Never let labels about ADHD define you
Time to put down all the labels to those who are unlabelable by nature!
Each time we are labeled with negative adjectives like "distracted," "disorganized," or "unmotivated," it may seem like a small comment to some, but for all of us who have ADHD, it's a painful blow. These words not only reduce our complex experiences to simplistic stereotypes but also can exacerbate the daily struggles we face due to a lack of understanding and acceptance.
It's more than time for us to unite and reject all the negative adjectives that are often attributed to us. As people with ADHD, we face unique challenges. Each one of us knows exactly the sheer dimension of these challenges, which expand into most aspects of our lives and many times disturb key issues of our development, especially when it comes to our academic/professional lives and our relationships.
Living in a society that considers people who think and function differently from the conventional as unintelligent, slow, or strange (I've heard this one a lot) is simply sad. And that's exactly why I'm here, doing what I can to create a community for people with ADHD so that this will be a distant past very soon.
For example, how many times were you asked if you really have ADHD, or are you just spending so much time in front of screens all day that you can no longer concentrate? ADHD is not about external stimulation! The brain is affected in its prefrontal cortex, resulting in changes in all executive functions. If "screens" were the cause, everyone would have an easy recipe for how to "cure" it.
People always think we're not doing things the "right way," but they don't understand that our thinking is different. It's not out of malice, selfishness, or negligence; it's just another way of thinking and acting.
Having ADHD is like having to fight a lion every day, and when we learn strategies throughout life to succeed in some area, paying a high mental price, people use that as a justification to invalidate our pain: "If you finished college, you don't have ADHD."
Very frequently we grew up being labeled as lazy while also being told that we are very intelligent. What we supposedly lacked was willpower. It affected us negatively because we felt like we had to prove ourselves all the time. We're not lazy because when we start doing things, we complete them, even if it takes more time. Talking about this publicly relieves the stress of carrying a lifetime of stereotypes for something that isn't inherently bad.
Don't hate who you are. Don't want to stop being who you are. Hate, instead, the idea that society imposes about what people like you are.
We have always to remember we also possess incredible abilities that are often unrecognized due to stereotypes. We are extremely creative, innovative thinkers, able to see the world in unique ways. We have contagious energy, a passion that drives us to tirelessly pursue our dreams. Our hyperfocus allows us to dive deeply into topics that interest us, achieving remarkable results.
While ADHD can be debilitating in many ways, it's important to show that adults with ADHD are everywhere. We can achieve professional success. We have infinite talent. We can do whatever we want.
Never ever let labels define who you are. Each of us is a masterpiece in constant evolution, shaped by our experiences, passions, and unique abilities.