How is it like to have ADHD in Greenland?

The real isolation isn’t about where you are, but how alone we are

I'm Julia, I am 36 years old, and I live in Nuuk, Greenland. I have been part of the ADHD International Alliance since last year, and I'm one of the two members of the community living on the largest island in the world. I’ll share a bit about how is it like living with ADHD in a place like this.

Living with ADHD is tough, no matter where we are. But in Greenland, the challenges are definitely on another level. There, the struggle isn’t just about managing symptoms, but about feeling invisible in a world that doesn’t understand us.

ADHD in Greenland isn’t just misunderstood. It’s often ignored. No matter if you are in a "big city" of 30,000 people like the capital Nuuk, or in remote communities, access to specialized support is nearly nonexistent. There are no ADHD support groups, no easy access to medical professionals who understand the nuances of the condition, and very little awareness of what it means to live with ADHD. For many, the struggle is silent, lonely, and invisible.

Imagine this: You’re sitting in a small community gathering in Greenland. The room is warm, filled with familiar faces, but your mind is racing. You can’t focus on the conversation. You’re overwhelmed by the noise, the lights, the pressure to fit in. You feel like an outsider in your own home.

You try to explain your struggles, but the words don’t come out right. People nod politely, but you can tell they don’t understand. ADHD? Isn’t that just an excuse for being lazy or distracted? The stigma is palpable. You retreat into silence, feeling more alone than ever.

Here, the condition isn’t just a personal battle; it’s a social one. In small, tight-knit, and very conservative communities, standing out can feel like a crime. And when your differences are invisible to others, the loneliness can be crushing.

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But there's another side of the coin. There’s also beauty. A lot of beauty. Greenland’s vast, untouched landscapes offer a unique kind of interaction with nature. The mountains, icy waters, and endless horizons can feel like a reset button for an overactive mind. Yet, this beauty doesn’t erase the challenges. It merely highlights the stark contrast between the external peace and the internal chaos of living with ADHD in a place where no one talks about it.

Many times, the lack of awareness, resources, and support makes me feel like I'm fighting an invisible battle. But hey, isn't this the reality of so many places around the world? We can count on our fingers the places where people with ADHD and other neurodiversities find proper care, so it's not fair to place Greenland as a place not friendly to us.

Because Greenland is remote, but is still on Earth, and shares most of the problems and issues people need to deal with in their daily lives anywhere, regardless of the less extreme climate and more hours of daylight.

Isolation? The worst isolation of all happens when no one around you understands you. This is the most unbearable isolation, and it can happen in an isolated corner of the planet like my Greenland or in a cosmopolitan place of millions like New York City.

Over time, this lack of support can lead to feelings of inadequacy, frustration, and even depression.

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But there’s hope. The first step is breaking the silence. By sharing our stories and raising awareness, we can create a world where ADHD is understood, not stigmatized. Online communities like the ADHD International Alliance, virtual support groups, and educational resources can fill the gap for people, especially in remote areas of the planet. And for those living in Greenland, the natural beauty of the land is a powerful tool for self-care.

If you have ADHD and happen to visit or live in Greenland, take time to connect with nature, to breathe in the crisp Arctic air, to feel the incredible forces of nature, and to find moments of stillness. They will be a big help in the task of quieting your mind.

Let’s keep pushing. Let’s keep talking. Because ADHD needs to be understood, no matter where you are. Even for those of us in the remote, silent corners of the world, like my Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland in Greenlandic). 🇬🇱

What’s your story? How can we create more awareness and support for ADHD in your region or community? Share your thoughts, because the more we talk, the less alone we’ll feel.

💚 If you really liked, I’d be grateful if you share this with friends or family!

💚 And if you feel the urge to leave a comment, do it immediately, even if you completely dislilke what you just read (I promise I won’t take that personally!)