only was that extremely hurtful, but it also caused lasting damage to my reputation, because it obviously carries weight when people who are supposedly close to me make such claims. Even today, I can still counter such allegations. That's why it's important to be careful with such claims.

ADHD often comes with a lot of positive traits, like thinking in unconventional and flexible ways, and yes, I can even use my impulsiveness in a good way. While I might not be able to go to bars or other crowded places with too much sensory input, you can have a wonderful time with me in nature or enjoy some creative fun. I might not be able to do every job, but what I can do, I do really well. My self-worth has never depended on what others think of me, and that’s exactly why I’ve often clashed with people. Even in school, people tried to make me believe I had low self-esteem because I didn’t follow the crowd. But by not doing so, I actually showed the opposite of what they tried to project onto me. Life is too beautiful to waste it on feeling ashamed for others. If you meet me in the tall grass, get ready to be tackled! 🌾👀🌿

Hi there! 🙃 Today I want to tell you something about what the society around me means in relation to my ADHD. First of all, reactions to my condition can be categorized into three basic types:

1) Understanding individuals

2) People who deny the existence of ADHD or attribute it to everyone (it doesn't exist, everyone has it)

3) People who either cannot or will not realize the difference between ADHD and mental illness

It must first be clarified:
ADHD exists, and no, not everyone has it. There are many different manifestations, so those affected should be taken seriously when they talk about the difficulties they face, as well as their abilities.

ADHD is not a mental illness. A person with ADHD does not have a defective cog in their gear, as some (sometimes intentionally) misunderstand. ADHD is a neurological developmental disorder that is quite complex but has nothing at all to do with mental illnesses.

I am glad that there are some people who belong to the first group. As a social being, I, like everyone else, rely on understanding and acceptance. 🥰

However, the other two groups represent a burden:

When people deny the existence of such a disorder, everything falls into the category of character/personality. Symptoms that are difficult or impossible to control are used to paint a negative picture of the personality. The affected person receives no support and cannot change it themselves or not sufficiently. This often leads to depression or even suicide due to isolation and failure.

By equating ADHD with a mental illness, the affected person is practically denied everything. One no longer needs to take seriously what the affected person does or says. The affected person tries their best to address issues but is only laughed at, and behind their back, it's said that they are ill and - at best - to avoid hurting their feelings, people pretend to take them seriously. This essentially has the same consequences as the previous point about denying the existence of ADHD, but adds a more insidious layer.

🤍🖖

Why would I change what I enjoy so much. Life is like a toilet bowl, sometimes you have to scrub. Still, it's good to have one. I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 20. That brings impulsiveness and sensory overload, but also a lot of creativity and fun. It hasn't made my life better or worse, it's made it as unique as any other. Look what an attractive moon I am!🌝

📆📸 06/08/16/18/06/07