ADD is underrated

[Tormented555]

In my opinion, ADD treated too lightly. It's a serious condition that can turn your life into a living hell, if you have it bad enough . It's a cancer that doesn't kill you (although there is a high suicide rate) it just rots your brain, and makes you do stupid things over and over again, and there's nothing you can do about it, everything is just a band aid. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Hopefully your experience isn't as bad as mine, but that's my experience. Most damaging thing to my life by far, nothing else comes even close. It erodes my happiness, my self esteem, self worth, my confidence, etc. It makes me hate myself on a regular basis. Who wants to live like that? Not me, but I have to. I have ADD

[anotheradhdhead]

Me, too. No therapy or meds have worked. It seems the medical community has not gotten their collective heads around it. They may never.

[Netjester]

so here's the deal. Unless they are a psychiatrist and neurologist that specializes in ADHD, no doctor recognizes this as a physical disability. The bottom line is that the ADHD brain is smaller than the neurotypical brain. Yes... you read that right. It is smaller and that makes it a physical disability. Because of this some of our brain areas are under developed and need assistance, much like an amputee might need a prosthetic. Since there are no "brain element" extenders, the only thing that helps adjust the brain wiring to make certain areas of our brain accessible, medication is the only way to accommodate this. Therapy can only do so much and your brain will have a harder time retaining what you've learned unless the wiring is in the right place. There is a process for ADHD and it starts with the right medication for you (could be stims, maybe not). Once your medication is settled, then it's therapy to help that wiring stay in place.

[JamiHIS Administrator]

Dear Tormented555:

Thanks for contacting CHADD's National Resource Center on ADHD. Have you considered joining a virtual or in-person support group? CHADD has many across the country that are free to join. You can find our directory of support groups here: chadd.org/affiliate-locator/.

As a person and parent with ADHD, it has made a difference in feeling that I am not alone with my struggles. In fact, attending our conference is another way to find your community. There were so many individuals that had relief on their faces and told me that it was so great to be there and be among people who get it, who understand them. Hopefully you can try one of our support groups or maybe attend a conference.

Thank you for contributing to this online community. Hopefully you've realized you are among friends here and other individuals who care and support you.

Take care,

Jami

Health Information Team Manager

CHADD's National Resource Center on ADHD

chadd.org

[Mamamichl in reply to JamiHIS]

This list is confusing for me. I want to join one virtually if possible. Weekends work for me.

[JamiHIS Administrator in reply to Mamamichl]

We have many that are virtual just depends on where you live. Here's a list of the many offered virtually for the Greater LA CHADD. chaddofsfv.org/support-groups

You can search the whole directory by state. chadd.org/affiliate-locator/

[Mamamichl]

there are a bit of benefits, but the drawbacks definitely outweigh it in todays society. No acceptance within most professions or locations.

[Flimflam456]

I totally understand! Because we ADHD folk LOOK normal when we aren’t. Our behaviour is seen as conscious choices. There is a nasty side to ADHD and my life is littered with bad behaviour, shame and regret. Even when you tell people you’re ADHD, they brush it off thinking it just means you’re hyperactive. Tip of the iceberg! I try to minimize social interaction - less opportunity to mess up.