The following is a list of some of the responses. The ADHD experience is certainly unique for each individual. The comments below reflect individual personal experiences and opinions. While some of these symptoms and behaviors can often be part of the ADD/ADHD picture, they are not inevitably so and can also be present independent of the diagnosis.
One of Our Readers, Sarah, Shares Her Thoughts:
First, I have been told I hop from topic to topic like jumping from stone to stone in a creek. I am told that other people only think about one thing at a time, and they think of them in a linear manner, a to b to c to d. I think like a web. It would be a lot easier to write a paper if I thought in the way a paper demands in the first place.Second, if I didn't have ADD, I could look at my room and not be overwhelmed. I would know what to do to keep it organized and tidy. That would be a great blessing.
Third, if I didn't have ADD, I think I could keep track of time better.
Fourth, I wonder if I would be as patient with other people's forgetfulness if I never forgot anything myself. I think ADD helps me be a little more understanding when other people goof. I tend to give them a break more than my more-organized friends do, simply because they can't imagine having difficulty, so the person must just be lazy or something.
Another Reader, Marcia Shares:
I am very thankful for my ADD, especially now that I'm medicated. Before medication I was a train wreck but didn't know it. I'm pretty creative and because of my ADD, my brain is constantly thinking of new ways to decorate my living room/bathroom/bedroom/yard. Some projects I even follow through on.Because of my ADD, I'm very good at what I do, (work as a paraprofessional with kids who have ADHD/learning disabilities), plus create the school yearbook with the help of a staff of 7th grade students.
Without my ADD, I imagine I would come home each day drained and tired because these kids I didn't understand were wearing me out. I'd probably cook the same five meals each week and watch the same TV shows each night due to a lack of curiosity about the 200 other channels on my network. I'm very thankful for my ADD, now that I'm medicated.
ADHD Can Take Its Toll. Several Readers Share Their Struggles and Frustrations
Angela Shares:
As an adult professional, I was diagnosed with ADD about 6 years ago. I think what would be different is I would be organized and focused. I could actually pay attention and remember what someone told me days before. I could actually SHUT MY MOUTH long enough to LISTEN ATTENTIVELY TO SOMEONE ELSE. I could actually start and FINISH something. I wouldn’t have to take a notepad around to write down details of things so I won't forget them.If I didn’t have ADD, I wouldn't procrastinate so much. I wouldn't go around in circles accomplishing nothing when I feel like I have been productive. I would not forget where I laid my keys. I would have papers organized and not laying around everywhere. People wouldn't have to repeat stuff to me because I didn’t pay attention the first time. I wouldn't have to take medicine. I wouldn't be so fidgety and talkative, with some anxiety. I know there is more, I just know it is harder and more exhausting for a person with ADD to do regular things and live life doing basic things more than someone that doesn’t have ADD.
On the positive side, Angela lists tremendous strengths.
- I’ve never met a stranger.
- I now have the courage to continue to educate myself and learn the latest coping skills of dealing with ADD.
- I am working on my master’s in education.
Cyndy, ADD, Wife of Husband with ADHD, and Mom to Three College Age Kids with ADHD and ADD:
Not a day goes by that I do not wonder what it would be like not to have attention problems and short-term memory issues of my own and those of my families. I can only guess that my life may be less stressful, filled with more self-confidence, less worry and maybe much less of a hectic pace. What would it feel like to experience the feeling of inner peace?Victoria Shares:
What would be different if I didn't have ADD? My self-esteem wouldn't be so crushed because I wouldn't make nearly so many mistakes. I wouldn't be in the same job for 25 years. I would have more friends."Many people express frustration that they aren't able to hold down a job or that they move aimlessly from job to job. Victoria has been in the same job for 25 years! That is commendable. I emailed Victoria to ask what makes her unique and wonderful. What are her joys? She responded with the following:
One of my biggest joys recently came after discovering I had ADD. I'm not lazy crazy or stupid!! like the book says - and after I cried very deeply, and I mean deeply, I experienced an enormous amount of compassion for myself. I had been mentally berating myself on a regular basis for most of my life and been at my wits' end so many times...
This discovery also resulted in a lot of pressure coming off and I find I make fewer mistakes now.
I meditate regularly, I am a spiritual person. This brings me most of the joy and purpose in my life. My email this AM does not really express that I am much more grateful for my life than I can say most days, the ADD is not that big a deal in the greater scheme of things right?
I am a talented artist with strong drawing skills. And last year I received a tremendous renewal in my health from changing my diet to raw vegan.
Take Home Message
Thank you to all the readers for sharing such personal experiences. ADHD presents itself differently in each individual. Some common themes can be found. Finding support and self-acceptance, self care, nurturing strengths, developing strategies to help minimize weaknesses, and surrounding yourself with positive people who appreciate your gifts and understand how ADHD impacts your daily life – all these strategies are helpful for living life to the fullest and finding joy in the ADHD experience.
Click on The ADHD Experience: Part 1 and The ADHD Experience: Part 3 to read more.
