Living with ADHD is a constant struggle. When I was in high school I could never concentrate while in class. The slightest drop of a pen or the person walking past our class room would grab my attention and pull me away from my teacher. I struggled in high school. I struggled to get my homework done on time. I struggled to study for tests. I would go to school 30 minutes early to copy my friends homework because whenever I tried to do my homework at home I could never remember how to do my homework or remember that I had homework to do.
One specific memory that stands out to me was in my math class our teacher always had my class split up into two groups. Each group had to compete against each other in a timed race. Each group would form a line. One person from each group would walk towards the white board and grab a dry erase marker. Our teacher would ask us to solve a specific math problem. Which ever group could finish all the math problems would win. I dreaded these game days. Everytime I stood at the white board holding my marker I could feel my hands starting to sweat. I could feel myself getting red in the face. I remember looking over at my teacher my eyes pleading for help. No help ever came. It got to the point where nobody wanted me on their team. My classmates would make fun of me and ask me why I was stupid. After awhile you begin to ask yourself that question too. You begin to doubt yourself and you get so frustrated with yourself that you don’t want to try and be normal anymore.
My advice to you is. You will never be normal so don’t feel like you have to try and fit in. Having adhd means your brain is significantly smaller than an average person’s brain. This means your brain just works differently than an average brain would. There is nothing wrong with that. You are smart. Anyone who says any different does not understand what ADHD is. I have been told that ADHD is a made up excuse people use to seek attention and is used as an excuse because we suck at auditing. ADHD is not an excuse or made up. ADHD doesn’t not occur because we suck at adulting.
ADHD is a brain disorder that we must live with. But, the good news is we can live with it. There is help out there. For me, I was put on medication which helped my brain focus. This medication improved my way of life and improved my outlook on life. What I want you to know is that you are not alone. I still struggle with my ADHD every day but it does get better and it does get easier. We may think differently than most people, but I think that is what makes us unique. Be proud that you have ADHD - Be proud of who you are.
