I am an adult living with ADD (no ‘H’ for me). While it has it’s frustrations, it also has some tremendous benefits. I COULD be medicated but if I were, I’d lose my ‘spark’. My ADD has enabled me to accomplish some pretty amazing things. Things ‘normal’ people would never imagine because the vast majority of them lack the ability to see outside the box that comes so easily to those of us with ADD.
I get so tired of all the whining about the negative aspects of ADD. There are GOOD things about it too. I agree with the OP– medication is no quick fix. I figured out how to deal with all of this on my own since I wasn’t even diagnosed until I was 26 and had graduated with honors from a State University.
ADD does not equal failure. If properly taught how to manage it, many if not most people can live happy lives, unmedicated.
Thank you for sharing your positive outlook on your diagnosis and congratulations on your wonderful achievements! You are absolutely correct that the many idiosyncrasies we all have (even symptoms of mental health disorders) are many times part of who we are, how we identify ourselves, our personalities, our creativity and what we have to offer the world. However, when these symptoms deter people from being able to function in basic capabilities (i.e. getting out of bed every morning, keeping a job, managing basic responsibilities, attaining an education, sustaining meaningful relationships, etc.) then it is important to reevaluate pros/cons and seek help. Depending on the condition, help can come in a variety of ways: medicine, alternative medicine, spirituality, individual therapy, family therapy, behavioral/cognitive therapy, exercise, diet, etc. Usually the best results come forth while using a combination of these tools. It is important to remember that each individual is different, and what might be helpful for one, may not work for another. Although you have found the ability to move forward successfully without medication, that does not mean that others will not find medication a useful method of controlling negative symptoms associated with ADHD (with or without the Hyperactive piece). Therefore, it is important that we not judge others and how they are managing their physical and/or mental health care or that of their children. Getting help and working towards progression is a highly personalized process.
The Mormon Therapist
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