An interesting read. As someone adhd for 30+ years: it's important to understand why it's a deficiency and not a super power. The executive function of the brain is really important. The ability to start and finish tasks, time management, impulse control and prioritization are hindered. Sure, I can hyperfocus on a task. I can also hyperfocus on a task and block out the rest of the world... including wife, kidd, work, school, eating, drinking, and sleeping.
ADHD is a deficiency an important part of the brain. Our odds of failing marriages, losing friends, losing jobs, and forgetting basic daily tasks is increased.
We develop ways to cope: and we do fail. Each minute is a struggle to stay on task. It's not just missing a turn: it's missing a turn and ending up in another state while your child waits for you after soccer practice.
Then again, I'm not a doctor... I'm the lived experience.
@Alex Sanchez thanks for your comment and thoughts! Yes, the struggles are REAL. But there are so many who look at ADHD through a singular deficit lens and I think it’s important to lean into strengths to shore up struggles. Creativity is a major bonus of an ADHD brain and sure it can lead you down a rabbit hole - but with the right support, mentorship, coaching - it can be used to creatively address issues. I worry for my clients’ mental health and the ableism of blaming ADHD for a difficult life - I always prefer a glass half full approach and bring my enthusiasm and positivity to all my efforts!
Yes. Blaming ADHD, or, rather using it as a crutch, doesn't help anyone. Understanding the limitations we have while enduring it are important. I miss things, I leave events early, I put myself in situations (and remove from situations) in which control is mandatory. These all take time to understand and individualize.
Creativity isn't necessarily a bonus as much as it is a by-product. I enjoyed the article.
An interesting read. As someone adhd for 30+ years: it's important to understand why it's a deficiency and not a super power. The executive function of the brain is really important. The ability to start and finish tasks, time management, impulse control and prioritization are hindered. Sure, I can hyperfocus on a task. I can also hyperfocus on a task and block out the rest of the world... including wife, kidd, work, school, eating, drinking, and sleeping.
ADHD is a deficiency an important part of the brain. Our odds of failing marriages, losing friends, losing jobs, and forgetting basic daily tasks is increased.
We develop ways to cope: and we do fail. Each minute is a struggle to stay on task. It's not just missing a turn: it's missing a turn and ending up in another state while your child waits for you after soccer practice.
Then again, I'm not a doctor... I'm the lived experience.
@Alex Sanchez thanks for your comment and thoughts! Yes, the struggles are REAL. But there are so many who look at ADHD through a singular deficit lens and I think it’s important to lean into strengths to shore up struggles. Creativity is a major bonus of an ADHD brain and sure it can lead you down a rabbit hole - but with the right support, mentorship, coaching - it can be used to creatively address issues. I worry for my clients’ mental health and the ableism of blaming ADHD for a difficult life - I always prefer a glass half full approach and bring my enthusiasm and positivity to all my efforts!
Yes. Blaming ADHD, or, rather using it as a crutch, doesn't help anyone. Understanding the limitations we have while enduring it are important. I miss things, I leave events early, I put myself in situations (and remove from situations) in which control is mandatory. These all take time to understand and individualize.
Creativity isn't necessarily a bonus as much as it is a by-product. I enjoyed the article.